Job seekers and local employers in Claiborne Parish will have an opportunity to connect at an upcoming community job fair hosted by the Haynesville Police Department.

The department announced it will hold its Job Fair on June 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Haynesville Fair Barn.

Organizers say the event is designed to help residents explore employment opportunities close to home while strengthening connections between local businesses and the community.

Promoted under the theme “Build Your Future. Stay Local.”, the job fair encourages individuals searching for employment or considering a career change to meet directly with area employers and learn about available positions.

The event is also seeking participation from businesses interested in recruiting new employees. Local companies are invited to set up and connect with potential candidates from across Haynesville and surrounding communities.

“This is an opportunity to connect with local businesses and explore what’s available in our community,” organizers noted in promotional materials for the event.

Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Haynesville Police Department for additional details. Event coordinators Morgana or Billy can be reached at 318-624-1355.

Community leaders say the initiative reflects a broader effort to support workforce development, promote local hiring, and strengthen economic opportunities within Claiborne Parish.

The Haynesville Police Department emphasized that partnerships between residents, businesses, and local organizations are key to building a stronger community.

Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and attend the June 5 event to network, explore job openings, and discover career opportunities available locally.

Is there a phrase more terrifying to the modern grocery shopper than “UNEXPECTED ITEM IN BAGGING AREA”? (Except, perhaps, “ITEM REMOVED FROM BAGGING AREA.”) 

We’ve all been there: The panicked fumble, the furious (yet ultimately futile) pressing of the “clear error” button, the desperate eye-contact with the one store employee who is now also side-eyeing your entire existence. The worst part? The machine never understands your motivation. It doesn’t know about the snack craving, the mid-afternoon energy slump, or the urgent need for specifically this kind of chip. It only knows that something isn’t “registered” and now you’re the unexpected item.

Just… just give me the snacks, you heartless electronic demon.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that increased water temperatures, storms, and extended cloudy weather can lead to fish kills in inland and nearshore waters across the state. These events are typically caused by low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia), which often occurs in warm water, since it has a lower carrying capacity for oxygen than cooler water.  Conditions such as stagnant water, heavy rainfall, decaying vegetation, or increased nutrient runoff contribute to hypoxic conditions—especially in shallow bayous, marshes, and ponds.

Fish kills may affect certain species or sizes more than others. For example, shad are sensitive to hypoxia, and are often the first or only fish that experience a fish kill, while some species, like gar, can breathe air and are resistant to hypoxic conditions. Other species have varying levels of tolerance to hypoxic conditions. 

While fish kills can temporarily impact recreational and commercial fishing, aquatic ecosystems in Louisiana are resilient and typically recover naturally. Even in large fish kills, some fish will find refuge from hypoxic conditions in the affected waterbody or connected waterbodies and survive. Scavengers and decomposers help break down fish remains, and most systems recover over time. If conditions remain favorable, fish populations often rebound after major kills within one to two years without the need for stocking, and young fish benefit from reduced competition and increased resources. However, fish kills caused by pollution or chemical spills can occur at any time and may require additional response.

Documenting fish kills in Louisiana, whether caused by natural or human-caused events, is important to responsibly manage fisheries resources. Please report any observed fish kill to LDWF so biologists can investigate and document the kill as soon as possible. For information on how to report a fish kill or more information about the causes of fish kills, go online to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fish-kills.

Claiborne Parish 4-H members recently traveled to the Louisiana State Capitol for 4-H Day at the Capitol, giving local youth a firsthand opportunity to explore state government and civic leadership in action.

During the visit, students spent the day inside the Louisiana State Capitol learning how state government operates, meeting with legislators, and gaining a better understanding of the legislative process.

The educational trip allowed Claiborne Parish 4-H members to tour the Capitol building, observe the inner workings of government, and experience how laws and policies are discussed and shaped at the state level.

Organizers say the event is designed to provide youth with real-world exposure to leadership, public service, and civic engagement—key pillars of the 4-H program.

“From touring the Capitol building to seeing democracy in action, our members got a real-life look at leadership, service, and civic engagement,” Claiborne Parish 4-H shared following the trip.

Beyond the educational value, the event also gave students the chance to proudly represent Claiborne Parish 4-H while connecting with fellow 4-H members from across Louisiana.

4-H leaders say experiences like these help prepare young people to become informed citizens and future community leaders by encouraging involvement in government, service, and leadership opportunities.

The trip to Baton Rouge marks another successful hands-on learning experience for Claiborne Parish 4-H youth as the organization continues its mission of developing confident, capable leaders throughout the parish.

I was always told as a kid growing up that you are judged by the company you keep. In other words, it’s important that you choose your friends wisely. This is also important when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

In each tournament, especially multi-day events, it’s important to have the right guys in the house you’re staying in. Guys that you trust and have the same moral and ethical values as yourself. Anglers that will come to your rescue on and off the lake if you have a problem.

Over the years I have fished all over the South and I have chosen who I travel with very carefully. There are several traits that make good roommates on the road. First and foremost, you have to trust the people you’re sharing a house with. I’m not talking about stealing or tearing the place up, but a person who when he says something, you can trust he’s telling the truth. 

Some guys like to share information, but you must be careful and proceed with caution with the info you receive — even from the guys you’re staying with. There are anglers that will lead you astray and send you down a rabbit hole just to eliminate you from being in contention. 

Understand this, bass fishermen are a different breed of people and love nothing more than winning. Oh, we all hope everyone in the house does well, but rest assured, each one of us wants to win!

The next trait I’m looking for in a good roommate on the road is attitude. Nothing is worse than having a guy in the house that has a poor attitude or rubs people the wrong way. It can make for a very long week of fishing when there’s one guy who the rest of the house can’t stand.

There are some guys that are always negative and like to drag others down with them. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had that experience before. But that’s because I choose the guys I’m traveling with very carefully. 

The final thing that is very important in a good housemate is if he is financially stable. This can be a problem if one guy can’t pull his weight and pony up the money necessary to take care his share of house expenses. 

I’ve always said, “If you can’t afford the expenses involved in tournament fishing like house rent, food, boat gas, entry fees, insurance etc., then you don’t need to be fishing tournaments!”  

No one, and I mean no one, has been as fortunate as I have when it comes to great housemates on the road. I have never encountered one angler who I would  later think, “He’ll never stay with me again!” 

For the last 10 years the guys who have been a part of our road crew are Brett Hortman, Walt Stevens, Adrian James, Brennan Flick and Cole Garrett. These guys are as good as gold and guys that I have nothing but great respect for. Not one time have we had an issue with anyone in the house. I’ve also had the privilege of staying with Albert Collins and Clayton Boulware, who are both great anglers but even better people. 

We’ve all had some great tournaments and some that weren’t so good. But the one thing I always knew, I could trust each and every one of them no matter what. Whether it was fixing a flat tire or making repairs on our boats, I could always count on these guys.

I always felt that if one of us was in contention to win, the rest of the house would help in any way we could. Finding guys like these is hard today with so many anglers fishing selfishly. 

To wrap this up, if you’re a young angler and getting into tournament bass fishing, choose who you travel with wisely. It will give great peace of mind knowing that if you have a problem, one of your guys will go out of their way to help you. 

Residents in Claiborne Parish interested in pursuing a career in construction will soon have an opportunity to gain hands-on training and industry credentials through an upcoming workforce development program in Homer.

Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College (NLTCC) has announced a Basic Construction Class being offered in partnership with TIC – The Industrial Company.

The course is scheduled to take place in Homer from May 11 through June 5 and is designed to equip students with foundational skills needed to begin careers in the construction industry.

According to program information, participants will receive:

Basic construction skills training

Workplace readiness instruction

Preparation for earning the NCCER Core Certification

The NCCER Core certification is a nationally recognized credential that provides essential construction knowledge and safety training valued by employers across the industry.

Program organizers also noted that students who successfully complete the class will be guaranteed an interview with TIC, one of the largest construction and engineering companies in North America.

Officials say the partnership is intended to help strengthen the regional workforce while creating direct employment pathways for local residents seeking skilled trade careers.

The training opportunity is part of ongoing workforce development efforts aimed at connecting area residents with in-demand career fields and industry-recognized certifications.

Those interested in learning more or registering for the course are encouraged to visit the Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College website for additional details.

If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably remember a time when home appliances were built like tanks, weighed like tractors, and behaved like mischievous cousins who couldn’t be trusted. Ours certainly did. We had a refrigerator with only one big outer door, and inside that door—like a frosty little secret—was the freezer compartment. It was the kind of setup that made sense only to engineers who had never met actual children.

The top hinge of that refrigerator had screws that were, shall we say, “spiritually backslidden.” They were stripped, worn, and holding on by the power of prayer alone. If you opened the door too quickly or too wide, the hinge would give up entirely, leaving the entire refrigerator door hanging by the bottom hinge like a drunk uncle leaning on a lamppost.

And when that happened, it made a noise. A loud noise. A noise that said, “Someone is trying to sneak a popsicle.”

My mother, who possessed the hearing of a bat and the reflexes of a ninja, would shout from the other room, “Fix the door!” And we kids would scramble like we were disarming a bomb. Because in the 60s, you didn’t sneak snacks. You attempted them. And you were usually caught.

The tea pitcher lived in that refrigerator too, which meant that even the simple act of getting a drink of tea required the stealth of a Navy SEAL. The door could be opened quietly, but children in the 60s were not careful. We were loud, clumsy, sugarmotivated creatures who believed we were invisible as long as we whispered.

Looking back, that refrigerator door was more than a household hazard. It was a spiritual formation tool. It taught us patience, discipline, and the consequences of lukewarm commitment. Because if you approached that door casually—halfheartedly, carelessly—it betrayed you. Every time.

And isn’t that a picture of the Christian life?

Revelation talks about being hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Lukewarm is what happens when we try to follow Jesus casually, quietly, or only when we think no one is watching. Lukewarm faith is refrigeratordoor faith: it looks sturdy from the outside, but the hinges are loose, the screws are stripped, and the whole thing falls apart the moment life swings too wide.

But when we approach our faith with intention—with reverence, steadiness, and a little holy fear—we discover that the door holds. The hinges strengthen. The whole thing works the way it was meant to.

That old refrigerator is long gone, but the lesson remains: a life of faith can’t be sneaked into or stumbled through. It must be opened with purpose.

And if you ever doubt that, just remember: God hears everything. Even the sound of a kid trying to steal a popsicle.

She’s not just a nervous flyer anymore—she’s dreading every trip. With family and work pulling her cross-country, is it time to face her fears or stay grounded for good?

 See what Ida says 

Wilmer McLean was a retired officer of the Virginia militia who became wealthy as a wholesale grocer based in Alexandria, Virginia.  In 1850, he married Virginia Beverley Hooe.  Three years later when Virginia was expecting their first child, Wilmer searched for a quiet, peaceful place for his growing family to live.  On January 1, 1854, Wilmer’s son, John Wilmer, was born.  Wilmer had his sights set on the 1200-acre rural Yorkshire Plantation north of Manassas along Bull Run, a 31-mile-long tributary of the Occoquan River.  Shortly after baby John was born, Wilmer purchased the plantation.  Three years later, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lucretia “Lula” Virginia.  Theirs was a perfectly peaceful existence.  They lived in a huge two-story house, some referred to it as a mansion, on one of the many rolling hills next to the lazy stream.  It seemed as if they were living in a dream world which would last forever. 

Their peaceful, dreamlike existence ended abruptly on July 21, 1861.  Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard had commandeered Wilmer’s home and barn as his headquarters along the strategic Bull Run.  Whether Wilmer and his family continued to live in their home with the soldiers or moved to a nearby home is unknown, but they remained in close proximity.  On that hot July day, Union and Confederate soldiers fought an artillery duel on Wilmer’s plantation.  General Beauregard later wrote, “A comical effect of this artillery fight was the destruction of the dinner of myself and staff by a Federal shell that fell into the fire-place of my headquarters at the McLean House.”  What became known as The Battle of Bull Run was the first major campaign of the Civil War. 

Following the battle, the soldiers moved to other battlefields.  Wilmer and his family returned to the peaceful existence on Yorkshire Plantation that they had enjoyed before the war.  Soon thereafter, Virginia became pregnant with their third child.  Once again, their peace was broken when soldiers converged again near the same strategic location.  For three days in 1862, August 28-30, Confederate and Union soldiers fought the Second Battle of Bull Run.  Shortly after the battle, Wilmer and his pregnant wife and their two children abandoned Yorkshire Plantation for safer environs. 

On January 28, 1863, Virginia gave birth to a daughter named Nannie.  Shortly thereafter, Wilmer and his family purchased a large home about 140 miles to the southwest in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.  For two years, Wilmer’s family lived far from the fields of battle.  On April 9, 1865, Virginia was pregnant with their fourth child when Charles Marshall, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s aide, asked Wilmer to show him a suitable place for Lee to meet another general.  Wanting to distance his family from any connection to the war, Wilmer showed the aide a dilapidated home which he quickly rejected.  With no other contenders, Wilmer reluctantly offered the use of his family’s home.  At about 1 o’clock that afternoon at the McLean home, General Lee met with Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  The Civil War ended during that meeting when General Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to General Grant.  The Civil War began in Wilmer McLean’s front yard and ended in his front parlor. 

Through it all, Wilmer wanted a safe and peaceful existence for himself and his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer dedicated himself to ensuring that the citizens of Manassas township in Virginia had the same safe and peaceful existence that he had wanted to provide for his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer McLean, whose homes bookended the Civil War, became a Justice of the Peace.

Sources:

1.     Jim Rogers, “Crumbling bar is all that’s left of Yorkshire Plantation,” Potomac News, July 23, 1990, accessed April 26, 2026, https://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitallibrary/hsdw/M_Folder/McLean76-274/pdfs/McLean76-274NewsArtA.pdf.

2.     Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia), July 7, 1870, p.2.

3.     Kristi Finefield, “A Tale of Two Houses and the U.S. Civil War,” Library of Congress, April 9, 2015, accessed April 26, 2026, https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2015/04/a-tale-of-two-houses-and-the-u-s-civil-war/.

4.     Hparkins, “The Peculiar Story of Wilmer McLean,” National Archives, November 10, 2010, accessed April 26, 2026, https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2010/11/10/the-peculiar-story-of-wilmer-mclean/.

5.     “The McLean House – Site of the Surrender Meeting,” National Park Service, Accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/apco/mclean-house.htm.

6.     “Wilmer McLean,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5824/wilmer-mclean.

May 6 stands out in history for its connections to political leadership, technological milestones, and cultural influence.

One of the most notable events associated with this date is the crash of the Hindenburg airship in 1937. The German passenger airship caught fire while attempting to land in New Jersey, killing 36 people. The disaster effectively ended the era of passenger airship travel and marked a turning point in aviation history.

May 6 is also recognized as the birthday of Sigmund Freud, born in 1856. Freud’s work in psychology introduced groundbreaking theories about the unconscious mind, influencing fields ranging from psychiatry to literature and art. While some of his ideas remain controversial, his impact on modern thought is significant.

In political history, May 6, 1994, marked the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first Black president. His election followed the end of apartheid and symbolized a new era of reconciliation and democracy in the country. Mandela’s leadership became a global example of resilience and unity.

The date also carries cultural significance through various achievements in music, literature, and public life, reflecting the ongoing evolution of society.

Taken together, the events of May 6 highlight moments when innovation, leadership, and tragedy intersected to shape the course of history, leaving legacies that continue to influence the present day.

Joe Wayne Tharp
July 9, 1944 — May 4, 2026
Services: Wednesday, May 6 at 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church

Jeanette Harmon Eldridge
September 23, 1946 — April 29, 2026
Services pending

Mollie Olive Coleman
April 14, 1933 – May 2, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday, May 6 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church
Services: Thursday, May 7at 10:00 a.m.at First Baptist Church in Haynesville

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

By Tiffany Flournoy

United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force agents arrested Nathan Allen Jump of Athens on Thursday, April 23. The arrest followed a warrant issued by the Second Judicial District Court for molestation of a juvenile and two counts of indecent behavior with juveniles. Jump was booked into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center, where he is being held without bail.

Jump was already on leave from his position as principal of Mount Olive Christian School in Athens following a February 2026 arrest for sexual battery. This most recent arrest resulted from a months-long joint investigation into additional complaints conducted by the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation.

Sheriff Sam Dowies commended the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation for its work on the case and the U.S. Marshals for apprehending Jump.

Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding Jump to contact the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 927-2011, via its website at http://www.claibornesheriff.org, or the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation at (225) 326-6079.

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

Claiborne Parish is expected to see an active stretch of weather through the end of the week, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms possible before drier and more pleasant conditions arrive this weekend, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast.

Wednesday brings a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midday. Skies will remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 78 degrees. Winds will start calm before shifting north around 5 mph in the afternoon. Wednesday night will keep the unsettled pattern going, with a continued chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m., then tapering to a slight chance of rain. Overnight lows will fall to around 57 degrees under mostly cloudy skies, with northeast winds near 5 mph.

On Thursday, Claiborne Parish will see a brief break in activity early, followed by another chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Skies remain mostly cloudy with a high near 71 degrees and a 30 percent chance of precipitation. Thursday night will bring another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms, with lows dipping to around 52 degrees and a 50 percent chance of rain.

Friday is expected to be the most active weather day of the week. Showers are likely, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Skies will stay mostly cloudy, and temperatures will struggle to reach a high near 64 degrees. The chance of precipitation increases to 70 percent. By Friday night, rain chances continue before gradually tapering off after midnight, with lows around 48 degrees.

Conditions begin to improve heading into the weekend. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 68 degrees, followed by mostly clear skies Saturday night and a low around 44 degrees.

Sunday brings a return to sunshine with a pleasant high near 74 degrees and mostly clear conditions continuing into Sunday night with lows around 47 degrees.

The new week starts off on a warm and sunny note Monday, with highs expected to reach near 79 degrees.

Residents are encouraged to stay alert to changing conditions through Friday, as repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms could impact travel and outdoor activities across Claiborne Parish.

Public safety and law enforcement officials are issuing a warning about a rapidly emerging synthetic opioid threat after new laboratory findings confirmed additional detections across multiple jurisdictions in North Louisiana.

According to the North Louisiana Crime Lab, a dangerous synthetic opioid known as cychlorphine is continuing to spread, reinforcing concerns first identified last month. Officials say the situation is not isolated but instead reflects a developing and expanding drug trend in the region.

Lab analysts report that cychlorphine belongs to a class of synthetic opioids referred to as “orphines” and may be more potent than fentanyl, one of the most dangerous opioids currently impacting communities nationwide. The substance has been found in counterfeit oxycodone tablets, often mislabeled as “M30” or “K56,” creating a significant risk for unsuspecting users who may not realize what they are ingesting.

Authorities emphasize that illicit pills circulating in the community are frequently not what they appear to be. According to the crime lab, most submitted counterfeit tablets tested do not contain the substances they are represented to contain, increasing the danger of accidental overdose.

For law enforcement, officials caution that exposure cases may present symptoms consistent with opioid toxidrome, which can resemble narcotic analgesic impairment. First responders are being advised to remain alert for potentially life-threatening overdose situations linked to these substances.

Public safety officials are also stressing the severe risk to the community, noting that even a single counterfeit pill may be enough to cause a fatal overdose.

The North Louisiana Crime Lab has released an updated law enforcement bulletin with additional details and response guidance as agencies across the region work to track and respond to the emerging threat.

Officials are urging continued vigilance and awareness as the situation develops, emphasizing prevention and public education as critical tools in reducing overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids.

Community leaders are encouraging residents and supporters to take part in a local fundraising effort aimed at strengthening economic development and preserving the cultural identity of Homer.

Main Street Homer has launched its “Give for Good” campaign, running from April 21 through May 5, 2026, inviting donations to support ongoing revitalization projects across the city of Homer.

According to organizers, the campaign directly supports the organization’s mission to “revitalize Homer through economic development, historic and cultural preservation, and advancement of the arts.”

Main Street Homer officials say contributions will help fund initiatives designed to improve the downtown district, support local businesses, preserve historic structures, and expand cultural and arts programming throughout the community.

The organization emphasized that all donations made during the campaign are tax-deductible and will go toward continuing its community-focused work.

Supporters can contribute online through the Give for Good platform at https://www.giveforgoodnla.org/organization/MainStreetHomer.

Leaders with Main Street Homer expressed appreciation for continued community support, noting that local investment plays a key role in sustaining long-term growth and revitalization efforts.

Residents across Claiborne Parish are encouraged to participate in the campaign and help support efforts to strengthen Homer’s economic future while preserving its historic character.

On July 11 at 9:00 a.m., the LSU AgCenter will host a Mastering Home Food Preservation workshop at the Webster Parish Extension Office in Minden. This educational program serves as an introductory course focused on water-bath canning, a commonly used home food preservation method. The session is designed to emphasize the importance of following research-based food safety guidelines to help prevent foodborne illness and ensure successful preservation outcomes.

The workshop will feature both an in-person lecture and a hands-on demonstration, providing participants with a comprehensive learning experience. During the lecture portion, attendees will receive an overview of water-bath canning principles, including equipment needs, preparation steps, processing times, and safety considerations. The hands-on demonstration will reinforce these concepts through step-by-step instruction, allowing participants to observe proper techniques for creating a home-preserved product.

To encourage engagement, questions and individualized instruction, participation will be limited to 10 individuals. This small group setting allows for meaningful interaction and ample opportunity for participants to gain confidence in their skills. The registration cost for the class is $25, and
participants may sign up by contacting the Webster Extension Office located at 1202 Homer Road at 318-371-1371.

This program aligns with the LSU AgCenter’s mission to deliver practical, science-based education that empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions about food safety, nutrition, and self-sufficiency. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations will be provided to ensure accessibility for all participants when requested in advance.

Shakera Williams, DrHSc, MPH
Associate Extension Agent and Webster Parish Chair

A local medical professional is being celebrated after achieving a personal milestone on one of the world’s most prestigious running stages.

Claiborne Memorial Medical Center announced congratulations to Dr. Mark St. Cyr following his performance at the 130th Boston Marathon.

In his seventh appearance at the historic race, Dr. St. Cyr recorded a personal best time of 3:29:36, improving his previous mark by more than four minutes. The finish equates to an average pace of approximately eight minutes per mile across the 26.2-mile course.

Hospital officials praised the achievement as a reflection of discipline, endurance, and dedication, noting that balancing a demanding medical career with elite-level training requires exceptional commitment.

Dr. St. Cyr’s performance placed him among thousands of participants in the internationally recognized marathon, which draws runners from around the world each year.

Claiborne Memorial Medical Center extended public congratulations, calling the accomplishment a point of pride for both the hospital and the Claiborne Parish community.

The achievement adds another highlight to Dr. St. Cyr’s running career and serves as an inspiration for residents across the parish, demonstrating the value of perseverance and long-term dedication to personal goals.

A major milestone for local athletics has put Claiborne Parish in the spotlight, as Homer native Star Thomas has earned an invitation to rookie minicamp with the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL reporter Matt Zenitz.

Thomas’s opportunity marks a significant step toward making history, as he is in position to become the first NFL player from Homer since 1977.

The invitation to rookie minicamp gives Thomas a chance to compete for a roster spot and showcase his skills at the professional level as he begins the next stage of his football career in the NFL.

Local pride quickly followed the announcement, with Homer High School celebrating the achievement on social media, writing:

“And this is what we mean when we say WHY NOT HOMER?! Our students and alumni prove time and time again that it’s a rhetorical question! Congratulations Star!”

The message reflects a long-standing culture of community pride in Homer, where students and alumni are frequently recognized for achievements across academics, athletics, and career paths.

Thomas’s journey to the NFL opportunity represents years of dedication and development, and his upcoming appearance at rookie minicamp will be closely watched by local supporters and football fans across Claiborne Parish.

If successful, Thomas could soon become the first NFL player from the area in nearly five decades — a milestone that would mark a historic moment for both Homer High School and the broader Claiborne Parish community.

For some reason, ever since someone came up with the concept of competition, man has always looked for a way to gain a competitive edge — even if it means cheating!  

In any contest, there are rules and just like records, some feel that rules are made to be broken. Today, we are going to look at some of the worst bass tournament cheaters to ever wet a hook, and how these incidents should be handled.

Years ago, an angler got caught cheating on Lake of the Pines in a bass tournament called the “KYKX Big Bass Splash.” In one tournament when the polygraph examiner questioned if the catch was legit, he was unsure on whether to pass or fail the guy. So, the tournament director decided to award him the victory despite questions surrounding his catch. 

The following year, the same angler was in position to win again but this time the polygraph examiner failed him. Then a man came forward and told the tournament director how and where this angler was getting his fish.   

He was pulling his bass out of a basket under a dock just before weigh-in. Convicted of fraud, this guy paid a price with a prison sentence and a heavy fine. 

Then there is the story of Elro McNeil who, in 1983, tried to weigh-in a bass that he purchased from Florida. It was rejected, but the bass was then frozen and thawed at his Louisiana home before being turned over to another angler for weigh-in at a Tyler, Texas tournament. 

The saddest part of this story was that one of the anglers involved in this elaborate scheme was found shot dead at his favorite fishing hole. At first it was considered a murder, but it was later ruled a suicide. 

What may be the best cheating scheme ever was orchestrated by Japanese angler, Yuming Gao, a few weeks ago during a Bassmaster Open. This dude took cheating to another level as he was placing air tags inside other angler’s bass boats so he could track them and learn where they were catching their fish. 

The one thing I’ve learned over my many years of seeing guys that cheat in bass tournaments is, most of the time, it wasn’t about the money they could win, but more about their ego and wanting to be recognized as one of the best bass fishermen in their region.

As an angler, the only thing you have is your name. Once you cheat and get caught, not only is your fishing career over, but you’ve now lost the reputation you had as a person. 

All anglers want to be recognized as one of the best, especially on whatever tournament trail they are fishing. But for some, the need to cheat can be so strong that no matter what the consequences are they just can’t stand winning the right way. I guess they think they won’t get caught… until they do. 

Here’s the deal; if you’re an angler looking to bend the rules in order to gain a competitive advantage, you’re already a loser! You have no place in tournament bass fishing, and I hope the next time you decide to cheat, the hands of justice come down on you with both prison time and a hefty fine, along with a lifetime ban from all fishing tournaments. 

By: Jason Pugh, Associate Athletic Director for External Relations

NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State athletic department and Rhodes Properties and Development have partnered to create a unique opportunity for fans and supporters of Demon athletics.

The two entities have combined to present the 2026 Rhodes Properties and Development Demon Dream Home giveaway – a raffle that will see the winner collect a brand-new Rhodes-built home in the Hidden Oak subdivision in Natchitoches, located along Louisiana Highway 3191.

Raffle tickets will be sold for $100 each beginning May 4 and can be purchased through Northwestern athletes or online through www.NSUDemons.com. The live drawing will take place Nov. 6 at Riverside Reserve in Natchitoches with additional prizes awarded at the event.

Proceeds from the raffle will go toward the Northwestern athletic department in support of its student-athletes.

“Working hand-in-hand with Rhodes Properties and Development to bring the Demon Dream Home to life was an easy decision,” Director of Athletics Kevin Bostian said. “Their support of Northwestern State athletics never has been in question, but it has reached another level with this partnership. We are far beyond grateful for Rhodes Properties and Development for their input and expertise in this process.”

The home, valued at $265,000, is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,450-square foot heated building in one of Natchitoches’ newest subdivisions that Rhodes Properties and Development and Rhodes Realty began developing in early 2026. Hidden Oak subdivision is located near Sibley Lake, west of Louisiana Highway 1 in Natchitoches.

“We at Rhodes Properties and Development, alongside Rhodes Realty, understand the importance of the Northwestern State athletic program to the Natchitoches community,” Rhodes Properties and Development owners and operators James and Justin Rhodes said. “We believe in the vision of Northwestern State athletics and where it is going. We presented this opportunity to Kevin as our way to support nearly 400 student-athletes as well as the coaches and staff members with whom we have developed relationships. The vendors who will help us bring this home to life share that same vision. Being involved in all facets of this project allows us to continue to demonstrate our commitment to Northwestern State and Natchitoches.”

Purchase Raffle Tickets: https://nsudemons.com/

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