The Town of Haynesville is expressing sincere gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who participated in the recent “Love the Boot” cleanup event, a community-wide effort aimed at beautifying the area and fostering civic pride.

Volunteers turned out in force, spending the day picking up litter, clearing debris, assisting at dumpster stations, and encouraging others to get involved. Their enthusiasm and hard work made a visible difference across the town.

“Because of our amazing volunteers, Haynesville not only looks cleaner, but our sense of community feels stronger,” organizers shared. “This event truly highlighted what it means to come together with a shared purpose.”

Town leaders hope to build on this momentum and encourage residents to continue the spirit of service throughout the year.

Haynesville thanks every individual who gave their time and energy to help make the town a cleaner, brighter place to live.

Gardeners, landscapers, and plant enthusiasts in Claiborne Parish are invited to a “Lunch and Learn” educational session focused on the use of ornamental flowers in landscaping. The event will take place on Tuesday, April 30, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Claiborne Parish Library, located at 909 Edgewood Drive in Homer, LA.

Presented by the LSU AgCenter, the session will feature John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent, who will share valuable insights into selecting and incorporating ornamental flowers to enhance landscapes. The presentation is designed for both novice and experienced gardeners interested in learning how to beautify outdoor spaces using flowering plants.

The event is free and open to the public, and no pre-registration is required.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch and enjoy an informative hour exploring ways to improve their gardens and yards with expert advice. The session is part of the LSU AgCenter’s ongoing outreach to provide practical and accessible education to local communities.

For additional information or special accommodations, contact John Monzingo or the Claiborne Parish Extension Service at 318-927-3110 at least three days prior to the event.

By Steve Graf  

So much of our life is unpredictable even though we think we have a game plan. We are constantly making plans for the future even with so many variables out of our control. We’ve all heard how we as humans are truly creatures of habit. But sometimes life takes us down a path we weren’t expecting. It may be a road that if we had a choice, we might not have traveled.

Let’s look at my years of tournament fishing. As a former athlete who has played all levels of baseball and football, my competitive fire still burns strong. I not only want to win, I also want to kick your butt in the process.

But as I’ve written before, tournament bass fishing is a very humbling sport. I think the only sport comparable would be golf. Just when you think you’re “the man ” bass fishing reels you in and makes you realize that you have no idea what you’re doing!

For me personally, as I continue to pursue championship stringers, even at the age of 64, tournament fishing still gets my blood flowing. Competing against so many of today’s younger anglers just motivates me even more and keeps me feeling young.

I used to lose sleep over my performance in previous tournaments. Like a lot of anglers, I self-analyze every tournament and try to learn from my small victories on the water to my biggest mistakes.

But a turning point in my bass tournament perspective came when I was diagnosed with stage 3 Melanoma in June of 2023. Everything changed after my dermatologist called to let me know my biopsy was positive. Next thing I knew, I was sitting in the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston with the finest doctors in the world, putting together a plan of attack with immunotherapy that would hopefully cure my cancer.

It was at this point that my outlook on winning bass tournaments changed dramatically. After several treatments and numerous PET scans and MRIs over the last two years, my cancer has disappeared and hopefully will stay away.

Today when I show up for a tournament, I’m so happy that I can continue to participate in the sport I love. I’m probably more excited today to fish an event because I realize my battle with Melanoma could have been a lot worse. While I’ll continue to go through more blood work, PET scans and MRIs the rest of my life, I’m so thankful to be able to experience life to the fullest.

My cancer scare has been a reminder of how precious life really is and how blessed I am to get to continue to enjoy my fishing. Several times I have shed a tear or two as the national anthem is played before we leave the boat ramp for a day of chasing those little green fish we call bass.

While all of us at some point in our lives will have health issues, sometimes it takes a life altering moment to make us realize there are things more important than winning a bass tournament. Just the fact that I get to go fishing is a true blessing and one I no longer take for granted!

Let’s not get this twisted, I’m still competitive and will continue to critique myself after each event in my desperate pursuit of championship stringers! But it’s no longer the most important part of my life and does not define who I am as a person.

Til next time, enjoy every opportunity you get to wet a hook and go fishing while spending time in God’s great outdoors.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

“Brad and Sophie are, by most standards, good people. They do things as a family, and they try to keep their kids involved in various activities. They are considering trading their SUV for a minivan, something Sophie said she would never do. They try their best to have dinner as a family when the kids’ schedules permit it, and when the family dinners happen, they always hold hands around the dinner table and say, “the blessing.”

On Facebook, a recent family photo by the flowered cross at church has more than one hundred likes and dozens of comments about their beautiful family. Brad and Sophie are in their mid-thirties and go to church once every three months, because they are so busy. The extended family on Brad’s side has a beach house on the Gulf Coast and they try to get down there for the weekend whenever the weather is nice. It is also a real hassle to get the kids out the door on Sunday morning. (Miraculously, they can get everyone ready for school each morning, but nobody has ever brought that up.) When they are in town, they try hard to be at church because it means a lot to Papa and Nana, Sophie’s parents.

Papa is a third-generation member of the church and has taught in the same adult Sunday school classroom for thirty years. He sings in the choir every now and then but doesn’t like some of the new music they’ve been doing since the church hired the “new guy.” Papa serves on several committees in the church and never misses a Sunday. Nana’s entire social life revolves around the church, and she is always so thrilled to see the grandkids there so she can show them off to friends. She and the other ladies teaching Sunday school tell the girls that they changed their mom’s diaper in the nursery when she was a baby.

Church is a “good thing” in this family’s life, especially for the kids, since it is a place where they learn good moral lessons. And when they finally do make it, they admittedly feel good about themselves—and it gives the kids a chance to wear their monogrammed “church clothes.” Being seen as a family that doesn’t take the kids to church would be embarrassing for Nana, and the passive-aggressive comments at family gatherings would be unbearable. Even when they lived in a different state, Nana would ask Sophie every Monday on the phone whether she “took my grandkids to church.” It drove Sophie crazy. Now, being back in the same town, she can’t lie about their church attendance. Attending a different church than Nana and Papa’s in the same town would be worse than not attending at all.

Plus, the experience is comfortable. During the worship service, the new minister speaks for twenty minutes about loving others. Jesus is portrayed as a great example of this, since He helped the poor. The pastor doesn’t talk about sin, repentance, or the need for salvation, but the messages are inspiring.

After church, Brad, Sophie and the kids head to Nana and Papa’s for lunch, and the kids can’t wait to change into their regular clothes. Brad and Sophie have found they fight less if they occasionally give this four-hour sacrifice to Sophie’s parents, as it doesn’t seem to impact the rest of their normal day-to-day routine.”

A happy story, huh?

Claiborne Parish 4-H is proud to announce its First Annual 4-H Auction and Awards Night, scheduled for Friday, May 3, at 5:00 PM. The highly anticipated event will take place at the Haynesville Fair Barn and promises an exciting evening filled with community celebration, recognition, and support for local youth.

The evening will include a silent auction, live auction, and an awards ceremony honoring outstanding 4-H members for their achievements and contributions throughout the year. Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of unique items while supporting the continued success of the parish’s 4-H programs.

“This is more than just a fundraiser,” organizers said. “It’s a chance to recognize the hard work and dedication of our 4-H youth while bringing the community together for a great cause.”

Ticket and table sales will close on May 1, so community members are encouraged to act quickly to reserve their seats for this inaugural event.

For ticket information or event details, please contact the Claiborne Parish 4-H Office or visit the Claiborne Parish 4-H social media pages.

By Brad Dison

Donald Edwin Pollock was born in 1914. In the late 1930s, Donald met and fell in love with Nellie Ruth “Ruthie Pill” Pillsbury. They married in 1939. When the United States entered World War II, Donald joined the Navy. In 1945, they had a son named David, followed by another son named Stephen two years later. When Stephen was just two years old, his father said he was going out to get a pack of cigarettes. Stephen later quipped, “It must’ve been a hard pack to find,” because Donald never returned. He used the need for cigarettes as a ruse to get out of the house and he abandoned his family.

Ruthie Pill only referred to Donald a few times in front of her children. When he left, she acted as if he never existed. When Stephen was a little older, he began to ask about his father. Ruthie Pill told young Stephen, “When people ask you why he left, say he’s in the Navy and that he’s at sea because that might not be a lie.” David and Stephen always had more questions than answers about their father, but they knew it was painful for their mother to discuss. Stephen remembered that as a teenager he said if he ever met his father, he would sock him in the mouth. When he matured a little more, Stephen said that if he ever saw his father, “I would ask, ‘why?’… Then, I would sock him in the mouth.” Stephen never saw his father again.

Ruthie Pill struggled as a single parent, but she provided well for David and Stephen. They never got all they wanted, but they always got what they needed. Ruthie Pill read to David and Stephen often. Stephen remembered fondly that they sat spellbound as their mother read stories about U.F.O.s, paranormal activity, and other tales of the strange and unknown from Fate magazine. The two brothers were fascinated by stories and read just about everything they could get their hands on. Stephen began to recreate comic book panels that he found interesting. His drawings were good for a child his age, but he just copied the text verbatim. One day, young Stephen showed his mother a comic panel he had reproduced. She appreciated his artwork but was less than impressed with the stories he had copied. “I bet you could do better,” she said, “Write one of your own.” Stephen had never considered this before. The possibilities were endless. Stephen said it was, “as if I had been ushered into a vast building filled with closed doors and had been given the key to open any I liked.” As an extra incentive, his aunt paid him a quarter for each original story he created. Stephen’s first story was published when he was 12 years old in a self-published magazine his 14-year-old brother created called “Dave’s Rag.”

In 2014, Stephen had a genealogist investigate his family history. He wanted to know more about his father. The genealogist showed Stephen a photo of a man and asked if he had ever heard the last name Pollock. Stephen did not recognize the man or the surname. He said, the name Stephen Pollock “just doesn’t have the same ring to it.” The genealogist revealed a secret that had been unknown to Stephen, his brother, and, most likely, his mother. For reasons that remain a mystery, years before Donald and Ruthie Pill married, he had changed his name from Pollock to King. By changing his name, his wife and sons became Kings, and his youngest son became the King of Horror, Stephen King.

Sources:

1. “In Search of Our Fathers,” Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Season 2, Episode 1, September 23, 2014, accessed April 12, 2025, https://pluto.tv/us/on-demand/series/65c662fe70ac440013ca78fa/season/2/episode/65eb824d925569001374b855?utm_medium=deeplink&utm_source=publisher.

2. “Donald Edwin King,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 13, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/136342403/donald_edwin-king.

April 16 is National Librarian Day, a time to honor the dedicated individuals who do far more than just shelve books. Today’s librarians are curators, educators, and community leaders, connecting people to knowledge in all its forms.

Gone are the days when a library was just a quiet room filled with dusty volumes. Today, libraries are vibrant hubs offering digital resources, job training, community events, and tech access — all guided by librarians.

At the Natchitoches Parish Library, Director Jane Harrison says the role of the librarian has expanded dramatically. “We’re no longer just custodians of books. We help people navigate information — whether that’s applying for a job, researching genealogy, or understanding online privacy.”

Librarians play a critical role in promoting literacy across all ages. From toddler story time to senior computer classes, they help bridge educational and generational divides.

With the rising tide of misinformation online, librarians are also becoming key players in the fight for media literacy and fact-checking. National Librarian Day recognizes their contributions, which often go unnoticed in the digital age.

Many libraries nationwide will host appreciation events, workshops, and social media campaigns to spotlight their staff today. Communities are encouraged to visit their local libraries and thank a librarian — the quiet force behind so much public good.

Ashley Elizabeth King
April 7, 1967 — March 27, 2025
Services: April 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church of Homer

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

The Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners will host their annual “Trails & Trellises” Garden Tour on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

This year’s tour features four unique gardens across Webster and Claiborne Parishes, showcasing a vibrant mix of spring blooms, landscaping, and garden artistry. Visitors will also have an opportunity to purchase a wide selection of perennials and bulbs at a plant sale at one of the featured gardens.

Featured Gardens:

Pam & Freddie Gruner Garden – 1155 Alvin Miller Rd, Minden

Cultivated over 40 years, this garden features a vibrant spring bloom display with thousands of bulbs, whimsical garden décor, a raised vegetable garden, and a new rock water feature. With over 700 bulbs planted last fall, visitors can enjoy a stunning display of crocus, daffodils, and snow glories.

Jimmy & Lynn May Garden – 150 May Lane, Homer

A serene escape filled with heirloom plants, native species, and a butterfly garden. Guests can explore wooded trails, a secluded pond, and rockers on the back porch overlooking scenic views of hills, ponds, and grazing cattle.

Patti & Tommy Bourne Garden – 12990 Hwy 9, Homer

Known for its charming yard filled with vibrant flowers, hanging fern pots, and antique cars displayed by Tommy Bourne. Visitors can enjoy refreshments in the antique car barn, blending garden beauty with nostalgia.

Janice Plummer Garden – 289 Coleman Loop, Homer

A vibrant lakeside oasis with azaleas, hydrangeas, loropetalum, sweet olive, and more. The expansive garden includes a rose garden, exotic plants, and decorative spaces ideal for relaxation.

Tickets & Info:

Advance tickets are available for $10 from any Master Gardener or by contacting the Webster Parish Extension Officeor Claiborne Parish Extension Office. Tickets are $12 on the day of the tour and can be purchased at any of the featured gardens.

For more details, visit http://www.phlmg.com or find the Piney Hills Louisiana Master Gardeners on Facebook at PHLMG.

State Representative Larry Bagley today announced his candidacy
for the Louisiana Public Service Commission, District 5, in the Republican primary
election scheduled for April 18, 2026. Public Service Commission District 5
encompasses 24 North Louisiana parishes, stretching from the northwest corner
of the state to the northeast.

Bagley has served as state representative for House District 7 for nearly a decade,
covering DeSoto, Sabine, and Caddo parishes. Throughout his tenure, Bagley has
become known for his ability to deliver results, cut through bureaucratic red tape,
provide a welcoming and constituent-focused legislative district office, and bring a
valuable return of tax dollars back to North Louisiana communities.

His record in the legislature includes significant achievements such as securing funding
for major infrastructure improvements, increased support for rural hospitals, securing
essential funds for local municipalities, and advocating for teachers through multiple pay
raises during his tenure.

One of Rep. Bagley’s premier accomplishments for the citizens of Northwest Louisiana
was securing $100 million in funding to advance the I-49 Inner-City Connector project in
Shreveport. In 2019, Bagley led the charge in persuading the Legislature to allocate a
portion of Louisiana’s settlement from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico (now
Gulf of America) oil spill to support the infrastructure initiative. The funding will help
move forward the $600 million project to complete a 3.6-mile stretch of I-49 in
Shreveport, connecting I-49 at I-20 with the I-49/I-220 interchange.

Bagley’s leadership has also proved critical during times of crisis, having effectively
coordinated responses through five hurricanes and three major winter storm events that
left residents without electricity for multiple days. He worked closely with utility and
telecommunications companies to expedite the restoration of services. Bagley was also
personally involved with his constituents, helping them regain essential services during
these emergencies—including securing emergency backup power for nursing homes
throughout District 7 for vulnerable adults reliant on oxygen tanks to survive. “When
disasters strike, our people come together to help each other in their most urgent time
of need,” said Bagley. “In those moments, folks need someone they can count on—someone who shows up, who takes action, and who knows how to get through to the right government agency to deliver results when it matters most.”

Representative Bagley stated that he will not actively campaign for the Public Service
Commission until the conclusion of the current legislative session on June 12, 2025.
“Right now, my absolute priority is to continue serving the citizens of District 7 during the
2025 Legislative Session,” Bagley said. “I am committed to providing strong
representation to ensure our region receives the attention and resources we deserve
and to deliver the level of results that my constituents have come to expect from me for
the last ten years.”

In the House of Representatives, Bagley serves on the Appropriations, Insurance, and
Agriculture Committees, as well as the powerful Joint Legislative Committee on the
Budget. He previously chaired the House Health and Welfare Committee during the
height of the COVID-19 pandemic, where he took a bold stand against the overreach of
the previous administration. “They tried to tell us how to live—shut down our churches,
close our businesses, and force medical decisions on our people,” said Bagley. “But I
didn’t back down. I stood my ground for the people of Louisiana, because I believe in
freedom, faith, and the right to make our own choices.”

Bagley brings a long history of public service experience to his candidacy. A retired
public school teacher, basketball coach, and assistant principal, he also served two
terms on the Logansport City Council before being elected to the Louisiana House of
Representatives in 2015.

“My goal has always been straightforward—to serve people, solve problems, and
ensure that our area in North Louisiana remains in focus in Baton Rouge,” Bagley said.
“I will bring this same practical, results-driven approach to the Public Service
Commission.”

A comprehensive press release outlining Bagley’s full legislative record,
accomplishments, and policy goals for the Louisiana Public Service Commission
will be released at the conclusion of the Legislative Session in June.

BATON ROUGE – A bill introduced in the Louisiana House of Representatives aims to restrict the types of food that can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. House Bill 260, authored by Representative Romero, seeks to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits to buy certain unhealthy snack foods, including sugary, salty, and high-fat items.

The bill, filed for the 2024 Regular Legislative Session, cites concerns about the health and well-being of Louisiana’s children as a key motivation. Lawmakers argue that the current availability of unhealthy snack foods to SNAP recipients undermines efforts to promote healthier diets among low-income families.

If passed, the bill would add a new section to the state’s Revised Statutes—R.S. 46:302—which defines “unhealthy snack food” as including, but not limited to:

Sugary items such as candies, cookies, cakes, and sweetened beverages

Salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and other high-sodium processed foods

High-fat foods including fried foods, pastries, and packaged snack cakes

The legislation directs the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to develop and implement rules to enforce the restrictions. Additionally, the department would be tasked with collaborating with healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and other experts to create educational materials for SNAP recipients. These resources would inform families, children, and caregivers about healthier snack alternatives that can be purchased using SNAP benefits.

Supporters of the bill argue that it promotes better nutrition and long-term health outcomes for families relying on public assistance. Critics, however, may raise concerns about government overreach and the challenges of defining and enforcing what qualifies as “unhealthy” food.

As the legislative session progresses, the proposal will be subject to committee review and potential amendments before reaching a full vote in the House.

By Steve Graf  

Not really sure where to start with this article. I understand that we live in a world that is
constantly moving forward in so many ways, especially when it comes to technology. All sports
evolve with time! While some progress is for the good of the sport, it could be argued that
some is not.

Golf, for example, has become so advanced due to technological advances with equipment,
that some golf courses are becoming obsolete. Whether it’s the clubs or the balls, the
advancements are insane and have made some golf course architects lengthen their new
designs to accommodate the improvements in golf equipment.

This is true even with bass tournaments. Rods and reels, tackle, bass boats and electronics have
all come so far in the last 20 years that the sport is no longer just about who can catch bass, but
who has the best equipment.

Technology has leveled the playing field with the controversial forward-facing sonar (FFS). This
invention has allowed the younger generation of anglers coming up to compete with the older
more experienced anglers. No longer can an angler just go flip bushes and win an event. He or
she better be good at using FFS and looking for fish that are roaming in open water, a technique
that was unheard of 10 years ago.

Also, 10 years ago, 20 pounds was the target weight if you wanted to have a chance to win. Not
today! The new normal at weigh-in time has become 25 pounds or better. Twenty pounds
today is average with this new FFS technology.

Another question that’s being asked today: “Why has bass tournament participation gone way
down?” By way down, we mean cut in half, as most tournament trail registrations are down 50
percent! Why? There could be several reasons like the economy, the price of bass boats, etc.,
but most will say forward-facing sonar.

Anglers using FFS are dominating tournaments. While other anglers can’t afford it, some have
just rejected or refused to learn to fish this way. They have come to the realization that they
just can’t compete with anglers who are using this advanced technology. Therefore, many have
decided to withdraw from tournament competition all together.

What does this mean for tournament organizations in the long run? Well, if they don’t adapt
and change, some will just fade away like the sun going down. But I think there might be a
glimmer of hope!

Some tournament organizations have taken the initiative to ban FFS in all their events in order
to encourage tournament anglers to come back. Up until now, only a few have taken a hardline
stance on this issue. Most benefit tournaments like the Despino Tire Fishin’ for Kids event have
banned this technology and have had record numbers of anglers show up to fish their
tournament. The Dylan Kyle Poche Tournament for 2026 will also be a no-FFS event. 

Other organizations have also taken a stance to ban this technology like the newest
professional level circuit, the NPFL (National Professional Fishing League). Top name pros have
made decisions to leave major organizations like Major League Fishing (MLF) and the
Bassmasters (B.A.S.S.) in order to fish with no FFS.

As some of the older anglers will tell you, the sport of bass fishing should not come down to
who has the best electronics, but rather who has the most skill for both finding and catching
bass. The new technology has ruined the purity and integrity of the sport of bass fishing. For the
first time in my life, FFS may be the most controversial advancement that a lot of anglers feel
has not been good for the sport.

So where do we go from here? Will 2026 bring a whole new set of rule changes like banning
forward-facing sonar? Will all tournament organizations finally take a stance and do what’s best
for the sport or will they be convinced by money from these electronic sponsors to maintain
the status quo?

Only time will tell what the future will hold for so many tournament organizations as they
attempt to reel in so many anglers that have left the sport for what they feel is an unlevel
playing field.

‘Til next time, make sure your hooks are sharp, and your boat is full of gas. Hope to see you on
the lake!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

The LSU AgCenter Hill Farm Research Station will host a Beef and Forage Field Day on Thursday, April 24, from 8:30 A.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the Hill Farm Research Station located at 11959 Hwy. 9 in Homer, LA. Topics to be discussed at this annual event include high versus low input cattle management, the Hill Farm’s winter forage program, bermudagrass planting, weed control in pastures and hayfields, an update on the cattle market, and fly control options. In addition to a great lineup of speakers, there will be a tradeshow featuring a large variety of equipment, products, and services of interest to the cattle producer.

This Beef and Forage Field Day is a free event with lunch being provided. Please R.S.V.P. with Kathy at the Hill Farm Research Station by April 20. The number at the station is 318-927-2578. For more information on the Beef and Forage Field Day, or other LSU AgCenter beef cattle programming,
please contact your local LSU AgCenter Extension Office. If you should need special accommodations to
attend this field day, please contact Kathy at 318-927-2578.

By Doug De Graffenried

The other day I counted the words that I have created, these were either spoken words, or words like this article. In the 43 years of ministry, I have produced 15,000,000 words! You knew that preachers talked too much, now you have proof. That number includes, articles, 10 years of writing Sunday School materials, sermons, weddings, funerals, and the ever present “come speak to our group” events. I handle lots of words! The majority of those words had something to do with Jesus!

The Gospel of John (21:25) states that if everything Jesus did were written down, “I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written,” That is certainly a statement of hyperbole, right? Jesus lived 33 years on this earth. We have an extensive record of what he did during his three-year public ministry. Sounds like the gospel writer was exaggerating for effect, right?

Most scholars believe that Jesus was crucified between 27-33 A.D. There is no way of determining the exact date, but we know his life came to an end on the cross. We are also preparing to celebrate Easter. The good news that the tomb is empty because; He is risen!

Since he is risen from the dead, and now intercedes for us with the Father, since the Holy Spirit dwells in each one of us, Jesus is still “doing things” in our world and in the lives of individuals. The books would never catch up with what Jesus is doing, because He is ahead of the books.

Right now, as you read, He is working in your life. Now as you read, He offers you love and grace. In this moment, He whispers to your soul, “Follow me.” Jesus is walking the life pathway with all his children, through the Spirit. The books will never catch up with the powerful presence of Jesus in the life of the church and in the individual lives of believers.

The words of your life story are not complete, because Jesus, the Word made flesh is still working in you and through you.

Jesus keeps working in me and I share those words through writing and speaking. His Word is not finished in my life, yours either.

That is a good word!

By Brad Dison

Each year since 1950, people have gathered at Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle Esplanade in August for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Not to be confused with soldiers having ink inserted into the dermis layer of skin, a military tattoo is a festival consisting of music, dancing, and general merrymaking focused on Scottish heritage and international culture. The most anticipated portion of the festival consists of numerous precision military displays.

Since 1961, His Majesty The King’s Guard of Norway, an elite unit tasked with protecting the Norwegian royal family, has participated in the military displays. In August 1972, while in Scotland for the Tattoo, the Royal Norwegian King’s Guard added another soldier to its regimental ranks. On that day, Nils Olav became a lance corporal, a rank which usually requires long or outstanding service to attain. It was Nils’s first day. His first duty as a soldier was to inspect his troops, a duty he performed with the confidence and skill of someone with much more experience. Nils proudly wore a pennant of the prestigious King’s Guard around his right arm. Most soldiers would have resented a newcomer reaching such a rank without earning it, but no one resented Nils. You see, Nils Olav’s family had deep Scandinavian roots, and he was, himself, a king.

Nils may have been given the rank of lance corporal on his first day, but promotions came slowly at first. In 1982, after 10 years as a lance corporal, Nils received his first promotion when he was made a full corporal. Five years later, he became a sergeant. In 1993, during that year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Nils was promoted to regimental sergeant major. Nils’s promotion and his inspection of his troops was televised in Norway and throughout much of Europe. Nils became somewhat of a celebrity Europe, though most people in America were unaware of his rising fame. In 2001, during a ceremony at the Tattoo in which Nils was awarded the Norwegian Army’s Long Service and Good Conduct medal, the Royal Norwegian Guard promoted him to colonel-in-chief. On the morning of August 15, 2008, Nils’s fellow soldiers gathered for Nils’s knighting ceremony. He has been known as Sir Nils Olav ever since. He eventually rose to the rank of brigadier.

If you are able to watch the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this Fall, you will probably see Sir Nils Olav’s inspection of the troops. He has done it each year since 1972. But if you were to look closely at photos of Sir Nils through the years, you might notice minute differences in his appearance. You must have a keen eye to notice. In 1987, Nils Olav died and was replaced by a lookalike. He looked so much like Nils Olav that no one noticed. When the lookalike died some years later, he was replaced by yet another lookalike who continued his work in the military as if nothing had happened. Why did news outlets around the world not pounce on the story which should have captured our attention? You see, Sir Nils Olav is a king…a three foot tall king penguin. He lives at the Edinburgh Zoo and is the mascot for the Royal Norwegian King’s Guard.

Sources:

1. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, accessed April 5, 2025, https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/

2. The Guardian (London, England), August 17, 1972, p.6.

3. The Daily Telegraph (London, England), August 18, 1993, p.4.

4. Irish Independent, August 18, 2005, p.T4.

5. East Oregonian, August 15, 2008, p.8.

National Holiday: National Unicorn Day

April 9 brings a touch of magic with National Unicorn Day. This whimsical celebration honors the mythical creature that has captivated imaginations for centuries. From ancient myths to modern pop culture, unicorns symbolize purity, enchantment, and wonder. Fans can partake by donning unicorn-themed apparel, enjoying unicorn-inspired treats, or simply embracing the day’s fantastical spirit.

Historical Event: The Journey of Reconciliation Begins

On this day in 1947, the Journey of Reconciliation commenced. Organized by the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), this initiative involved 16 Black and white activists traveling together through the American South to challenge segregation on interstate buses. This courageous act served as a precursor to the more widely known Freedom Rides of the 1960s, highlighting early efforts in the Civil Rights Movement to confront racial injustice.

Kathryn Virginia Carroll Ford
August 11, 1958 — April 5, 2025
Services: April, 9 at 10 am at Ruple Baptist Church in Haynesville

Ashley Elizabeth King
April 7, 1967 — March 27, 2025
Services: April 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church of Homer

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

United States Homeland Security Investigations Agents arrested Orillian Von Guidry in Riverside County, California on March 13 because of a Claiborne Parish Arrest Warrant that charged him with Racketeering. Guidry, who was indicted by a Claiborne Parish Grand Jury, waived extradition from California four (4) days following his arrest.

Guidry was a member of the Drug Trafficking Organization Louisiana State Police (LSP) Narcotics Agents and Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) Detectives began investigating in 2024 that culminated with a January 31, 2025 operation during which numerous other organization members were arrested, search warrants were executed, and seizures were made. Investigators believe, based on evidence obtained during their investigation, Guidry was a significant supplier of illegal drugs that were trafficked in Claiborne Parish and in other jurisdictions within the region.

LSP pilots flew other LSP and CPSO personnel to California in an LSP airplane on March 26 so they could take custody of Guidry and transport him back to Claiborne Parish. Guidry booked and incarcerated in the Claiborne Parish Detention Center on March 27.

Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies appreciates LSP for authorizing the use of its airplane and personnel to extradite Guidry back to Claiborne Parish where he will answer to and be held accountable for his participation in the Drug Trafficking Organization that negatively impacted communities within Claiborne Parish and beyond; transporting Guidry from California to Louisiana via the aircraft was the most efficient and safe method for all involved. Guidry could not be excluded from prosecution simply because he conducted his illegal activities from California.

Sheriff Dowies commends LSP Colonel Robert Hodges and the personnel under his command for their support of and collaboration with the CPSO during the investigation of the Drug Trafficking Organization and with numerous others. Sheriff Dowies believes the resources they committed to the investigation of the Drug Trafficking Organization demonstrates Colonel Hodges’ and LSP’s commitment to protecting all Louisiana citizens through aggressive enforcement of criminal and drug laws, and their understanding that jurisdiction boundaries should never prevent criminals who prey on our citizens from avoiding detection and apprehension.

Residents of Haynesville are invited to take part in Keep Haynesville Beautiful Day on Saturday, April 12, 2025, as part of Love the Boot Week with Keep Louisiana Beautiful. The event aims to bring the community together for a morning of cleanup efforts to enhance the town’s appearance.

The event will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM, with volunteers meeting at the Main Street Porch to kick off the cleanup. Students, residents, and community members are encouraged to join in the effort to remove litter from streets, parks, and neighborhoods.

Additionally, a large dumpster will be available at the Fairgrounds for those wishing to dispose of yard debris and other waste.

This initiative is an opportunity for Haynesville to come together, take pride in its surroundings, and contribute to a cleaner, greener community. All are welcome to participate!

A series of thunderstorms are set to impact the region this week, bringing periods of heavy rain, gusty winds, and fluctuating temperatures.

Midweek Storms & Strong Winds

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms are likely after 1 p.m., with a high near 87°F. South winds will range from 10 to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 30 mph. Chance of rain: 60%.

Wednesday Night: Thunderstorms are expected before 1 a.m., with lingering showers. Lows will drop to 69°F, with winds at 5 to 10 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain: 60%.

Thursday & Friday: Continued Storm Activity

Thursday: A 70% chance of storms returns, especially in the afternoon, with highs near 86°F and gusty south winds up to 25 mph.

Thursday Night: 50% chance of storms, mostly cloudy skies, and lows around 68°F.

Friday: Another 60% chance of showers and storms throughout the day, with a high of 86°F.

Friday Night: Scattered storms persist, with a 40% chance of rain and lows near 69°F.

Weekend Outlook: Heavy Rain & Temperature Drop

Saturday: A 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a cooler high of 81°F.

Saturday Night: Rain continues into the night, with a 70% chance of precipitation and a low of 50°F.

Sunday: A 40% chance of lingering showers as temperatures drop significantly, with a high near 64°F.

Sunday Night: Partly cloudy skies and a chilly low of 41°F.

Early Next Week: A Dry & Sunny Reprieve

Monday: Sunshine returns, with a mild high of 65°F.

Residents are advised to stay weather-aware and prepare for potential heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rapidly changing temperatures. Stay tuned for updates and possible weather alerts.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced the results of its latest bid process, with 18 projects receiving bids across the state in March. A total of 14 contractors submitted apparent low bids amounting to $44.4 million for critical infrastructure improvements, including bridge replacements, roadway repairs, congestion mitigation, and safety enhancements.

Major Projects Awarded

Bridge Replacement and Repair:

LA 540 in Claiborne Parish – Replacement of drain bridge: $703,278
Pavement and Overlay Projects:

Bossier Parish – Patching and resealing joints on LA 3: $2.09 million

Congestion Mitigation and Safety:

Bossier Parish – Phase 2 of LA 3227 and LA 157 intersection realignment: $6.49 million

Next Steps in Project Implementation

DOTD emphasized that the “apparent low bidder” is identified once bids are submitted, but the final contract takes approximately 30 days to award. If bid prices fall outside a reasonable range or exceed budget estimates, the department may conduct further evaluations or opt to rebid the project.

The prioritization of projects is based on factors such as road and bridge conditions, traffic volume, safety concerns, emergency damage repairs, and funding availability. The department continues to monitor industry trends, including supply chain disruptions and workforce challenges, that may impact construction costs.

For more information on current and upcoming transportation projects, visit http://www.dotd.la.gov.

By Doug De Graffenried

I was chasing a rabbit the other day and I went down the theological rabbit hole. This is what I discovered.

There is a great deal of sleeping going on in the New Testament.

Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat during a storm. The story appears in all three synoptic gospels. The disciple’s question was, “Lord, don’t you care that we perish?” The Bible says after God created; he rested. The Hebrew word is the intensive form of the verb. God intensely rested and commanded us to rest too! I’m not surprised Jesus was asleep after a long day of preaching and healing!

According to Luke, the disciples were asleep on the Mount of Transfiguration. The bright light and the visitation of Moses and Elijah awakened them. As Luke records the story, the bleary-eyed disciples missed the good stuff and became “fully awake” toward the end of the event.

Jesus told His followers to stay awake and watch for signs of great spiritual upheaval and then the second coming. He asked the disciples to stay awake and watch while He was praying in Gethsemane. But after the big supper and wine, the disciples kept falling asleep.

Sleeping soldiers were the first witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descended from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it…. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.” The punishment for a Roman soldier falling asleep on duty was death. The soldiers had a problem explaining to their superiors who rolled the stone back from the tomb’s entrance. Can you hear these soldiers trying to give the angel report? It was easier for them to face death and confess to being asleep.

The book of Acts records another example of a sleepy disciple. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, “he fell to the ground from the third story was picked up dead.” The story has a happy ending, he was not dead, just had the wind knocked out of him.

Sleeping is a good thing. In some of the modern works on spiritual formation, sleep is listed as a spiritual practice under “stillness” or “Sabbath.” God rested, Jesus slept, should we not take the hint?

The other side of the coin is known as “spiritual sleepwalking.” That happens when we practice all the rituals of our faith, yet we are not connecting with God. It does happen in church, when after the hymn singing the congregation sits down and some of them zone out.

I leave you with the words of the Apostle Paul, “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”