By Steve Graf    

One of the great pleasures in life is watching our kids grow to achieve their dreams or reach
their goals. It’s one of the many things that gives us so much fulfillment in being a parent. From
the day our kids are born, we as parents want nothing more than for our kids to be happy.
Today, I’ll talk about some of the sacrifices my parents (especially my mother) made for me to
have the life I’ve enjoyed so much.

Most of you already know my story from past articles. But in case you haven’t, my aunt and
uncle rescued and adopted me at the age of 10 and turned my life completely around and
literally saved me from the streets of Houston, Texas. They put me on the path to success with
sacrifices and dedication of their own free will.

Again, the good Lord above blessed me with some athletic ability that only He can give. But it
was my parents who made sure that my talent did not go to waste. So many days my mother
made sure I was at every practice and every game on time.

She sat in a hot car for hours waiting on practice to be over knowing she still had supper to
cook, clothes to wash, another child to tend to and a husband to take care of. Getting home
after 7 o’clock each evening, she cooked dinner and made sure our homework was complete
before ushering me and my brother off to take a bath.

She made sure uniforms were always washed and ready for the next game. She had very little
time to herself as she worked full time as a nurse at a local clinic. But not one time did she fail
to make sure I was where I needed to be whether it was a baseball or football practice or a Boy
Scouts meeting. Mom sacrificed!

You never fully appreciate these sacrifices until the day comes when you have kids of your own
and realize the effort it takes to make sure your kids are where they are supposed to be. She
did this not just for me but my younger brother Chad, who was about six years younger than
me.

All of my years growing up, we never took a vacation as a family. Mom never took one of those
much-needed “getaways.” Sure, we made the occasional trip to Six Flags in Dallas or maybe to
see the Texas Rangers play, but never a trip to the Caribbean or the mountains of Colorado to
enjoy the scenery.

Pretty much every trip we took revolved around me or my brother playing baseball with All-Star
playoffs. Even as I got into high school, she followed me to every game (home or away). She
made the trip to Austin as we reached the state baseball tournament and won our first state
championship in 1978.

Not one time did she ever complain or say “no” to any sport I wanted to play. Her devotion was
unlimited, and her sacrifices were intentional. All to make sure I had every opportunity to
achieve success!

I think it goes without saying that I was one of the lucky ones who had parents wanting their
kids to have the best — the best opportunity to achieve and be successful in life. Sometimes I
think we forget just how important those sacrifices are.

But at the time, we just think that’s how it’s supposed to be, but in reality, that’s not true. It
takes parents willing to make those sacrifices unselfishly and make their kids a priority and their
main focus.

For parents, the reward comes much later in life when they sit back and brag about all the
accomplishments their kids have achieved all because of the sacrifices made. In the end, it’s
worth every second and hour we set aside to make sure our kids are the priority! 

Without sacrificial parents, kids don’t stand a chance! So, to all you young adults out there
looking to have children of your own, make sure they are your top priority. Thank you Mom, for
your dedication and commitment to ME! Remember, sacrifice is unspoken love. Happy
Mother’s Day to all the moms who make sacrifices for the benefit of others. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

If the Bible tells us that “God laughs,” could it be that humor is divine? If so, it would explain why some of us are blessed with the spiritual gift of dad jokes.

The Library of Life, Love, and Laughter has compiled some eye-opening statistics—literally, if you’re laughing hard enough. Did you know…

Studies have pinpointed 18 different kinds of smiles. The most recognizable is the smile of enjoyment. (Who has this job? Can I apply? I imagine their college transcript starts with Upturned Mouth 101 and ends with Advanced Guffawing. Do they have pop quizzes where you must correctly identify a smirk from across the room? I need answers.)

Thirteen muscles are used for smiling, but frowning demands a whopping 50? (Want to preserve your face value? Smile! You need to frown nearly a quarter of a million times to make a single wrinkle. So, in the battle against premature aging, laughter is basically skincare.)

Laughter lowers cortisol levels, which in turn boosts your immune system? (So technically, giggling at cat videos is self-care.)

Laughing stimulates your heart and lungs, elevates blood pressure, and temporarily improves breathing capacity. (In terms of exercise, laughing 100 times a day is like rowing for 10 minutes. Who needs a gym membership when you have a sense of humor?)

Charles Darwin believed that facial expressions influence moods. (Bio-feedback studies back him up. So, if you’re having a bad day, slap on a grin—even if it’s forced. Of course, people might start wondering what you’re up to.)

Laughing for 15 seconds adds two days to your lifespan? (So if you binge-watch stand-up comedy, do you achieve immortality?)

Impressive statistics, right? Laughter is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself—unless, of course, you belong to the Chicken Little League, whose members believe humor is suspicious behavior.

Psychologist Patricia Keith-Spiegel, in The Psychology of Humor, references a researcher who analyzed laughter like a malfunctioning engine. According to him, it involves spasms of the diaphragm, upper-body movements, nostril dilation, bulging eyes, and jaw vibrations. Keith-Spiegel observed, “One gets the feeling that a person engaging in this act must be critically ill rather than enjoying himself.” Ever met this serious person? The one who treats jokes like an unnecessary disruption to the universe? They’re probably a frequent flyer in the Chicken Little League.

Yet, sinners, prostitutes, and children loved hanging out with Jesus. Do you think it had anything to do with His laughter? Maybe He cracked a few legendary jokes, maybe His smile could light up a room. Either way, His presence was joyful. And if joy is holy, maybe humor is, too.

By Brad Dison

In 2002, Michael and Kelley Flamoe were house hunting in Tacoma, Washington. They saw several houses which were all nice and would have fit their needs, but something held them back each time. They were all nice houses, but none felt like home to them. Then, the realtor took them to a house at 1112 North J Street in Tacoma. The neighborhood was nice. All of the houses on North J Street were at least two stories. The houses were built on a hill about six feet tall, which gave them the appearance of being taller than they actually were. To get from the sidewalk to the front doors of the houses took two flights of stairs sided with wrought iron hand railings which added to the charm of North J Street. Across the road sat a large grey stone Catholic church. It was a picturesque neighborhood. This house had a unique feature in that it was the only house on the block which had numerous groupings of square columns rather than single round columns supporting the porch and roof. Michael and Kelley loved the craftsman style of the home they were considering, and they had not even walked in the front door. After viewing the house’s interior and large backyard, Micheal and Kelley decided their search was over. At first glance, this house felt like home.

Michael and Kelley moved in a short time later. They were in the process of emptying their mountain of moving boxes when they heard a noise coming from the front of their new home. It was a pleasant noise. Michael and Kelley paused to listen more closely. They heard people singing. They remembered the large Catholic church across the street. Perhaps the parishioners were singing, but they were certain they would be unable to hear the singing through the solid stone walls. Michael and Kelley walked to the front room and peered from the picture window. There, at the base of their two flights of stairs, stood a gathering of people who were singing to their new home. Michael and Kelley gave an awkward smile and wave, their singing neighbors returned the gesture. After three or four songs, they ended on a Christmas song, but Christmas was months away. As soon as they finished singing, the crowd began returning to their nearby homes as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do.

To the crowd, it was perfectly normal. They gathered once a week to sing to the house. Michael and Kelley were not bothered by the act, or by the other strange happenings that occasionally happened in front of their home. Carloads, and sometimes busloads, of tourists would stop in front of their home on the normally quiet street, pile out, take pictures of and selfies with the home, some would sing to the house, then they reboarded their mode of transportation and disappeared as quickly as they had come. The weekly singings and the random visits by tourists happened long before Michael and Kelley moved in and it continues to this day. You see, when Michael and Kelley moved into the home, they paid little attention to a bronze plaque embedded into one of the steps leading to the home. It read, “Birthplace of Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby.”

Source: Steve Dunkelberger, “100+ Years Later: A Look Inside Tacoma’s Historic Bing Crosby House,” South Sound Talk, September 3, 2015, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.southsoundtalk.com/2015/09/03/bing-crosby-house-tacoma/.

National Tourism Day, observed annually on May 7, highlights the significant role tourism plays in the economy and cultural exchange. As the world gradually recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence, bringing renewed attention to its importance.

Tourism contributes trillions of dollars to the global economy and supports millions of jobs. In the United States alone, the travel and tourism industry generated over $1.6 trillion in economic output in 2019, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The industry encompasses various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and retail.

Beyond economic benefits, tourism fosters cultural understanding and global awareness. Travelers gain firsthand experiences of different cultures, traditions, and histories, promoting empathy and global citizenship.

However, the industry also faces challenges, such as environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices. Over-tourism can strain local resources, damage ecosystems, and disrupt communities. As a result, there’s a growing emphasis on responsible tourism, encouraging travelers to minimize their environmental footprint and respect local cultures.

On National Tourism Day, stakeholders in the industry, including travel agencies, hospitality businesses, and government agencies, often host events and campaigns to promote travel and highlight its benefits. It’s also a time to reflect on the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the longevity and positive impact of tourism worldwide.

NONE

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

Harriett Michaud Dowies, 91, was born January 25, 1934, in Ruston La, to Nelson and Ruth Robison Michaud, and passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Mother grew up in Hodge, Louisiana, and graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1951. Mother was so proud of her family’s part in developing Hodge and building the Paper Mill. She graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1955, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. In 1960 she received her Masters degree in Education.

Mother met the love of her life, Carrell G. Dowies, Jr., while he was coaching and teaching at Jonesboro-Hodge High School. After their wedding they lived and raised their 2 sons in Lake Charles, Ruston and Homer.

Our mother was the definition of a “Southern Lady”. She supported Dad, fixed supper every night, and was always well dressed for every occasion. Our family was always amazed that she kept a diary of what she wore to every party or event she attended so she wouldn’t wear the same thing. Mother loved to play bridge. She and her bridge ladies played as often as they could and wherever they could. Mother and Dad also belonged to a Happy Hour group which they loved attending and hosting. Her bridge ladies and their Happy Hour group were cherished friends and had memories for a lifetime.

Her life was fulfilled by following her two grandchildren, Maggie and Stephen, and following all Tech events. The Bulldog football, basketball, baseball and Lady Techster games at home and away were events she and dad always enjoyed attending. She and Dad continued with many college and football friendships through the NAAGQ Club which they were a big part of.

Mother(Gran) was devoted to her family, her church and every community she lived in. She will be missed by her sons, Gil Dowies and wife, Melinda of Homer, Louisiana and Mike Dowies of Franklin, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Maggie Voorhees and husband Matt of Ruston, Louisiana and Stephen Dowies and wife Alex of Athens, Louisiana; 4 great-grandchildren that she adored, Collier and Nena Voorhees and Warren and Cannon Dowies; her sister, Suzanne Michaud Malone of Diana, Texas, sister in laws, Vern Dowies Lancaster of Choudrant and Joyce Zey Dowies of Homer, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mother was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister in law Dorothy Dowies and brother in laws Andy Malone and Jim Dowies.

Services were held at 2:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church of Homer (formally First United Methodist Church) on Monday, April 28, 2025, and Dr. Steve Fowler officiated. The burial followed at Arlington Cemetery. Visitation was held at Cornerstone Church on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 12:30 pm until the time of the service.

Our family cannot thank Dr. Mark Haynes, the Staff and residents of Presbyterian Village of Homer enough for the care and love they gave to Mother. Since October of 2024 they became her extended family. We want to thank Passage Hospice for their loving care of Mother. We also want to thank her sitters who became party of our family. They were with her at home and at Presbyterian Village – Brenda, Debbie, Ethel, Maxine, Yulonda, Audrey, Tenesha, Sherri, Annalee.

Pallbearers for Mother were Trent Anders, Reed Anders, Trent Verdin, Ian Starks, Tony Sanders and Jimmy Hand.

Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Church of Homer, P. O. Box 357, Homer, LA 71040 or donor’s choice.

Effective Monday, April 21, 2025, the Claiborne Parish Police Jury passed a new
ordinance to reduce the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph on the following parish
roads in Claiborne Parish:

Hill Farm Road

Lyons Hill Road

St. John Road

Spring Lake Road

New 25 mph speed limit signs have been posted along the above-mentioned parish
roads.

The purpose of the reduced speed limit is due to the detoured traffic from Louisiana
Highway 146 (White-lightning Road) because of a bridge replacement.

The detoured parish roads are narrower than the state highway and the lanes of travel
are not marked. Due to the anticipated heavy volume of traffic and roadway conditions,
the decision to reduce the speed limit to 25 mph was made to ensure public safety.
Claiborne Parish Sheriff Sam Dowies wanted to thank the members of the Claiborne
Parish Police Jury for their consideration of public safety and implementing the new
speed limit reduction.

Sheriff Dowies believes the lower speed limit will prevent traffic incidents and he has
directed the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies to strictly enforce the new speed
limit of 25 mph.

Residents can expect a mixed bag of weather throughout the week, with chances for showers and thunderstorms before clearer skies arrive for the weekend.

On Wednesday, there is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Conditions will be partly sunny, with highs reaching near 86 degrees. Winds will come from the south at 5 to 10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Wednesday night will bring a higher chance of precipitation. Showers and thunderstorms are possible, especially after 1 a.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy with a low around 67 degrees. The chance of rain increases to 60%, with a south wind around 5 mph.

Thursday will see showers likely and the possibility of a thunderstorm before 1 p.m., followed by a continued chance of showers into the afternoon. Expect partly sunny skies and a high near 85 degrees. South winds will continue at 5 to 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. Rain chances remain at 60%.

By Thursday night, the likelihood of showers and storms decreases to 30% before 1 a.m., with partly cloudy conditions and a low around 63 degrees.

Looking ahead to Friday, showers and thunderstorms remain possible, mainly after 10 a.m. The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 80 degrees. The chance of precipitation stands at 50%.

Friday night carries a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m., with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 58 degrees.

The weekend brings a welcome change:

Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 79 degrees, and Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 54 degrees.

Sunday continues the sunny trend, with a high near 80 degrees and a mostly clear night with lows around 54 degrees.

Looking into early next week:

Monday is forecast to be sunny with a high near 83 degrees, followed by a partly cloudy Monday night with a low around 58 degrees.

Tuesday is expected to be partly sunny, with temperatures climbing to a high near 85 degrees.
Stay tuned to local weather updates for the latest forecasts and any potential changes.

By Steve Graf  

Tournament bass fishing is sometimes about as predictable as the weather. Every single day is
different, even when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate. This is why anglers must be
flexible and willing to adjust.

The anglers who can pivot at the right time are usually the guys who win. Just because you
caught bass one way on Thursday, does not mean you’ll be able to catch them the same way on
Friday. So many factors come in to play when it comes to bass biting. 
 
The weather is probably the biggest factor in how bass react daily. Of course, they bite best
during low or falling barometric pressure days and if there’s one thing I’ve learned over my
many years of tournament fishing, it’s that timing is everything. No matter what body of water
it is, bass are biting somewhere! You just have to be in the right place at the right time.

This is where practice pays off, but you as an angler must pay attention. If you caught fish in a
certain area on Friday at 10 a.m., there’s a good chance those same fish will bite about an hour
later the next day. 
 
But almost every tournament day, anglers must adjust on the fly. Conditions can change hourly,
especially during the spring, as cold fronts come through more often than any other time of the
year. During the summer months, bass are more predictable as weather patterns tend to be
more consistent and stable for days at a time.
 
There are days, however, when anglers are left scratching their heads and questioning the bait
and technique they are using. It’s a running joke with anglers that memos are sent out to all
bass on the morning the tournament starts.

It’s like they’ve been notified to be aware that there are bass fishermen on the water today
looking to jerk them into a bass boat. Therefore, bass should avoid all artificial lures and be
alert for anything that resembles live bait and approach all food sources with caution!

While we all know bass can’t read, there are times when it seems someone has made them
aware that anglers are on the water.
 
Sometimes, I think we as anglers give bass way too much intellectual credit, but with so much
fishing pressure on our lakes today, bass are becoming more educated and can be difficult to
catch. Day after day, hour after hour, bass are seeing so many lures that they have become
warry of anything that doesn’t look like natural forage.  
 
This is the challenge that I absolutely love about bass fishing! How can I put together a recipe to
catch these little green creatures we call bass. Because the ultimate goal is to put a heavy five-
fish limit in the boat that will allow me to either win or cash a check.
 
But so many times, the tournament never goes the way you planned. There comes a point
during the day that you must rethink your strategy and approach. This is when the word
“adjustment” comes into play.
 
Like so many professional anglers will tell you, bass fishing is all about decision making. Anglers
that make the right adjustments at the right time are usually the ones holding up the trophy at
the end of the day. 
 
Bass fishing is becoming more and more difficult even with all the great lures and equipment
we have as anglers. The days of going out and catching a hundred bass in a day are pretty much
gone. Why? I feel it’s all because of one word, “pressure.”
 
Boat ramps that used to be empty Monday through Thursday, are now full seven days a week.
The bass never get a break from the pressure with so many anglers on the water every single
day. Also, we now have Livescope, a tool that allows anglers to go after every bass. 
 
Today, there’s no longer a safe haven for bass to retreat to and get a break from all the fishing
pressure. Daily, bass are chased and pursued all over the lake with no time to recover. 

 
This is why so many tournaments today are won by anglers who make the right decisions and
adjustments in order to put themselves in position for the win or cash a check. 

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to wear your life jacket every time your
big engine is running.  
 
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

I enjoy a well-kept lawn. My efforts in the back yard are stymied by the two dogs which own and very loudly protect their backyard turf. It is their kingdom. Both have archaeological projects going on at present. Their holes are immense. The lawn mower does strange things when I hit one of the dog’s holes.

I have no such challenge in the front yard. Mowing the yard is a task that I enjoy. The project happens on a weekly basis. At the end of the project, I can look at the lawn and see that I have finished. So much of my life is incomplete. The joke is that ministers only work on Sunday mornings and then only for a few minutes. The truth is we work all the time, and our job is never finished. I drove to the office before the sun rose this morning and made a list of the calls I didn’t make yesterday or needed to make this afternoon. We live in a state of incompleteness. (Another article for another time.) Mowing the yard is a task that I can complete.

Right now, even when I have completed the task, my lawn leaves something to be desired. Many of the lawns in the Gibsland metroplex have the same problem. You see, in Gibsland we have the Jonquil Jubilee on the first weekend in March. As a participant in the Jubilee, I have planted Jonquils along the sidewalk and in random places in the yard. This year they popped up in several random places.

The thing about Jonquils is that you don’t cut them down until Mother’s Day weekend. They need sunlight to keep the bulb healthy and to help them bloom for the 2026 Jonquil Jubilee. The committee looks unfavorably upon Jonquils that don’t bloom!

If you drive to Gibsland you will see the remainder of the jonquils. The people in town know what these spindly plants are, but visitors to our fair city might think we don’t know how to operate a lawn mower. The good news is that the time to cut them down is getting close. The jonquils are not weeds, but they sure look like it to the untrained eye.

So, my lawn looks messy even though I am mowing it regularly. If you come by after Mother’s Day, you will really see a difference. Also, all the lawn people mowing professionally will be happy that finally the Jonquils can be cut. Until then, don’t judge us if we are helping the plants get ready for the big show in ’26.

I remind you of the words of Jesus, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” It applies to lawns and to human behavior.

By Brad Dison

Robert Norman was born in Daytona, Florida, in October 1942. He grew up loving animals and nature. As a child, he raised a baby alligator in the family bathtub. For unknown reasons, he quit school and went to work with his father, Jack, as a carpenter. After an accident with a saw in which he cut off the tip of his left index finger, Robert lost what little desire he had for woodwork.
In late 1960 or early 1961, 18-year-old Robert joined the Air Force. He was initially stationed at a base in Florida, but, at six-foot-two, with flat feet, and an uncompleted high school education, Robert was not eligible to become a pilot. Instead, his superiors assigned him to a desk job as a medical records technician. In 1963, Robert was transferred to Eielson Air Force Base, about 25 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska. Robert had spent all of his life in warm and cozy Florida. The frigid environment in Alaska was in complete contrast to what he had known in Florida. Robert said he was 21 years old when he saw snow for the first time. He said later that Alaska, “has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery that I’d ever seen.”

Through the years, Robert earned numerous promotions. He eventually became a military training instructor, what most of us refer to as a drill instructor. To supplement his Air Force income and as a means to escape, he took a second job as a bartender and spent hours staring at the snow-covered mountains. “I was the guy who makes you scrub the latrine, the guy who makes you make your bed, the guy who screams at you for being late to work,” Robert explained. “The job requires you to be a mean, tough person, and I was fed up with it.” Robert was good at his job and earned the nickname “Bust ‘em up Bobby.” He said later, “I promised myself that if I ever got away from it, I wasn’t going to be that way anymore.” He hated the person he had to be at work, a “mean, tough person.” In 1981, after 20 years of service, Robert, then a master sergeant, decided he had had enough. He retired and was determined to never raise his voice again. He also abandoned the clean-cut hairstyle required by the military.

Based on classes he took while in the Air Force, Robert found a new vocation. He began teaching in 30-minute episodes which were broadcast on public television (PBS). He unexpectedly became a cultural phenomenon. Unlike his years screaming at fresh recruits during boot camp, Robert became known for his voice which was “so soothing that its effect was once compared to Demerol.” Robert taught the world to paint “pretty little mountains,” “happy little clouds,” and “happy little trees.” Thankfully, few people remember “Bust ‘em up Bobby,” but the world remembers Robert Norman “Bob” Ross and his television series entitled “the Joy of Painting.”

Sources:

1. The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts), July 15, 1995, p.49.

2. Blake Stilwell, “Famous Veteran: Bob Ross,” Military.com, May 31, 2013, accessed April 27, 2025, https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/famous-veteran-bob-ross.html.

3. Sara Kettler, “How Bob Ross’s Time in the Air Force Inspired His Paintings,” Biography.com, June 4, 2020, accessed April 27, 2025, https://www.biography.com/artists/bob-ross-air-force.

4. “The Bob Ross Story,” Bob Ross, accessed April 27, 2025, https://experience.bobross.com/the-bob-ross-experience/.

DCFS Urges Families to Verify Addresses, Replace Lost Cards Early

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) announced today that the state will once again participate in the SUN Bucks program for summer 2025. The program offers a one-time $120 grocery benefit to eligible children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.

“Most eligible children will be automatically enrolled and do not need to apply,” said Sammy Guillory, Assistant Secretary for Family Support at DCFS. Guillory noted that in 2024, nearly 670,000 Louisiana children received over $80 million in SUN Bucks benefits, with only about 1,500 needing to apply manually.

DCFS is encouraging families to update their addresses with SNAP, the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), the Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP), or income-based Medicaid, as well as through their child’s school or foster care case worker, to avoid delays in receiving benefits. Families who have lost their EBT or SUN Bucks cards from last year should request replacements immediately by calling 1-888-997-1117.

Distribution of SUN Bucks will begin in the second half of May for children who are automatically enrolled, and continue throughout the summer as additional applications are processed or as families begin receiving qualifying benefits.

Who Is Eligible for SUN Bucks?
Children born between August 8, 2006, and July 1, 2019, are eligible if they meet one of the following conditions:

Received SNAP, FITAP, KCSP, or income-based Medicaid (with household income under 185% of the federal poverty level) between July 1, 2024, and August 8, 2025;
Were individually approved for free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP);
Attend a Community Eligibility Provision school but do not receive SNAP, FITAP, KCSP, or Medicaid benefits. These families must apply to determine eligibility.
Parents can apply at louisiana.summerebtapp.com.

How Will Families Receive Benefits?
Families enrolled in SNAP will receive SUN Bucks on their current EBT cards.
Families who received SUN Bucks in 2024 will use the same EBT card for 2025.
New participants not enrolled in SNAP will receive a preloaded EBT card by mail.
Families needing a replacement card can request one by calling 1-888-997-1117, visiting LifeInCheckEBT.com, using the LifeInCheck EBT mobile app, or logging into the CAFE system.

SUN Bucks benefits must be used within 122 days of being issued. Unused benefits will expire and cannot be restored.

For more information, including a detailed FAQ, visit sunbucks.la.gov.

Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights laws and USDA policies, the SUN Bucks program prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or prior civil rights activity.

Program information is available in multiple languages, and accommodations are offered for individuals with disabilities. To file a discrimination complaint, individuals may complete the USDA’s Form AD-3027 available here or contact the USDA by mail, fax, or email as outlined on their website.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Residents of the Minden area are once again rallying around Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse that shares the true meaning of Christmas with children in need worldwide. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., pastors and community leaders from Webster, Claiborne, and Bienville parishes will gather at First Minden to kick off this year’s collection season. The local goal: to pack more than 6,378 shoeboxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items.

The event will feature Pastor Mark Brumbelow and his wife, Cherry, from Grace Baptist Church in Wild Peach, Texas. The couple has witnessed firsthand how faith and determination can lead to remarkable outcomes. In 2014, Pastor Brumbelow challenged his 30-member congregation to fill 500 shoebox gifts — and they exceeded expectations, packing 532. Grace Baptist Church has continued to grow, recently celebrating a major milestone by packing their 100,000th shoebox in May 2024.

This fall, Minden’s collection site will serve as the first stop on the journey of thousands of gift-filled shoeboxes that will eventually reach children in more than 100 countries. Operation Christmas Child, working through local churches around the globe, aims to deliver hope and joy to over 12 million children this year.

To register for the speaker event, contact Brenda Teal by emailing brendateal16@gmail.com or by calling/texting 318-663-7508.

For those interested in participating in Operation Christmas Child, more information is available at samaritanspurse.org/occ. National Collection Week is scheduled for November 17–24. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through the “Follow Your Box” program, which provides a tracking label to discover the destination of each gift. Virtual packing options are also available for those who prefer online shopping.

Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million shoebox gifts to children across more than 170 countries and territories, demonstrating God’s love in a tangible way and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

April 30 is a day rich with diverse observances. National Raisin Day celebrates the dried grape, a staple in many cuisines and a significant agricultural product, particularly in California’s Central Valley. Raisins are not only a healthy snack but also a key ingredient in numerous recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes.

The day also marks National Bugs Bunny Day, commemorating the debut of the iconic cartoon character in 1938. Bugs Bunny, with his witty catchphrase “What’s up, Doc?” has become a cultural icon, entertaining generations through his clever antics and resilience.

Additionally, April 30 is observed as Honesty Day in the United States. Established in the 1990s, this day encourages honesty in communication, relationships, and politics. It serves as a counterbalance to April Fools’ Day, promoting truthfulness and integrity in daily interactions.

Richard Leon McIlwain
June 12, 1943 — April 26, 2025
Graveside Service will be held Wednesday April 30 at 11a.m. in the Arlington Cemeteryin 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 middle of the week is expected to bring a series of wet weather patterns to the region, with multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms forecast through Friday. While conditions are expected to improve over the weekend, residents should remain weather-aware through the end of the workweek.

Wednesday:
Scattered showers are expected to begin in the morning hours, with a slight chance of thunderstorms developing later in the day. The likelihood of more widespread rain and possible thunderstorms increases after 1 p.m. Skies will remain mostly cloudy throughout the day, with a high near 82°F. Winds will be calm, becoming southerly around 5 mph. Rain chance: 60%.

Wednesday Night:
Showers and thunderstorms remain possible overnight under mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures will drop to a low around 62°F. Winds will be calm. Rain chance: 40%.

Thursday:
Rain remains in the forecast, with scattered showers in the morning and a possibility of thunderstorms after 10 a.m. The high will reach near 83°F with mostly cloudy skies. Winds will be light and variable, becoming south at 5 mph by afternoon. Rain chance: 50%.

Thursday Night:
A continued chance of showers and thunderstorms persists overnight. Mostly cloudy with a low around 64°F. Rain chance: 50%.

Friday:
More active weather is expected, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, increasing to likely showers and possible storms in the afternoon. The high will be near 83°F. Rain chance: 60%.

Friday Night:
Shower and thunderstorm activity is expected to taper off somewhat, with a 30% chance of rain under mostly cloudy skies. The low will be around 63°F.

Saturday:
The weekend begins with a slight chance of morning showers and an increased chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Skies will be partly sunny, and the high will be near 85°F. Rain chance: 30%.

Saturday Night:
Conditions begin to clear, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 63°F.

Sunday:
A return to more stable weather is expected. Mostly sunny skies and a high near 87°F are forecast.

Sunday Night:
Clear skies will continue into the evening with a low around 65°F.

Monday:
Temperatures rise as the new week begins, with mostly sunny conditions and a high near 90°F.

Residents are encouraged to keep an umbrella handy through Friday and to monitor local forecasts for potential updates on severe weather risks.

By Steve Graf  

Are the “good ol’ days” of the Bassmaster Classic behind us? Has the Super Bowl of bass fishing
lost its luster? Have we lost a generation of fans who refuse to watch a Bassmaster weigh-in?
Has real time live coverage become a factor deterring people from wanting to attend the
Classic weigh-in?  Here’s my perspective on whether it’s time to address some of the issues
facing the Bassmaster organization.

There was a time when the Bassmaster Classic was the event of the year in the world of
professional bass fishing, and it still is but in a different manner. People around the world tune
into this event as more and more top anglers continue to come across the pond and fish against
the best anglers in the world.

For years, arenas were packed to the roof to watch a Classic weigh-in. Crowds up to 20,000
were so big, they had to turn away fans due to the limited capacity of the arena. It wasn’t just a
weigh-in, it was a show! It was where celebrities showed up, including Presidents, to watch the
best anglers in the world at the biggest event in the world of professional bass fishing.

It was a sponsor’s exposure dream show with truck and boat wraps highlighting their company
logos. Every Bassmaster Classic’s huge video board honored champions and the history of the
sport. But the pinnacle of excitement was the drama of not knowing who would be leading at
the end of the daily weigh-in.

Then what most thought was the greatest thing to happen to the sport of professional bass
fishing, ESPN purchased B.A.S.S. (Bassmaster organization) and offered live daily coverage. This
took the sport to another level, but it eliminated the suspense of the weigh-in because people
already knew what each angler had based on the live coverage they watched all day.  

Even when the daily live TV coverage stopped, people switched over to the internet where live
coverage continued up to one hour before the weigh-in. So, they (B.A.S.S.) once again
eliminated the suspense and the drama that comes with a Classic weigh-in. 

Attendance is down for a lot of major sports across the country as live TV/internet coverage has
allowed people to stay home and watch it from the comfort of their favorite chairs with their
own supply of snacks that don’t cost a fortune.

No longer do fans have to sit in long traffic jams or wade through thousands of people trying to
enter a stadium. No longer are they willing to pay up to $50 for parking as host cities abuse and
take advantage of people wanting to attend a Classic. It’s just easier to watch it from home!

So how can the Bassmaster organization fix this problem? First, if they are going to continue
with live coverage, maybe move the weigh-ins back to the lake. Or they need to make sure the
Expo show is at the same location as the Classic weigh-in so that fans don’t have to pay double
parking to attend both. 

When it comes to live broadcasts, maybe they need to shorten the coverage so that fans don’t
know exactly what the anglers have until they watch the weigh-in.

If I remember right, the Classic weigh-in used to be delayed a few hours and aired at night. But
with social media today, I’m not sure if that’s even possible. With respect to live coverage, you
can’t put the genie back in the bottle. 

The time has come for B.A.S.S. to re-evaluate the Bassmaster Classic and how it’s being
covered. While live coverage has been a game changer for the sport of professional bass
fishing, B.A.S.S. now has the task of trying to figure out what’s more important — people
attending a Classic weigh-in or continuing with live up-to-the-minute TV and internet coverage.

‘Til next time, keep your hooks wet, fresh line on your reels and go fishing every chance you
get. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

April 23 is known as World Book and Copyright Day, a UNESCO observance celebrating reading, authorship, and the power of the written word. Fittingly, it’s also the day the literary world remembers the passing of William Shakespeare—arguably the most influential writer in the English language—who died on April 23, 1616.

More than four centuries later, Shakespeare’s legacy remains deeply embedded in global culture, language, and education. From classroom recitations to modern film adaptations, the Bard’s work continues to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought across generations.

Shakespeare’s death on April 23, 1616, is poetic in more ways than one. Not only is it the date traditionally recognized as his birthday (April 23, 1564), but it also closely aligns with the death of Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, who died a day earlier. Though discrepancies in calendars and dating systems make the alignment imperfect, the symbolic significance has endured. In 1995, UNESCO declared April 23 as World Book Day in part to honor both literary giants.

This dual commemoration turns April 23 into a day not only of literary reverence but also of reflection on storytelling’s power to bridge centuries, cultures, and ideologies.

William Shakespeare’s impact on the English language is virtually unparalleled. He introduced hundreds of new words and phrases into common usage—terms like “eyeball,” “bedazzled,” “swagger,” and expressions such as “break the ice,” “wild-goose chase,” and “heart of gold.”

Beyond vocabulary, Shakespeare’s explorations of love, power, revenge, jealousy, and mortality resonate as deeply today as they did in Elizabethan England. His plays have been translated into more than 100 languages and are performed more often than those of any other playwright in history.

Despite the archaic phrasing and iambic pentameter that can initially intimidate students, educators continue to make the case for Shakespeare’s relevance. His works are taught not just for their poetic beauty but for their complex characters, psychological insight, and the universal themes that define the human experience.

In Stratford-upon-Avon, England—Shakespeare’s birthplace—April 23 is typically marked by parades, theatrical performances, and wreath-laying ceremonies at his grave. Thousands of visitors flock to the town each year to walk in the Bard’s footsteps, tour his childhood home, and attend events at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

This year, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is hosting a weeklong series of lectures, virtual readings, and live performances to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, libraries and schools around the world are using the date to highlight the importance of literature, promote reading programs, and encourage youth literacy.

In Spain, events honoring Cervantes are also underway, especially in Madrid and Alcalá de Henares, where literary walking tours and public readings of Don Quixote draw crowds. This shared observance between Shakespeare and Cervantes speaks to the timeless, borderless nature of great literature.

April 23 also highlights the modern implications of creative work. World Book and Copyright Day isn’t just about celebrating authors—it’s also a reminder of the legal and economic structures that support them.

As digital publishing continues to reshape the literary landscape, debates about copyright protection, piracy, and fair compensation have taken center stage. The rapid rise of AI-generated content, in particular, has ignited concern among authors, publishers, and artists about the need to safeguard intellectual property.

UNESCO’s 2024 campaign places renewed emphasis on protecting the rights of content creators, especially in developing nations where access to books and publishing infrastructure remains limited. The theme this year, “Read, Preserve, Create,” ties together heritage and innovation.

Far from being relics of the past, Shakespeare’s works have found new life online. From TikTok adaptations of Romeo and Juliet to podcast reimaginings of Hamlet, Gen Z audiences are putting their own spin on the classics. Entire social media accounts are devoted to “modernizing” Shakespearean insults and soliloquies, giving the 400-year-old texts a sharp, humorous twist.

Streaming services have also helped reintroduce Shakespeare to broader audiences. Modern retellings like 10 Things I Hate About You (The Taming of the Shrew) and The Lion King (Hamlet) continue to draw new fans who may not even realize they’re enjoying Shakespearean plots.

The enduring popularity of the Bard’s work speaks to its adaptability—and its ability to be reshaped without losing its soul.

While April 23 honors some of the greatest names in literature, it is ultimately a day meant for readers. Libraries, bookstores, and literacy organizations around the world are encouraging people to pick up a book, attend a literary event, or donate reading materials to underserved communities.

Book-sharing events, read-a-thons, and poetry slams are popping up in cities and towns large and small. Many schools are distributing free books or hosting creative writing contests to inspire young authors.

In an age of streaming videos, short-form content, and algorithm-driven entertainment, World Book Day is a gentle nudge to slow down and reconnect with the written word.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) held a press conference today at its headquarters in Baton Rouge to kick off National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), running from April 21 to April 25. DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue, alongside representatives from the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, emphasized the critical importance of safety in work zones for both drivers and roadway workers.

This year’s theme, “Respect the zone so we all go home,” serves as a reminder of the responsibility each motorist carries in ensuring safety when traveling through these areas. This annual campaign aims to raise public awareness about the vital role individuals play in protecting not only themselves, but also the workers dedicated to improving our transportation infrastructure.

In 2023, the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse reported 898 work zone-related fatalities across the nation, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and proactive participation in work zone safety advocacy. DOTD has established a safety cone memorial in front of its headquarters to honor those who have lost their lives in work zones. This tribute also honors the 14 lives lost in Louisiana work zones in 2023.

“Every year DOTD pays tribute to those lost in work zones with a memorial cone tribute,” Donahue said. “This serves as a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices made by workers who strive to improve our transportation infrastructure. Our top priority is ensuring the safety of both motorists and workers in these zones. It’s essential for all of us to come together to make work zones safer for everyone.”

“The safety of Louisiana’s roadways is a shared responsibility, starting with respect for the men and women working in active construction zones,” Louisiana State Police Colonel Robert Hodges said. “Work zones are not just construction sites. They are workplaces where real people are doing essential jobs to keep our roads safe and functional. Every driver must slow down, stay alert, and respect the zone. The choices we make behind the wheel directly impact the lives of those working just feet away. Let’s take that responsibility seriously and make sure everyone gets home safely.”

“Respect is simply about recognizing the worth of a person and the things they do,” Louisiana Highway Safety Commissioner Lisa Freeman said. “Certainly, the workers in our work zones qualify for our respect. They have more than earned it. Even beyond the golden rule approach in treating our workers the way we would want to be treated, showing respect translates into good public safety. And that’s something we should practice—in all places, at all times.”

As part of NWZAW, DOTD, together with transportation agencies across the country, invites the public to participate in Go Orange Day on April 23. This initiative encourages individuals to wear orange as a visual reminder of work zone safety. Participants are encouraged to share their support on social media using the hashtags #GoOrange4Safety and #NWZAW or to email their photos to dotdpi@la.gov.

By Brad Dison

As a teenager, John “Duff” Lowe was a budding pianist. In February 1958, a friend of his from school knew of Duff’s playing ability and asked him to join his band. With little consideration, 15-year-old Duff agreed. Being in the band was tough on Duff. On Sunday afternoons, the band would rehearse for Saturday night gigs which were anything but frequent, and his bandmates lived on the other side of the city. Just to get to rehearsals, Duff, too young to drive himself, had to take two buses. Like the rehearsals, their sporadic bookings were usually across town as well. With his school schedule, Duff was unable to meet up with the band during the week.

On Saturday afternoon, July 12, 1958, five months after joining the band, Duff and his bandmates went to a shop owned by Percy Phillips. Percy sold a variety of consumer goods including electrical appliances, batteries, and bicycles from the front of the shop. In the back of his shop was a soundproof room where Percy had a small and simple recording studio. Bands paid a small fee to make a recording, and each song was recorded in a single take directly onto an acetate disc. On that hot July day, Duff and his bandmates went to Percy Phillips’s back-room studio and recorded two songs: “That’ll Be the Day,” a cover version of Buddy Holley’s 1956 hit song, and an original slow-paced doo-wop song called “In Spite of All the Danger.” Duff and his bandmates were proud of the record, but they could not afford to make duplicates. To solve the dilemma of who would keep the record, they decided that each band member would get to keep the record for a week, then he would pass it to another member. Duff was the last member in the rotation.

The band was, as the expression says, going nowhere fast. Duff tired of the long treks to and from rehearsals. He was also missing out on the camaraderie that the other band members were experiencing during the week. Two years after joining the band, Ricky Tomlinson, leader of another band called “Hobo Rick & the City Slickers,” heard about Duff’s abilities. With the lure of fame and fortune, and more importantly, less bus trips, Ricky convinced Duff to abandon his current band and to join his band. Have you ever heard of “Hobo Rick & the City Slickers?” They failed to become household names and only lasted a short time.

Duff became a successful stockbroker. In 1981, Duff was looking in his sock drawer when he found the old 10-inch acetate record that he and his original band had recorded at Percy Phillips’ studio 23 years earlier. We can only speculate as to Duff’s reaction to finding the recording which everyone thought was lost forever. Duff eventually sold the record to one of his former bandmates, Paul, and it is said to be the most valuable record in the world. That 10-inch acetate disc, recorded with Duff as a member of the Quarrymen, was the first recording of the band that became the Beatles.

Sources:

1. “John Duff Lowe – Piano,” The Original Quarrymen, accessed April 20, 2025, http://www.originalquarrymen.co.uk/html/duff.html.

2. “The Percy Phillips Studio Collection,” International Beatle Week, accessed April 20, 2025, https://www.internationalbeatleweek.com/special-events-percy-phillips/.

3. “The Quarrymen – That’ll Be The Day,” Youtube, accessed April 20, 2025, https://youtu.be/R4_LMMKq8Hw?si=_xdGsglSsFxWO_yf.

4. “In Spite of All the Danger – The Quarrymen,” Youtube.com, accessed April 20, 2025, https://youtu.be/RuuOAA9ekbg?si=qWnhgZc9v5EqIisZ.

5. The Daily Telegraph, August 18, 1981, p.8.

6. The Westmorland Gazette, September 7, 2017, p.M73.

By Doug De Graffenried

The other day, I found myself at Lowe’s in Bossier City—a trip born out of necessity. I needed a widget for my thingamabob. The parking lot was packed, and I squeezed my truck into a tight spot. As I made my way toward the entrance, something caught my eye: a man on a Harley rolled up and parked his bike between rows of ferns and porch-hanging potted plants. It was an unusual sight, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Lowe’s, on a weekday, is primarily a sea of trucks—around 85% of the vehicles, I’d say. The remaining 15%? Cars parked near the garden center, their drivers on missions to buy potted plants for their porches. But a Harley? That was new. Sure, it’s a valid mode of transportation, but Lowe’s is a place for buying, not just browsing, and most of what you buy there needs a truck to haul away. I couldn’t help but wonder: How does one transport 2x4s on the back of a motorcycle? Fold sheetrock to fit into saddle bags? Maybe he was on a simpler errand—collecting paint swatches or flooring samples to tuck into his leather jacket.

Harley riders surely shop at Lowe’s, but in all my years, I’d never seen one parked out front. He was the real deal, too. We entered together, and his look screamed “biker dude”—head-to-toe leather, long hair, a beard, and a bandana under his helmet. I couldn’t resist speculating about his purpose: Was he signing a contract for a remodeling project? Parting with some hard-earned cash? I should’ve stuck around to see what he bought. This unexpected encounter sparked the idea for an article—something light, maybe even nonsensical.

Speaking of nonsensical, Sunday is shaping up to be that kind of day for ministers in the pulpit. Last week, we pulled out all the stops for Easter—Cantatas, extra services on Friday, sunrise sermons, and packed pews. Easter is a big deal, attracting what we fondly call the “C and E crowd”—those who show up for Christmas and Easter. I’m grateful for their presence twice a year! Lately, there’s talk of a third letter—“M”—for Mother’s Day, which seems to bring some of them back.

But this Sunday? It’s what we call “Low Sunday.” Attendance on the Sundays following Easter and Christmas tends to dip dramatically. The Easter crowd resumes their usual schedule, and many regulars take the day off. It’s a puzzling phenomenon I’ve observed over the years. If we’re doing our jobs—proclaiming the good news that “He is risen”—shouldn’t that message inspire people to return the next Sunday to hear how the story unfolds?

Perhaps our preaching needs to better translate the miracle of the empty tomb into hearts filled with Jesus. This Sunday, I’ll look out and see lots of empty spaces, I’ll be wondering: Where did all the Easter people go?

Maybe, just maybe, they rode their Harleys to Lowe’s.

Golfers from across the region are teeing up for a good cause as Main Street Homer hosts its annual Two-Man Scramble Golf Tournament on Saturday, April 26 at the Homer Golf Course. The community event promises friendly competition, exciting prizes, and meaningful support for the ongoing revitalization of downtown Homer.

The tournament kicks off with check-in at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 9:00 a.m. tee time. Organized into three flights, the event will feature cash payouts, giving teams across all skill levels a chance to win big.

Participants can take advantage of fun tournament extras, including:

$10 Mulligans

$5 Challenge – Hit a 5 Iron on Hole #5

Entry fees are set at $100 per player or $200 per two-man team, and include food, drinks, and lagniappe, ensuring players are well taken care of throughout the day.

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit Main Street Homer’s mission to restore and revitalize the historic heart of the town. Organizers are encouraging early registration, as space is limited.

Interested players can register online at http://www.MainStreetHomer.com or scan the QR code available on event flyers. For more information, contact Jimmy Hand via email at JHand@MainStreetHomer.com or by phone at 318-548-5621.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking to support a great cause, this tournament offers a perfect blend of community spirit and competitive fun on the greens.