Get ready! It’s the time of year that all anglers look forward to… the fall-feeding frenzy…where bass gorge themselves to the point that it looks like they ate a football! It’s official, the bass buffet is now open for all bass, large and small. October in the south is probably one of the best months of the year to go out and catch a lot of bass as they migrate up the creeks chasing shad. This fiesta occurs each year as the days get shorter, triggering largemouth bass to start fattening up for the long winter months.

Probably the first question: What baits should be thrown in order to give yourself the best opportunity to catch these hungry bass? Well, that’s a million-dollar question, but today you’ll get an angler’s perspective on the best baits that will put the odds in your favor. First, you have to understand the prey you’re trying to mimic because bass can be a little finicky this time of year. Baitfish, also known as shad, is the main thing they are looking for as the bass head up the creeks. They will travel in small wolf packs rounding up and forcing balls of shad (bait fish) into shallow water where they will ambush them with force. Remember, they won’t bite just any old bait, it must be something that looks similar to what they are eating.

One of the best baits for this style of fishing is a crankbait. Several come to mind like a Bandit 100 or 200 series in a shad pattern they call pearl/black back.  Strike King also makes a great crankbait in what is called the KVD Series (designed by pro angler Kevin Van Dam). Their best colors are a green gizzard shad or what they call sexy shad. Both are great shad imitators and will get the job done. Remember, it’s not complicated, just try to throw something that looks like bait fish or shad. The next great choice would be a spinnerbait, as nothing mimics shad better than a skirted spinnerbait with either double willow blades or a three-bladed spinnerbait. The three-bladed baits are very popular and productive this time of year.

Now let’s look at two great baits for topwater action. A Heddon Zara Spook or the Zara Puppy in a clear or shad color should be your first choice when it comes to walking-style bait. This is bait that literally walks side to side when being retrieved. It mimics bait fish running across the top of the water and bass just can’t stand it; they have to eat it! The next bait of choice for topwater is a buzz bait. This is a bait that looks similar to a spinner bait but is fished as a topwater with a big propeller-type blade. Most will come with a skirt just like a spinnerbait, but this time of year it’s better if you take the skirt off and replace it with some type of white wide tail grub, a twin tail grub, or a Zoom Horney Toad. Again, you’re just trying to mimic shad or bait fish scurrying across the water in order to trigger bass into biting.

I hope these suggestions will help you this fall as you head for your favorite body of water looking to take advantage of this awesome time of year. Another great thing about fall fishing is the fact that many of our lakes and waterways are bare of anglers since many of them are headed for the woods looking to put meat in their freezer with a deer or two, or maybe a few bushy tails.  Some days, you’ll literally have the lake all to yourself; that’s when the fun begins!  Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Take it from this angler, Melanoma is not something you want to deal with. 

Steve Graf – Owner Co-Host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down
Show &Tackle Talk Live

David Smith, Louisiana Manager, Argent Mineral Management

With oil and natural gas prices at such high levels, the market may be ripe to lease mineral rights. When presented with a lease offer, I and my colleagues at Argent Mineral Management recommend a two-step negotiation process.

The first part involves negotiating the primary term of the lease, bonus per acre, and royalty rate. Generally, the first offer is not the best, and other potential parties may also be interested in leasing the same tract.

It is also helpful to research the area around your minerals to determine if any companies (and which companies) are actively operating in that area to consider if competing offers can be generated. If possible, another tool to maximize your leverage is to determine if you can act in concert with other mineral owners in the area. These other owners can help to increase the size of the fractionalized interests while also offering insight into the terms they have been presented. Mineral managers or legal professionals who actively negotiate in the area also should be consulted for their opinion of market conditions.

While negotiating the primary term, it is in your best interest to keep it as short as possible. Terms of three years or less are preferred, and I strongly discourage an option period (also known as a “kicker”) for extending the term. Negotiating a high bonus per acre is a priority, but do not let the promise of a higher bonus sacrifice your royalty rate (percentage paid on production). Leases typically last for as long as oil and gas are produced in paying quantities.

To maximize the long-term value of your payments, a higher royalty rate is the leading consideration when negotiating terms.

Once terms have been agreed to, the second step is to negotiate the governing document surrounding the lease. Lease documents, as presented, almost always favor the operator. This contract determines how you are paid and the amount of activity on your minerals. Some important clauses to consider adding include:

• Royalty valuation should be free of costs and valued at the higher of “market value” or “proceeds” at the point of sale or use (“no deduction clause”)
• Right to inspection, records, information, and audit
• Limiting the lease to certain depths (“depth clause”)
• Limiting the amount of acreage an operator can maintain with one well (“pugh clause”)
• Limiting the amount of acreage that can be pooled with other owners in the area
• Do not warrant title

A properly negotiated lease can help secure the wealth-generating power of mineral assets to benefit owners and their future generations, as well as ensure that you are getting a fair lease offer.

Find Out Today
500 East Reynolds Drive
Ruston, Louisiana 71270
318-251-5800

By Josh Beavers

I graduated high school close to 30 years ago. In that time, I’ve never been to a class reunion or a homecoming. I don’t know why. Just kinda left that world and never thought much about going back.

So, I really don’t have much experience with homecomings. Meeting people for the first time again. What I mean by that is when we go years between seeing someone, talking to them, those people become strangers to us once more.

Even if you were the closest of friends for years, let a decade go by and that bond will wither and likely die. There’s nothing to keep it alive.

I guess that’s why people like reunions. Homecomings. Class gatherings after so many years apart. I saw that this past Friday when I went to a local high school’s homecoming. It wasn’t my school. I was there for the football game and to take pictures for social media.

Before the game, the classes of 1962, 72, 82, 92, 02, and 12 were honored. The further back you went, the fewer returnees there were. Taken by time, or distance, or loss of interest.

Because that’s what life is. A series of gains and then losses. Of highs and then the inevitable lows. Of either going into a crisis, currently enduring one, or living that sweet life where you’re in the blissful bit after coming out of one.

The reunion gives you a glimpse into a good part of your life. Makes you feel warm from the fuzzy memories it kindles. Why would people go if they didn’t get that good feeling?

And while this wasn’t my homecoming, and I’ve not been to my own since graduating back in 97, I still had that happy feeling when I met someone again for the first time.

Out of the crowd came bounding a red-headed memory. It was an old friend and colleague who had gone on to brighter lights and bigger things. She was at the game to cheer on her niece.

When I saw her, so many memories flooded back of long-ago battles in the reporter bullpen, of court cases, of an alcohol referendum and the bitterness it brought out, of lawsuits between political bodies, of especially dirty elections and dirtier politicians who we ended up help put behind bars, of five-alarm fires, of explosions, and interviews with CNN which ended with the quote “it was a big boom.”

And as she told me what the past 10 years had brought to her life, all I could think of was one of my favorite words.

The word “sonder” means having a “Profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one’s own, which they are constantly living despite one’s personal lack of awareness of it.”

Tim McGraw also summed it up in “Where the Green Grass Grows.”

Six lanes, tail lights
Red ants marching into the night
They disappear to the left and right again

Everyone on the field had their own unique lives with hopes and dreams and fears and accomplishments and failures and strengths and weaknesses. They are just as strong and powerful and varied as yours.

From 10 to 50 years apart, the ones gathered for homecoming joined to share in that human bond, the need and desire for belonging and calling others your own.

It wasn’t mine, but it gave me the chance to meet someone again for the first time. I sorta understand now why people go to class and family reunions.

It felt good to meet again. It was a lesson learned and a small bit of growth given to me by God.

I may even mosey on up to Haynesville in the Fall of 2027 when my 30th-anniversary class reunion rolls around.

Wow.

30 years.

Don’t they go by in a blink?

Josh Beavers is a teacher and a writer. He has been honored five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Brandon B. Brown announced that Elena E. Rivers, 30, and Tryton Alonzo Thomas, 33, both of Many, Louisiana, have been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine in the Sabine Parish area. United States District Judge Donald E. Walter sentenced the defendants as follows:

Thomas was sentenced to 262 months (21 years, 10 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.  Rivers was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities in the Many, Louisiana area. According to evidence presented to the court, Thomas sold methamphetamine to numerous individuals. Specifically, law enforcement agents obtained video evidence in September 2021, when Thomas sold over 100 grams of methamphetamine on four occasions.  On September 29, 2021, agents observed Rivers drive Thomas from her house to conduct a drug transaction. When Thomas and Rivers arrived, law enforcement agents attempted to make a traffic stop but Rivers placed the car in gear and fled the scene. As she fled, she narrowly missed hitting two deputies who were on foot. During the chase that ensued, deputies observed Thomas throw a bag containing a white substance from the car. Deputies were able to locate and recover the bag which contained methamphetamine. Rivers and Thomas were apprehended by law enforcement agents. Following the chase, deputies executed a search warrant on Rivers’ residence and discovered methamphetamine, marijuana, 60 ecstasy pills, and numerous prescription drugs.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Sabine Parish Tactical Narcotics Team and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moody. This effort is part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

BY MATT VINES, Journal Sports

MANY – The first four weeks of Many’s football season had a little bit of everything.

Two Class 5A wins in which the Tigers held Sam Houston and Haughton out of the end zone.

A win against the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the nation and the No. 2 Class 2A squad in the state. Arch Manning may have gotten Isidore Newman in the end zone twice, but he didn’t throw for more than 100 yards as he started 0-9 passing.

A road win in which Many decimated a solid DeRidder program 50-7.

While the Tigers (4-0) are undoubtedly one of the hottest teams in the state regardless of classification, Many takes a bye week this week after not being able to find a willing opponent.

It may be an undesired breather, but the Tigers will rest their paws before pursuing their ninth straight district title. Many has won 29 straight district games dating back to the 2013 opener – a loss to Pickering back in the District 2-4A days.

While Many will be heavy favorites each week in district play, that isn’t to say that District 3-2A won’t offer any resistance.

Many begins in Week 6 against a Mansfield (0-4) squad that had near misses against Evangel and Ouachita Christian before a baffling 52-8 loss to Logansport this past week.

Week 7 opponent Winnfield (3-1) counts Class 5A Pineville among its wins but Class 1A Cedar Creek as its only loss.

Red River has been typical challenger the past few seasons, and after being shutout against Class 5A foes in the first two weeks, the Bulldogs revved it up in a blowout of Woodlawn before suffering a two-point loss to Loyola.

Lakeview (3-1) might be the darling of the district this season as the Gators are on a three-game winning streak with a combined 99-18 margin of victory in that streak, which included a win against previously unbeaten LaSalle.

But the Tigers are playoff-focused as they attempt to sharpen themselves for a run to their fourth straight title game.

Many didn’t need to attempt a pass against Haughton and didn’t complete a pass against DeRidder or Newman as the punishing rushing attack averages nearly 375 yards per game.

Running backs Jeremiah James and Trent Williams along with quarterback Tackett Curtis have accounted for Many’s five 100-yard rushing performances. That doesn’t include Jamarlyn Garner, who has gone over 80 yards twice.

Many might not play this week, but the Tigers won’t rest either.

They’ll nitpick their games – things like muffed punts and penalties – small stains on otherwise stellar performances.

The Tigers know what it feels like to raise the championship trophy as they did in 2020.

They also know what it’s like to be on that other sideline, the place where small stains can mean the difference in whether or not you’re getting fitted for a ring.

PHOTO: Darrin Dyess/Journal Sports

The Board of Directors for Fire District 1, Wards 3&4, will hold a special meeting on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 5 pm at the Central Station, located at 1710 San Antonio Ave. There is only one item on the agenda for this meeting. The Board of Directors will review the bids for the renovation of Central Station that were submitted.

Yo Brendan! 

Word is you’re headed to church retreat to begin your high school senior year. I’ve been asked to write a letter of encouragement. You’ll get several from friends for you to read this week. Mine is a humble C+ at best, but I’m honored to be asked …  

You were born the day after I coached my final Little League game. For 10-plus years I had that privilege; most fun I’ve ever had. 

The day before you were born, we lost in the semifinals of the state championship, and if I’d have done just a couple things differently — like called time and talked to my pitcher Scarf one batter earlier — I feel certain we’d have been in the finals. And the team that won it all was better than we were but … they might not have been better than us two-out-of-three, not right then. Not on those days.  

So the next day driving up I-49, thinking about nothing other than what I have just told you, coming home after a week in South Louisiana and wishing I could turn back the clock and wishing I’d gotten my lard butt off the bucket and gone to the mound in the top of the ninth — your dad calls. 

Saw his name on the screen and knew what it was about.  

You had arrived on the scene. 

I felt better right then. 

Even though our little team of 14-year-olds didn’t quite get it done, they did as good as they possibly could have. Still, I was sad over the ending. 

And then your beginning made me happy 

Harmony of the universe and all that. God is like that sometimes.  

I would have loved to have seen you more as you grew up into the wonderful young man you’ve become. 

But I’ve gotten to “watch” you a lot through pictures and mostly through stories from your mom and dad. Every time they mention you, their voices are filled with joy and laughter and gratitude. Every time. It’s been fun to listen. And see. 

Seems all the stories have had happy endings. We’ve been blessed. 

I have a picture posted on my wall of you at age 3-ish sucking down a milkshake at a Shreveport burger joint, your eyes bulging and your cheeks working overtime. I have another picture of you running the bases with a batting helmet on, all business. I remember Brad pushing you into the pool and I remember us playing baseball outside your house.  

Since then, you have learned the joy of live theatre. Learned how to do long division. Figured out how to try and not be scared on a first date. Learned a lot—but you’re just beginning. Keep your mind and heart open for all God is teaching you. 

I am proud of you and love you because your mom and dad are proud of you and love you. There is never anything you could do, good or bad, that would make us love you more or less. We accept you right now as you are and are grateful for you being you. 

Maybe you get the point of all this, which is that I have always been a Brendan cheerleader and that will always be the case. It has made me proud when your parents have called me with a “Little Teddy” update. You were almost named that, but it would have been a disservice to you. You are a Brendan, and a really, really good one. 

A wise man once told me: Be kind. Love God and your neighbor. Don’t be too hard on yourself. That’s it. Enjoy this life you’ve been given. 

Your friend always, 

Uncle TA 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 

Facing the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the entire nation, the Many defense didn’t blink as they thwarted Arch Manning and Isidore Newman in a 25-17 win Friday. 

In the most anticipated regular season game in John W. Curtis Stadium history in which fans started tailgating the night before, the Tigers fended off a late Greenies charge that included stopping Manning’s two-minute drill to hold on. 

The game, which featured the Class 2A No. 1 Tigers vs. the No. 2 Greenies, had all the makings of a contest worthy of statewide attention – North Louisiana vs. South Louisiana, select vs. non-select, a handful of top prospects on each side. The game did not disappoint. 

The Tigers started quickly, recovering the opening kickoff after the Greenies return specialist didn’t field it.

It took the Tigers three plays from 19 yards out to score first. Trent Williams punched it in from 10 yards, and the Tigers led 7-0 just 59 seconds in.  

“We got off to a great start, and it was huge for us to get on the board after the recovering the kickoff,” said Many coach Jess Curtis. “This was a championship-level test against the best quarterback in the country. 

“We know if we continue to improve, we can play in the big one at the end of the year.” 

The rest of the first quarter turned into a defensive battle for both teams. The athletic Many defense pressured Manning and had him running for his life. Manning started 0-9 passing. 

“We really wanted to play (Manning) differently,” Curtis said. “Most team will play coverage and give him time to pick them apart. We wanted to rush him and make him uncomfortable. We held them to 90 yards of offense, so I’m very proud of that group.” 

At the 10:24 mark of the second quarter, the Tigers added to their lead on a Jeremiah James 1-yard touchdown run to cap off a 7-play, 32-yard drive. The drive started after another Tiger three-and-out and a short Newman punt.  

The Tigers botched the extra point kick but Sean Mitcham turned that into two  points, running into the end zone with the mishandled snap. The Tigers led 15-0. 

The Greenies’ first points came after a miscue by Curtis mishandling a punt deep in Tiger territory. The botched attempt set up Newman at the Tigers 11-yard line.  

But Swayze Carheel tackled a Newman running back for a 4-yard loss on first down, and after two Manning incompletions, the Greenies kicked a 32-yard field goal to bring the score to 15-3 at the 7:46 mark of the second quarter.  

“We were able to get a touchdown off their special teams mistake, and it was important for us to hold them to a field goal after our special teams mistake,” Curtis said. 

After another strong Newman defensive effort, the Greenies started a drive from their own 36-yard line. 

Manning finally completed his first pass for five yards, then his second pass for 25 yards, and finished the drive with his third completion from nine yards out to bring the score to 15-10 by halftime.  

Manning ended the half-completing 3 out 12 passes for 39 yards and 1 touchdown. The Greenies defense also held the Tigers vaunted rushing attack to under 100 yards in the first half. 

The third quarter started in typical Many fashion. The Tigers took 5:54 off the clock with a methodical 11-play, 73-yard drive. The drive culminating with a 3-yard James touchdown.  

James accounted for 55 of those yards on seven carries to extend Many’s lead to 22-10. He finished with 97 rushing yards on 23 carries and a pair of scores. 

Carheel ended the next Greenie possession with a huge sack of Manning for an 11-yard loss. He and Jakorrean Smart pressured Manning all night from the defensive line.  

Many turned yet another short field into points with a Deacon Lafollette 30-yard field goal to lead 25-10 late in the third quarter. The field goal was set up by a 29-yard Tackett Curtis run as he finished with 85 rushing yards. Many totaled 314 yards on the ground. 

Manning started to get hot and completed passes on the Greenies next possession. The 58-yard drive ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to make the score 25-17 with 10:36 left.  

But the Many defense didn’t bend from there despite the Newman defense giving the offense several more chances. 

A Trent Williams sack ended one drive, and Newman got one more chance after stuffing Many on a fourth-and-goal from the 1. 

With 1:16 remaining and 99 yards from a tie, Manning mustered just one 15-yard completion before Many sacked him on fourth down to end the game. 

Game Summary 

Scoring 

First Quarter 

11:01 M – Trent Williams 10 run (Lafollette kick) 

Second Quarter 

10:24 M – Jeremiah James 1 run (Mitcham run) 

 7:46 N – 29 field goal 

 0:58 N – Arch Manning 9 pass (kick good) 

Third Quarter 

 6:06 M – James 3 run (Lafollette kick) 

 0:20 M – Lafollette 30 field goal 

Fourth Quarter 

10:36 N – Manning 5 pass (kick good) 

 Total Yards 

M – 314 (67 plays) 

N – 90 (43 plays) 

Passing 

M – Curtis 0-2-0 

N – Manning 8-22-98 yards 

Rushing 

M – James 23-97-2 TD’s, Garner 15-95, Curtis 9-85, Williams 5-20-1 TD, McLendon 3-5, Aldredge 3-2 

N – 16-(-8) 

Tackles 

M – Curtis 5, Tylen Singleton 5, Jakorrean Smart 4 

It’s all about the location and the people for Anita Martin, the lead customer care representative for Pinnacle Propane in the state.

Anita moved to Natchitoches from Southern Mississippi 12 years ago and fell in love.

“It’s a really nice place to live and work,” she said. “There’s always something to do and the people are the best. I just love my job.”

Working in the propane industry for the past 5 years, Anita will celebrate 2 years with Pinnacle in November. She feels Pinnacle really stands out from other companies because it’s very safety and customer oriented.

A leading Propane provider in the USA, Pinnacle delivers Propane gas for homes and businesses. The company proudly serves its valued customers in Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The company’s focus is on customer experience and satisfaction, innovation, and safety, which forms the foundation of its success.

Anita loves getting to know her customers. She even knows most of their names. With one office in Jonesville, Winnfield, and one in Natchitoches, Pinnacle can service even more customers. The service area reaches from Sabine to Winn Parish and from Red River down to Grant Parish.

Last year Pinnacle supplied vendors with propane for cooking during the Natchitoches Christmas Festival and they plan to do so again.

“In other areas, Pinnacle is very involved in the community,” explained Anita. “We’re looking forward to jumping in and becoming more engaged with the Natchitoches community.”

In an effort to create a more efficient delivery process, Pinnacle instituted a routing system. It’s different from what some customers are used to, but Anita said the new system means they’ll be able to bring gas to more people.

Pinnacle offers 3 Price Protection Plans:

• Propane Budget Pay Fixed-Price Agreement- A consistent monthly payment at an affordable price, making it easier to budget.
• Lock-in Residential Agreement- Pay a small deposit in advance to lock in your special rate.
• Pre-Buy Residential Agreement- Purchase 12 months of propane in advance and receive an exclusive price per gallon.

The Pinnacle office in Natchitoches, located at 147 Blanchard Rd., is open Monday-Friday from 8 am – 5 pm (closed 12-1 for lunch). Order online without the hassle of calling your service center or paying a bill safely and easily through pinnaclepropane.com. Customers are always welcome to call their local office to handle business or stop in for a visit. Call the Natchitoches office at 318-289-0845. When the office isn’t open, customers can leave a voicemail over the weekend and receive a return call.

It’s Official! TappedTober is back for 2022 presented by the Cane River Waterway Commission! Clear your calendars for Saturday October 15th as we once again rock the Natchitoches Riverfront Stage. This annual event is known for its family-friendly environment, top-notch entertainment, and ever-expanding beer and wine tasting selections, without missing a second of everyone’s favorite fall activity, football, on the gigantic riverfront screen. Headlining this year’s musical lineup is country legend, Tracy Lawrence, brought to you by Cunningham Insurance and Ameriprise! Visit our website at www.thetappedtober.com or find us on Facebook @Tappedtober for the latest information.

Proceeds from this event will support the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Foundation & the NRMC Cancer Center in their efforts to improve access to healthcare in our community!

The ticket link is below.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tappedtober-craft-beer-wine-festival-2022-featuring-tracy-lawrence-tickets-353999160017?aff=erelexpmlt

There is a far green field. And come morning, if you look to the East, you’ll see a halo of orange light hanging just above the horizon where this green gives way to piney woods.

It is the sight of this field that brings me quiet contentment every weekday morning that rolls. So long as the time is right, and the earth is not still wearing its black veil, I am privileged to see the best of my Father’s world.

McGraw said it when he wrote of living where the green grass grows. Babcock said it when he wrote “in the rustling grass I hear Him pass.”

And I write of it when I say I hear His poetry in the wind over the meadow. I feel it as if it were something tangible. I feel it when I roll down my window and slow to as much of a crawl as traffic will allow and I can smell the dirt and nearly feel the touch of dew and the trees moving and their inhabitants going about His business.

And the clouds move over, breaking only to let the sunshine in. There are streams somewhere beyond that horizon, further past, on up ahead of what I can see. The green gives way to make room for more wonders. Rivers and mountains lie far beyond. And then a vast blue sea. And beyond more that is green and more that brings me hope. They all tell me the Earth is good.

And I have turned off the radio and I dare not speak because my voice, the voice of a man, pales in its significance to the mastery and beauty of my Father’s world.

So I move on. Into man’s world. Into the negotiations of the day and the hubris of all of our best-laid plans. That world is an ugly one. It is dark and gray and pitiless. It is tiring, and it makes me sad.

I pass the field again, many hours later, but it no longer holds the same promise. The orange glow has left it abandoned. The green is a duller shade and the sun has begun its retreat on the other side.

We’ve all lived our days, dealt with their difficulties, and are left to ponder the point of it all. The hurry. The rat race. The problems. All of it is man’s creation. All of it is man’s world.

But it’s ok. Because we move on to family. On to smiles. On to Our world. We enjoy that time. And I know I get to see the far green field once more a few hours later, but I realize I’m just as happy looking out at that splendor as I am here surrounded by these walls.

Because not only is that My world but so too is it my Father’s World.

And that’s all right by me.

Josh Beavers is a teacher and a writer. He has been recognized five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.

The Natchitoches Parish Fair Rodeo will be held TONIGHT at the Natchitoches Rodeo Arena at 7:30 pm. Saturday will be Breast Cancer Awareness night!!!  Let’s “Pink Out” Natchitoches because we are tough enough to wear pink and support our breast cancer families and friends!  Admission is $10 w/3 & under admitted free. Funny man, Rudy Burns, will be back to entertain the rodeo crowds and J2 Rodeo company will bring some of the best rodeo stock in the state to thrill the rodeo fans. Each night we will have Mutton Bustin’ beginning at 6:30 for kids 8 & under, along with a calf scramble. So, dust off your boots, grab your hat, and come enjoy a great family evening of rodeo fun!  

The Natchitoches Parish Fair Board would like to thank Legacy Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and T-Johnny’s Seafood for their corporate sponsorship. 

 Diamond sponsors: 

 D&Z Quality Supplements, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center.   

Gold Sponsors:  

Easton & Company Children’s Boutique, D & J Tuning, SWEPCO  

Silver Sponsors: 

TKTMJ, Whataburger, BOM, Family Farm and Garden, Progressive Tractor and Implements, City of Natchitoches, Service Works.  

Bronze Sponsors: 

Sabine State Bank, Weeks Tractor, City Bank and Trust, Exchange Bank, and Trust, Despino, Steve Pezant Family, Sheffield and Sheffield, Scooter Perot Dawg Dayz Luxury Inn, City Marshal Randy Williams.  

BOM is a gold sponsor of the Louisiana Patriots 14U softball team. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Brandy Myers, Chloe Methvin, and BOM’s Blaise LaCour.

By Steve Graf

On November 4th of 2021, the bass fishing world lost one of its greatest ambassadors in Aaron Martens. After a long 19-month battle with Glioblastoma, Aaron loaded his boat for the last time and headed into Heavenly waters. Aaron was a proud husband and father of two who cherished the time he shared with his family. The life of a professional bass fisherman is tough especially when it comes to missing a lot of quality time with family. But Aaron never took that time for granted. He loved them so much that he and his wife Lesley took their home and family on the road and lived the gypsy life of the Bass Pro Tour.

All anglers want to make an impact and leave a legacy. Aaron Martens did just that by sharing his knowledge of what we call finesse fishing. This style of fishing really did not exist when Aaron first arrived on the Bass Pro Tour. A former California resident, Aaron was an expert in how to fish light tackle. He brought with him the western style of finesse fishing that consists of light line, spinning reels, and small baits. He was well versed in techniques like the shakey head, drop shotting, Neko rigs, and small finesse jigs. Aaron thought outside the box and used his finesse techniques to take the tour by storm. He had immediate success and gained a reputation as a super tough competitor.

Just how good was he? Well, he was a three-time Angler of the Year, a four-time Bassmaster Classic runner-up (The Super Bowl of bass fishing), and had over $3.8 million in winnings with 11 pro tour victories, 82 Top 10’s, and 114 Top 20 finishes. To say he was one of the best to ever wet a hook, is an understatement. This guy was one of the Top 5 all-time anglers ever. He was an angler that others feared as they backed their boats in the water. His ability was truly God-given and Aaron acknowledged that. Some guys are born to be scientists, some to be doctors or lawyers but Aaron was born to be a professional bass angler. Aaron was also a fitness guru as he enjoyed running, mountain biking, hiking, and camping; a true outdoorsman.

But Aaron had a softer side, he really enjoyed sharing his knowledge and helping any and all anglers he came in contact with. He, unlike so many other anglers, was always willing to share his knowledge. Guess you could say he had an open-door policy and enjoyed teaching. I personally got to know Aaron through my radio show Hook’N Up & Track’N Down. He was a guest on the show several times and never turned me down to do an interview. He was a very personable guy who had a unique and quirky personality. But his IQ was off the chart and all you had to do was spend five minutes with him and you knew immediately, that this guy is highly intelligent.

One memorable encounter I had with Aaron was at the ICAST Show in Orlando. ICAST is the international fishing show that displays anything and everything associated with the bass fishing world. Each year the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show would do a live show from ICAST and after arriving early one morning to set up for the radio broadcast, Aaron saw me and asked if he could sit in with me. Of course, I’m not turning down a chance to sit with Aaron Martens and talk bass fishing! But what was amazing about this interview as we kicked off the show, a crowd of 25 to 30 people began to gather in front of my broadcast. Aaron had their full attention as they hung and took notes on every word he said as we talked about finesse-style fishing. Aaron is the kind of interview that all you have to do is point him in the direction you want him to go, and he’ll take it from there. It’s an interview that will be filed away in my memory forever.

Again, on November 4th of 2021, we lost a true legend of the bass fishing world. Aaron is a person that will always be remembered for his intelligence and abilities to catch bass but more importantly, as a genuine and courteous person who cared more about others than he did for himself. Aaron, the bass fishing world loves and appreciates all you did and we will never forget you. We wish you a lot of Heavenly hook sets my friend. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Take the time to take care of your body by applying sunscreen and wearing the proper clothing. Remember, Melanoma does not discriminate.

Steve Graf – Owner Co-Host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show &
Tackle Talk Live

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NATCHITOCHES:
Dr. Archie F. Breazeale, MD
March 26, 2020
Service: Saturday, October 15 at 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (Service Notice Only)

Jessey J. Welch
May 26, 1942 – September 21, 2022
Service: Sunday, September 25 at 1 pm at Good Hope Baptist Cemetery near Anacoco

Sis. Virgie Johnson-Turner-Burton
Service: October 8 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, located at 108 Church St. in Natchez

SABINE:
Allen Joseph Laroux
November 21, 1937 – September 20, 2022
Service: Tuesday, September 27 at 10 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Reverend Robert Ray Bozeman
June 29, 1938 – September 16, 2022
Service: Friday, September 23 at 2 pm at Spring Ridge Baptist Church

WINN:
Nona Raegene (Farley) Davidson
December 23, 1944 – September 21, 2022
Service: Saturday, September 24 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Kinner and Stevens

Carolyn Bramlett
June 20, 1945 – September 21, 2022
Service: Saturday, September 24 at 11 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints