If you’re a sports fan, then you know each sport has “gods” that oversee and influence the outcome of a particular game. These would be former players who have passed on and come before all those that are playing today, players who helped make the sport what it is with their high level of play that made them legends of the sport. 

So many times, the gods are blamed for someone’s success or failures. Well, tournament bass fishing is no different. Triton would probably be the number one fishing god of our sport today, but then there are a few who recently passed that might be considered as gods of the bass fishing world.  

Some of these would be the late Ray Scott (the founder of B.A.S.S. organization) and Forrest Wood (the founder of Ranger Boats,) as well as legendary anglers Guido Hibdon, Ricky Green, Dee Thomas, and Aaron Martens. Each of these guys would be considered for godly status due to their impact on the bass fishing world.  

Now that we are well into the 2023 tournament fishing season, the fishing gods have not been very kind to me. 

Anglers are always looking for something or someone to blame for their lack of success. Most of the time it’s the weather; it’s either too windy, too cold, too hot or the water level is dropping or rising, too much fishing pressure, the excuses go on and on. Very seldom is it our fault as anglers, because we’re too dang good to not figure out how to catch a bass on any given body of water — right? 

Wrong!!! How can a little green fish with a brain the size of a penny outsmart us anglers who have made it our life’s ambition to go out and catch largemouth bass every single time we go fishing?  

For me, the 2023 season has been rough so far as we head into the summer months. I have not competed well at all, especially on bodies of water where I have a lot of experience. A good example for me would be the Red River. I’ve had success on the Red and have been very competitive, not only with high finishes but wins as well. But last month at the Ray Scott National Championship, the Red River was not very good to me.  

After Day 1, I weighed just shy of 11 pounds and was sitting in 15^th place, right where I needed to be to make the final day cut into the top 25. Day 2 was another story as I came in with just two fish and missed the cut by 1.5 pounds. All I had to do was weigh a five-bass-limit and I would have been in the top 10 heading into the final day, giving me a shot at another Red River victory. 

Now that doesn’t sound like it should be that hard, but once again the fishing gods must have been angry with me for some reason. On Day 2 I had six fish hooked up and headed for the boat when, for no apparent reason, they just came off! Frustrated, angry and downright ticked off, the Day 2 weigh-in may have been one of my most embarrassing weigh-ins ever. After all, I was one of the favorites to win this event and could not even make the final day cut!  

So, on the long one-hour drive home that day, I kept asking myself “why?” Why was I not able to land those fish and catch my five-fish- limit and make it to the final day? Was it my technique, dull hooks, poor hook-sets? How was it that I failed to get those six fish in the boat? 

Then it hit me — the fishing gods; they were the reason I did not make it to Day 3 of this championship event! But why were they angry with me? What had I done wrong as an angler for them to unleash such punishment on what might have been the biggest event of my fishing career in my own back yard?  

Then to make matters worse, the same thing happened one week later at Sam Rayburn when I weighed the smallest limit of fish I’ve ever weighed-in on that body of water. Now my frustration was compounded, and I was so angry that I could have stripped naked and run through a briar patch and felt no pain! Why was this happening to me?  

Every angler, no matter how good, will at some point go through difficult times that just can’t be explained. All the preparation and planning does not always guarantee success. Tournament bass fishing is a funny and humbling sport that sometimes defies explanation. 

Tournament anglers have a saying that really is true: “When it’s your turn to win, it’s your turn and nothing you do will screw it up.” I think this is where the fishing gods come into play — when they want you to win, they will make sure you win. 

Until next time, good luck, good fishing and always say an extra prayer each night to the fishing gods if you want to be successful. Also, don’t forget your sunscreen! Take it from me, melanoma is real and will strike when you neglect your protection.  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

We are thankful for your attendance at the 26th Annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival and want to help make your festival experience a great one!

Due to the size and configuration of the venue NO PERSONAL CHAIRS WILL BE ALLOWED ON FESTIVAL GROUNDS. THERE WILL BE NO CHAIRS IN FRONT OF OR ADJACENT TO THE MAIN STAGE EXCEPT IN THE VIP AREA AND HANDICAPPED SEATING AT THE TOP OF THE HILL. 

There is an amphitheater directly in front of the Main Stage and the festival is providing ample additional seating in the VIP area adjacent to the stage and in the areas in front of the two side stages. 

VIP SEATS

You may want to consider purchasing VIP tickets. Seating will be available in the shaded area to the side of the main stage, including a private bathroom and access to a full bar.  They are ON SALE now, with limited availability. They are going FAST so get yours today. You are also free to use your personal chairs in the VIP area, as space permits. 

JAZZ FEST FAQs

– No Refunds. 

– No Rain Out Location. 

– No Ice Chests. 

– No Pets. 

– No Parking on Riverbank. 

– Armbands can be purchased on the day of the festival or with online orders.

– Pick up armbands at the ticket booth downtown with your receipt. 

– For more information, please call Julie at 318-471-5778 or email her at llbrewton1@aol.com.

FOOD AND DRINK 

No outside food or drink allowed. Food, beer, and alcohol vendors will be located in multiple areas for easy access.  

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND VETERANS 

Active Duty Military and their families are admitted free of charge and will, of course, need to be prepared to show an ID but there are no Veterans discounts.  

See the full line-up here

https://www.natchjazzfest.com/lineup-2023

Purchase tickets here

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/26th-annual-natchitoches-jazzrb-festival-tickets-520954377567

Sherry Janell Scarbrough Mitchell
July 29, 1954 — May 1, 2023
Service: Friday, May 5 at 1 pm at Provencal Free Methodist Church

William David Liles
January 6, 1953 — April 30, 2023
Service: Friday, May 5 at 8 am at Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery at Hagewood/Coldwater

Ladarian D. Raymond
September 5, 2006 – May 1, 2023
Arrangements TBA

Ellis Pennywell
May 2, 2023
Arrangements TBA

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR will hold its inaugural Veterans Memorial Park Trade Days event on Saturday, May 6 from 8 am – 3 pm at the Veterans Park, located at 29336 Hwy. 191 in Many.

This event, held in connection with the Sale on the Trail (May 5-6 from Natchitoches, LA to Nacodoches, TX) is FREE to all shoppers.

Vendor spots are $25 for outdoors or $35 for indoors with a $10 discount for Veterans and DAV members. For more information call Pam Russell at 318-840-1405 or email pamrus43@gmail.com.

Thank you Chancellor, distinguished guests, proud parents and family members, fellow alums, my probation officer, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, and most of all thank you, the newest crop of graduates.

It is a pleasure and honor to be here today, though the flight was tough. I just flew in from Vegas and boy are my arms tired!

No, that’s just a little commencement humor. Ha! Seriously, great to be here. Better than being in jail. Or in Russia. Same thing, right? Where are my geography and history majors? There you are! Nice to see you two.

I congratulate you because I know how hard you’ve worked to get here. Well, I don’t know from personal experience and all, but I can imagine. Just getting those square hats and tassels to stick to your heads long enough to get a diploma today is a testament to your ingenuity and persistence. And talent with bobby pins. I’m impressed.

Your administration, ill-informed but well-meaning, has asked me to speak today in hopes you’ll be inspired. After all, if I can get a job, you can, right?

Lessons learned from my experience are both timeless and proven. Also simple. Some of it you will not believe until you’ve tried, and failed. No problem; it’s called being human.

But remember what John Wayne said: Life is hard. It’s harder if you’re stupid. Don’t overdo tempting fate. The world loves to chew up people who insist on having self-induced brain cramps.

Don’t spit into the wind. If you’re a cowboy, drink upstream from the herd. If you’re a plumber, don’t bite your fingernails. Bet a home dog on Monday Night Football, and if you’re in a plane, wear a seatbelt. Muhammad Ali once told a stewardess, “Superman don’t need no seatbelt.” But the stewardess then told The Greatest, “Superman don’t need no airplane.” Ali put on his seatbelt. Know your limitations.

Don’t scoff at the simplicity of “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Compound interest is a beautiful thing. Granted, a penny saved is hard to do, especially if you have children, if you like to eat, and if the transmission goes out on your car.

But mainly – and I wish I’d have accepted this several years and tens of thousands of dollars ago – know that life is difficult. For the prince and the pauper, it’s a tough row to hoe. Not everything is an Orioles-Red Sox game in September. Not everything is your favorite TV show or CD or Sunday dinner or vacation. I used to think that if things weren’t funny, I must be doing something wrong. Very depressing.

But a rule here is that not everything IS funny, or easy. Each of us is always heading into, coming out of, or in the middle of a violent life storm. How do we react? There’s your moment of truth. Learning how to put those fires out, knowing they’re part of the game. Nothing’s wrong with you if “bad” things happen. Just means you’re human.

There are no secrets. Simply, life will put you through the meat grinder. Expect it, and you aren’t perpetually surprised and disturbed. Then instead of getting ground up, you can grind it out. Make every inning, every game, count. Never give an at-bat away.

You have teammates. And they have you. Stick together.

You’re today’s starting pitcher. Until this moment, it’s all been warm-ups. The game starts now.

(From Prom Season, May, 2011)

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning

The Sabine Parish Health Unit and the Sabine Parish Coroner’s Office will hold an Open House on Friday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to noon at the health unit/coroner’s office building, located at 1230 W. Louisiana Ave. in Many.

The public is invited to meet the staff, see the health unit and the coroner’s office, and learn about how it serves the community.
Come speak with community health workers, Medicaid navigators, the Council on Alcohol /Drug Abuse (CADA), Nurse-Family Partnership and other local partners at their resource tables.

Free and open to the public. Light refreshments served.

THE 1ST ANNUAL CITY OF LIGHTS CRAWFISH BOIL COOK-OFF WILL BE HELD MAY 6TH AT THE NATCHITOCHES PARISH FAIRGROUNDS. THIS EVENT IS THE 1ST OF ITS KIND IN OUR AREA AND IS SURE TO BE A BIG DAY! THE GATES WILL OPEN AT 10:00 AM AND WILL FEATURE THE FOLLOWING:

· $25 ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CRAWFISH FROM 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

· LIVE ENTERTAINMENT FEATURING: KELLY ROBERTS BAND, THE LACOUR TRIO, & BECKY & THE SHUFFLE KINGS

· KIDS PLAY AREA WITH CANE RIVER INFLATABLES BOUNCING HOUSES, & CORN HOLE GAMES

· OTHER FOOD AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE – A TASTE OF HEAVEN FOOD TRUCK, CANE RIVER PIZZA CO., AND NENE’S CAKES & COOKIES

· ANTOON’S SELLING BEER – MUST SHOW ID & BE 21 & OVER-A SEPARATE WRIST BAND WILL BE ISSUED

· AVAILABLE EATING AND SEATING AREA UNDER A BIG TENT; LAWN CHAIRS ARE ENCOURAGED

· EVENT T-SHIRTS WILL BE ON SALE FOR $25 AND KOOZIES FOR $5

TEAMS WILL BOIL THEIR BEST RECIPES TO COMPETE FOR CASH PRIZES OF -1ST -$1000; 2ND – $750; 3RD – $500; AND THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE WILL RECEIVE FREE ENTRY INTO NEXT YEAR’S COMPETITION!

(BUSINESSES & INDIVIDUAL TEAMS MAY STILL ENTER ON THE CITY OF LIGHTS FACEBOOK PAGE OR CONTACT LYNN LACAZE -AT 318-332-0419)

*NO OUTSIDE FOOD, DRINKS, OR COOLERS

*ALL BAGS WILL BE CHECKED AT THE GATE (CLEAR BAGS ONLY)

***ALL PROCEEDS FROM THIS EVENT WILL BE DONATED TO: THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER AND ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHARITIES! BOTH ORGANIZATIONS ARE INTEGRAL PARTS OF OUR COMMUNITY!!

THE NATCHITOCHES PARISH FAIR BOARD WOULD LIKE TO THANK SPONSORS: RHODES PROPERTY & DEVELOPMENT, EASTON & CO. CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE, SERVICE WORKS OF MARTHAVILLE, BOM FINANCIAL, CITY OF NATCHITOCHES MAYOR RONNIE WILLIAMS, SENATOR LOUIE BERNARD, NRMC, CITY BANK & TRUST, AND CAMPBELL MONUMENTS.

By Brad Dison

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an endurance car race held each June in the town of Le Mans, France.  The purpose of the race is for car manufacturers to focus on manufacturing sporty cars which are also reliable.  The winner in this race is not the driver who crosses the finish line first, but the driver who covers the most distance in the 24-hour period.

Although 54-year-old Leonard had raced cars since he was a teenager, he was new to professional race car driving.  He was considered a rookie.  Leonard wanted to prove that he was a serious driver, and Le Mans was the perfect opportunity.   

Leonard was roughly 20 years over the average age of the other race car drivers in the 1979 Le Mans.  He and teammates Dick Barbour and Rolf Stommelen took turns driving their Porsche 935 turbo.  Rain poured on the racetrack for hours, but Leonard and his teammates were gaining ground.  With each passing hour, they came closer to victory.  Just 2 ½ hours from the end of the race, Leonard and his teammates were in second place.  Then, the lead car, driven by brothers Don and Bill Whittington, stalled with a broken injector pump belt.  If they were unable to fix the car quickly, Leonard and his teammates would take first place.  Don Whittington fashioned a replacement belt and got the car back in the race, but Leonard’s team was catching up.  In the last hour of the race, Leonard’s car developed engine trouble which required them to drive slower than the other cars just to finish the race.  Some of other cars reached speeds in excess of 220 miles per hour.  Finally, the race was over.  Of the 55 cars which entered the endurance race, only 22 completed the race. 

When the results were in, Leonard’s team had completed 299 laps, but the Whittington brothers were declared the winners with 306 laps completed.  The Whittington brothers won by a distance of only 58 miles in the 24-hour race.  Don Whittington commented that Leonard’s coming in second place “is sure going to take some of the limelight from us.”  Leonard, the rookie race car driver, was better known for movies in which he appeared such as “Cool Hand Luke,” “The Sting,” “The Color of Money,” and “The Hustler.”  Leonard, that rookie racecar driver who nearly won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his first attempt, was the middle name of actor Paul Newman.  Not bad for a rookie.

Sources:

1.      The Daily News, June 11, 1979, p.20.

2.     The Odessa American, June 11, 1979, p.9.

These are heady days for sports at Converse High School.

The Ladycats swept to the LHSAA Non-Select Division V state softball championship last weekend in Sulphur.  The second-seeded Wildcats play at home this evening at 6 against No. 7 Weston, with a spot in the state baseball semifinals at stake.

The softball team (25-7), seeded fourth in its playoff bracket, had advanced to the state tournament with an intense 4-2 home win over fifth-seeded Anacoco.

“My goal was to try to get them to Sulphur, get them to experience that atmosphere,” said first-year coach Chris Brumley, who previously had coached the baseball team at Zwolle. “We had a really great crowd for our quarterfinal game against Anacoco. It was electric, and that, I believe, helped us handle the atmosphere at Sulphur. We had been in a very intense game.”

It got equally exciting last Friday in the state semifinal game against ninth-seeded Choudrant, with Converse pulling out a 3-1 victory on a bottom of the seventh, walk-off two-run homer by Avery Prine.

That propelled the Ladycats into the state championship contest against No. 2-ranked Quitman, and it was a classic with two dominant pitchers and two determined teams. The contest went into extra innings and Converse prevailed 2-1 in nine innings to win it all.

The Lady Wolverines jumped on top with a first-inning run. Converse tied it in the top of the fourth when Summer Brumley doubled, and pinch-runner Reagan Bennett scored on Maci Morgan’s sacrifice bunt. It was the first run scored on Quitman in the playoffs.

“When we tied it up, I told my team ‘it’s going to be a close game. This is to our advantage, and it’s going to work out for us. We just got to do what we need to do, execute what we need to execute.”

“We went to extra innings a couple of weeks ago against Parkway, a 5A team, and we won that 3-2. We had been successful in close games and in extra innings, and that helped us,” said Brumley.

In the top of the ninth, Prine delivered her third hit, a single to left. Courtesy runner Zoey Rabon moved up on sacrifice bunts by Morgan and Kraegan Jordan, and with two out, Abby Friday delivered the go-ahead RBI with a single to left field.

Prine and the Ladycats retired Quitman 1-2-3 in the bottom half to seal the state championship. Prine finished with 17 strikeouts and allowed only three hits.

“My pitcher definitely was spectacular on the weekend. She struck out nearly everyone, and she drove in our runs at the plate,” said Brumley. “Everybody did their part.”

Two seniors, shortstop Rayni Rivers and third baseman Willa Grigston, provided steady leadership and production and will be missed.

“We’ll have most of the starters returning. We had a seventh grader in the infield, and two eighth-graders in the outfield,” said Brumley. “We’ll have a chance to have another very successful season if we come back and work like I know these girls are going to do.”

It was the third softball state championship for Converse, to go with titles in 1978 and 1994. The Ladycats were in the state semifinals in 2017.

“Converse traditionally does go deep into the playoffs, not only in softball but in other sports. Right now we’re hoping our baseball team can keep going into the state tournament and maybe we’ll need to have a parade for two championship teams,” said Brumley.

Florien was eliminated in the state semifinals, 4-0, by Quitman.

In baseball, Many played second-seeded South Beauregard on the road and put up quite a fight before dropping a pair of 3-1 decisions last weekend in the second round of the Non-Select Division III baseball bracket.

Congratulations to the Converse Lady Cat Softball team on its Louisiana Division V Non-Select State Championship win!

Check out the area’s upcoming events below:

May 5-6 Sale on the Trail along the El Camino Real De Los Tejas

May 7 Juneteenth Black Heritage Pageant at the Many High School Gym

May 13 Toledo Cruisers May Daze Car Show at Many High School

May 19-21 Sealy’s Big Bass Splash at Cypress Bend Park

May 27 Toledo Bend Family Adventure Park Grand Opening

As always, you can go to ToledoBendLakeCountry.com for more information!