Pelican Broadband, the newly rebranded internet service provider, is excited to announce its official launch, following a recent purchase and rebranding effort. The company, NortheastTel, recently acquired the Louisiana operations of EpicTouch, marking a significant milestone in its growth and commitment to providing superior internet services to Natchitoches and other local communities.

The purchase, finalized in February, brings together the legacy of two telecommunications companies that date back to the 1930’s and 40’s, when the original companies began as Campti-Pleasant Hill Telephone Company and Northeast Louisiana Telephone Company. The new entity, Pelican Broadband, is working to implement and improve internet services in the communities of Campti, Creston, Natchitoches, and Pleasant Hill. Along with the planned improvements, Pelican Broadband is dedicated to continuing to provide outstanding service to DeSoto, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Red River, and Sabine Parishes.

A Commitment to Better Connectivity

Pelican Broadband is currently replacing legacy copper infrastructure with state-of-the-art fiber optic technology to ensure faster, more reliable internet and telephone services. This ambitious project aims to cover approximately 300 miles of fiber optic cable over the next five years. The upgrade will bring minimum speeds of 100 Mbps to underserved areas, with plans for up to 1 Gbps of speed.

Community Focus and Affordability

As a local, family-owned business, Pelican Broadband understands the unique needs of its customers. The company has made significant strides in making its services more accessible, including reducing the prices of most residential packages and simplifying the sign-up process with a flat deposit and no credit check requirements. 

“We want to ensure everyone has access to reliable internet, especially in today’s world where connectivity is crucial,” said Mike George, President and CEO of Pelican Broadband.

Expanding Services and Community Involvement

Pelican Broadband is not just about internet and traditional telephone services. The company also offers Hosted PBX phone systems, and will be rolling out Managed IT Services, a new offering to the Natchitoches area. 

Additionally, Pelican Broadband is committed to supporting their communities, sponsoring events such as the NPSB Expo in July, a 4-mile run/walk in Morehouse Parish in October, various K-12 organizations & athletics, Natchitoches Christmas Festival, and the annual Tappedtober and NRMC Foundation Gala events.

Trusted Local Service

“Our team remains the same dedicated group of professionals our customers have come to know and trust,” said  Chief Operating Officer, Rick Darsey, who joined the company in 2010.

“We pride ourselves on providing personal, reliable service and being an integral part of the communities we serve.”

Pelican Broadband invites current and prospective customers to learn more about their services by visiting their website or contacting either of their offices. As the company looks to the future, it remains focused on expanding into new areas and continuously improving its network to meet the needs of all customers, ensuring that even the most rural areas have access to high-quality internet services.

For more information, please visit pelicanbroadband.com or contact Pelican Broadband at 318-352-0006.

About Pelican Broadband

Pelican Broadband is a local, family-owned internet service provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable internet and telephone services to communities in Louisiana. With a rich history dating back to 1933, the company is committed to enhancing connectivity through state-of-the-art fiber optic technology and a focus on customer satisfaction.

C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have previously been awarded an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale-Hubbell Rating Service which is the service’s highest possible designation of professionalism and ethics.  This rating was generated by a survey of Harrington’s peers and only 10% of attorneys across the United States receive this coveted designation.  

Martindale-Hubbell is widely recognized as the world’s most respected service for rating attorneys.  They have been conducting and publishing attorney ratings for over 130 years and are regarded the “Gold Standard” of attorney ratings. 

Now, the Harrington Law Firm is proud to announce that attorney C. Rodney Harrington and the firm have also been awarded by the same rating service the highest possible distinction by the judiciary.

C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have added to their previous award the Special Edition Judicial Award which is especially noteworthy because it is based upon the confidential opinions and recommendation of members of the judiciary familiar with Mr. Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm.  The Judicial Edition Award indicates perfect ratings from the judiciary on the attorney’s legal ability and ethical standards.

According to Harrington, he is particularly proud of this recognition because it is based upon reviews from other attorneys and area judges who are familiar with his and the firm’s legal standards and professional ability, and not some “Buy an Award” marketing ploy.

“We’re a small, family law firm in a small town and we strive every single day to be ethical and professional in the representation of our clients,” said Harrington.  “That’s why it’s so gratifying to learn that we have received the highest possible rating by our fellow attorneys and now by judges as well.  We must be doing something right.”

C. Rodney Harrington has been practicing law in this area for over 45 years and his son and partner, C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington for over 14 years.

The Harrington Law Firm handles a wide range of cases, but primarily all types of personal injury, including Automobile, Motorcycles, and Big Truck Wrecks and Medical Malpractice, along with Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability Appeals, and Wills and Estates.

The firm’s website is http://www.theharringtonlawfirm.com

A collection of paintings and drawings by Natchitoches artist Brother Michael David Elvestrom will be on exhibit at Northwestern State University’s Orville Hanchey Gallery through mid-July.  The well-known Natchitoches artist will be honored with a reception at the gallery from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 28.  The public is invited, and guests are encouraged to attend in costume.  

The exhibit is taking place in advance of Brother Michael David’s departure from Natchitoches after having been a fixture of the town’s art and culture scene for decades.  Recognizable by his monastic attire, straw hat and theatrical personality, Brother Michael David has impacted the Natchitoches community, NSU, and the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts as an artist, designer, teacher, musician and local character. Later this summer, he will move to a residence in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he plans to continue an active studio and social life.

The show includes work from the 1990s to contemporary pieces completed in the last year in oils, watercolor and acrylics.  Brother Michael David titled the show “Embarrassment de Riches.” An embarrassment of riches. 

“The art of creation overwhelms me,” he said.

“It’s been a wonderful discovery for me, to go back,” he continued.  “These recent ones, I did 28 paintings in one week, because they are fun for me. This is the most fun I’ve ever had doing artwork, discovering color and being free from the strictness of the academic art world.

“Isn’t it amazing how it just goes on and on.  The big canvases, I painted right over the other ones…and summoned the colors coming from underneath and the whole thing opened up, so as art, they have perfect essence of the abstract.  It was a wonderful discovery.”

Brother Michael David, who identifies as a Franciscan Friar in the Catholic Church, was born in Portland, Oregon, and brought up on a farm with animals and gardens. He won honors with 4-H as a youngster and was the state representative to Chicago in 1963.  Later, he entered a cloistered New York monastery for nine months but left to attend graduate school at the University of Iowa, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts in printmaking.  He taught art, music and theatre for 40 years at NSU and LSMSA and was awarded several fellowships to teach outside the United States.  His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and is included in the collections of many individuals in Natchitoches and elsewhere.

Brother Michael David has been active in the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society and other local organizations, often seen at Trinity Episcopal Church, the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and strolling through the Historic District.  Over the years he lent his design talents to several large social and holiday events, balls and historic tours. He was king of the Krewe of Dionysos Mardi Gras festivities in 2004 and was featured in a 2015 documentary film, “Sacred as Folk.”

In his musical life, Brother Michael David studied and performed solo and in ensembles on flute, organ, harp and as a vocalist, once giving a recital in five languages.

“I’ve done so many things. I have all my degrees.  I have sung opera.  I was in ‘Cosi Fan Tutte.’ I have sung with Dr. Jack Wann in the theatre.  I sung a solo in ‘The Messiah.’  I played in a string quartet for four years, I played harp with Shirley Jennings….”

“My works are constantly in flux and adventurous,” he said. “This whole show for me, ghosts have appeared constantly.  People think I’m doing little tight, classical drawings.  It’s going to be a nice eye-opener for people. I worked for year [on this show].”

Now facing health issues, Brother Michael David has spent recent days boxing his art and belongings in anticipation of vacating Our Lady of the Lake Hermitage, his long-time Washington Street residence, and looking forward to a new chapter.  His humor and enthusiasm remain intact.

“I’m bringing to Texas some of my outrageous candelabra from Mardi Gras.  They have a krewe out there.”

Friday’s reception is free and open to the public.

Orville Hanchey Gallery is located in NSU’s Creative and Performing Arts Complex on Central Avenue.  Regular hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon on Fridays. 

Acclaimed sportswriter Scott Rabalais joins Billy West Live to talk about his upcoming book “100 Years in Valley” about LSU’s Tiger Stadium

In 1990 Julie Evans gained employment with Winn Parish School Board as school bus driver for Calvin High School. The position was perfect.

“I brought my kids to school and home again,” said Evans as she laughed. “I always knew they arrived safely”.

Julie retired after 23 years of service to fulfill the requirements of a higher education. 

Julie graduated from Northwestern State University in 2012 with a bachelors degree in addiction studies, with a minor in psychology, and again in 2014 with a masters degree in counseling with concentrations in school counseling.

After graduation, Evans entered the school system again as student counselor with the Red River Parish School District.

“It was a blessing to begin my professional career with such a supportive administration,” shared Evans.

She later gained employment with Winn Community Health Center where she humbly serves as student counselor for the Winn Parish students. She went on to say, “I am thankful for my employer, Mr. Deano Thornton, and my position within the school-based clinic.”

In 2020 Julie enrolled into the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans in the PhD Counseling, Leadership, and Education Program. Having graduated with her PhD, Evans calls it her last degree while her family just nods and laughs. 

In 2022, with a nudge from the Holy Spirit, Evans began forming a private practice offering Christian counseling services. Evans said, “There is such a need, people want more than what the secular world can offer.” She counts her practice, Ash Street Ministries LLC, as a blessing from the Lord and without Him, she states, it “just wouldn’t work.” Evans admits being called Dr. Evans will take some getting used to, as she humbly said, “Ms. Julie works just as well.” 

Evans is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a child of God. ASM takes all insurances, and welcomes new patients.

Julie Evans, Ph.D.
National Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor
Certified Telemental Health Provider

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Evans at 318-471-1221 or email her at ministriesllc@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

You can’t drive forward while looking in a rear-view mirror.

You can try and some do.

Ministers spend a great deal of time in a car driving to various places. I enjoy my automotive world. With technology, I can hear the phone ring despite playing my radio loud enough to change my heart rhythm. I play the radio so loud because I don’t hear well after all these years of playing the radio very loud in my car. The vehicle allows the phone call to interrupt my musical moment. I never miss a phone call while driving. When I am alone, the air-conditioning is on the “freeze out” setting. I want to make sure that my glasses fog up heavily when I exit the vehicle. If I can’t see at all, the air conditioning was cold enough. I also look for sermon illustrations while I am driving. Jesus is certainly watching, but I am too! When I raise the phone while driving, I’m not texting. I am photographing.

This morning driving to work, I had the radio loud and the air conditioning on “freeze out,” while I observed the world. In front of me was a black mustang convertible. There was a girl in the car. I could tell because she had her rearview mirror cocked in the “installing make up while driving” position. We sat at the light, and I watched as she applied some ointment, powder, or treatment to her face while the light was red. Because of the angle of the Mustang rear window, I could not tell if she continued applying make-up while driving. She was going “my way” and I did note she was an excellent driver and I’ll bet a super multi-tasker.

I have witnessed full facial make-overs while the person was driving the car. I have seen men put on a tie, send a text message, and read the newspaper at the same time while driving on the Interstate. But I am fascinated by the women who can put on that eye makeup stuff while driving. I have seen mascara going on while the nice lady was driving the car and making a cell phone call. I am amazed. They are doing all of this while looking backwards. The road they are traveling on is out the front window!

But really, you can’t drive forward looking in a rear-view mirror. Jesus said, “If you put your hand to the plow and look back you are not worthy of the kingdom.” Jesus was saying you need to keep your spiritual focus and your life looking forward. If you look back to regrets, mistakes, slights, hurts, sins, or even successes you will miss the beauty of this day. Today is out there, it is not back there!

You didn’t know your car was spiritual, did you?

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email:  DougDeGraffenried

I believe 2016 was the last time Toledo Bend was on fire. Well, 2024 has been very similar to that year so far. The Bend is once again an awesome fishery that is putting out not only quality bass, but bass over 10 pounds. This past May during the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash was the proof that anglers are embracing.

Understand, all lakes go through some periods of decline and most rebound with good management. It’s like a deer lease; the only way to have quality deer is to manage the herd. It’s been through the coordination and dedication of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Management (TPWM) that Toledo Bend has been able to rebound and become one of the best fisheries in the South.

Here are some numbers from mid-May’s Sealy Big Bass Splash that will illustrate just how good the Bend is fishing at this time.

• Over the course of three days anglers brought in 94 bass over 6 pounds with 35 of those over 7 pounds.
• For the first time in years, the top four bass of the event were over 10 pounds — 10.06, 10.52, 10.58, along with the winning bass of 10.64 lbs. 

All Sealy events also have an hourly payback for the top 15 bass each hour. Here’s what it took just to make the Top 15 each hour.

• Friday – it took a 4.16 lb. bass to make the Top 15.

• Saturday – it a 4.13 lb. bass to make the Top 15.

• Sunday – it took at least a 3.72 lb. bass to make the Top 15.

To the average person these numbers may not mean much, but to an avid bass fisherman they are eye-popping. The numbers show just how good of a fishery Toledo Bend is currently. Additionally, it proves that the lake is putting out quality bass and that will encourage tournament organizations to schedule more events on the Bend.

There are other factors that have helped the Bend to become, once again, one of the best bass lakes in the country. Over the last year, there has been a resurgence of grass, what biologists call hydrilla. Both ends of Toledo Bend have good grass beds from Blue Lake (north of San Miguel) down to Housen Bay and Six Mile areas.  Lower water levels of 2023 and early 2024 have also been a factor due to the fact it has allowed more vegetative growth in the shallow water areas.

One thing is clear. Toledo Bend is once again in the category of “Best Lakes in America.” While Mother Nature is the determining factor on just how good this lake will be in the future, it’s up to all anglers to do our part with fish management. It’s our job to take care of our catch on tournament day and make sure the fish we release back into the lake are in great condition to be caught again.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing, and let’s all try to practice catch and release on all our waterways. Keep what you can eat and throw the rest back to be caught another day.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

At 9:52am on Monday, June 17th, 911 dispatchers took a call regarding a water rescue on a property owned by International Paper. At the time of the call it was reported one male individual in a boat had been in or under the water for several minutes, Sheriff Richardson said in a news release. 

The DeSoto Sheriff Water Rescue and DeSoto FIRE/EMS were dispatched and located the male drowning victim. The individual was pronounced deceased at the scene by the DeSoto Coroner.

Further information on the identity of the victim will be provided at an appropriate time when family has been notified. 

The village of Robeline held a special meeting last Thursday to present the 2024-2025 Budget to the council and amend the 2023 budget. The proposition to add bathrooms in the village park was also presented. The council voted to amend the 2023 budget and to add bathrooms to the park.

The village of Robeline will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday, June 20 at 6 p.m. in the Police Depot.

The village will also have another special meeting on Thursday, June 27 at 3 p.m. This meeting will be to adopt the 2024-2025 Budget before the June 30 deadline.

As many have noticed between weather and red tape there has been a stall to the expected construction in the curve of Robeline. The new clinic will almost certainly not meet the hoped for July opening date. The environmental testing required before construction has slowed things down though the building itself will go up quickly it will still need the interior finished before opening. But Robeline residents did get hope Monday when we saw some work being done on the bank site. It was a simple job, the crew simply removed the raised part of the parking lot that had been to aid vehicles in reaching the teller window of the old building. We had been informed that the plans for the new building were in the State Fire Marshal’s office for review. So hopefully with this leveling of the ground it’s a sign that things will start moving forward. After almost 7 months without a local branch many are happy to see any progress towards the return of the bank.

I would like to remind everyone that Apostolic Truth Tabernacle will be hosting VBS next week, June 24-26 from 6-8 p.m. with the Family program on June 27 at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in the fun with us.

By Doug De Graffenried

This will give you an opportunity to think about things. The application will be personal and thoughtful.

This is the story of a mountain climber, who wanted to climb the highest mountain in the land. He began his journey after decades of preparation. But since he wanted glory for himself, he decided to climb the mountain alone.

His climb started in the bright sunlight and proceeded until night. The night felt heavy in the heights of the mountain and the man could not see anything. All was black. Zero visibility since the moon and the stars were covered by the clouds.

As he was climbing, only mere feet from the top of the mountain, he slipped and fell into the air, falling at great speed. The climber could only see black spots as he went down, and the terrible sensation of being sucked down by gravity. He kept falling. . .and in those moments of great fear, it came to his mind all the good and bad experiences of his life.

He was thinking now about how close death was getting, when all of a sudden, he felt the rope tied to his waist pull him very hard.

His body was still hanging in the air…Only the rope was holding him, and in that moment of stillness he had no other choice by to scream:

HELP ME GOD!

All of a sudden, a deep voice coming from the heavens answered:

What do you want me to do?

Save me God!

Do you really think I can save you?

Of course, I believe you can.

THEN CUT THE ROPE TIED TO YOUR WAIST. . .

There was a moment of silence: the man decided to hold on to the rope with all of his strength.

The rescue team says that the next day a climber was found dead and frozen. . .his body hanging from a rope. His hands holding tightly to it. . .

Only ten feet from the ground. 

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email:  DougDeGraffenried

The Healing Clinics is the number one choice for medical marijuana evaluations in Louisiana. More than 40,000 satisfied patients. The Healing Clinics is the real deal when it comes to compassionate care during your healing journey with medical marijuana. Accept no substitutions!

The physicians at The Healing Clinics treat patients from all walks of life. From in-clinic treatment to hospice care, our patients know that their doctors will monitor their treatment with medical cannabis and they will receive professional, compassionate care from their physicians and the entire staff.

No matter what your motivation for seeking medical marijuana as an addition to your treatment plan, the physicians and staff at The Healing Clinics will guide you on your journey.

We value your privacy. Every step of your journey with us is HIPAA compliant and your information will always be protected.

Start your healing journey today! The Healing Clinics offers telehealth for optimum convenience in your physician evaluation.

For More Information:

Website:  at TheHealingClinics.com
Call:  (318) 227-4088
Email: info@thehealingclinics.com

Five (5) Convenient Locations:

BATON ROUGE
11715 Bricksome Ave., Suite A-6
Baton Rouge, LA, 70816
(225) 250-8606
HOURS: By Appointment Only

MADISONVILLE
1519 West Hwy 22, Suite 5
Madisonville, LA 70447
(985) 590-8088
HOURS: 9AM to 5PM M-F

LAKE CHARLES
2802 Hodges St.
Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 240-6587
HOURS: By Appointment Only

MONROE
100 South 2nd Street
Monroe, LA, 71201
(318) 227-4088
HOURS: By Appointment Only

SHREVEPORT
745 Olive Street, Suite 202
Shreveport, Louisiana, 71104
(318) 227-4088
HOURS: 9AM to 5PM M-Th • 8AM to 4PM Friday

The Natchitoches Parish School Board is extending the deadline to apply for the District Truancy & Attendance Officer position. The deadline to apply for the position is Thursday, June 20th. This is a 12 month position and they will be located at the Natchitoches Parish School Board’s Central Office location. Eligible applicants must have at least five years of experience in law enforcement.

We are also looking for an Assistant Principal of Instruction at Natchitoches Central High School. The deadline to apply for the Assistant Principal position is Thursday, June 27th. This is a 10 month position and will be available on Monday, August 5, 2024 for the start of the 2024-2025 school year.

Our last job listing is for a Central Office Secretary in our Human Resources Department. The deadline to apply for the secretary position is Thursday, June 27th. This is a 12 month position and they will be located at the Natchitoches Parish School Board’s Central Office location.

Gett Thomas, a Vernon Parish native and graduate of Pickering High School, has been named the new boys’ basketball coach at Anacoco High School.

Thomas spent the last five years as the head basketball coach and assistant football coach at Oakdale High.  Thomas was an assistant coach for one year on the Northwestern State University basketball staff.  He began his coaching path as an assistant football coach at Pickering for five years.

Thomas compiled a 90-44 record at Oakdale, including four straight district titles and back- to-back quarterfinal appearances in the playoffs.  He was named District Coach of the Year four years in a row.  The Pickering graduate earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration from LSU and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Louisiana Christian University (LC/Pineville).

Thomas and his wife, Leslie, are expecting their first child next month.  

Last week we covered some of the issues going on with anglers on our lakes and waterways. We talked about the confrontations taking place daily as guys compete for water space. Every angler, of course, wants an area of the lake to themselves.

Twenty-five to 30 years ago, this might have been possible but not in 2024! Since the Covid pandemic, it is crazy how many people have taken to the outdoors, and specifically the water, for either fishing or just pleasure boating.

So, with so many people on our lakes and rivers, competition for water space is at an all-time high. Today, I’m going to grab my whistle and put on my coach’s cap and teach anyone willing to listen (boat captains and high school anglers) on the unwritten rules of tournament bass fishing. Actually, these rules should apply to all anglers!  

Rule No. 1: Don’t back your boat down the ramp if you’re not ready to launch. This is a major sore spot with anglers as so many times some anglers will block the ramp by loading all their gear, putting on the running light, loading their rods, removing the trailer bar and unhooking all the trailer straps. Do all this before you get to the ramp! Same goes for pleasure boaters; do all your prepping away from the ramp. Now when you get to the ramp, you’re ready to drop the boat in the water and get out of the way.

Next, brush piles — Rule No. 2: You don’t own a sunken brush pile. This might be the most controversial topic among tournament anglers and can be a major source of tension. But you must understand, that even though YOU spent hours sinking brush piles all over the lake, in reality, you do not own them. Once anything is sunk on a public waterway, it is no longer YOUR personal fishing spot, it’s public. YOU DO NOT OWN THAT OR ANY OTHER BRUSH PILE! Anyone and everyone has just as much right to fish that brush pile as the person that put it there.

Now, with all this being said, if I know that an angler in the tournament put out a particular brush top, I’ll honor him by not fishing it. Also, if I see a good friend fishing a particular brush pile, I’ll check it off my list of places to fish out of respect for him.  

Here’s the thing about brush piles; most lakes have hundreds of brush piles all over the lake. All you have to do is use your electronics and go find them.

Which leads us to Rule No. 3: Go find your own fish! Don’t rely on another angler to find fish for you. Find them on your own. You’ll get a greater satisfaction from fishing when you do it on your own.

Rule No. 4: Don’t cut off another angler. This is the most controversial unwritten rule there is and the one that has created the most verbal wars on the water. Nothing sets a bass fisherman off quicker than another angler cutting them off. If you see a boat going down a stretch of boat docks, grass line or tree line, don’t run in on him and start fishing a few hundred feet in front of him.

THIS IS A MAJOR NO NO! Give the angler his space and go at least 300 yards or more before dropping your trolling motor. Or start behind the angler and go away from him which is what he would prefer anyway.

Rule No. 5: Don’t run up on another boat and shut down on top of them. This is more of a problem on lakes that have a defined boat lane with little to no wiggle room. If another angler is fishing close to the boat lane, shut down at least 40 yards from them and idle by him a few yards before getting back on pad.

In some cases, anglers will motion you with a hand signal waving you on to stay on pad and run by them. I personally would rather have someone just run by me on pad rather than shutting down and throwing a two-foot wake on me. A running boat produces a smaller wake than one with a fast idle. But it’s always good to be courteous and let the other angler tell you what they want you to do.

Rule No. 6: Never drop waypoints with your GPS of another angler’s fishing spot. This one is a major issue with all tournament bass anglers. Just because you see one of the local favorites on a particular body of water fishing a specific spot, does not mean you should idle by him and drop a waypoint. I’ve seen anglers go out of their way to mark another angler’s location only to return and fish the same spot. If you can’t find your own fish, don’t enter the tournament!

Rule No. 7: At no point should an angler have a pair of binoculars in their boat! This really makes an angler using them look pitiful. It shows you’re spending time sitting and watching other anglers catch fish while you’re waiting for them to leave so you can fish that spot. Don’t do this! Binoculars have no place in a bass boat.

The next two rules (8 and 9) apply mainly to anglers fishing a pro/am tournament.

Rule No. 8: Don’t throw past the front of the boat. This is actually a written rule, but also the most overlooked or ignored rule by co-anglers. Some co-anglers think they can cast anywhere they want, but that’s not the case. The co-angler should fish the water from the imaginary line from the middle of the boat to the back of the boat. My advice to co-anglers – if you want to fish in front of the boat, then sign up as a boater/pro.

Rule No. 9: Make sure to help the boater/pro with gas on tournament day. Most guys will never ask for the money, so it’s up to you (co-angler) to offer. It’s pretty much understood that unless gas prices are high, $40 is a good offer. Some boater/pros may not take it, but it’s a courteous gesture on your part to offer, especially if you covered a lot of water that day.  

Finally, Rule No. 10: Your bass boat is not a rocket ship! You’re not impressing anyone on the lake by going fast. So SLOW DOWN and be courteous and respectful of all boaters. In the words of former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson: speed kills! Now obviously he was talking about football, but the same rule applies for going too fast in a bass boat.

Whether we think it or not, we (anglers) do not own any portion of the lake. Everyone is entitled to all areas of any public lake or river. So be respectful of all boaters using the lake. As hard as it can be, exercise patience and try to be nice.

The rules listed above have been passed down to me by previous generations of anglers during my many years of tournament experience. These are things that all bass fishermen need to be reminded of from time to time.

We all get frustrated, but today our lakes and waterways are overrun with boaters and it’s up to us to educate each other as to what is considered acceptable behavior on the water. If you know of anyone, like a boat captain, high school angler or someone new to tournament bass fishing, please share this information with them.  

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and when in doubt — set the hook!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Brad Dison

Ronnie Wayne Freeman
June 7, 2024
Service: Thursday, June 20 at 10:30 am at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home, located at 318 North St. in Natchitoches

Gene Bartlett Haskins
December 21, 1942 — June 16, 2024
Service: Wednesday, June 19 at 1 pm in the Marthaville Cemetery

Jesse Richard Gourdon
May 23, 1957 — June 15, 2024
In following his wishes of cremation, a memorial mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Trichel Community will be announced at a later date.

Mitchell Nash Jr. (Better known as “STICK”)
November 20, 1948 – June 10, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 22 at 11 am at the Gilgal Baptist Church in Louella

Sadie M. Johnson
February 7, 1951 – May 31, 2024
Arrangements TBA

On June 12, 2024, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Louisiana Highway 6 west of Many. The crash claimed the life of 57-year-old Michael D. Remedies of Fisher.

The initial investigation revealed that a 2016 Toyota, driven by 52-year-old Ronald P. Jett of Many, was attempting to enter Louisiana Highway 6 from a private drive-way. For reasons still under investigation, Jett failed to yield to an eastbound 2021 Harley Davidson, driven by Remedies. This action placed the Toyota in the direct travel path of the motorcycle, which resulted in a collision.

As a result of the crash, Remedies sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene. Jett, who was unrestrained, sustained no injuries. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis.

While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state. Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

In 2024, Troop E has investigated 28 fatal crashes, resulting in 30 deaths.

The UL System Board of Supervisors is initiating a national search to identify Dr. Marcus Jones’ successor as he transitions from his current role as NSU President to rejoin the UL System as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

The ideal candidate for this role will be a visionary and entrepreneurial leader who has exhibited academic and senior administrative success. The Board seeks an individual dedicated to fundraising, economic development, community relations, and student-centered initiatives.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate transparent communication, collaborative management, and shared governance, with high-level executive experience and demonstrated exceptional performance.

The oak limbs always looked so majestic as they swayed with the brisk winds of spring storms. I watched this strong oak tree quickly grow from a younger sapling all the way to early adulthood. It had lush green leaves that were perky and green in the spring and would give way to a breathtaking reddish brown in the fall. My daughters have both tied ribbons around this tree, used it as home base in aggressive games of tag, and tried to climb it on numerous occasions. Our family dogs have even treed many squirrels in this beautiful part of our landscape. 

Oaks are known for their strength and resilience and this one was no different. That was, until a fateful spring storm blew through our lives and a bolt of lightning took away the top of it. From this point we were able to shape it up, trim the dead limbs and help it continue to live for another storm season. 

The next a series of spring storms had their way with our majestic white oak tree. My youngest daughter jokingly said, “These storms are taking her down limb for limb, there will soon be nothing left.” I took this as a personal challenge to help our white oak live her best life. With every storm that blew our way we would work meticulously to revive the torn and tattered tree. 

Even though our white oak was losing her looks, losing her limbs and barely alive birds and squirrels still found refuge in what was left. Earlier this year, without a warning, a strong storm blew through during the middle of the night and had its sights set on the white oak. With one large flash of lightning that lit up the entire sky, we officially said goodbye to our back yard buddy. There was literally nothing left. Except, for the trunk. 

The trunk had large chunks of it blown out and the bark was already turning a dead shade of brown. She lived a long good life, housed many varieties of birds, and gave refuge to squirrels. I just shook my head as I added removing the now ugly tree to my to-do list. 

Saturday after Saturday I would make my way to the back yard for coffee and watch the activity around the white oak. I believe, even in its ugly state, that it had more bird traffic than ever. I counted no less than twelve birds on this tree on any given day. Completely amazed that wildlife is still making good use of it, I have not taken it down yet. 

Just like this tree that has been the target of many storms, life can send us just as many. We may feel ugly inside and like we are losing parts of ourselves with every disturbance that comes our way. We may even feel like it is time to just give up because there is nothing left except a trunk. But, we serve a savior who uses what’s left to move mountains and change hearts. He can always use you, no matter what condition you are in. You may feel like you are an ugly tree and there is nothing left for you until God shows you that you are still useful and beautiful. 

“My grace is all you need, for my power is the greatest when you are weak.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Funeral services for Kenneth Perry Barnhart, 56, will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Beulah Baptist Church, 31725 Hwy 191, Many, Louisiana. A burial will follow at St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery, 1130 San Antonio Ave, Many, Louisiana. A visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana Friday, June 14, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Reverend Justin Barnhart and Father Tim Hurd.

Perry was born on October 5, 1967 to Kenneth Eugene Barnhart and Bonnie Nett Barnhart in Zwolle, Louisiana and passed away on June 10, 2024 in Many, Louisiana.

Perry was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother and son, Justin Barnhart and wife, Amy, of New London, Missouri; daughter, Hailey Barnhart Brown and husband, Christopher, of Many, Louisiana; sisters, Lisa Sepulvado and husband, Brad, of Many, Louisiana and Lisa Austin of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana; brothers, Richard Barnhart and wife, Connie, of Many, Louisiana and Raymond Barnhart of Ohio; and grandchildren, Parker, Tanner, Trinity, Harmony, Bentley, Tucker, Kylyn, Kinsley, Kyson, and Kreed.

Honoring Perry as pallbearers will be Richard Barnhart, Kirkland Cain, Coy Fisher, Michael Mizell, Lisa Sepulvado, and Brandon Soileou. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his daughter, Hailey Barnhart Brown and his grandsons.