Kenneth Perry Barnhart
October 5, 1967 — June 10, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15, 2024, 10am at the Beulah Baptist Church, Many

Rose Marie Teekell
April 14, 1964 — June 10, 2024
Service: Friday June 14 at 6 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Deborah Gail Neitte
February 26, 1954 — June 9, 2024
Service: June 14 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral

Elmer P. Davidson Jr.
June 9, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Nelda Lorenne Tate
January 20, 1931 — June 5, 2024
Service: Tuesday, June 18 at 3 pm at Westside Baptist Church

Lesh Nettles Brown Jr.
October 13, 1964 — June 5, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15 at 10 am at First United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary, Natchitoches.

Everlener Reed
June 3, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North St. in Natchitoches

Edward Dorsey
May 13, 1957 – June 5, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15 at 1 pm at the Rockford Baptist Church on Old River Road

Mittie Calhoun
June 1, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel 318 North St. in Natchitoches

Joy Steele Brown
February 11, 1960 – June 11, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15, 2024, 11am a Celebration of Life at Crossroads Baptist Church, Marthaville.

---

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reports the boat and body of missing fisherman, John “Buddy” Martin, age 64, of Joaquin, Texas, was recovered the evening of June 10 from an area near the Jolly Roger Marina on the Louisiana side of Toledo Bend.

According to Sabine County, Texas Sheriff Kevin Windham, his boat and body were found by Sabine Country Chief Deputy Chad Hooper and Game Warden Sam Anderson.

Martin had left the Texas side of the lake near Huxley Bay Saturday June 8 and never returned.  Texas and Louisiana agents searched two days for him.  The investigation was led by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

This marks the 5^th fatality of the year on the area’s biggest body of water.  Authorities urge you to use caution on the water, especially now that water levels are high and may not allow you to see hazards in areas unfamiliar to you.

---

By Courtney Freeman

The Village of Robeline will hold a special meeting Thursday June 13 at 3 p.m. in the Police Depot. The agenda for the upcoming fiscal year will be presented to the council for a vote later in the month after the public hearing period is fulfilled. Other agenda items can be found on the attached agenda.

Apostolic Truth Tabernacle, located at 9086 Texas St. in Robeline, will hold its vacation bible school June 24-26 from 6-8 pm with a family program set for June 27 at 7 pm. Everyone is invited to join us for a great time. If anyone is interested and needs more information please contact Courtney at 318-354-7019.

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA

Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024
Location: 122 Depot Street, Robeline La 71469
Time: 3:00 pm

I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & INVOCATION
II. CALL TO ORDER GORDON O’CON, MAYOR
III. ROLL CALL CELESTE O’CON, CLERK
IV. Special Business Amend 2023/24 Budget CELESTE O’CON, CLERK PROPOSE 2024/25 BUDGET CELESTE O’CON, CLERK PAVILLION ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION GORDON O’CON, MAYOR CITY PARK RESTROOMS (BUILDING) GORDON O’CON, MAYOR
V. ADJOURNMENT

---

A joint investigation by Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives and Louisiana State Probation and Parole-Natchitoches District led to the recovery of a stolen travel trailer near the Spanish Lake area in west Natchitoches Parish according to Sheriff Stuart Wright.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detectives, deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau and Louisiana State Probation and Parole Agents acting on a tip went to a location in the 3000 block of La. Hwy 485 near Spanish Lake on June 10 around 4 pm. The tip reportedly concerned a stolen travel trailer parked in the area.

Deputies arrived on scene. Shortly thereafter, detectives made contact with a person identified as 35-year-old Dakoda Brigmon of the Robeline area. Detectives learned while running the 2019 Keystone Travel Trailer serial number that it was reported stolen to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office on May 2. Detectives confirmed that information with Livingston Parish authorities.

As of result of the investigation, Dakoda Brigmon was placed under arrest without incident, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Illegal Possession of Stolen Things valued over $10,000.

Brigmon remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.

The travel trailer has been secured in an undisclosed location until the rightful owner can take possession.

Involved in the investigation and arrest were:  Lt. J. Byles, Lt. G. Sers, Detective E. Modgridge, Probation and Parole Agents, assisted by Deputy C. Crow.

---

By Rickey Robertson

Now, as readers look at the title of this story, you are going to say, “Not Custer’s last man but Custer’s last stand.” No, as you have learned in one of my previous stories, there was a survivor of the Alamo, and now there is confirmed evidence that one cavalry trooper assigned to the 7^th Cavalry did survive!

Frank Finkle was born on January 29, 1854, in Washington County, Ohio. He enlisted in the US Army in the early 1870’s using the name of August Finckle. Experts have now compared Finkle’s handwriting on his enlistment paperwork with samples of his later handwriting and they are an exact match! Throughout his life he used several aliases and different spellings of his name. But is there evidence that he survived the massacre? Yes, there is. Chief Rain-in-the-Face mentioned in an Army report that a soldier was seen escaping from the battleground. A friend of Finkle, Charles Windolph, in the first unit to arrive at the massacre, searched and searched the complete battlefield looking for his friend’s remains but did not find them. This was filed in an Army report. As patrols fanned out throughout the area, Lt. Edward Godfrey’s unit found a dead sorrel US Cavalry horse at the headwaters of the Rosebud and Yellowstone Rivers. This is the color of the horses in Custer’s company and was found exactly where Finkle said he had left the wounded horse when he had to shoot the animal.

In Finkle’s story he awoke while still on his mount, named Ginger, and the horse was in full gallop. Finkle had been wounded in the head and in the leg with his mount also wounded. He rode slowly for 4 or 5 days and the wounded horse finally gave out. He took only the bridle and began walking until he saw a settler cutting wood. The man and his partner took the bullet from his leg and nursed him back to health.

Finkle did not know if he was posted as a deserter after the battle. He continued west and caught a steamboat on the Missouri River, and onboard the boat he learned that there were no survivors of the Custer Massacre. He decided to never disclose that he had been at the massacre. He traveled to San Francisco, didn’t like that city, then went on to Dayton Washington where in 1886, he married a local girl and bought his first farm. Over the years he became a large and wealthy landowner.

In 1920, surrounded by family ad friends who were gathered for a visit, one of the visitors began to talk about what those “damn Indians had done to General Custer.” After 44 years, this is what broke Finkle’s silence. He told all in attendance of his secret. And he gave an eyewitness account of the massacre and of how he came to Dayton, Washington.

This is an incredible story that most folks have never heard. Now we can say there was a survivor of the massacre to go along with Captain Keogh’s cavalry mount Comanche, the only animal survivor of the battle; brave men and brave animals who are remembered to this very day.

---

JOB: Maintenance Repairer 2

SALARY: $3,410.00 – $6,136.00 Monthly

LOCATION: Natchitoches, LA

JOB TYPE: Classified

JOB NUMBER: CRT-2024-195475-TJ

DEPARTMENT: Culture Rec & Tourism-State Museum

OPENING DATE:  05/30/2024

CLOSING DATE:  6/13/2024,11:59 PM Central

This position is located at the Office of State Museum in Natchitoches, LA.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

40% Assists with the set-up and take-down before, during, and after Museum events and rentals. Performs maintenance and upkeep of in-house systems and exhibits. Monitors pest control and security systems of the site through daily routines and procedures. Acquires and assists with the acquiring of items necessary to complete projects including contractor bids and making approved purchases.

25% Performs minor general maintenance work and repairs on bui1ding HV AC systems. Performs duties such as construction, repair, and painting assignments, paints sheetrock, plasters walls, does trim work, and finishes other surfaces. Erects scaffolding, sands, scrapes, and scales surfaces for painting. Installs lighting devices and fixtures, connecting beaters and other installation. Performs minor plumbing by cutting and threading pipes, running lines, installing fixtures, connecting heaters and other installations.

20% Constructs, and assists with construction and installation of exhibits. Moves and assists with movement of collection items and loaned artifacts under the direction of appropriate staff.

10% Oversees contractors performing electrical, carpentry, painting and plumbing repairs to buildings and equipment, masonry work, sheetrock finishing and other related jobs not performed by the agency that might require a licensed tradesman.

5% Compiles and assists with maintenance related reports, inventory monitoring, and purchase recommendations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

TO APPLY:
Click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/4525709/maintenance-repairer-2

---

I was taking the shortcut through Walmart the other day. I was on my way to the doggie treat section. If you want a growing stock, I suggest the doggie treat industry because I am single-handedly causing a growth in the industry. Our dogs like certain treats and it seems Walmart is always “out of them.” I have noticed that the doggie treats are growing more expensive with each trip to restock.

The short cut took me through the toy section. I have not been in the toy section in years. I found myself amid the place that children still drag their parents. At least I hope kids still drag their parents to the toy section. I know the video game section is also a big draw for the kids.

This nice boy and his mom were standing in the toy section. She had pulled a toy off the shelf that she was going to buy for the little boy. She handed the toy to the little boy, and he said to his mom, “I don’t want that one.”

The nice little boy was very polite and nice about it. I’m guessing that mom picked out the wrong superhero or something. I didn’t stay long enough to see if the toy selection came to a successful conclusion or not. I hope the little boy received the toy he wanted. He was certainly polite and nice in helping his mom pick the correct toy.

Here’s the thing though. He was receiving a gift, yet he wanted to decide which gift he wanted to receive.

I wonder how many times God has tried to send us His love and grace and we, by word or deed, have said to God, “I don’t want that one.”

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

---

A couple of unrelated recent headlines could combine to repair one of the more noteworthy rivalries in college football.

May 30: Southland Conference, NSU welcome back SFA’s Lumberjacks

June 1: NSU seeking new leadership after announcement of president’s departure

The timing was coincidental.

The reunion of Stephen F. Austin with Northwestern State and the rest of the Southland Conference was no surprise, in the works for many weeks after SFA realized the folly of flying thousands of miles to play Western Athletic Conference games in all its sports.

The move of NSU’s 20^th president, Dr. Marcus Jones, to take the No. 2 job in the University of Louisiana System’s office was a much bigger surprise to many. Jones will relocate to Baton Rouge at some point this summer, with that timing possibly settled during a regular ULS board meeting Thursday.

Who replaces him in Natchitoches? TBD, but lots of supporters of both NSU and SFA are hoping the Demons’ next leader will be somebody willing to revisit a decision Jones and his Nacogdoches counterpart facilitated that closeted the biggest trophy in sports, “Chief Caddo,” and the rich history it carried since 1960.

The trophy is a 7-foot-6, 320-pound statue of a mythical Native American chief, designed to honor the original settlers of the region, a tribe that helped keep peace when European explorers arrived 3-4 centuries ago.

Reaching back into the Natchitoches Parish Journal library – actually, using the handy search button on the right side of this page – I entered “Chief Caddo” and quickly accessed the thoughts I shared last Sept. 15 in a piece headlined Searching for solutions after the demise of a treasured (by many) tradition.

To save you the same exertion, I’ll share the crux of what I wrote then, after NSU and SFA’s presidents finally, with a threadbare five-sentence statement, announced the halt of the Chief Caddo tradition, three days before the football teams collided.

When that decision had been reached months earlier, but kept quiet. When nothing was done other than summarily pulling the plug on one of the sports’ most noteworthy trophy games, 72 hours before game day, instead of making that titanic shift known way back when SFA and NSU announced their first football meeting since 2019.

When it was befuddling to try to understand why the uncomfortable truth of the shocking decision wasn’t acknowledged long before.

The core of the Sept. 15 column stands true today:

“That would have allowed months for a new trophy to be developed, one that did the same things the Chief Caddo trophy was created to do – recognize the historic relationship between the two oldest communities in their respective states, and the Native American influence that made their existence possible.

“Saturday’s game could have been a celebration of a new tradition. Now the teams don’t meet until 2025. That leaves plenty of time for deliberation – and hopefully this time, collaboration past a small circle. Build some buy-in. Develop a wonderful new tradition. Fold in service activities by both schools to involve and benefit nearby Native Americans. Add some educational components. And a nice, new prize – hopefully one that is still the biggest in all the sports world. Why change that?

“The ‘antiquated’ Chief, thought to be reasonably historically accurate when Logansport wood carver Harold Green developed him in 1960-61, was due for an upgrade. Our society has made much progress since then. There are no longer two water fountains or segregated schools. Women and minorities have greatly enhanced standing in today’s America. It’s not perfect. It never will be, but it can always be better. Maybe over the long haul, this change helps, after it understandably inflamed angry emotions from blindsided Demons and Lumberjacks this week.”

Nine months later, NSU’s leadership change offers a chance to reconsider all implications of last fall’s announcement of a decision made quite a while before we heard about it.

This is June 12. The Demons and Lumberjacks now will meet once again as Southland rivals, Oct. 5 in Nacogdoches. Plenty of time to get this mistake corrected, and revitalize a tradition if not to develop a concept for a new trophy.

History can repeat itself. There’s no reason not to renew the stakes that launched the trophy series. In 1960, it was decided the winning team would pick the artist to carve the trophy. The losing team would provide a huge log from its native forests.

Here’s to NSU-SFA 2024: Back to the Future.

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

---

The biggest, most star-studded and fun-filled party of every summer for miles around is coming your way next weekend.

 Three days of festivities are right around the corner, Thursday June 20 through Saturday June 22, with the 2024 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

 The LSHOF’s Class of 2024 will be enshrined next Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 65^th Induction Celebration.

 The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, June 20, with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum.

 The Friday, June 21 schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The 2024 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert presented by Rapides Regional Medical Center on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party.

The slate on Saturday, June 22 kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event has been filled to capacity since last month.

 At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street.

 Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.

 The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255. Those events are nearing sellouts.

 The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.

 The Class of 2024 is headlined by a star-studded group of eight inductees from the LSHOF “competitors ballot,” led by national sports celebrities Seimone Augustus, Drew Brees and Daniel Cormier.

 Along with Brees, the New Orleans Saints’ NFL record-setting passer, is Augustus, a Baton Rouge native who is one of women’s basketball’s all-time best, and Cormier, the Lafayette born-and-raised Olympic wrestler who became and remains one of the most prominent figures in MMA.

 This year’s class also includes 1992 Olympic wrestling gold medalist Kevin Jackson from LSU along with former basketball coach Tulane Perry Clark and McNeese football great Kerry Joseph, who had a 19-year pro career.

 More inductees are high school football coach Frank Monica, who won state titles at three different south Louisiana schools, and Ray Sibille, a Breeders’ Cup-winning thoroughbred jockey from Sunset who ranks among the nation’s elite riders.

 Grambling’s Wilbert Ellis becomes the second-ever recipient of the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award. During his 43-year baseball coaching career and since, Ellis has made local, statewide and national impact not only in the competitive arena but also in community service and leadership.

 Winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism are widely-respected south Louisiana sportswriters Bobby Ardoin and Ron Higgins. Longtime Southland Conference commissioner Tom Burnett, a Louisiana Tech graduate, will receive the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

 The 2024 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. 

 For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.  

---

What the heck is going on in the bass tournament world? Drama, drama and more drama, tournament after tournament!

It’s worse than watching daytime soap operas and it’s on every level across the country. It includes grown men who have become overly sensitive about people fishing too close, to those who think forward-facing sonar is ruining the sport, to people who think cheating is OK.

What’s that old saying? ”If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying.” Enough is enough with all the chit-chat, griping and complaining about every little thing!

Anglers are taking to social media like bees going to honey, eagerly giving their side of an incident that took place at their last event. They’re attempting to explain their thought process and why they did what they did. Every little thing, every incident and situation are now public knowledge. Cameras are rolling in every boat so that these incidents can be posted on social media. Nothing is private anymore!

So why has bass fishing all the sudden become an episode of the Jerry Springer Show? Is it intentional, and a way to get more social media likes and followers, or is it just a sign of the times where we as a society are looking for just any little thing we can share with the entire world?

Part of the problem is the amount of money anglers are fishing for today. Whether it’s a big bass tournament or a team fishing circuit, the money anglers are fishing for in a lot of bass tournaments is insane.

The next issue: today’s lakes and waterways are more crowded than a Rolling Stones concert. We aren’t just talking about bass fishermen either. There are a ton of pleasure boaters and jet skiers who have the same rights to the lakes and waterways as anglers do. Now most anglers won’t agree with my last statement, but it’s the truth.

So, with so much money at stake and more people on the water now, conflicts are bound to arise from time to time. But excluding the recreational boaters, why are so many bass anglers having conflicts on the water? One reason is the lack of what is called “on the water etiquette.” These are the unwritten rules that today’s younger generation of anglers (high school and college) have not been taught.

Just like Little League, many dads or coaches are volunteers, and some have never played the game so they are not familiar with how the game should be taught. Don’t get me wrong, I love that there are people who will step up and take over a team that needs a coach. Volunteers are critical to the success of any sports league, but sometimes they need coaching themselves. This same rule applies for today’s high school boat captains; they need some coaching.

Here’s where the problem comes in. Some dads/coaches/boat captains  have a disease known as an “ego” and will let this get in the way of allowing them to be taught on how to be a better coach/boat captain. Trust me when I tell you that tournament bass anglers suffer from the same disease. They hate being told (me included) that we did something wrong, especially on the water. But once in a while, we all need reminded how to act on the water.

But my generation was taught, and we listened to the older guys when we started our fishing careers. We had the utmost respect for the older guys and would frequently seek out their knowledge. We were always looking to them for advice because we all wanted to be better anglers.

I have yet to have a young angler, or a boat captain, come up and ask me anything about the unwritten rules of the water or ask for any advice. If there’s one area high school bass fishing is failing, it is dads or boat captains not knowing the unwritten rules of fishing etiquette – and they aren’t asking for advice from the older guys.

I will admit that I have gotten a little testy with some high school anglers and boat captains. I have lost my cool with these guys more than once, and occasionally still do, especially when I see an experienced boat captain who fishes tournaments himself making dumb decisions on the water and setting a bad example for the young anglers in their boat.

My message to ALL anglers is this; if you’re doing something that you think might not be right, trust your instincts and don’t do it! If you’re not sure about a certain situation, ask an older angler for advice. It all boils down to one thing — respect. Respect is not only for other anglers, but for the sport as well.

Coming soon, I will go over the unwritten rules of tournament bass fishing, and I hope my readers will share this very important information that all anglers need to hear.

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

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

---

By Brad Dison

---

I was always fascinated with Betsy Ross. I imagined her in the parlor sewing that first United States flag as a symbol of patriotism with pride and honor. Preferring to retain the childhood memories that permeate my heart, I hardly listen when historians claim this as a myth.

Besides, the importance of the flag remains unchanged. On Flag Day (June 14) and during National Flag Week, we take pride in the promise and purpose represented by our nation’s flag, first created in 1777.

From the Betsy Ross Flag of 13 stars to the current one of 50 commissioned by President Eisenhower in 1959, Americans fly this symbol of national pride over battlefields, cemeteries, schools, buildings, courthouses, and homes.

An annual presidential proclamation has been in place since 1966, directing the appropriate officials to display the flag on all Federal Government buildings during this week and urging all Americans to observe Flag Day and National Flag Week by displaying the flag and honoring all of our brave service members and revering those who gave their last full measure of devotion defending our freedoms.

“Americans are encouraged to observe with pride and all due ceremony those days from Flag Day through Independence Day by proudly displaying our nation’s flag.”

Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist from Central Louisiana who wants her former history teachers to know that she’s finally doing all that homework she skipped out on in the 80’s. She can be reached at Jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.

---

Deborah Gail Neitte
February 26, 1954 — June 9, 2024
Service: June 14 at 1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral

Elmer P. Davidson Jr.
June 9, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Nelda Lorenne Tate
January 20, 1931 — June 5, 2024
Service: Tuesday, June 18 at 3 pm at Westside Baptist Church

Lesh Nettles Brown Jr.
October 13, 1964 — June 5, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15 at 10 am at First United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary, Natchitoches.

Everlener Reed
June 3, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15 at 2 pm at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North St. in Natchitoches

Patricia C. Jackson
November 24, 1943 – June 6, 2024
Service: Thursday June 13 at 11 am at the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 911 5th St. in Natchitoches

Edward Dorsey
May 13, 1957 – June 5, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15 at 1 pm at the Rockford Baptist Church on Old River Road

Mittie Calhoun
June 1, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel 318 North St. in Natchitoches

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

---

By State Representative Charles Owen, LtCol (ret), USAF

On 6 June, 1944, possibly the most pivotal battle in the history of western civilization took place. The concept of freedom was at stake on this day as the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and other warriors of the allied nations attempted to create a beachhead in Europe—in France, specifically. The land, air, and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military
history undertook the operation to dislodge Hitler’s Fascism and tyranny from Europe. Almost 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and Free France took part in this battle of battles. Casualties were high on this day, with over 2,500 American personnel losing their lives. Our
nation has paid and continues to pay great homage to the lives lost in World War II and on D-Day specifically.

Our beloved Louisiana lost 33 of its sons on this day. We also lost nearly 5,000 Louisianans in World War II and all of those lives are precious. But on this 80th commemoration of what history has called “the Day of Days”, we need to take a moment and remember the men from Louisiana who died trying to get a foothold in Normandy. The 33 included 2 commissioned officers, both from North Louisiana. It included about 10 Non-Commissioned officer and the remainder were junior enlisted personnel. Eighteen of our warriors are in their physical eternal resting places in France and England—in immaculately maintained American cemeteries. Twelve were brought back home to be buried in the cemeteries with their families. Three were never recovered and are memorialized in plaques in various places.

The names of the 33 bear repeating on this day. We have our freedom in this country for many reasons, but one of them is because free men through the centuries have paid the price for us to keep that freedom. With deference to all of our state’s war dead, this is a tribute to those from Louisiana who died on D-Day.

First Lieutenant James Holstun of Gibsland: Killed at 3 AM on D-Day. Parachuted in
behind enemy lines. While leading a squad to capture an anti-aircraft artillery battery,
was killed in action. Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.

First Lieutenant Howard Brewster of Ruston: Died while in German airspace on a
glider. Member of the 84 th Troop Carrier Squadron. Awarded the Air Medal and Purple
Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Technical Sergeant Francis Guillory of Eunice: Top Turret Gunner on B24; his aircraft
disintegrated on flight over England after completing a mission in France. Awarded
Purple Heart.

Staff Sergeant Alvin Rainey of New Orleans: Crew member, B24; his aircraft crashed in
England after combat operations in Normandy. Awarded Purple Heart. Buried in
England.

Staff Sergeant Clarence Uzee of Lockport: Died during landings at Omaha Beach.
Awarded Purple Heart. Buried in Lockport.

Sergeant George Weil of Rayne: Killed in action at Omaha Beach. First generation
American, immigrated with family who owned a frog farm in Rayne. Buried at
Normandy.

Sergeant Leonard Davis of Sabine Parish: Jumped in behind enemy lines with 101st.
Died in a firefight in an apple orchard early on 6 June. Buried in Belmont, Louisiana.
Sergeant John Emanus of Sabine Parish: Jumped in with 82d Airborne behind enemy
lines in the early hours of 6 June. Killed in Combat. Buried in Louisiana.

Sergeant John Hall of Oak Grove: Killed in action on Normandy Beach, member of 1st
Infantry Division. Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Technician John Bray of New Orleans: Member of 101 st Airborne, onboard C-47 with 18
other paratroopers, downed by enemy aircraft fire in route to drop zone. Buried in New
Orleans. Purple Heart.

Technician Fields Rush of Pineville: Died of wounds on the beach at Omaha. Purple
Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Technician John Berlin of New Orleans: 101 st Airborne. Onboard C-47 with 21 other
paratroopers; all perished enroute to jump zone. Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Technician 5th Class Royd Keys of Winnsboro: Member of 29th Infantry Division. Died
at landing in Normandy. Departed Normal College (NSU) to enlist in the war. Widowed
a young British nurse. Buried at Normandy.

Technician 4th Class Luther Lockey of Shreveport: Assigned to 743d Tank Battalion.
Died during landing at Omaha Beach. His body was never recovered.

Technician Alexander Oakley of New Orleans. Killed in action during landing. His
body was never recovered.

Machinist Mate Richard Harang of New Orleans: Killed in action on Omaha beach.
Buried at Normandy. Awarded Purple Heart

Corporal Sidney Manuel of Eunice: Killed in action at Omaha Beach. Purple Heart.
Buried in Eunice.

Motor Machinist’s Mate Glenn Soap of Shreveport: Killed during landing at Omaha
Beach. His body was never recovered.

Corporal Albert Callais: Jumped in behind enemy lines, killed in action. Member of
82nd Airborne. Buried at Normandy.

Private First Class Frank Cheek of Rapides Parish. Killed in action during beach
landing. Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.
Private First Class Bose Kelly of Shreveport: While in route to jump zone with 82d
Airborne, his aircraft was downed by enemy fire. Purple Heart. Buried in Shreveport,
one of 3 brothers lost in the war.

Private First Class Houston Duhon of New Iberia: Died on Omaha Beach. Awarded
Purple Heart and Silver Star. Buried at Normandy.

Private First Class Reginald Brock of Rayville: Killed in action, Omaha Beach. 29th
Infantry Division. Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Private First Class Claude Brownell of Madison Parish: Killed in action, Omaha Beach.
29th Infantry Division. Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Private First Class Earl Howe of Marksville. Killed in action, Omaha Beach. 29th
Infantry Division. Purple Heart. Buried in Marksville.

Private First Class J.T. Pardue of Union Parish: Killed in action, Omaha Beach. 477th
Engineer Battalion. Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Private Whitney Faulk of New Orleans: Killed in action on Omaha Beach. Purple
Heart. Buried in New Orleans.

Private Andrew Kling of Dutchtown: 82 nd Airborne. Killed in action behind enemy lines.
Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Private Joe Peters: 29th Infantry Division Medic. Died probably rendering aid to the
wounded. Killed in action. Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Private Simpson Courson of Bastrop: 101 Airborne Division. Killed in action behind
enemy lines. Purple Heart. Buried at Normandy.

Private Raymond Bell of LaSalle Parish: 29 th Infantry Division. Died during landing at
Omaha Beach. Purple Heart. Buried in Rhinehart, Louisiana.

Private George Baragona of Slidell: Jumped in behind enemy lines with 82d Airborne
Division; organized disparate team under chaos, fought and captured. Executed by
Germans after capture. Buried in Slidell.

WW2 Fallen 100:

WW2 Fallen – George Baragona, 82nd Airborne.

Private Sidney DeRise of Rayne: 82d Airborne. Died on 6 June. Purple Heart. Buried
in Rayne, Louisiana.

SPECIAL THANKS TO Secretary Charlton Meginley of the Department of Veterans’
Affairs for helping compile this list and collate data. Meginley, a retired USAF Colonel,
will be representing Louisiana at Normandy on the 80 th Anniversary of the D-Day
Landings.

---

The Louisiana Association of Student Councils held its annual workshop at Northwestern State University this week June 2-6. The meeting, held at NSU for the past 50 years, brought together 340 high school student leaders from every corner of the Bayou State for a week of fun, leadership development, and education.

The student council members were divided into small groups with whom they would spend the week, making friends from all over Louisiana. The theme of the workshop was “LASC Your Greatest Adventure.” The students learned the ins and outs of running successful meetings and achieving goals as well as developing leadership skills. Sabine Parish was well represented by a strong contingent of student leaders from Many High School.

Next week will see several hundred middle school students who serve on their schools’ student councils arrive at NSU for a week of fun and learning.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes all the best to these hard working young men and women as they complete their high school careers. We hope you learned a lot and enjoyed the university’s hospitality. Come back to NSU after your graduation and build your future!

---

January 14, 1947 — May 19, 2024

A memorial service for Richard Lee Thompson, 77, will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana. A visitation will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be Brother David Hibbard.

Richard was born on January 14, 1947 to Paul Thompson and Wilma Pearl Smock and passed away on May 19, 2024 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Richard was preceded in death by his mother. He is survived by his father of Phoenix, Arizona; son, Paul Harold Thompson of Alburquerque, New Mexico; sister, Susie Churchill; brother, Rod Thompson and wife, Carol, of Phoenix, Arizona; and his friend, Marty Granger.

---

August 6, 1934 — April 16, 2024

Walter Glen Starks, Sr. – or Glen, as he was known to everyone who knew him – died peacefully at home Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at the age of 89.

While he was known as “Glen” to the community, he was a man of many titles. Some of his favorites were Dad, Papaw, Pops, and Uncle Glen. Glen was born in New Mexico, but his parents longed for the piney woods, so they brought the family back to Sabine Parish. Fourth of ten children, Glen grew up on the farm, and began the exploration of a never-ending love of the woods. In his heart, he was a farm boy for the rest of his life.

He remembered walking across Highway 118 after class at Mt. Carmel Elementary to get candy at George Addison’s Gulf Station store. He told stories of camping in the woods, early morning farm chores, home-made biscuits from scratch, and what it was like to court a girlfriend when you had to ride a bike in the dark just to have a “date” sitting on her front porch.

Glen was determined to go to college. He planted trees, dug ditches, and worked one summer in the oil field to earn enough money to pay his way through LSU. He said a can of beans was his supper on many a night. He thrived and graduated with a business degree.

A few years after graduation he went back to Baton Rouge to work for the LSU Student Union, eventually rising to the role of Business Manager. It was one of the most impactful experiences of his professional life.

Sabine Parish was never far from his heart or thoughts, though. He dreamed of a life interwoven with business and the forest. If you’ve been in the area for long, you might remember Glen’s hardware store in Florien. Maybe you had tamales with him at the S&S Restaurant. Perhaps you saw him drinking coffee in the corner booth at Fox’s Pizza or saw him behind the counter serving up breakfast when the Gulf Station Café came to life after 50 years of dormancy. Glen was an inspiration, a heartbeat, behind each of those dreams. In fact, he never stopped dreaming of his next big project.

In the woods or in the seat of a tractor is where Glen felt most connected. He was always on the tractor. He wore out the old John Deere and was well into wearing out the next farm tractor! Few things proved more glorious than seeing a crop of peas, or beans, or tomatoes flourish. Joy, for him, was sitting on the front porch of what he called “the camp,” his one room cabin in the woods by Toro creek, listening to the birds, silently marveling in the beauty of a doe and fawn in the early morning mist, a turkey taking flight to the trees, or butterflies and bees on the never-ending wildflowers of the field. In fact, Glen talked of having his ashes scattered under the canopy of an oak tree his grandson planted on the lower 80 acres; that is, until a beaver chopped down the tree one night. Well, that’s just the way of things in the woods, and in life. Bless you and thank you, Glen, for sharing with us, your family and friends, as you journeyed through the woods and the fields. This year’s garden is planted. The peas are coming up. The cucumbers and tomatoes are blooming. We will take good care of it for you.

Since Glen built fellowship and community wherever he went, we will celebrate his life with a memorial service followed with a potluck meal at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024. The community is invited to bring a dish and join the family for the service and meal.

Those left to cherish Glen’s memories are his four children, Walter Starks, Jr., Bubs Starks, John Starks and wife, Lori, and Kathryn Urban and husband, Mike; seven grandchildren, Danica Starks, Kira Starks, Steven Sloop, III and wife, Anna, Gage Sloop, Emma Hendrix and husband, Adam, Justin Urban, and Ella Starks; two great-grandchildren, Amelia Hendrix and Ariel Sloop; two brothers, Clifford Starks and Joe Starks; three sisters, Jean Weldon, Jerri Lampin, and Joy Starks; one very special sister-in-law, Pat Starks; a host of nieces and nephews; and a community of friends. Glen was welcomed home by his parents, Wylie Starks, Sr. and Mary Starks; two brothers, Wylie Starks, Jr. and Charles Starks; and two sisters, Doris Cobb and Delight Gable.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Florien High School FFA, 500 High School Dr., Florien, LA 71429; Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 5049 Hwy 118, Florien, LA 71429; or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

---

January 17, 1973 — May 28, 2024

A private funeral service was held for John Wesley Heard, 51, of Many, Louisiana. John was born on January 17, 1973 to Joel Heard and Gay Scott Heard in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. He passed away on May 28, 2024 in Many, Louisiana.

John lived every day of his life true to himself. He was a hardworking, loyal man to those who knew him best. He was also a loving and caring son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend to many. His greatest title, however, was DAD! He was a one-of-a-kind father, who meant the world to his girls. His passing was sudden and unexpected, and he will forever be remembered and missed. His family can find peace in knowing he is at rest in his heavenly home.

He spent his working career in the forestry service and as a heavy equipment operator in various job titles. He learned his passion for heavy equipment operating and dirt work early on from his father, whom he shared a very close relationship with. He was a God-fearing man and had a close walk with the Lord. He inspired his children and family with his strong faith.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Gay Scott Heard. He is survived by his father, Joel Heard; wife, Charlotte Heard; and daughters, Avery Heard of New Llano, Louisiana and Paige Heard of Many, Louisiana; sisters, Karla Oglesby of Palasade, Colorado, Jennifer Borel and husband, David, of Many, Louisiana, and Amy Jones and husband, Ivan, of Minden, Louisiana; brothers, Mark Heard and wife, Dusty, of Many, Louisiana and Jason Heard and wife, Sandra, of Many, Louisiana; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Honoring John as pallbearers were Calvin Dale Campbell, Jacob Heard, Jason Heard, Mark Heard, Ivan Jones, and Ross Skidmore. Serving as an honorary pallbearer was Landon Jones.

---

October 11, 1944 — May 30, 2024

Nelia Nell Byrd O’Haver,79, passed from this life on May 30, 2024 in Converse, Louisiana. She was born on October 11, 1944 to Jesse Lee Byrd and Mattie Louise Walker in Clare, Louisiana. She is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Myrna Byrd and Martha Byrd; brothers, Whimpy Byrd and Teddy Byrd. She is survived by her sons, Clinton Alford of Converse, Louisiana and Charles Alford of Shreveport, Louisiana; sister, Susie Byrd; brother, Shorty Byrd; and grandson, JT Alford of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

---

July 31, 1949 — May 30, 2024

Services for James Larry Primeaux, 74, were held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana.

James was born on July 31, 1949 to Arvin Primeaux and Alice Duprie in Lake Charles, Louisiana and passed away on May 30, 2024 in Many, Louisiana.

James was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Janetta Primeaux; sons, Chad Primeaux and wife, Sarah, Johnny Primeaux and wife, Brandi, Corey Primeaux and wife, Alisha, James Primeaux and wife, Elizabeth, and JamesDallas Primeaux; daughters, Katrina Crawford and husband, Jason, Crystal Ponthier, and Donia McMahan; sister, Marlene Barnes; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

---

JOB: Maintenance Repairer 2

SALARY: $3,410.00 – $6,136.00 Monthly

LOCATION: Natchitoches, LA

JOB TYPE: Classified

JOB NUMBER: CRT-2024-195475-TJ

DEPARTMENT: Culture Rec & Tourism-State Museum

OPENING DATE:  05/30/2024

CLOSING DATE:  6/13/2024,11:59 PM Central

This position is located at the Office of State Museum in Natchitoches, LA.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

40% Assists with the set-up and take-down before, during, and after Museum events and rentals. Performs maintenance and upkeep of in-house systems and exhibits. Monitors pest control and security systems of the site through daily routines and procedures. Acquires and assists with the acquiring of items necessary to complete projects including contractor bids and making approved purchases.

25% Performs minor general maintenance work and repairs on building HV AC systems. Performs duties such as construction, repair, and painting assignments, paints sheetrock, plasters walls, does trim work, and finishes other surfaces. Erects scaffolding, sands, scrapes, and scales surfaces for painting. Installs lighting devices and fixtures, connecting beaters and other installation. Performs minor plumbing by cutting and threading pipes, running lines, installing fixtures, connecting heaters and other installations.

20% Constructs, and assists with construction and installation of exhibits. Moves and assists with movement of collection items and loaned artifacts under the direction of appropriate staff.

10% Oversees contractors performing electrical, carpentry, painting and plumbing repairs to buildings and equipment, masonry work, sheetrock finishing and other related jobs not performed by the agency that might require a licensed tradesman.

5% Compiles and assists with maintenance related reports, inventory monitoring, and purchase recommendations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

TO APPLY:
Click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisiana/jobs/4525709/maintenance-repairer-2

---

Patricia C. Jackson
November 24, 1943 – June 6, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Patricia Ann Mosley
October 28, 1943 — June 5, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 8 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Edward Dorsey
May 13, 1957 – June 5, 2024
Arrangements TBA

James Donald Moss Jr.
January 9, 1952 — May 31, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Mittie Calhoun
June 1, 2024
Arrangements TBA

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

---

The following has been provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries:

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division arrested 10 boaters statewide for allegedly driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) during the Memorial Day Weekend from Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27.

The LDWF Enforcement Division also reported zero boating fatalities for the Memorial Day weekend.

”Our agents continue to do a great job of enforcing recreational boating regulations including being very strict when it comes to looking for impaired boat operators. Doing that makes the waterways of Louisiana a safer place for everyone,” said Major Clay Marques, the state’s boating law administrator.

On May 25, agents arrested:

Santo Spitale, 23, of Morgan City, on the Atchafalaya River. Matthew Fuller, 44, Sulphur, on Prien Lake. Kelly R. Foreman, 54, of Rayne, on the Mermentau River. Michael Phillips, 44, of Pineville, on Kincaid Lake. Kory Despaux, 41, of Arabi on Intracoastal Waterway.

On May 26, agents arrested:

Richard Minchew, 49, of Columbia, on the Ouachita River.Ian Johnson, 28, of Loranger, on the Tickfaw River.

On May 27, agents arrested:

Jaycob Golightly, 26, of Ragley, on the Calcasieu Ship Channel. Landin S. Carriere, 20, of Eunice, on the Mermentau River. Brody Holt, 20, of Sieper, on Kincaid Lake.

Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or on the road will lose his or her driver’s license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes whether they happened on the water or road.

In Louisiana, a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle while impaired. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.

---