Music lovers will have an opportunity to enjoy some beautiful religious music and help try to save a precious little girl’s life at the same time.

The Amazing Rhythm Disciples are presenting a free music concert on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 pm at the Many Community Center.  Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the concert of old traditional hymns and some newer ones to will begin at 7.

No admission will be charged but concert goers will be asked to make a donaion to  SAVE LYDIA.

Lydia is a two-year old precious little girl living near Natchitoches and Many. She has a rare disease similar to Alzheimers in older adults. The disease is called SanFilippo Syndrome which is terminal. Lydia’s little body is dying. Life expectance is not beyond teenage years

Before her disease takes over her body and brain damage starts to occur, there is only one chance to save her.

There are no current tests or cure approved by the FDA, only clinical trials.  But there is some hope. These clinical trials have a gene therapy treatment and an enzyme replacement therapy. In SanFelippo Syndrome, Lydia’s little body is missing an enzyme that is used to break down sugar molecules. Without this enzyme, toxic waste builds up in the body.  

As the years gooby and more toxic waste builds up, it starts to affect Lydia’s brain, causing damage, leading to Lydia to lose or forget all of her abilities such as walking, talking, and feeding herself, everything that she has already learnedd.  This is why it is called Childhood Dementia.  She will also endure pain and suffering and then die. This disease is 100% fatal.

Lydia must have a clinical trial before this dreaded disease starts to damage sweet Lydia’s brain.

There are currently no openings for Lydia.  But this is how you can help Lydia,by donating money to help get Lydia accepted into a clinical trial.

There will be a donation box at the entrance to the Community Center.  Every dollar counts.  Lydia needs a miracle and the Sabine/Natchitoches parishes can be part of the miracle by attending this FREE  concert and donating to Help Save Lydia. The goal is to raise $1 million dollars to help fund a clinical trial and give Lydia a chance at growing up, a chance at life.  

Previous clinical trials for SanFelippo Syndrome have shown real promise.  But this money will be used to fund more trial opportunities for Lydia. This campaign for Lydia’s life is as urgent as it gets.  

It’s NOW OR NEVER FOR Lydia. With the funds and her diagnos, Lydia is almost certain to be accepted into a clinical trial. This is her only hope.

Those people who are unable to attend the concert and make a donation may donate through GoFundMe.com/SaveLydia.

A federal judge ruled that a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms is unconstitutional. Judge John W. deGravelles stated that the law has an “overtly religious” purpose and rejected claims that the display is solely historical. The ruling blocks the state and specific school boards from enforcing the mandate and requires them to notify all Louisiana school boards of its unconstitutionality. 

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed the “Dream Big” Education Plan into Law on June 19, 2024. HB 71 required all school districts in the state to display the Ten Commandments in each classroom in each school.

“I signed into law HB 71 making Louisiana the first state to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in the classroom,” Landry said on social media on June 26. “I believe this is a step in the right direction to restore morals and values for current and future generations in Louisiana.”

Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill announced plans to appeal.

A missing person has been found by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office after being reported missing on Nov. 12. Tullis James Rayford McComic (age-32) of Zwolle was last seen in Shreveport on Oct. 21. McComic is originally from the Zwolle area in Sabine Parish.

It’s a great day when citizens support the Many Police Department as Linda and Mike Edwards recently did when they made a generous donation of Lifevac devices (for choking incidents) for all the police units.

Many head football coach Dillon Barrett resigned over the weekend following the Tigers winless season.

Barrett led Many for two seasons with a combined 9-13 record.

Barrett and his staff had to replace 26 seniors from a 10-3 squad that included program cornerstones like running back Jeremiah James, cornerback Tylen Singleton, and defensive end Swazy Carheel.
But the Tigers simply weren’t competitive in 2024, losing seven of their 10 games this season by at least 30 points with their closest result a 28-6 loss to Lakeside.

The season ended Friday with a 39-6 loss to Mansfield as Many lost all four of its District 3-2A games.
Barrett was part of Many’s streak of 10 straight district titles and a 39-game district winning streak that ended with the Lakeside loss.

The first nine district titles of that streak belongs to Jess Curtis, who guided Many to three state championships and three more championship appearances during his tenure.

The 2024 schedule was a difficult one, featuring non-district foes like Alexandria Senior High, Logansport, and Leesville.

District 3-2A is improved, but the Tigers scored just 22 points total in those four district games while allowing an average of more than 40 points.

By Doug De Graffenried

I have a file of pending articles. I keep the file for the weeks when the well is running dry or nothing notable happened. The thing about this file is that these are small reminders of ideas for articles. They are never fully formed articles. If I have not used the article ideas, I tend to forget the deep insight I was having. I simply have a Post-it-note with a few words on it. More than once, I have looked at the words on the Post-it note and wondered, “What was I thinking?” The note then goes in file thirteen.

I thought that sharing the Post-it note-file in brief fashion might be fun. I want to share these before I forget what they mean.

Here we go.

Recently, I heard a couple of members of Trinity talking in the hallway. One said to the other, “I went for a walk the other day and when I got back home, I saw that the leaves were stuck to the bottom of my shoe.”

I had to stop and ponder why that was such a bad thing. Then I had a moment of revelation. The only way that leaves would stick to the bottom of your shoe is if your shoe had passed through a substance that caused the bottom of the shoe to become sticky. The two prime offenders would be gum and another substance which falls from the back end of four-legged animals. It was this second substance that caused the leaves to stick to the bottom of the shoe. The New Testament word for this substance is skubala. The word is used once in the writings of Paul, and it means the stuff that sticks to the bottom of your shoe.

Spiritual insight number one, sometimes we step in stuff. There is no reason to be surprised by stuff, just make sure you don’t track it into your emotional house.

The other day I was out visiting. I asked the fellow, “Are you staying out of trouble?” It is my question. It is just a glib question. I am not asking in judgment, nor do I seek confession as a result of the innocent inquiry. His response was grand. He said, “Mother nature and Father Time are keeping me out of trouble.”

I instantly related to his deep insight.

Spiritual insight two, live fully in the time you are in. If you are young and Mother Nature and Father Time have not taken their toll, then be careful, but enjoy. If you are a victim of Father Time and Mother Nature, then enjoy and relish this time in your life too.

Today is great, because it is a gift from God.

I was reading this week, and the author of the article made an interesting statement. His line was this; “an eye for an eye” leaves everyone blind. He was writing about Lex Talionis. The law of retaliation was laid out in the Old Testament. The idea in the Old Testament is that retaliation and revenge have limits. Jesus told His disciples; don’t you dare get started in that direction.

Spiritual insight three; an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth aren’t satisfying ways of dealing with conflict. We will be left blind and hungry.

I think I will stop there. Because insight four was about hugging your tombstone. I will save tombstone hugging for another day. The quick lesson there is live each day fully because you ain’t going to live forever.

Thank you for allowing me to clean out the Post-it note file!

Sabine Retirement & Rehabilitation kicked off its Veteran’s Day celebrations with a heartwarming visit from the talented students of Psalms Christian Academy. These extraordinary young individuals brightened residents’ day by sharing beautiful prayers and uplifting songs. Their kindness and spirit truly made this day special.

Celebrations wrapped up by honoring 17 heroes. Thanks to Mayor Robert Hable, Crystal Hable, Suzanne Williams, Chief of Police Cheryl Wooley, Superior Hospice, the American Warrior Initiative, and special guest speaker Daron Chandler for their incredible support and contributions.

By Brad Dison

On July 11, 1909, Louis Van “Bud” Abernathy and his brother Temple Reeves “Temp” Abernathy left their home in Guthrie, Oklahoma and headed to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bud and Temp expected to travel about 35 miles each day on their 1300-mile round trip. Rather than making the trip in an automobile, which was still a rarity in Oklahoma at the time, or trains, both of which would have made the trip faster, Bud and Temp decided to go on horseback to toughen themselves up. Bud and Temp were dressed in their “summer ducking suits,” garments made from plain-woven fabric treated with wax to make them waterproof. They carried canteens and haversacks which held their food and water. They planned to stop at each county seat along their way to make the acquaintance of the sheriffs so they would not be interfered with and for protection. Bud and Temp were armed only with pocketknives. Bud rode on a white horse called “Sam,” which became famous three years earlier when President Theodore Roosevelt rode him in a wolf hunt. Temp rode on a less famous gray mare named “Geronimo.” To borrow lines from the film “Forrest Gump,” when Bud and Temp were tired, they slept. When they were hungry, they ate. When they had to go, they went.

At 10:00 on the morning of July 15, four days into their journey, Bud and Temp, “travel-sore and half sick,” arrived in Lawton, Oklahoma. They had ridden over 100 miles in four days through “extremely hot weather,” and briefly considered giving up. Rather than just passing through Lawton as they had planned, they decided to stay overnight for some much-needed rest. Early on the following morning, they saddled up and continued. They slowly made their way through Olustee, Oklahoma, Estelline and Tulia, Texas, Portales and Roswell, New Mexico. Finally, on Friday afternoon, September 3, 1909, 54 days after setting out, Bud and Temp arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Hordes of people lined both sides of the street to watch the travelers mosey past. Bud and Temp casually waved and nodded as they rode their horses up to the capitol building and handed their credentials to Governor George Curry. For several days, Bud and Temp were guests at the executive mansion where they were wined and dined by the governor.

While in Santa Fe, their father arrived by train to join them. When it was time to leave, their father tried to convince Bud and Temp to trade their saddles for train cushions, but they refused. Bud and Temp hopped in their saddles to begin their return trip. They hoped to return home by September 20, which they were sure was possible. However, it wasn’t until September 26 that Bud and Temp completed their journey. Thousands of people crowded the streets to cheer as they rode their horses into Oklahoma City. Thousands of people crowded the streets to cheer for Bud and Temple. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Bud spoke from atop a fire wagon, “We are glad to be back in Oklahoma City, and we are glad that Oklahoma City has given us such a big reception. We… have had a good time, and we would do it again.” The pair set their September 20 arrival for a specific reason. That was the day they were to return to school. You see, Bud was just eight years old. His brother Temp was five.

Sources:

1. Daily News-Republican, July 10, 1909, p.3.

2. Las Vegas Optic, July 10, 1909, p.1.

3. The Frederick Enterprise, July 16, 1909, p.1.

4. The Waco Times-Herald, July 16, 1909, p.8.

5. The Daily Oklahoman, August 18, 1909, p.13.

6. The Chickasha Daily Express, August 23, 1909, p.1.

7. Tulsa World, August 26, 1909, p.1.

8. The Daily Oklahoman, August 26, 1909, p.12.

9. The Roswell Daily Record, September 4, 1909, p.3.

10. Las Vegas Optic, September 8, 1909, p.1.

11. The Daily Oklahoman, September 26, 1909, p.1.

By Steve Graf

If you’re ever presented the opportunity to go on a dove hunt in Mexico, don’t turn it down! It’s one of the greatest hunts you’ll get to experience! But a hunt in Mexico is more than just about shooting a lot of doves, it’s also a humbling experience and one that will make you appreciate this great country we live in.

One of the great perks about my days as Louisiana Director of Manufacturing for Holloway Sportswear was the opportunities it presented for taking part in some good hunts, as well as getting to play golf at some of the best golf courses in America like Pinehurst, North Carolina and Old Waverly in Mississippi.

But I’ll never forget a hunt we made at La Paloma Resort in Mexico about two hours south of Harlingen, Texas. You’ve heard the expression, “Half the fun is getting there!” Well, that was definitely the case on this trip.

Just going through gun check at the Mexico border was a little intense and took several hours to get approval. The one thing you don’t want to do is make the border agents mad or question what is taking so long. You’re better off just going with the flow and trying to survive the process.

It’s funny how hard it is to cross the Mexico border from the US side, but so easy to get back into the United States. You would think it would be the other way around! But hopefully our border crises will be solved now that we’ve elected a new President.

There’s only one way to describe a Mexico dove hunt…. unbelievable! For anyone who has ever shouldered a shotgun and shot a few doves, I cannot put into words how incredible this hunt is. Doves fly over, not just as one here and there, but in clouds one wave after another! There are so many doves flying that it can be difficult to pick one out to shoot.

Here’s another example of just how many doves there are. It was not uncommon for every hunter in our party to bring in over 100 doves each on a two-hour hunt. During each hunt, every hunter is given two bird boys (or retrievers) to make sure all the doves that were shot are not left in the field. These bird boys ranged in ages from 10 to 18 years of age and will stop at nothing to retrieve a bird.

Each boy was incredible at going and getting every bird that was knocked down. They would go through barbwire fences and brier patches to get a downed dove!

Each bird boy was paid $50 per hunt, and it was encouraged to tip them as well. The impressive thing was that the money paid to them was not for a new PlayStation game, but for school supplies and clothes for the upcoming school year.

No dollar was waisted! So, I made sure my boys were taken care of by tipping them at least another $50 each per hunt since I knew the money was being well spent and they earned it!

Another way to describe how great these hunts are is that each hunter in our party, over three days, went through almost 2 cases of shotgun shells. One case is 10 boxes of 25 shells per box. So, 2 cases would be the equivalent of 500 shells shot over the three-day period. This turns out to be just over 80 shells shot per hunt. You shot so much, that you could not touch the barrel of your gun because it was so hot! That’s why you needed two guns on each hunt so you could alternate guns.

My best advice if you go on one of these great dove hunts is make sure to leave your 12-gauge at the house and bring two 20-gauge shotguns instead. Funny story… as we loaded (owner) Randy Holloway’s private jet in Dallas to fly to Harlingen, Texas, my peers all laughed at me for bringing two 20-gauge shotguns…called me a wuss! But I knew if we shot as much as I had heard we would, that by day two my shoulder would be more than just a little sore.

Well guess how many “sore shouldered” guys in my party came to MY room on the morning of day 2 asking to borrow one of my 20-gauge shotguns? Every one of them! That’s right, I could have auctioned off one of my 20-gauge shotguns for more than the price of a Rolex watch, as each of them finally realized what I already knew. LEAVE THE 12-GAUGE AT HOME!

Turns out, I shot more doves than anyone else in my party over those three days because my shoulder was just fine! Guess I wasn’t the wuss after all! Till next time, good luck, good hunting and stay safe. Remember, that if you were born on or after September 1, 1969, and plan to hunt, you will need to take a Hunter Safety Course.

Helen M. Tippey
October 22, 1942 – November 11, 2024
Service: Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM- 560 Dess Road Florien, Louisiana

The legend of Bigfoot has captured imaginations for generations and will now take center stage this Fall at the first-ever Toledo Bend Bigfoot Symposium. Whether you are a true believer or simply curious, come uncover the mystery for yourself at Wildwood Resort in Zwolle on Nov. 15-16.

This groundbreaking event was inspired by similar Bigfoot conferences held in Texas, Florida and other states that the local organizers, Rick and Kimberly Tuttle, attend. These types of conferences draw a substantial number of visitors to those areas and positively impact their economies. The Tuttles, owners of Tasty Treats on the Bend, hope for this inaugural event to be successful enough to continue, therefore bringing visitors to the area during a time which is historically slower for small businesses.

Kimberly says, “We’re not looking to personally gain anything from organizing this event nor is our small business. We just want to help our community and fellow business owners by bringing more people to Toledo Bend to spend their money shopping local.”

The Toledo Bend Bigfoot Symposium promises an agenda packed with exciting speakers. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from expert researchers that are famous to those that follow Bigfoot’s history and hopeful discovery. The Discovery Channel’s Expedition Bigfoot star, Russell Acord, is set to headline and speak both days of the event. Other speakers include authors, researchers, and investigative reporters such as Lyle Blackburn, David Weatherly, Shelley Covington-Montana, and Daniel Alan Jones.

Seats are limited so those interested in attending must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets prices vary depending on if you plan to attend Friday night only, or Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets include a catered dinner Friday night and Saturday night from local restaurants, Bub T’s Tamale House and Shannon’s Butcher Block.

The Toledo Bend Bigfoot Symposium is sponsored by Wildwood Resort, City Bank, Tasty Treats on the Bend, State Farm Buddy Wood, and Harrington Law Firm. Additional sponsorships are welcome.

Whether you’re a longtime believer or simply curious about the unknown, this event is sure to provide excitement and intrigue. For more information, sponsorship or to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.ToledoBendLakeCountry.com/ToledoBendBigfoot or call the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at 318-256-5880.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports three young men were arrested for illegal narcotic and firearm charges this morning.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team Agents were investigating an illegal drug complaint at an apartment complex in Many. T.N.T. Agent Jeriah Steinke stopped a dark-colored Toyota car on Highland Avenue in Many for a traffic violation. Agent Steinke observed three occupants in the car and detected an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. T.N.T. K-9 Sgt Nick Sandel arrived to assist with the traffic stop.

After a short investigation, T.N.T. Agents located and seized 3 AR-style pistols and 2 Glock pistols (all were fully loaded with extra, extended magazines), almost 2 ounces of suspected marijuana, and 1 digital measuring scale from inside the car. One of the AR pistols contained an auto sear which transforms the weapon into a fully automatic machine gun.

Harvey Isaiah Spikes (age-21) of Many was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for:
-3-counts of Possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS,
-Possession of an unlawful machine gun,
-Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana),
-Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Riley Lawrence Riggs (age-20) of Many was booked for:
-Possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS,
-Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana),
-Possession of drug paraphernalia,
-Illegal window tint,
-Failure to signal > 100 feet before turning.

Jamauri Deundrae Thomas (age-18) of Florien was booked for:
-Possession of a firearm in the presence of CDS,
-Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana),
-Possession of drug paraphernalia.

No bonds have been set at this time.

(All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law)

Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announces three Sabine Parish men involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine were sentenced in federal court in Shreveport on Nov. 1. The case was an Organized Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation which was conducted in the Sabine Parish area. United States District Judge Elizabeth E. Foote sentenced the three defendants as follows:

Royshun Avair Newton, 38 of Bossier City, was sentenced to 188 months (15 years, 8 months) in prison. Stacy Norvell Perry, Jr., 32 of Many, was sentenced to 97 months (8 years, 1 month) in prison. Jessie Kenneth Dewayne Holden, 34 of Many, was sentenced to 72 months (6 years) in prison. Each defendant will serve 5 years of supervised release following their release from prison.

Evidence introduced in court revealed that beginning in March 2020 and continuing through August 2022, law enforcement agents learned through their investigation into illegal drug trafficking activities in the Many, Louisiana area, that Newton, Perry and Holden were selling methamphetamine to individuals in and around that area. On April 26, 2022, through text messages and the audio and video recordings, agents learned that Holden met an individual and drove with them to a store close to Perry’s residence, got out of the car and walked toward the residence. Holden shortly thereafter returned to the individual’s car with methamphetamine to sell to them.

In addition, on Aug. 16, 2022, law enforcement agents were able to secure information from an individual about the confirmed purchase of methamphetamine from Newton in exchange for cash. Agents learned that Newton was contacted about arranging the sale and the individual went to Newton’s house to make the purchase. When the individual arrived at Newton’s residence, they encountered Perry who was present and sold the methamphetamine. The suspected narcotics from both transactions were sent to the crime lab for analysis and confirmed to be methamphetamine. Newton, Perry, and Holden were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and each pleaded guilty to the charge.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks

By Kevin Shannahan

Dancing, flag twirling, marching and music were the order of the day as 20 high school bands with over 1,500 musicians and families from every corner of Louisiana as well as East Texas converged on Northwestern State University’s Turpin stadium for the 2024 Classic on the Cane High School Band Competition Saturday, November 2. The competition, a longtime tradition among band programs in Louisiana and elsewhere, is in its 35th year. The Classic on the Cane is a superb opportunity for the bands to showcase their abilities and spend a day in friendly competition with fellow musicians.

The Many Tigers Marching Band is a perennial powerhouse at each year’s competition. This year was to prove no exception! The band’s halftime performances at Many HS home football games have been superb and their show at the band competition was likewise well done. The marching Tigers scored: percussion 2, auxiliary 2 and band 2. Many High School also brought home a second-place finish in the 1-B classification. Their hard work and dedication sets the standard! Go Tigers!

Each marching band gave a half-time type performance and was graded on several factors relating to marching, performing and musicality. The east side of Turpin stadium was packed end to end with the band members’ families and supporters who enthusiastically waved signs and cheered their favorite bands.

The NSU Spirit of Northwestern band gave the last performance of the evening, a high energy performance that drew repeated applause from the crowd. It is a sign of both NSU’s excellence and service to our state that many of the band directors at the competition are NSU alumni.

The Classic on the Cane has been a fixture of the high school marching band scene for the past 35 years. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to seeing some of the superb young musicians at the competition coming to NSU to continue their education. We are looking forward to next year’s contest!

By Matt Vines, Journal Sports

Many knew it would face an uphill climb this season with the loss of 26 seniors from a quarterfinals team one year ago.

But no one in Sabine Parish likely imagined a season in which the Tigers would be looking for their first win in the final week, but that’s where the Tigers (0-9, 0-3 District 3-2A) find themselves as they host Mansfield in the season finale.

Mansfield (5-4, 2-1) is the hottest team not named Red River in the district as the Wolverines have won four of their last five contests, including a 47-14 whipping of Lakeside.

Many has struggled to find its footing, suffering through its fifth straight loss in which they’ve scored eight points or fewer points in a 39-8 loss to North Webster this past week.

The game wasn’t undecided for long as North Webster’s Ja’Myrion Jackson plowed into the endzone on the Knights’ first drive before Donte Owens returned an interception for a touchdown for a quick 16-0 lead.

Another score from Kemo Jefferson to J’Kobe Lawson made the score 24-0 still in the first quarter, and the Knights coasted from there.

A poor punt snap and an interception contributed to North Webster’s next two scores and a 39-0 lead in the second quarter.

J.J. Stills scored Many’s lone touchdown on a 10-yard run with four minutes remaining.

Many’s offense appeared to have made progress in the first half of the season by scoring 35 and 40 points, respectively, on the backs of quarterback Kellen Cox, running backs Daniel Thomas and Jonathan Anderson, and receiver Ky’Xavier Warren.

But those were the only times Many scored multiple touchdowns in a game this season.

Mansfield has had their own struggles on defense, allowing 64 points to Northwood, 55 to Lake Charles College Prep, and 44 to North Caddo in a win.

But the Wolverines have been much less porous in district play, not allowing more than 20 points (Red River and Winnfield) in its four games.

The Tigers will try to send out their seven seniors on a high note with Warren and Anderson topping that list.

Being more than a full power point (and eight spots) out of playoff contention, the Tigers likely won’t be making a playoff trip even with a win.

But a win against Mansfield could take some of the sting out of this season, preparing another young Many group to begin picking up the pieces this offseason and reforging this proud program.

By Steve Graf

Back during the 1980’s and ‘90’s, I had the pleasure of making several quail hunting trips to west Texas. Just like any hunt, some are good, and some are not so good. But a trip to Seymore, Texas, was one for the books. Today, I’ll recap one of those hunts where we termed the phase, “Seymore to see less,” that also turned out to be an education in how some ranches manage their quail.

These quail hunting trips over the years were always unique in their own way. Each one was always a little different depending on the terrain or ranch we hunted. The west Texas landscape can be unforgiving with cactus and every bush or tree loaded with thorns.

It really is some of the toughest terrain a hunter can encounter. Some land is hilly with steep bluffs and plateaus, while other areas are flat lands and valleys used for agriculture and growing everything from wheat to soybeans.

One thing about quail hunting, you never know if the quail will be on top of the plateaus or down in the valleys. But once you jump that first covey of quail, then you can understand what the birds are relating to as it’s all about their food source.

The first thing you do after shooting the first bird is check their crawl (stomach). This is how you determine what it is they are feeding on which tells you where you need to focus your hunt.

Now I was the new kid on the block on this particular hunt as the guys I was hunting with had been going out to west Texas since they were knee high to a grasshopper. Over the years, they had compiled a long list of ranchers whose places they had hunted before. But this trip was on new place called Ranger Creek, located just west of Seymore, Texas, and we were the first hunters they had ever hosted.

Each year one of our guys would make phone calls to several different ranchers. One thing we learned over the years was that when you called these ranch owners and asked if they had birds (quail), they always said yes; whether it was true or not, they just wanted your money.

We also learned how these ranch owners like to control or protect their quail populations. If it’s a three-day hunt, prepare to not find very many birds on day one as they send you to an area with little to no birds.

On day two, they take you to a place that’s a little better and some hunters might limit out. Then on day three (final day) you’re hunting in quail paradise, and everyone shoots their limit. Now this practice of bird control, or rather hunter control, is common as ranchers don’t want hunters to overhunt one particular place.

Quail are like any other commodity; they have value and Texas ranchers figured out that hunters will pay good money to hunt them. Why is quail hunting so popular? They are one of the best birds that have ever graced a table. It’s a white meat bird, that when wrapped in bacon, grilled in lemon butter and served with wild rice, just might be the best table fare there is.

Another thing that’s great about quail hunting, it’s like a dove hunt, it’s a social hunt. Over the years I’ve made great memories and shared in some great hunts with some awesome guys. And this Ranger Creek hunt was just one of many great hunts we enjoyed.

Another memory I have about our Ranger Creek hunt is that after a long day of chasing bobwhite quail, a man can develop quiet an appetite. The owners of this ranch had processed a steer the day before we arrived and cooked this side of beef all day long over a rotisserie pit.

Let’s just say, next to wild quail, a fresh barbequed steer is very satisfying after a hard day of chasing those miniature feathered helicopters. The Ranger Creek folks really knew how to cater to their guests and were nothing but gracious host.

This is just one of many quail hunting trips I’ve experienced and even though some hunts were better than others, each hunt was special in its own way. It’s not always about the kill, but it’s about the overall experience and the good times shared with great friends.

Till next time, good luck, happy hunting and may all your hunts be fulfilling and enjoyable. But more importantly, be safe and make sure to take a hunter’s safety course.

The Harrington Law Firm and the way they do business is about family, in the truest sense of the word.

“By definition, we are a family firm. But it goes way beyond that,” says partner Eddie Harrington. “My dad began practicing law over 46 years ago here and practiced with his brothers Rick and Billy Joe,” Eddie continued, “I joined him in practice when I finished law school 14 years ago. So the practice of law has always been about family for us.”

Rodney says that the family aspect of their firm extends to the way they treat their clients.

“We tell our clients that when you hire Eddie and I to represent you, you become part of our family, The Harrington Law Firm family. We believe that strongly and live it every day in the way we handle our business.”

“We think that the family aspect of our firm and the one on one treatment we give our clients is something that sets us apart from some of the big billboard/TV advertising firms, many of which are located in Baton Rouge and New Orleans,” says Eddie.

“We like to say that when you hire us as your attorneys, you get US, Rodney and Eddie,” he continued “You’re not shuffled off to some underling.” Rodney says that the firm’s focus on family is further evidenced by their staff.

“Our staff is an integral part of The Harrington Law Firm family” said Rodney. “We truly believe we have the best, most efficient, most caring staff in Louisiana” he continued, “some of them have been with us for multiple decades. They are hard working, fiercely loyal, respectful to our clients, and to us, they are family.”

“If a member of my actual family has been wronged, harmed, or treated badly in some way, I will stand up and fight to protect that family member. Most people would,” says Eddie. “We fight for our clients as if they were our blood relatives. Again, to us, they ARE family.”

Office Manager Melanie Hicks, who first began working for Rodney as a student worker nearly 30 years ago, echoes Rodney’s and Eddie’s sentiments.

“I think it goes back to the fact that Rodney and Eddie have big hearts and so do the members of our staff,” says Melanie. “People that come to us are coming because they’ve had some problem, been in a car wreck, had financial problems, been denied social security, something like that. Generally they’re nervous, scared, and upset. We realize that and always try to treat them with the same dignity, respect, and empathy that we would members of our own immediate family.”

“The thing we hear most from our clients”, Melanie continued, “is ‘They treated me like family.’”

The Harrington Law Firm handles cases in all of Louisiana and is also licensed in Texas and its practice is focused on all types of personal injury including car wrecks and other vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, bankruptcy, social security disability, and wills and successions. For a free appointment, call 318-352-5900 and for more information go to www.theharringtonlawfirm.com.

The holiday season in Ruston, Louisiana, is nothing short of magical, especially for kids. From sparkling lights to festive treats, this town knows how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Here are five adorable, kid-approved events that will make your family’s holiday season in Ruston one to remember.

What better way to start the holiday season than with a joyful open house and tree lighting that gets everyone in the festive spirit? Ruston’s annual Holiday Open House and Kickoff to Christmas on November 21 is the perfect start to the season, filled with family fun and excitement. Local shops and businesses decorate their storefronts, and everyone gathers around the tree to countdown the flip of the switch. Kids will love visiting with Santa, sipping hot chocolate, and adding local items to their Christmas wish list.

Lincoln Lights up the Pines is a must if you want to see some true Christmas magic! This dazzling light display at Lincoln Parish Park turns the woods into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights on December 5-7 and 12-14. Families can pile into their cars, pack a thermos full of apple cider, tune the radio to holiday music, and drive through this 3-mile, stunning display. The lights dance, sparkle, and fill the night with holiday cheer. Your kid’s eyes will be wide with wonder as they take in the shimmering sights!

Nothing says “Christmas magic” or “kid-approved” like cookies! If your kiddos love cookies (and really, who doesn’t?), then Ruston’s Christmas Cookie Crawl on December 15 is an absolute must. Local businesses will feature locally-made holiday cookies, and families can stroll through town, collecting all sorts of delicious treats along the way. It’s a fun, tasty adventure as kids get to sample different flavors, and the excitement of filling up their cookie boxes makes it even sweeter.

Race over to the Ruston Sports Complex for Christmas at the Complex on December 19-21 for a family-friendly event that guarantees an unforgettable and breathtaking (literally) holiday experience. The kids can enjoy a 5K fun run on Thursday, followed by a Christmas movie and ice skating on Friday, all capped off with food trucks, cookies and cocoa with Santa, and more ice skating on Saturday! The best part? All events on Friday and Saturday are totally free and open to the public.

A highlight of the season, the Ruston Christmas Parade will roll into town on December 20, the perfect celebration of a magical holiday season! The parade is a must-see for all kids, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and local performers all decked out in holiday attire. As you line the streets of downtown, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of marching bands playing festive carols and the sight of Christmas-themed floats making their way down the route. And don’t forget to raise your hands in the air to catch the candy flying your way!

Ruston turns into a holiday wonderland that’s perfect for families and kids of all ages. Whether your kiddos are into cookies, lights, or spending time with Santa, there’s something magical waiting for everyone. So bundle up, bring your holiday cheer, and get ready to make some sweet, festive memories in Ruston & Lincoln Parish!

For more details on local holiday events and to plan your festive trip, visit .experienceruston.com.

By Doug De Graffenried

A woman received a phone call that her daughter was very sick with a fever. She left work and stopped by the pharmacy for medication. Upon returning to her car, she found she had locked her keys inside.

She had to get home to her sick daughter and didn’t know what to do. She called home, and the sitter told her that her daughter was getting worse. The sitter suggested that the woman get a coat hanger to unlock the door.

The woman found an old, rusty coat hanger on the ground. Not knowing how to use it, she bowed her head and asked God for help. An old rusty car pulled up, driven by a dirty, bearded man with a biker skull rag on his head. The woman thought, “Great, God, this is what you sent to help me?” But she was desperate and hopeful.

The man got out of his car and asked if he could help. She said, “Yes, my daughter is very sick. I must get home to her. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?”

He said, “Sure.” He walked over to the car and in seconds had it opened. She hugged him and through tears said, “Thank you so much. You’re a very nice man.”

The man replied, “Lady, I’m not a nice man. I just got out of prison for car theft.

The woman hugged the man again and cried aloud, “Thank you, God, for sending me a professional!”

If you have a medical problem, you want a physician. If your troubles are legal, then you want an attorney. If you have a challenge with this bigger challenge called life, you need another kind of professional. I have good news for you, His name is Jesus. He is as close as a prayer.

November 6 is National Nachos Day, a time to celebrate one of the world’s favorite snacks. What started as a simple dish has evolved into a global phenomenon, loved for its versatility and irresistible combination of flavors.

Nachos were invented in 1943 in Piedras Negras, Mexico, by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya. The story goes that a group of American military wives visited Anaya’s restaurant after hours. With limited ingredients on hand, Anaya quickly improvised, topping crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese and sliced jalapeños. The dish was an instant hit, and “Nacho’s Special” was born, eventually shortened to just “nachos.”

Since their humble beginnings, nachos have spread far beyond Mexico, becoming a staple at sports events, parties, and restaurants worldwide. Their appeal lies in their simplicity and adaptability. At their core, nachos consist of tortilla chips, cheese, and a topping or two. However, they can be customized with a variety of ingredients, from seasoned ground beef and guacamole to sour cream, beans, and pico de gallo.

In the United States, nachos are a game-day favorite, often loaded with toppings like pulled pork, chicken, or even seafood. In other parts of the world, chefs have experimented with regional twists, incorporating flavors like kimchi, curry, or Mediterranean ingredients like feta and olives.

National Nachos Day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy this iconic snack in all its forms. Whether you stick with the classic version or get creative with toppings, nachos offer something for everyone. So grab some chips, melt some cheese, and celebrate the day with a plate of delicious, customizable nachos!

By Brad Dison

From 1971 until 1979, Enro was a professor of architecture at the Budapest College of Applied Arts in Hungary. In 1974, Enro was teaching a special course called “Form Studies” which taught students to create different three-dimensional forms and shapes without a special function. While teaching the complicated concepts of three-dimensional movement to his students, he began to experiment with a certain basic shape.

He took advantage of the college’s woodshop and began fitting pieces together until he had assembled 27 blocks of wood with rubber bands into a single prototype. Enro began twisting and turning the pieces of his prototype to ensure that the rubber bands would hold, then he realized a problem. He was unable to get it back in the same order as when he began. Rather than simply disassembling and reassembling the blocks of wood, he was determined to return it to its original state in the same way that he had by twisting and turning it. After working on it for several months, he finally succeeded. He was ecstatic. On his second prototype, Enro removed the rubbers bands and created a new internal component which held the pieces together more securely. It also removed the temptation to pull the pieces to stretch the rubber bands and reposition the pieces. It removed the temptation to cheat.

Once satisfied with his prototype, Enro showed his creation to coworkers and students, all of whom were captivated by its difficulty. Enro saw this as an opportunity. In 1975, Enro received a patent for his creation and tried to find a market for it. He took his prototype to toy fairs, but most toy sellers said there was nothing like it on the market for them to compare it to. They saw that as a negative, but Enro argued that that was what made it such a good product. It was simple, self-contained, easy to handle, three-dimensional, and had no parts to lose. It was totally unique. They argued that it was just too difficult. Finally, a small company in Budapest agreed to test Enro’s creation.

In late 1977, the first batches of Enro’s creation were released in toy shops in Budapest and sales were decent. In February of 1979, another small toy company saw Enro’s creation at Germany’s Nuremberg Toy Fair and worked with Enro in signing a contract with Ideal Toys to release it worldwide. In May 1980, Enro’s creation finally made it to the world market. At $1.99 per unit, sales were initially slow, but a newspaper, magazine, and television campaign created a craze for the product. Within three years, Ideal Toys sold an estimated 200 million units. More than 50 books have been published on Enro’s creation. Since 1980, more than 450 million units have been sold and it has become a cultural icon around the world. 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Enro’s invention which was nearly named “The Gordian Knot.” Its original title, “The Magic Cube,” would have left its inventor in obscurity. Thankfully, Ideal Toys decided to use Enro’s name as the title for the product. At one point or other, nearly everyone has struggled to solve a Rubik’s Cube.

Sources:

1. Todd Coopee, “Squaring off with Rubik’s Cube,” Reader’s Digest, September 2024, p.26.

2. “Enro Rubik – An Extended Interview – G4G13 Apr 2018,” accessed November 3, 2024, https://youtu.be/G6kKOjvlWh0?si=ZO3gahkXKPcVKbTg.

3. “Enro Rubik: Creator of the Cube, TIME,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0poQ8q8RzSg.

Margie Faye Quarles
April 2, 1946 — October 31, 2024
Service: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 11:00 St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery

Thomas “Tinman” Foster, Jr.
March 7, 1961 — November 2, 2024
Service: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 3:00 – 4:00 pm New Freedom Fellowship Church, Many, LA 

Jimmie Charles Gates
December 25, 1944 – November 2, 2024
Service: Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 2:00 Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

Sharon Louise Crittenden
February 18, 1950 – November 2, 2024
Service: Friday, November 8, 2024 at 10:00am Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel