By Steve Graf

After much soul searching and really being appreciative of the life I’ve had, I thought it would be a good time ask the question — “what if?” With today’s article I’ll throw out a few scenarios as to what might have been “if” certain things had not happened in my life.

First, what if my real mom and dad would have stayed together and never divorced? For sure my brother (Mike Comer) and I would have grown up together and probably would have been lifelong buds who both shared a passion for sports and fishing. Mike would have been a brother who could have led the way for me and given me direction. I would also have had a relationship with my real dad, who I never met, which is something every boy wants and needs.

What if my aunt and uncle never came to my rescue during my early struggles in school and life itself? I’m pretty sure I would have ended up in some juvenile detention center. At some point, I would have gotten caught sneaking into people’s houses, which over time, I’m sure would have lit my fuse for theft of items other than food.

What if I had never moved to Mt. Pleasant, Texas? I would have missed out on being raised on a ranch and the lessons I learned from that experience. I would have never met my best friend growing up, Kevin Owsley, who I still miss today. I would have not had guidance from some of the best coaches and teachers a young boy could want.

I would have missed out on all the camping trips to Daingerfield State Park with my buddy Kevin. I would have missed out on the awesome summers of playing baseball and going to Park Recreation with coach Sam Parker.

What if I had never moved to Mt. Pleasant? I would have missed the best four years of my life at MPHS! What a great place to go to high school, a place with so much school spirit and pride, a school with the best sounding band from Tiger Land and an athletic program second to none. So much I would have missed out on, like being a member of a state championship baseball team.

What if I had chosen to go to a different college other than Northwestern State? Would I have met the love of my life and raised three awesome kids in a family-oriented community like Natchitoches? Would I have had the same success at another university? Would I have gotten the opportunity to play professional baseball?

What if I had never taken up tournament bass fishing? Well, with regards to this question, I would definitely have more money in the bank and I would have missed out on so many of the friends I’ve made through tournament fishing, friends for life and people I can count in a time of need!

What if I had never started the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show, which has become one of the best outdoor programs on radio. The people I have met through this program during 18 years is endless. The two co-hosts that I share a mic with each week, Mike Echols and Gary McCoy, have given me so much more pleasure and happiness than any one man deserves.

Gary and Mike, with their wit, humor, and outdoor expertise, make it worth my drive to Shreveport each week. Love these two more than you can imagine! Hook’N Up & Track’N Down would not be the same without them.

We can “what if” our lives all we want, but what’s important is that we don’t look back at what might have been, but look forward and be proud of the life we have led.

So, I think it’s obvious my life has been full of joy, sadness, disappointment and success which I guess can be summed up as a journey. Everyone has a journey with some having more than their fair share of ups and downs, but that’s what life is all about — the journey. It’s like one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time, “It’s A Wonderful Life.” That’s exactly what mine has been — a wonderful life!

‘Til next week, see you at the boat ramp! Good luck, good fishing and if you’re not sure it’s a bite, set the hook! If you see me on a lake near you, make sure to stop and say hello.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Over 150 future teachers from seven area parishes attended the Educators Rising Regional Conference held at NSU’s Teacher Education Center on Feb 12. The conference was sponsored by NSU’s College of Education and its collegiate chapter of Educators Rising and was a fun filled day of competition and learning.

The future teachers attended presentations given by accomplished educators from NSU’s faculty as well as guest presenters. They also engaged in competitions in areas such as Job Interviews, Children’s Literature, Lesson Planning, Impromptu Speaking and other topics. The Educators Rising program is a solid preparation for anyone’s future.

Sabine parish was well represented by sharp young people from Negreet who turned in a phenomenal performance in the competitions. The Sabine parish winners were as follows.

Children’s Literature:
Middle School-1st place Addyson Wells and Katherine O’Brien, 2nd place Hemi Hobek and Hayes Harper, 3rd place Sarah Dawes (a clean sweep!)
High School-3rd place Lillian Love and Gabe Chisholm
Interactive Bulletin Board:
Middle School-1st place Nila Williams, High School-Kynzlee Dowdy and Emma Thatcher
Impromptu Speaking:
High School-2nd place Jada Atwell

Educators Rising is a nationwide network dedicated to promoting teaching as a career to young people.

Chapters at middle school through high school and college work to raise awareness of Education as a worthwhile career path. NSU’s collegiate chapter is part and parcel of the university’s 140 year tradition of excellence in teacher training.

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By Brad Dison

On January 30, 1882, Franklin D. Roosevelt was born into a wealthy family at Hyde Park, New York. In 1887, when Franklin was just five years old, his father took him to meet President Grover Cleveland. During the meeting, Grover looked down at little Franklin and said in a disgruntled voice, “My little man, I am making a strange wish for you. It is that you may never be President of the United States.” Grover Cleveland’s wish did not come true. Franklin Roosevelt served as the 32nd President of the United States. He is the only U.S. president in history to serve more than two terms. Most of us associate Franklin as being wheelchair bound because of polio, but as a young man Franklin competed in sports such as polo, tennis, golf, and sailing. In 1900, Franklin entered Harvard College where he participated in various sports.
On October 14, 1890, David Dwight Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas. Shortly after his birth, Dwight’s mother reversed his first and middle names to avoid him being confused with his father who was also named David. In high school, Dwight excelled in his coursework and in sports. Dwight was such a good student and athlete that he earned an appointment at the United States Military Academy, more commonly known as West Point. As he had done in high school, Dwight excelled in the military and quickly rose through the ranks. In December 1943, President Franklin Roosevelt selected him as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. In 1953, Dwight began his tenure as the 34th President of the United States.

On February 6, 1911, Ronald Reagan was born in an apartment in Tampico, Illinois. At Dixon High School, Reagan was mostly interested in drama and football. In 1928, Reagan worked his way through Eureka College as a lifeguard. Reagan played on the college football team and acted in school plays. After college, he worked as a sports announcer until a screen test enabled him to become a Hollywood actor. He became president of the Screen Actors Guild, and then governor of California. In January 1981, he became the 40th President of the United States. His vice-president was George Herbert Walker Bush.

On July 6, 1946, while attending Yale, George and Barbara Bush had a son whom they named George Walker Bush. George W. participated in sports in high school and attended Phillips Academy before transferring to his father’s alma mater, Yale. George W. played on the college rugby team. In January 2001, he became the 43rd President of the United States.

The aforementioned Presidents of the United States certainly loved sports, especially in college. During their college years, each of them participated in a sport which until 1923 was only available to men. During World War II, women were accepted in the sport only because of the large number of collegiate men who were being drafted into the military. Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush were all college cheerleaders.

Sources:

1. “Franklin D. Roosevelt,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, whitehousehistory.org/bios/franklin-roosevelt.

2. “Dwight D. Eisenhower,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, whitehousehistory.org/bios/dwight-eisenhower.

3. “Ronald Reagan,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, whitehousehistory.org/bios/ronald-reagan.

4. “George W. Bush,” The White House Historical Association, accessed February 16, 2025, whitehousehistory.org/bios/george-w-bush.

5. “A New Deal,” Thirteen PBS, accessed February 16, 2025, thirteen.org/wnet/historyofus/web12/segment3.html.

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On February 19, 1945, one of the most significant battles of World War II began as U.S. Marines launched an assault on the heavily fortified island of Iwo Jima. The battle, which lasted for 36 days, saw more than 70,000 Marines fight against 21,000 Japanese soldiers, resulting in one of the most intense conflicts of the Pacific Theater.

The famous photograph of Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi, taken by Joe Rosenthal, became an enduring symbol of American resilience and sacrifice. The battle was a turning point in the war, providing the U.S. with a crucial strategic position closer to the Japanese mainland.

Today, veterans and historians continue to reflect on the bravery of those who fought, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

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Carolyn Fay Skinner
June 21, 1937 — February 10, 2025
No Service Information

Ruben Dale Liley
December 12, 1940 — February 7, 2025
Cremation has been entrusted to Rose Neath Funeral Home in Many

Gordon Keith Ussery
January 8, 1962 — January 23, 2025
Memorial Service- Saturday, February 22, 2025 starts at 1:00 pm

Sabine Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge.)

You may email them to SPJContent@sabineparishjournal.com

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Community members, chamber representatives, and officials from local and state governments gathered on Feb. 10 to advocate for positive economic development in Sabine Parish. 

The event underscored a shared commitment to supporting existing businesses and fostering growth for future enterprises in the region. The collective vision aims to transform Sabine Parish into a thriving economic landscape where all residents can prosper.

Notable attendees included Many Mayor Robert Hable, State Senate candidate Alan Seabaugh, Senator Mike Johnson, Laura Seabaugh representing Attorney General Liz Murrill, as well as members of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Many Police Department

State Senator Alan Seabaugh and Matthew McKee representing Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

The Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce expressed gratitude to all participants for their dedication to this important mission and encouraged the community to maintain the momentum toward economic prosperity.

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By Dan Kibler, republished courtesy LouisianaSporstman.com

There’s a stump in the north end of Toledo Bend that’s likely to get a visit from Bryant “Brother” Martin whenever the 23-year-old LSU-Shreveport angler fishes a tournament.

Why?

Because of what he took away from that stump on Thursday, Feb. 6 – and what he left behind.

The tall stump, in 10 feet of water, held two big bass, at least according to Martin’s forward-facing sonar.

“There were two fish on the stump, and both of them were big,” Martin said.

He knows they were big, because he caught one, an 11.19-pound monster. The 26 ½-inch-long fish, which was 20 ¼ inches in girth, became the third fish in 2025 to qualify for the Toledo Bend Lunker Program – and the biggest of Martin’s life.

A two-time member of the Louisiana High School Bass Nation all-star team while at Notre Dame High School, Martin was fishing by himself about 2:15 p.m. on Thursday. He’d had a pretty good day, including a 6-pound fish, when he came to the stump.

“The stump was in about 10 feet of water, and she was sitting midway up the stump, actually, in about 5 feet of water – it was a big, tall stump,” he said.

Battling the big bass

Fishing a 6th Sense rod and Lew’s reel spooled with 12-pound Seaguar, Martin made a 50-foot cast to the stump with a 6th Sense jerkbait. He got the bait down to the fish’s level and was about to jerk it again, when “she just took off with it,” he said.

“She had a little bit of control on me as she was running,” Martin said. “She about got wrapped up on the stump; she hit the stump, and the line went over it, but then she kept going.

“She jumped three times – that wasn’t very cool. The first time she jumped, about 20 feet from the boat, I could tell she was a 10. I could see the bait sideways in her mouth, but I didn’t know how many hooks she had in her.

“She just wore out. The last time she jumped, she didn’t get out of the water. I reeled her on in and lifted her in.”

Martin put her on a set of Bubba scales in his boat; the big girl registered 11-7. He cranked his outboard almost immediately and headed to Buckeye Landing, where the fish was measured and weighed on certified scales, tagged and released.

“She was a big, healthy fish,” he said.

Martin, who is fishing MLF’s Toyota Series, said the fish came out of 58-degree water, about a 5- or 6-degree change from the previous weekend.

“It didn’t take long for it to warm up, especially in the shallow water,” he said.

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By Steve Graf

I’ve been tournament fishing since 1990 and the changes I have seen in equipment are staggering. From electronics, rods and reels, bass boats to bait and tackle, it’s amazing how far the sport of bass fishing has progressed. Let’s look at a few of the changes that have made the sport so much better.
 
First, who would have thought the electronics used today would be comparable to something you would see on a NASA spaceship. The biggest difference between depth finders today versus the 1990s would be the visual details. Today you can literally see every individual fish and how they’re positioned on a rock or a brush top. 
 
You can watch fish attack your bait in real time! You can see and learn so much about the mood of the fish and how they are reacting to whatever bait you’re throwing. 
 
Next, when it comes to rods and reels, top-name companies like Daiwa are constantly looking at ways to make everything better with both innovation and technology. Whether it’s the materials or components used, they are always trying to make a better rod that’s lighter and stronger for greater hook sets and reels that will cast smoother and farther while giving anglers so many options for different retrieve speeds.
 
Now let’s look at the most expensive item an angler can invest in — the bass boat. Next to the trucks anglers buy to pull these luxury boats, bass boats have become ridiculously overpriced and overdesigned. 
 
Back in 1998, a top-of-the-line Ranger bass boat listed for about $30,000. Ranger, which has been a leader with innovation in the bass boating world, continues to add and perfect the modern-day bass boat year after year with innovations like hull design, digital switches and gauges, cushioned casting decks, and adjustable/softer seats with tilt steering wheels. They were the first to add live wells to a bass boat which were all made and built by hand. Who would have thought that today there would be a keyless ignition system and heated seats with leather wrapped steering wheels. 
 
Today, with all the new innovations and perks all bass boat companies are creating, who would have thought the average price would jump from $30,000 in 1998 to $140,000 in 2025! A tournament angler today will more than likely have a minimum of $175,000 tied up in just the truck and boat alone. 
 
So, as you can see, bass fishing has come a long way in terms of technology and innovation, as well as cost. This does not include the 30 to 50 rods and reels tournament anglers bring to each event, along with all the tackle like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastic worms and fishing line. 
 
Has bass fishing become a rich man’s sport? Well, that depends on how serious the angler wants to be. Does he want to be a weekend warrior and fish for fun, or does he want to compete in tournaments at a high level? To fish competitively today, the electronics on the boat may be the most important feature. If you’re not good with reading and using the depth finders on your boat, you’re probably just donating your entry fee. 
 
Who would have thought that to be a professional bass fisherman on a major tournament trail in 2025, you would have to pony up over $50,000 up front for entry fees before you ever even wet a hook. 
 
Who would have thought that some anglers would take out a second mortgage on their house just to fish professionally. The sad part is, only a handful will make it. By the end of year three, a lot of anglers are bankrupt, in financial ruins and maybe divorced.  
 
While a lot of what I’ve just covered is depressing, I have never seen bass fishing as popular as it is today. The sport is attracting a huge number of young anglers fishing on high school and college teams. There are still many anglers age 40 and above, but the younger generation is quickly taking over the sport due to their ability to maximize the use of electronics, especially when it comes to forward-facing sonar.
 
Today, who would have thought that bass fishing would be as popular as it is in 2025! We should thank people like Ray Scott (founder of B.A.S.S.) for creating a professional tournament trail and the Super Bowl of bass fishing, the Bassmaster Classic. 
 
We should thank the legendary anglers of the sport like Rick Clunn, Gary Kline, Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Hank Parker and Forest Wood (founder of Ranger Boats) for taking the sport to a level anglers could only dream of.  
 
‘Til next time, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read my article each week. It truly means a lot to me, and I really appreciate your feedback, both good and bad. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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July 19, 1951 — February 5, 2025

Funeral services for Randy Sandel, 73, were held on February 9 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Florien. A burial followed at Prospect Cemetery in Florien. Officiating the service were Brother Wayne Chance, Reverand Dr. Clifford Grounds, Jr., Brother Matt Warren, and Brother C.M. Kelly. 

Randy was born on July 19, 1951 to Johnson Monroe Sandel and Elsa Raye Sandel in Zwolle, Louisiana and passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Randy was married to the love of his life, Mona Prewitt Sandel, for 52 and a half years. He was a dedicated member of The Florien Lions Club for 47 years. He made his living for most of his life as a salesman of cars, RVs, and manufactured homes. He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps and became the youngest elected Justice of the Peace in the state of Louisiana at the age of 20. 

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Johnson and Elsa Raye Sandel; son, Bret Sandel; brothers, Tommy Sandel and Henry L Sandel; sister-in-law, Carolyn Sandel; and grandson, Jayce Alan. He is survived by his wife, Mona Sandel of Florien, Louisiana; son, Patrick Sandel and wife, Christy, of Many, Louisiana; daughter, Kristy Knippers and husband, Monty, of Florien, Louisiana; brother, John Sandel and wife, Connie, of Florien, Louisiana; 8 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Honoring Randy as pallbearers were Phil Arthur, Barry Goss, Garrett Sandel, Bo Stewart, Chad Strother, and Dewaine Strother. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Ed Corley and the Florien Lions Club members. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Florien Lions Club, 474 West Florien. 

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February 27, 1947 — February 6, 2025

Funeral services for Betty Lou Johnson, 77, were held on February 11 at Little Flock Baptist Church, 1805 Little Flock Rd. in Many. A burial followed at Little Flock Cemetery. Brother Leon Manshack and Brother Jimmy Speight officiated the service.

Betty was born on February 27, 1947 to Frank Daniel Hattenbach and Elenora Custellow Hattenbach in Yoakum, Texas. She went home to be with her heavenly father on Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Many, Louisiana following a brief illness.

Betty married the love of her life, Billie Johnson, on April 25, 1969. She was an active member of Little Flock Baptist Church. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. As she had no children herself, she loved each child as her own.

Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Billie Johnson; parents, Frank and Bernice Hattenbach; brother, Danny Hattenbach; and her adored dog, Shelby. She is survived by her precious and beloved little dog, Bella and a host of friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Honoring Betty as pallbearers were Dane Branam, Tracy Branam, Chris Gatti, Allen Nichols, Mike Pitt, and Pat Treptow.

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January 8, 1962 — January 23, 2025

Gordon “Turkey Man” Keith Ussery, 63, passed from this life on Thursday, January 23, 2025 in Many, Louisiana. He was born to Earnest Faye Herrington and Otis Gordon Ussery on January 8, 1962 in Alexandria, Louisiana.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Faye Painter and Otis Ussery; stepfather, Larry Painter; and brother-in-law, Shawn Hubenak. He is survived by his son, Branden Ussery of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; daughters, Cassie Carrasco and husband, Tony, and Tracy Carrasco and husband, Miguel, both of Lindsay, Oklahoma; sisters, Sherry Noel and husband, Raymond, of Lafayette, Louisiana, Pamela Hubenak of Florien, Louisiana, and Terry Eddington and husband, Billy, of Many, Louisiana; stepsister, Deana Painter Wagner of Osawatomie, Kansas; brother, Mark Ussery of Pensacola, Florida; stepbrother, Eddie Painter and wife, Lisa, of Crowder, Mississippi; uncle, Thomas Antley and wife, Doris, of Pollock, Louisiana; aunt, Florece Coleman of West Monroe, Louisiana; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

The family will be holding a memorial service for Keith on February 22, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Souled Out for Christ, 6773 Texas Highway Many, Louisiana 71449. 

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By Brad Dison

In the winter of 1907-1908, Prefect of Police Louis Lépine employed dog auxiliaries to patrol the lonely beats in and around Paris, France. Having the dogs patrol the lonely beats would free up human police officers to concentrate their efforts in areas with higher crime rates.

On one lonely beat along the Seine River just outside Paris, a young boy fell into the river. Unable to swim, the boy flailed in the water in panic. He was barely able to let out a yelp. Suddenly, one of the police dogs who lived nearby, a large Newfoundland dog, leaped over the hedge, plunged into the Seine, and pulled the struggling boy to safety. Everyone, especially the young boy’s father, was jubilant that the dog had saved the young boy from drowning. The crowd gathered to take turns caressing the Newfoundland hero. The boy’s father rewarded the dog with a large, juicy beefsteak. Two days later, another young boy fell into the Seine a short distance away and struggled to tread water. Again, the Newfoundland hero jumped the hedge, plunged into the Seine, and pulled the child to safety. The people rewarded the dog as they had earlier, with caresses and another large, juicy beefsteak.

The following day, another child fell into the water and the Newfoundland came to the rescue again. After this third time, police began to look more closely at the incidents. They questioned the three children separately. The first child to be rescued said he slipped and fell into the river, but the second and third child said they were pushed into the Seine. Police worried that a disturbed criminal was stalking the neighborhood and pushing children into the river so that they would drown. This same scenario happened several more times. Hardly a day went by that a child was not pushed into the river. Luckily, all were within earshot of the Newfoundland hero.

Catching this individual proved to be a difficult task. None of the children had seen who had pushed them into the river. It was normal for people to casually walked along the banks of the Seine. A uniformed policeman began patrolling the area in an attempt to catch the serial “pusher” in the act. It was obvious that the serial “pusher” was aware of the police presence because no children were pushed when he was around. Children were still being pushed in the river and rescued by the dog, but it always happened when the policeman was not looking. There were no witnesses either. The policeman dressed in plain clothes, but children were still being pushed into the river and rescued by the Newfoundland hero, who by this time had become somewhat of a local celebrity. Still, the policeman was unable to witness the crime. The policeman began watching from a concealed location. He watched as children played by the river’s edge but the serial “pusher” only pushed children who were alone presumably so there would be no witnesses. Then, the hidden policeman noticed a child alone by the edge of the river. Moments later, he saw the serial “pusher” calmly walk up and push a child into the river. His mouth dropped as he saw the Newfoundland hero spring into action and pull the child to safety. The policeman knew the serial “pusher” well. He had seen him nearly every day since his investigation began, but he never suspected that the serial “pusher” was… the Newfoundland hero whose only motivation was the reward of caresses and beefsteak.

Source: New York Times, February 2, 1908, p.14.

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On February 12, the United States commemorates the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States (1861-1865). Born in 1809, Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the nation’s greatest leaders, known for his role in preserving the Union during the Civil War and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.

Lincoln’s Leadership and Legacy

Lincoln’s presidency was marked by difficult decisions and national division, but his steadfast leadership helped guide the country through its most challenging era. His Gettysburg Address, delivered in 1863, remains one of the most famous speeches in American history, emphasizing democracy and equality.

Lincoln’s assassination in 1865 by John Wilkes Booth cut his presidency short, but his impact endured. His commitment to ending slavery led to the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States.

Honoring Lincoln Today

Lincoln’s legacy is honored across the nation through statues, memorials, and schools bearing his name. His contributions to democracy, equality, and leadership continue to inspire Americans, making February 12 an important day for reflection.

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Carolyn Fay Skinner
June 21, 1937 — February 10, 2025
No Service Information

Ruben Dale Liley
December 12, 1940 — February 7, 2025
Cremation has been entrusted to Rose Neath Funeral Home in Many

Gordon Keith Ussery
January 8, 1962 — January 23, 2025
Memorial Service- Saturday, February 22, 2025 starts at 1:00 pm

Sabine Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or npjnatla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge.)

You may email them to SPJContent@sabineparishjournal.com

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The Louisiana Political Museum will induct seven new members into its Hall of Fame during ceremonies Saturday, April 5 in Winnfield.

The 33rd annual event celebrates the remarkable achievements of Louisiana political leaders, public servants and trailblazers who have made their mark in the state through judicial service, policy making and preserving history and recording it.

The 2025 Hall of Fame inductees are:

• Judge Marion F. Edwards – A judge from Jefferson Parish who is renowned for his contributions to law and justice, including pioneering one of Louisiana’s first drug courts and serving as Chief Judge of the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal.
• The Honorable Don Burkett – Louisiana’s longest-serving District Attorney, representing Sabine Parish is recognized for his leadership, justice reforms, and dedication to victims’ advocacy.
• Mr. Charles S. Weems III – A distinguished Alexandria attorney whose impact on law, education, and civic life includes pivotal roles in establishing LSU at Alexandria as a four-year institution.
• Ms. Marsha Shuler – As a journalist for the Baton Rouge Advocate, Ms. Shuler’s decades-long political reporting informed and inspired Louisiana citizens.
• Mr. Jim Harris – A Baton Rouge based political strategist and public affairs pioneer instrumental in advancing Louisiana’s environmental and legislative initiatives.
• The Honorable James Maxwell “Max” Kelley – Former mayor of Winnfield and key figure in founding the Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame.
• Ms. Carolyn Reber Phillips – The museum’s first executive director, credited with preserving Louisiana’s rich political heritage and growing the museum into a state treasure.

The evening begins with a reception open to the public from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Louisiana Political Museum, located at 499 East Main Street, Winnfield, LA. The festivities will continue with a dinner and induction ceremony at 6:00 PM at the City of Winnfield Civic Center, 2000 South Jones Street, Winnfield, LA.

The evening begins with a reception that is open to the public from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Louisiana Political Museum, located at 499 East Main Street, Winnfield, LA. The festivities will continue with a dinner and induction ceremony at 6:00 PM at the City of Winnfield Civic Center, 2000 South Jones Street, Winnfield, LA.

Tickets for the induction banquet are $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of ten. Reservations can be made by calling the Louisiana Political Museum at 318-628-5928 or visiting lapolmushof.com. Please purchase tickets by March 21, 2025.

Don’t miss this opportunity to honor Louisiana’s finest and celebrate their legacies in public service.

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Sheriff Aaron Mitchell has announced the latest felony narcotics and firearm-related arrests for January 2025. Over the course of the month, law enforcement efforts led to the seizure of nearly 1.5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 2.5 ounces of synthetic cannabinoids, Hydrocodone pills, and various other illicit substances. These arrests and investigations reflect ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes and keep the community safe.

Jericho James Manshack (age-31) of Many
Christina Larea Landry (age-37) of Zwolle
Ashley Martine Rutan (age-43) of Zwolle
Dustin Harold Elkins (age-38) of Haughton
Jeffrey Wade Etheridge (age-45) of Zwolle
James Edward Alford (age-59) of Florien
Jaqorius Javonte Spikes (age-31) of Zwolle
Benjamin Shane Rivers (age-49) of Zwolle
Felicia Sepulvado Garza (age-46) of Noble
Robin Jane Kelly (age-40) of Zwolle
Jasmine Netter (age-25) of Natchitoches
Prentice Ray Anderson Jr (age-57) of Zwolle
Mathew Kyle Castillo (age-40) of Converse
Anthony Wayne Kimbrough (age-29) of Many
Kasey Juwon Garner (age-33) of Many

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BOM Bank would like to congratulate Kylie Miller on her promotion to Head Teller at our Many branch.  Kylie has been with BOM since 2022, where she has previously served as both a teller and a loan processor.

Kylie attended CLTCC, where she obtained an associate’s degree in business administration.  She has been married to her husband, Kyle, for four years, and they have three pit bulls.  When she isn’t working, Kylie enjoys baking, cooking, and spending time with her pets, friends and family.

Kylie stated, “I enjoy the family atmosphere at BOM; birthdays and work anniversaries have always been special, and my coworkers are also there for me during the hard times.

Welcome, Kylie!,

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Say hello to Lani, an adorable three-month-old Labrador and Rottweiler mix! Lab/Rottweiler mixes, often called Labrotties, are strong, intelligent, and loyal dogs. They inherit traits from both the Labrador Retriever and the Rottweiler, making them excellent family pets. This sweet girl is full of love and energy. She enjoys playtime, cuddles, and showering everyone with affection. Whether she’s chasing after her favorite toy or curling up for a cozy snuggle, Lani is sure to steal your heart.

Looking for a loyal and loving companion? Lani might be the perfect match!

For more information contact the Sabine Parish Animal Shelter at 318-256-2275, located at 502 McDonald Dr. in Many. Sabine Parrish Animal Shelter is a non-profit shelter and thanks the public for its support.

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By Doug De Graffenried

The land of north Louisiana is described as rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests. I ride the route between Ruston and Gibsland almost daily. I estimate that I have driven 72,000 miles coming to work and going home over my time at Trinity Methodist Church. I very much enjoyed the drive on I-20. In that drive I experience rolling hills, alluvial plains, and forests.

Of late, DOTD has a project on I-20 from Tarbutton Road to the Bienville Parish line. That is approximately eleven miles. Since early in the fall of last year contractors have been clearing the right of way on both sides of the Interstate. They have also removed the trees from the median of the Interstate.

They are efficient and organized when it comes to tree removal. The trees have been ground up. On colder mornings, the mounds of wood chips and mulch appear to be smoking. Or as we used to say, “they can see their breath.” By the afternoon, those mounds of wood chips were hauled off. I wonder what those wood products will become.

Over the course of these months my driving has changed.

The woods were growing remarkably close to the edge of the Interstate. There were multiple trees, that if blown over, would have landed on the roadway. I know it was done for safety. But it has changed my view of the drive. I can see fields not previously seen. I can see cars headed in the opposite direction. I can see the road ahead and how it curves. Strangely the drive seems more spacious. Once the grass grows this spring, it will be a more pleasant drive.

It is also the time of year that I have started trimming things in the yard getting ready for spring. The rose bushes will be introduced to my trimming shears this week. I’m not going to talk about murdering crape myrtles, but you do it if that is your thing.

There are cases where growing things need to be trimmed back or cut down! The resulting margin allows the plants to grow more fully or the driver to experience new vistas. For you overworked workaholics out there, I’m talking about creating a margin in your life. I’m hinting about taking a day off, getting some rest, cutting back, or going on vacation. For some of you I’m suggesting driving to work another way. You need to see different roads.

If you cut back and trim away some of the stuff you are busy about, you might discover some of the beauty and blessing that God has created for you.

You have noticed that even Jesus needed to get away from the crowds and spend time being with God. If he did it, why do we have such a tough time trying it?

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Sabine Medical Center is gearing up to host a St. Patrick’s Day 5K on March 15, inviting participants of all ages to join in the festivities.

Event Details:

• Date: March 15
• Registration: Same-day sign-up begins at 8 AM
• Entry Fee: Free

The event will feature a 5K race, with food and beverage vendors available on-site. Participants are encouraged to bring friends and family to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere.

Prizes:

• A $500 cash prize will be awarded to the first-place male and female winners in each age group (excluding those aged 9 and under).
• Second and third-place finishers will also receive prizes.

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By Steve Graf

I’m not sure where to start to describe the impact bass fishing has had on my life. I think it’s safe to say that I have gotten a lot more out of bass fishing than probably any of my other hobbies combined. It’s a sport that has provided me a lifetime of great memories and has allowed me to make some of the best friends a man could ever ask for.

Let’s start by going way back to my early days of fishing on our ranch in East Texas. What a great training ground it was! I was basically self-taught after being introduced to bass fishing by my best friend’s dad (who also sparked my interest in hunting as well.)

By the age of 10 (in 1972), I was a subscriber to Bassmaster Magazine which really lit my fuse for basic bass fishing information. What a great publication full of tips and tricks with full scale color drawings on how, when and where to catch fish. I would literally sit by the mailbox with excitement waiting on each issue.

For a young boy who was not an avid reader and struggled with dyslexia, if it wasn’t for Bassmaster Magazine, I’m not sure I would have learned how to read at all. This magazine gave me a purpose and a reason to learn how to read!

I remember the first tackle box I ever saw; it belonged to my dad. I was enthralled with going through it and handling all the funny looking baits. Some I had learned about through my Bassmaster Magazine, while there were other baits I had never seen before.

Now many of these baits never made it back to dad’s tackle box because I lost most of them on a stump or a log in one of our stock ponds on the ranch. Dad was never much of a fisherman, but he would do inventory occasionally to see just how many of his lures I had lost.

He never really got upset about the lures lost in action, but I could tell he was disappointed that some were missing. I guess he was just happy I found something I was passionate about other than baseball.

Well, baseball did take up much of my time up until 1985. It was then, during a routine physical, that my doctor randomly asked me what I was going to do to fill the void of my baseball playing days. I told him that I would probably play a little softball, a lot more golf, and bass fish.

Little did I know, it would be a friend of mine who would introduce me to tournament fishing by asking me to fish a night tournament on Lake Bistineau. This was life changing for me and ignited my passion for competitive bass fishing.

After fishing local and regional team trails up until 1998, I decided to take my fishing to the next level by fishing the highest level on the FLW Tour as a co-angler. But I also jumped in the BFL’s (the lowest level of FLW) and fished as a boater/pro while also entering the FLW Everstart Series (now Toyota Series) and Bassmaster Opens, which for the last 20 years has been my passion.

For the last 8 years, I’ve basically been dedicated to a couple of tournament trails within American Bass Anglers Organization: one called the Solo 150’s (their highest level) and the other called the new Pro League. Both I have truly enjoyed and still look forward to fishing.

But, over the years, I have made some lifelong friends and connections with some of the biggest names in the bass fishing world. These people, who have achieved so much, also introduced me to others who have had a huge impact on me as an angler and a person.

There’s something about the bond anglers have that is so special. These are guys who will come to your rescue in time of need on and off the water. Guys you can share information with and that you can trust to keep that info to themselves.

At each tournament, memories are made. Stories are told over and over of situations we have been in before and stories of great days on the water both during practice and the tournament. But understand, anglers tend to exaggerate or stretch the truth occasionally.

But the bonds you share with other anglers is what makes bass fishing such an enjoyable sport. Till next time, keep on fishing and keep on setting the hook as you never know, the next fish you catch just might be the fish of a lifetime.

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