The Sabine Parish Road Department announced on March 20 that DOTD will perform traffic counts in Sabine Parish over the next two months. The counts will be completed with cameras and tube counters that are strategically placed on roadways to monitor and record traffic patterns, including vehicle volume and classification. Sabine Parish has a total of 751 local road count locations. These counts are completed on a 10 year cycle required by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for a minimum of 48 hours. DOTD also uses this data to better understand traffic patterns throughout the state to assist in determining the transportation needs of the citizens of Louisiana.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports an illegal alien was detained by Sabine Parish Sheriff Criminal Patrol Deputies yesterday afternoon, March 24.

Rigoberto Sanchez Dominguez (age-34) was stopped by Deputies for a traffic violation on LA Highway 476. Dominguez had no driver’s license but produced a Mexican identification card. Deputies contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and learned Dominguez was wanted for an arrest in Texas on November 17, 2023, for aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Dominguez was transported to the Sabine Parish Detention Center where he was transferred to the custody of ICE Agents.

In the Fall of 1993, Nicole Woods was a newlywed Sophomore at Northwestern State University. After a visit to the then Crisis Pregnancy Center, she learned she was also pregnant with her first child. With the support of the late Mrs. Terri Galloway, a volunteer at the Center, she began her motherhood journey with the encouragement of a small group of women who were determined to make a positive impact on expectant mothers in the community. Her oldest son, Colt, was born in May of 1994 but not without complications that resulted in an orthopedic issue. With the support of her family and the amazing volunteers at the Center, she was able to properly care for him with the confidence they all helped to instill. More than 30 years later, Nicole Woods has been named the Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Center.

Nicole went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University and spent the next 20 years working in the criminal justice and non-profit arenas. She would also go on to become Mom to Farrah and Chase. She is very active in the community and serves as President of the Natchitoches Lions Club. She was awarded the 2024 Natchitoches Historic Foundation’s President’s Award for her support of her hometown. Nicole and her husband, Sammy, are members of First Baptist Church, both are avid golfers and supporters of the 4-H program.

The Center is maintained by an outstanding Leadership Team. Sandy Keller serves as the
WRC Program Manager. Sandy was born and raised in Indiana. Since earning her bachelor’s in social work, she has worked with children and families for several years in a non-profit organization. She is the proud mother of three and grandmother to one. She has had a passion for pregnancy centers for many years and volunteered with Crisis Pregnancy Centers in both Indiana and Louisiana. She has called Louisiana home for the last 12 years, with Natchitoches becoming her home when she joined the WRC staff in July, 2022. Sandy enjoys the role of Program Manager because she has been able to work with and support clients by managing volunteers, client schedules, classes as well as the Little Rose Boutique. Sandy also works directly with volunteers and gets the opportunity to work one-on-one with clients as needed.

She played a vital role in the creation of the Rose Long Educational Center which provides space for onsite educational programs for community members and clientele. She is excited about the future of WRC and the possibility of additional educational opportunities to benefit new parents.

Brandi Kay serves as the Center’s Office Manager. Brandi joined the Women’s Resource Center as Office Manager in August 2024, boasting an impressive 10-year financial tracking and record management background. Focused on consistently delivering exceptional outcomes in grant and donor tracking, daily office tasks, event coordination and communication; Brandi ensures that the Center continues to be a good steward to our supporters and clients. A long-time resident of Flora, Brandi has been married to Johnny for 22 years and they have two children, Cailynn and Conner. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, crafting, and baseball games.

Established in 1989 as the Crisis Pregnancy Center, it has now evolved into the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) and serves as the only Pregnancy Help Medical Clinic in a 50-mile radius. The Center currently serves women from Bienville, DeSoto, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Vernon and Winn and is here to serve anyone who is, or may be, pregnant. The Center focuses on offering hope and enables expectant mothers to make educated decisions.

The mission of the WRC is to educate and empower individuals to make life-affirming choices. The Center offers 100% free and confidential services such as pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds and material assistance to mothers from pregnancy through the baby’s first year regardless of insurance status or income. With over 850 educational visits in 2024, the Center offers classes in: Child Safety, Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Education, Healthy Beginnings (a two-part nutrition class in partnership with the LSU Ag Center), Carseat Safety and Financial Literacy (in partnership with Engage Federal Credit Union).

The success of the WRC is strongly based on the support of its advocates, volunteers and donors. While some grants are received, the Center offers numerous ways to support through monetary and material donations. Individuals and organizations are vital to the day-to-day operations of the Center. From the support of volunteers to NSU special interest groups to local churches, the Center draws its strength from supporters in all forms.

Fundraisers are an important part of the Center’s success and two major fundraisers are quickly approaching. We are excited to announce that this year the Run Baby Run will be held in conjunction with the 28th Annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival. On May 10th, runners, walkers and supporters will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Natchitoches while supporting the Center.

When Jazz Fest organizer (and WRC Supporter) Rodney Harrington was asked about this new collaboration he said “I think it’s awesome that the Run Baby Run is going to be held the morning of the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival on May 10th! It’s going to be a spectacular day in our town. The participants will be able to finish their run, shower and still make it down to the riverbank in time to hear Gretchen Wilson, the BAR-KAYS and all the other great acts at the festival. See y’all there!”

The largest fundraiser of the year, The Right to Life Gala, is slated for the evening of Sept. 18 at the Natchitoches Event Center. This premier event is a sellout year after year, so plan to buy your tables early this year.

All information on the Center and its events can be found on the Women’s Resource Center’s Facebook page, at wrcnatchitoches.org or by visiting 107 North Street, Natchitoches.

Anyone interested in becoming a client, a volunteer, a donor, or have questions can call 318-357-8888.

I’ve always enjoyed remembering how things used to be, and I look forward for what the future holds with regards to tournament bass fishing. Today we’ll step back in time and look at how tournament fishing was in the early days. 
 
As I’ve noted in past writings, my tournament days go back to the early 1990ns. To say that times have changed is truly an understatement. Things are different today in several ways and the first thing that comes to mind, is how anglers had respect for each other on the water. Anglers were always conscious of not fishing too close to another angler and never wanted to invade another their territory, especially if he was leading the tournament. THAT’S NOT THE CASE TODAY! 
 
To use an old phrase, “back in the day,” anglers showed respect for each other by not fishing areas on the lake that someone found first. Unfortunately, anglers today tend to hold no regard or respect for another angler’s area. 
 
Many of our younger anglers think that all water is open for anyone to fish any time during the tournament.  But I’m not going to throw shade just on our youth for all the issues taking place in tournaments. It’s not really their fault, as 95 percent of both high school and college anglers have never been exposed to the unwritten rules of tournament bass fishing. Etiquette has been forgotten and is not being taught.
 
Another issue today that anglers have is the disregard for the “no information” rule. At no time has this rule had more attention than it has this season. Several touring pros have been disqualified for violating this rule in 2025. Most tournament trails have a written rule that does not allow anglers to receive information about a particular body of water within a specific time frame. Without a doubt, this is the most abused rule on every level! 
 
Back in the day, anglers were held to a higher standard than they are today. Some tournament organizations are turning a blind eye to some of the infractions and are not holding anglers accountable. This is why anglers continue to bend the rules and is one reason tournament entries are down nationwide.
 
Until organizations decide to preserve the integrity of the sport, and drop the hammer on these rule breakers, nothing will change. Some anglers will stop at nothing to gather information like waypoints, best areas to fish, and what baits to throw from guides and other resources. 
 
While there are ways to gather information legally, some anglers ignore the rules and show no regard for doing things the right way. Once again, back in the day if an angler violated a rule, he was pulled aside by other anglers and asked to explain himself. The older generation held each other more accountable. 
 
Oh, how I yearn for the days of old where you did not have to worry about who or how someone was possibly cheating or bending the rules. Your reputation as an angler was more important than winning any single event. You would rather sacrifice a win and still have the respect of your fellow competitors than to cash a check doing something shady.  
 
But the philosophy today is to win at all costs, no matter what the consequences. This is pretty much true in all sports, especially on the high school and collegiate levels. Today it’s all about the money being made and if a kid is not happy where they’re at, they transfer to another school that is willing to pay them even more. They are even paid in advance on potential and not on their body of work! 
 
I’ll wrap up this gripe session with this — if we as anglers don’t start demanding organizations enforce ALL the rules, nothing will ever change. We must demand transparency from all tournament organizations.

‘Til next time, go fishing every chance you get because you never know when it might be your last. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

In the 1980’s, Jay Winsten, a public health professor at Harvard got interested in the idea of a “designated driver.” He’d picked up the concept in Scandinavia where it was the norm. At the time, the concept did not exist in the US. None of us knew what a designated driver was.

Winsten and his team at Harvard made it a goal to create a social norm in the United States: If you are going out drinking, you would pick a designated driver who would commit not to drink for the evening. How do you create a social norm out of thin air? Winsten’s inspiration was that you could make the behavior contagious by repeatedly exposing people to it, in many different contexts, even if those contexts were fictional.

Winsten and his team collaborated with producers, writers, and actors from more than 160 prime time TV programs, sprinkling designated-driver moments naturally into the plots. Segments featuring designated drivers appeared on Hunter, The Cosby Show, Mr. Belvedere, and Who’s the Boss? On one episode of the smash-hit L.A. Law, the heartthrob lawyer played by Harry Hamlin asked a bartender to call his designated driver. A designated-driver poster appeared in the bar on Cheers.

Winsten’s plea to the media was for “five seconds” of dialogue about a designated driver. He didn’t want a full episode or even a whole scene. He simply wanted the words mentioned repeatedly. Grant Tinker said about it, “Considering the simplicity of it all, it was very hard for us to feel our independence was being challenged.”

In 1991, three years after the campaign launched, nine out of ten people were familiar with the term designated driver. And they were behaving differently as a result. Thirty-seven percent of all Americans reported having acted as designated drivers, and 54% of frequent drinkers had been driven home by one. The behavioral change saved lives. Alcohol related traffic fatalities declined from 23,626 in 1988 to 17,858 in 1992.

I want you to ponder this under the rubric of “words create reality.” A new reality was created when two words were used repeatedly in the media. This is a positive story about words creating reality. I’m sure you can think of the other side of this issue where words create another reality when they become a constant drumbeat in the media.

What words have created your reality?

Better yet, whose words have created your reality.

Those words are changing your life.

By Brad Dison

Ritchie was a sickly child. When he was six years old, he developed appendicitis. Following surgery, he contracted peritonitis, an inflammation of the lining of the abdomen. His recovery lasted a full year. In 1953, when he was 13, he caught a cold which progressed into pleurisy. After a brief stay at Myrtle Street Children’s Hospital, Ritchie returned home. A short time later, the 13-year-old contracted a disease which changed the course of his life. At first, Ritchie ran a low fever, became fatigued, and developed a minor cough. Ritchie’s condition gradually worsened over the course of a few weeks. His fever rose, coughing intensified, and taking a deep breath became painful. When Ritchie began experiencing chest pains, his mother took him to Myrtle Street Children’s Hospital once again. His diagnosis was tuberculosis, a bacterial disease that affects the lungs.
Being diagnosed with tuberculosis was a shock to Ritchie and his mother. In the year Ritchie contracted the disease, there were over 84,000 cases of tuberculosis in the United States. Nearly 20,000 of those cases, about 23%, were fatal. The percentage of fatal cases in Europe were similar.

“In those days,” Ritchie said, “they just kept you in bed for months. I was in bed for like ten months.” Ritchie said that while being treated, teachers would come in to teach and to keep the sick children entertained. Ritchie joked that while in the hospital, he learned to knit. “One woman came in, not so often, but she came in,” he said, “and she had percussive instruments [such as] maracas, tambourines, and a little drum.” By pointing at red or yellow dots, the woman taught the kids when to strike or shake their instruments. Ritchie said the woman handed the instruments out at random. “I’m in bed … she gives me this little drum and it was like a craziness.” Ritchie said, “I only would play the drum in this mad band that she’d bring in.”

Despite his suffering from tuberculosis, Ritchie was obsessed. He said, “I hit the drum, and I only wanted, from that moment, to be a drummer. And that was what my aim was.” He said it “became the only thing I ever wanted to do.” Ritchie slowly regained his strength and his health. His obsession with that little drum never waned. When he was 18 years old, Ritchie joined a band. For more than 60 years, Ritchie has been a fixture in the entertainment industry. On January 10 of this year, Ritchie released a country album entitled “Look Up” on which he sings, whistles, and, of course, plays drums.

Had Ritchie not contracted tuberculosis at 13, a disease which could have taken his life, and had the woman with the “mad band” handed him anything other than a drum, our musical landscape may have evolved differently. You see, Ritchie, the sickly child, was born Richard Starkey, but the world knows him better as Ringo Starr, the drummer for the Beatles.

Sources:

1. “Tuberculosis Symptoms and Causes,” Mayo Clinic, Accessed March 23, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351250.

2. “TB Incidence and Mortality: 1953–2023,” CDC, October 31, 2024, accessed March 23, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/tb-surveillance-report-2023/tables/table-1.html.

3. Joe Taysom, “How a life-threatening illness made Ringo Starr learn drums,” Far Out, August 2, 2022, accessed March 23, 2025, https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/life-threatening-illness-ringo-starr-drums/.

4. Chris Barilla, “Ringo Starr’s Childhood Tuberculosis Hospitalization Kept Him in ‘Bed for Months’ but Ultimately Changed His Life,” People, February 20, 2025, accessed March 23, 2025, https://people.com/ringo-starr-says-tuberculosis-hospitalization-kept-him-in-bed-for-months-exclusive-11683518.

Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness

March 26 is recognized as Purple Day, an international movement dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy. Founded in 2008 by a young Canadian girl, Cassidy Megan, Purple Day encourages people worldwide to wear purple in support of individuals living with epilepsy. Organizations host educational events, fundraising efforts, and community outreach programs to increase understanding and reduce stigma surrounding the neurological disorder.

This Day in History: The Birth of Modern Transportation

On March 26, 1872, the first patent for an air brake system was granted to George Westinghouse, revolutionizing railway safety. This invention allowed trains to stop more efficiently, greatly reducing accidents and improving passenger travel. Westinghouse’s innovations in transportation safety set the stage for the development of modern braking systems in automobiles and aircraft.

Leonard Nimoy’s Birthday (1931-2015)

Science fiction fans around the world remember Leonard Nimoy, born on March 26, 1931. Best known for his iconic portrayal of Spock in Star Trek, Nimoy’s legacy extends beyond television and film. As an actor, director, author, and philanthropist, he left a lasting impact on popular culture, science advocacy, and the arts.

Legal Milestone: The Creation of the U.S. Army Medal of Honor (1863)

On March 26, 1863, the Medal of Honor was first awarded during the American Civil War. This prestigious decoration, the highest military honor in the United States, is awarded to service members who demonstrate extraordinary bravery and selflessness in combat. Over the years, the Medal of Honor has come to symbolize the ultimate recognition of heroism in the U.S. military.

Phillip Leon Lore
May 12, 1940 — March 22, 2025
Service: Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Many

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

The Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival has announced its complete lineup for its 28th year which is
going to be held on May 9-10 on the downtown riverbank in Natchitoches.

This year’s festival is headlined by multiplatinum-selling Country Music Superstar, Gretchen Wilson.

In fact, the festival has adopted one of Wilson’s many hit songs as its catch-phrase: “We’re Here for the Party…and the Music!”

Preceding Wilson on stage will be Memphis Funk and R&B pioneers, The Bar-Kays.

The music on the Main Stage begins at 1:00 p.m. with the popular Gerard Delafose and the Zydeco Gators, followed by Sonny Gullage and the Blues Groovers out of New Orleans and then Natchitoches’ own Country Music star and the festival emcee, Louisiana Music Hall of Famer, Trini Triggs.

At 5:15 p.m. the popular regional act that calls Natchitoches their home, Johnny Earthquake and The Moondogs, also inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame at last year’s festival, will present “Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulers! – a Tribute to the Music of Louisiana.” They will be followed by The Bar-Kays at 7 p.m., then Gretchen Wilson at 9 p.m.

The fun begins on Friday with “Tribute to Legends Night” featuring two amazing tribute acts, first at 7 p.m., Bad Medicine – A Tribute to Bon Jovi out of Atlanta, Georgia, followed by at 9 p.m., A Taylor Swift Tribute called “Lover: An Eras Tour Experience” which faithfully recreates a portion of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Concert.

There is plenty more music on Saturday with great bands appearing on both side stages.

Fleur De Lis Stage

12:00 – 1:00 Dead Reckoning String Band (Bluegrass /Roots). This Bluegrass/Roots group out of northeast Louisiana is making its first appearance at the festival and playing its unique brand of Bluegrass originals with their unique brand of Bluegrass originals along with their own interesting covers of some popular tunes. This is not to be missed.

1:10 – 2:10 The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (Gospel/Inspirational/Country). This Natchitoches-based Gospel/Inspiration group will perform an eclectic blend of secular and traditional gospel music which will include some Rock & Roll, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Contemporary Christian songs. All of it, music with a message.

2:20 – 3:20 Jenny & Kelli (Harmonious Rock, Covers, & Originals). These popular Natchitoches songbirds play a rousing blend of songs that you know and love along with a few of their very own originals. Every song will feature their spectacular angelic harmonies.

3:30 – 4:30 50 Man Machine (Celtic/Americana). Perhaps the most eclectic, unusual and interesting group in the entire festival, 50 Man Machine’s set list includes Celtic, Scottish, and Rock & Roll music all rolled into one. Two things are for certain, you will be entertained by this group, led by Collier Hyams, and it will be the only group in the festival featuring bagpipes.

4:45 – 5:45 Becky Birdwell and the Shuffle Kings (Classic Rock/R&B/Country/Gospel). Becky and her family band has been a fixture at the festival for many years and play a crowd-pleasing mixture of classic rock, R&B, Country with some gospel thrown in.

6:00 – 7:00 Seth Wimberly Trio (Blues, R&B, and Rock) SW3, comes from Alexandria, Louisiana. They do a blend of popular songs, but always make sure their main focus is having fun. Be it blues, funk, rock, or jazz. SW3 will be sure to always deliver a good return on great times.

Roque House Stage

2:10 – 3:10 The Luke Brouillette Trio (Traditional and Modern Jazz). Led by guitarist Luke Brouillette, this trio which includes Sammy Nix on drums and Dion Pierre on bass will play through well-loved jazz standards featuring Swing, Latin, and Bebop. Listen and watch while these virtuosos perform some righteous jazz.

3:20 – 4:20 Cypress Brake (Rock and Country). This is one of central Louisiana’s hottest new groups who will be playing an interesting blend of classic and modern Country music along with some Classic Rock hits thrown in.

4:35 – 5:35 Zack George Band (90’s and 2000’s Covers). This four-piece Rock/Pop Cover Band from Natchitoches love to rock the 90’s and 2000’s radio hits and always has something for just about everyone. If Grunge, Pop, Punk, or any combination of the three are up your alley, you’ll love this band!

5:50 – 6:50 Deep Water Rehab – (Classic, Southern Rock, Country, Originals & Covers). This Winnfield-based band covering Classic & Southern Rock, Country, and even some R&B tunes. They’ll also be performing cuts from their album of original songs which recently dropped.

Second Line Roving Band: (Jazz/R&B). The band is the young Jazz/R&B Soldiers. This energetic group featuring brass and percussion will be bringing some New Orleans and Latin Jazz to you along with a taste of R&B thrown in. There will be second lining through the crowd throughout the day with their infectious and energetic music during intermissions. Feel free to wave you handkerchief and join in!

Advance tickets may be purchased at www.natchjazzfest.com

By Doug De Graffenried

Do you remember your old typewriter? Some of you wonder, what is that?

In ancient times our parents would send us to college with one of our High School graduation gifts, a typewriter. If your family was affluent the typewriter was electric. Can you visualize that typewriter? In the ears of your mind can you hear the bell? The bell would sound as you were approaching the margin of your paper. Do you remember how many spaces there are between the bell sounding and the margin?

Anyway, you had a few more spaces before reaching the margin and then you couldn’t type on that line.

You were forced to hit return or manually return the carrier to the beginning of the next line.

Typing today is much different. I only use the return (now known as “enter”) between paragraphs. The computer sets the margins and automatically sends the cursor to the next line for typing. There is no bell warning me that I am approaching the end of a line. I am not paying attention to the margin or where I am on the page, I don’t need to. The computer is taking care of that function for me.

I miss the bell warning me that I am approaching the margin. I miss the sound of typing in the office.

Once in a church office, you could hear the typewriter, adding machine, and the mimeograph running. You knew work of the Kingdom was happening. Now all I hear is silence. I know the work is taking place, but you don’t hear it any longer.

There was a function of typewriters not found on computer keyboards. That key was labeled “margin release.” If you were one letter away from the end of a word, you could apply margin release, and the typewriter would continue typing past the margin. Since the margins were set mechanically, they could also be released mechanically. If you used the margin release key one line on the page would stand out.

The reader of the paper would know you cheated at the margins.

Margin is what allows you to read this article. If the nice editors ignored the gutter in the middle and the margins on the sides, you would find this publication almost impossible to read. Margin, or white space, allows your eyes and brain to work in concert in this great exercise called reading. Your brain would not cooperate if the lines went to the edge of the screen. And if the words had no margins, called spaces, reading would take a great effort. The New Testament was written in a form called scriptio continua; there were no spaces between the words. Actually, there was no punctuation either. If you think understanding the Apostle Paul is difficult, try reading Ephesians without punctuation!

The margin release key is not found on a computer keyboard, but I’m wondering if you are using it too often in soul matters. Let’s try a margin test. When was the last time you took a day off? Describe the most beautiful sight experienced on your last vacation? How long since you have walked in the woods?

What was the last book you read for pleasure? When was the last time you experienced joy?

Are you using that margin release key and filling your life and soul with too much stuff? Is your calendar full? Go ahead and look at it, when is the next “empty day?” Margin is that space for rest and restoration. Margin is where nothing is happening. All the “type A” people just cringed at the prospect of doing nothing!

I think margin is important because that is where God is. He is at the margins of society. He is at the margins of change. He is at the margins of our soul. God is at the margins, whispering to our hearts. He is asking us to go no further but to linger where we can experience Him. Margin allows life to be rich, full, and readable. Leave margin in your life, please. That spiritual margin allows space for God to lead you to what is next or linger with Him where you are.

We all need to backspace and create margin in our lives.

So many things impact our lives as individuals, but nothing more than hard work. Growing up as a kid on a ranch, I learned many of life’s lessons through the chores that had to be done. It wasn’t always something I enjoyed, but these were things that were necessary in order for our ranch to operate properly. 
 
First, let’s look at the ranch I grew up on, located about 10 miles east of Talco, Texas. My dad and his brother were partners of this property, known as Graf Brothers Ranch. My dad’s brother (Uncle Bill) lived in Ft. Worth and was the owner of a major trucking company, while my dad worked full time in the Talco oil field as the superintendent for Vick Well Service. 
 
Uncle Bill’s involvement with the ranch was mainly financial as Dad did 90 percet of the work that took place. On the ranch, we raised several breeds of cattle including Herford, Angus and Brahmas, and at one point we even ran a few Charolais. The ranch was known for producing high quality crossbred calves, all due to one awesome Angus bull by the name of “Doc.” 
 
Doc was a pure black Angus bull that became famous for the calves he produced, which landed him on the cover of Texas Farm Magazine. My dad truly loved this bull and had a special relationship with Doc, who was his favorite bull that we ever owned. 
 
A ranch requires a lot of work and there were many chores that had to be done, some I dreaded and others I looked forward to. But nothing was worse than what my dad called “picking up chunks.”
 
This was a job that took place anytime Dad decided to clear some of the timber on our property in order to create more pastureland. We owned a D8 Caterpillar dozer that was used exclusively for clearing property and building stock ponds. 
 
Once the timber was cut and piled up ready to burn, there were a lot of “chunks” of wood that had to be picked up by hand and placed in small piles, also to be burned. I do remember mutterig a few choice words every time I heard the call, “Pick up chunks.” It really was the worst job in the world!
 
One thing about working on a ranch — there was never a shortage of things to do. Whether it was building or mending fence, bailing hay, bush hogging, barn repairs, or doctoring cattle, there was plenty of work.
 
The greatest lesson I learned from growing up on the ranch was the importance of a strong work ethic. Our ranch was our family business and required plenty of attention. Being a teenager, a lot was expected of me by my dad when it came to getting things done, as he worked full-time in the oil field six days a week. Therefore, Sundays were always dedicated to any and all jobs needing to be done on the ranch. 
 
But this place was also my playground for hunting and fishing. It’s where my passion grew for both hunting and fishing as I spent hours upon hours fishing our stock ponds or hunting ducks and squirrels. 
 
Looking back at my time on the ranch rekindles some great memories. It helped shape me into the person I am today and motivated me to continue my education as Dad reminded me often that if I did not go to college, I would be working seven days a week on the ranch. That was something I DID NOT WANT! 
 
‘Til next time, enjoy every opportunity you get to wet a hook or enjoy the great outdoors and remember, it is always a great day when you get to go fishing, whether or not you catch fish. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

A graveside service for Gary Lee Woodward, 66, was held on March 13 at Prewitt’s Chapel Cemetery in Hornbeck. A visitation was held March 13 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Many. Officiating the service was Pastor Nick Hilton.

Gary was born on August 3, 1959 to William Woodward and Norma Woodward in Lawton, Oklahoma and passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025 in Many, Louisiana.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, William and Norma Woodward and his sister, Janet Woodward. He is survived by his sons, Camerin Woodward of Noble, Louisiana, Christopher Longoria and wife, Shawna, of Frierson, Louisiana, and Jason Woodward of Hornbeck, Louisiana; daughter, Misty Paddie and fiancé, Patrick Procell, of Ebarb, Louisiana; sisters, Sandy Kelm and husband, Kenny, of Boles, Arkansas and Rhonda Terracciano and husband, Jeff, of Shreveport, Louisiana; brother, Randy Woodward of San Augustine, Texas; and 6 grandchildren, Kallen Etheridge, Konner Etheridge, Brooklyn Etheridge, Gavyn Longoria, Makenzie Longoria, and Jolecia Woodward.

Honoring Gary as pallbearers were Chris Longoria, Clint Rains, Waylon Charrier, Gavyn Longoria, Kallen Etheridge, Philip Etheridge, and Konner Etheridge. Lamar Mitchell was an honorary pallbearer.

A graveside service for Willie James Lewis was held on March 14 at Marthaville, Cemetery. A visitation was held on March 13 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Many. Officiating the service was Brother Daniel Goodman.

Willie James Lewis was born on June 24, 1943 in Marthaville, Louisiana to Willie “Buster” Lewis and Earline Crain. He was a 1961 graduate of Marthaville High School. After graduating, he entered the field of construction where he worked in many different places spanning across 20 years. In April of 1963 he married the love of his life, Mary Lou Shoebroek. They were married for 56 years when she passed away in April of 2020. Over the years, they raised four kids together and welcomed many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For many years, they drove an 18-wheeler all over the country before retiring. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing dominoes, spending time with family and making people laugh. He was a Mason for 60+ years and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 45 years.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Earline Lewis; wife, Mary Lou Lewis; younger brother, Roy Lewis; son, Dewayne Lewis; and great-grandson, Asher Wade. Left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Robert Lewis (Kathy) of Lockhart, Texas and Raymond Lewis (Sharon) of Winsboro, Louisiana; children, Kevin Lewis of Wimberly, Texas, Karen Mitchell (Willie) of Robeline, Louisiana, Brenda Wade (Craig) of Natchitoches, Louisiana; grandchildren, Henry Lewis of Denver, Colorado, Austin Lewis of Wimberly, Texas, Miranda Lewis of Wimberly, Texas, Sarah Lewis of Robeline, Louisiana, Richard Lewis of Texarkana, Texas, Nic Lewis (Ashley) of Robeline, Louisiana, James Wade of Las Vegas, Nevada, Ann Wade (Ellen) of Natchitoches, Brandi Carter (Peyton) of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Chris Lewis (Alicia) of Robeline, Louisiana, Jonathan Lewis (Adna) of Dallas, Texas, and Breyannie Zentz (Auston) of Monmouth, Oregon; 14 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Honoring Willie as pallbearers were Peyton Carter, Chris Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, Nic Lewis, Richard Lewis, and Ann Wade. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Noah Grantham, Austin Lewis, Henry Lewis, Kevin Lewis, Raymond Lewis, Robert Lewis, Willie Mitchell, and Craig Wade.

The family would like to include a special thanks to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center ICU staff, Natchitoches Community Care and Rehab, and LSU ICU staff.

Thursday, March 20 marks the vernal equinox, the official beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This astronomical event occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, creating nearly equal day and night lengths across the globe. While many associate the day with warmer weather and blooming flowers, the equinox holds deep cultural and scientific significance.

The Earth orbits the sun at a slight tilt of 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons. During the equinox, the sun shines directly over the equator, resulting in nearly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. While the Northern Hemisphere welcomes spring, the Southern Hemisphere experiences the autumnal equinox, marking the start of fall.

Though daylight hours continue to lengthen after the equinox, the exact balance of day and night varies depending on location due to atmospheric refraction and geographic latitude.

For thousands of years, civilizations have observed the equinox with festivals and rituals. The Mayans built Chichén Itzá’s pyramid in Mexico to align with the equinox, where a shadow resembling a serpent appears on the steps as the sun sets. Similarly, the Great Sphinx of Giza is positioned to face the rising sun on this day.

In Iran and other Persian-speaking countries, the equinox marks the beginning of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, a celebration of renewal and rebirth. Meanwhile, Japan observes Shunbun no Hi, a national holiday for honoring ancestors and embracing the change of seasons.

While equinox celebrations vary, many involve outdoor gatherings, festivals, and environmental awareness campaigns. In some cultures, people use the day as an opportunity for personal renewal—cleaning their homes, setting new goals, or embracing change.

Whether viewed as a scientific marvel or a time for cultural traditions, the vernal equinox remains a moment of transition and optimism for the months ahead.