Bobbie Ann Ebarb
Service: Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery 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
Downtown Many transformed into a vibrant spring marketplace on April 12 as the annual Bloom on Main festival brought together residents and visitors for a day of shopping, food, and community celebration.
Main Street buzzed with activity as over 40 local vendors lined the sidewalks, offering a diverse array of handmade crafts, boutique fashion, home décor, and seasonal gifts. Food trucks and live music added to the festive atmosphere, creating a lively backdrop for families and friends to enjoy the spring weather and support local businesses.
The track at Many High School came alive on April 12 with community spirit as residents gathered for the annual Autism Walk, celebrating the theme: “What makes you different makes you beautiful.” The event, organized by Sabine Medical Center, aimed to raise awareness and foster inclusivity for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Participants of all ages joined the walk, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with unity and support. The event featured various activities, including informational booths and family-friendly entertainment, all designed to educate attendees about autism and promote acceptance.
The Autism Walk at Many High School not only highlighted the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity but also showcased the community’s commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their families.
Families across Sabine Parish are invited to hop into the Easter spirit with a day packed full of fun and festivities in Many on Friday, April 19. From egg hunts to drive-thru treats, the community is coming together to celebrate springtime with events for all ages.
The day kicks off bright and early with the Community Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by the Central Sabine Fire Department and the Many Police Department, at Wildwood. The egg hunt runs from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., giving little ones a chance to search for colorful eggs, meet first responders, and enjoy a safe and festive environment.
But the fun doesn’t stop there—families are encouraged to stick around for the Community Easter Event at Wildwood, which continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can expect games, activities, refreshments, and more seasonal surprises during this family-friendly event.
Later in the day, the action shifts to the Many Fairgrounds for the Drive Thru Many Easter, happening from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. This convenient event allows families to stay in their vehicles while collecting Easter goodies and waving to the Easter Bunny and local volunteers. It’s perfect for those looking for a low-contact, high-fun holiday option.
All three events are marked as part of Events in Many (EM)—a community initiative that continues to bring engaging and meaningful events to the heart of Sabine Parish.
Don’t forget to bring your baskets, your cameras, and your community spirit—it’s sure to be a joyful Friday in Many!
Cannons roared and gunfire reverberated through the quiet village of Pleasant Hill April 11 through 13 as the Union and Confederate armies clashed in one of the battles of Union General Nathan P. Banks’ Red River Campaign. Unlike the actual battle in 1864, the cannon and rifle fire did not result in a storm of lead and iron and the casualties “resurrected” after the battle was over.
Sunday, April 9, marked the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Pleasant Hill. The first re-enactment was held in 1964 on the 100th anniversary of the battle. After a hiatus of several years, the re-enactment went on to become a beloved tradition presented on, or as close as possible to, the anniversary of the battle. This year’s re-enactment is the 45th one. The Battle of Pleasant Hill re-enactment is a rarity in that it commemorates a specific battle and takes place on the actual battlefield. The site is about 3 miles from the modern site of the Village of Pleasant Hill. This year’s re-enactment featured several hundred participants from Louisiana and neighboring states.
Friday featured an open camp held for local educators so school groups could come and learn about life in the Civil War era. Saturday and Sunday each featured battles fought before a large crowd of hundreds of spectators as well as the newly crowned 2025-2026 Battle of Pleasant Hill Queen, Michelle Hood, her court and a contingent of visiting fair and festival queens from across Louisiana. Miss Hood was crowned by the 2024-2025 Queen, Alyssa Lee, before Sunday’s battle reenactment.
In addition to the battles on Saturday and Sunday, there was a parade and period ball Saturday, as well as a memorial luminaria ceremony commemorating the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Pleasant Hill.
Sunday saw a period church service open to all. The Lions Club of Port Barre cooked over 100 lbs. of jambalaya for the reenactors Saturday, a most welcome change from the Civil War soldiers’ usual fare. Trail Life Troop 1779 of Nacogdoches, Texas raised the flag as part of the opening ceremony.
The Battle of Pleasant Hill re-enactment is an educational and family-friendly event that offers something to history aficionados of every age. There is no charge to attend the reenactment. The Battle of Pleasant Hill re-enactment is one of the myriad of festivals, concerts and other events that make life in Louisiana anything but boring. The Parish Journals of Louisiana congratulate the re-enactors and volunteers whose hard work is evidenced throughout the well organized and fun event. The Battle of Pleasant Hill re-enactment is a superb example of what a small town can accomplish working together.
The arena is the Family Life Center of cowboy church. Red River Cowboy Church hosts a variety of activities aimed at the western culture. It’s an opportunity for people, of all walks of life, to come together and be with Christ. The Ragin’ Cajun Mounted Shooters are coming to introduce the thrilling sport of mounted shooting to the RRCC community! They are affiliated with the US Mounted Shooting Association and RRCC is excited to welcome this event to our arena. The event will feature two main pistol matches. In this event, riders will use two single-action revolvers to shoot five balloon targets while on horseback. After holstering the first revolver, they will draw the second to hit the remaining five targets. For the shotgun category, participants will shoot five targets with a single-action revolver then retrieve the shotgun from the scabbard to take down two additional bundles of targets. The rifle category combines single-action revolvers with rifle shooting where competitors aim to hit five rifle targets. It’s a show of incredible precision, speed, and horsemanship!
The event will take place on Sunday, April 27th, immediately after church (around noon). The event is FREE and there will be lunch available for purchase. We would love for you to attend church with us before the event. For those who are interested, your attendance to church will register you for the drawing to win a Rossi 22 LR Caliber rifle. It’s a great way to learn more about cowboy church. The day begins at 10:30am with donuts and coffee. Come enjoy a day with us and see what the western culture has to offer in living life with Jesus! For more information about this event, contact Clyde Miley at 318.201.2626. For more information about RRCC, visit our website at www.redrivercowboychurch.org
Where:
Red River Cowboy Church
Intersection of Hwy 1 & Hwy 174
Lake End, Louisiana
When: April 27, 2025 – After Church
Sabine Parish will once again honor the memory of Deputy Adam Nelson with the 2nd Annual Adam Nelson Memorial Bass Pond Fishing Tournament on Saturday, April 26. The tournament will begin at 6:30 AM, with the official weigh-in at 3:00 PM at 331 Wyatt Road at Richard Wyatt’s house.
Deputy Nelson, who passed away unexpectedly in December 2022 due to a medical condition, was a dedicated officer known for his commitment and leadership at the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. His work ethic and passion for service inspired his fellow deputies, and this annual event serves as a tribute to his lasting impact.
The tournament is open to anglers of all skill levels, with a $50 entry fee and an optional $10 Big Bass entry. Participants may fish in any pond in the area, with a five-fish stringer weigh-in that includes their biggest bass. The tournament will feature a 60/40 split-the-pot payout, with one place paid per every five entries. Special prizes include a 15-and-under division award and a $100 prize for the smallest bass caught.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, who participated in last year’s event, called it a great success and encouraged the community to take part once again.
For more information or to register, contact Bradley Ford at 318-471-8585 or Richard Wyatt at 318-471-5557.
As Deputy Nelson often said, “Let it motivate you, Bro.”
Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announces it is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 2025.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Dispatch is the backbone of communications for Sabine Parish. Our dispatchers answer 911 emergency calls and all other reports of crimes, fires, motor vehicle crashes, medical emergencies, and other phone calls. Dispatchers also keep call logs, create call sheets, query license plates, driver’s licenses, and criminal histories, prepare Deputies’ case packets, and many other duties.
Sheriff Mitchell said these ladies often do not get the recognition they deserve, but they are a vital part of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. This is your week.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Captain Stacy Etheridge supervises approximately 10 dispatchers who work 8 and 12 hour shifts at the Sabine Parish Courthouse Sheriff Communication Division.
Sheriff Mitchell and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office thank you for all of your hard work, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
By Steve Graf
So much of our life is unpredictable even though we think we have a game plan. We are constantly making plans for the future even with so many variables out of our control. We’ve all heard how we as humans are truly creatures of habit. But sometimes life takes us down a path we weren’t expecting. It may be a road that if we had a choice, we might not have traveled.
Let’s look at my years of tournament fishing. As a former athlete who has played all levels of baseball and football, my competitive fire still burns strong. I not only want to win, I also want to kick your butt in the process.
But as I’ve written before, tournament bass fishing is a very humbling sport. I think the only sport comparable would be golf. Just when you think you’re “the man ” bass fishing reels you in and makes you realize that you have no idea what you’re doing!
For me personally, as I continue to pursue championship stringers, even at the age of 64, tournament fishing still gets my blood flowing. Competing against so many of today’s younger anglers just motivates me even more and keeps me feeling young.
I used to lose sleep over my performance in previous tournaments. Like a lot of anglers, I self-analyze every tournament and try to learn from my small victories on the water to my biggest mistakes.
But a turning point in my bass tournament perspective came when I was diagnosed with stage 3 Melanoma in June of 2023. Everything changed after my dermatologist called to let me know my biopsy was positive. Next thing I knew, I was sitting in the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston with the finest doctors in the world, putting together a plan of attack with immunotherapy that would hopefully cure my cancer.
It was at this point that my outlook on winning bass tournaments changed dramatically. After several treatments and numerous PET scans and MRIs over the last two years, my cancer has disappeared and hopefully will stay away.
Today when I show up for a tournament, I’m so happy that I can continue to participate in the sport I love. I’m probably more excited today to fish an event because I realize my battle with Melanoma could have been a lot worse. While I’ll continue to go through more blood work, PET scans and MRIs the rest of my life, I’m so thankful to be able to experience life to the fullest.
My cancer scare has been a reminder of how precious life really is and how blessed I am to get to continue to enjoy my fishing. Several times I have shed a tear or two as the national anthem is played before we leave the boat ramp for a day of chasing those little green fish we call bass.
While all of us at some point in our lives will have health issues, sometimes it takes a life altering moment to make us realize there are things more important than winning a bass tournament. Just the fact that I get to go fishing is a true blessing and one I no longer take for granted!
Let’s not get this twisted, I’m still competitive and will continue to critique myself after each event in my desperate pursuit of championship stringers! But it’s no longer the most important part of my life and does not define who I am as a person.
Til next time, enjoy every opportunity you get to wet a hook and go fishing while spending time in God’s great outdoors.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
A new book, Remembering Roy Acuff, The King of Country Music, has been published by Robert Gentry of Many, a journalist for more than 60 years. He was editor-publisher and owner of The Sabine Index for 47 years and was also a reporter for The Natchitoches Times in his early days as a student at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. He is a native of Marthaville, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. Gentry.
The book is about Gentry’s friendship with Acuff. They took a liking to each other the first time they met, and over the next two decades the bond grew. This is the story of their friendship that lasted until the day Mr. Acuff died on Nov. 23, 1992 at the age of 89.
Gentry stated, “As a young lad I fell in love with Mr. Acuff’s music. I was about six years old at the time. It never occurred to me that one day I might get to meet the man. And it most certainly never occurred to me that we would become friends.”
Continuing, he said, “I was blessed to call Mr. Acuff my friend for more than 20 years. I always had a lot of respect for his sincerity, for the care he showed folks, for his remaining approachable to his fans, his honesty and so many other things. I always had the utmost regard and admiration for the man.”
The book is 142 pages, 8 ½”x11” in size and contains 194 pictures that Gentry took through the years. Roy appeared at Rebel Park near Marthaville on three different occasions, and the book contains stories, photos and details of these programs.
In addition, Rivers Murphy of Natchitoches, who at one time headed the NSU Art Department, is featured in the book. Rivers designed a commemorative coin in honor of Mr. Acuff’s 50th Anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, which Gentry had minted in gold, silver, and bronze. Murphy also designed a beautiful alabaster and wood award called “The Rebel,” which was presented to Acuff at one of his appearances at Rebel Park, now known as Rebel State Historic Site. The award was on display in Nashville at Acuff’s Opryland museum for many years.
The new publication is dedicated to several of Gentry’s friends and associates from across Northwest Central Louisiana and beyond.
Gentry’s wife, Laurie, designed the cover and helped prepare the book to be published. Sean Johnson of Many formatted the publication.
Copies of the book may be purchased from Gentry at his office inside the BDC Radio headquarters at 605 San Antonio Ave. in Many or by mail for $30, shipping/handling included, to Robert Gentry, 290 Miller St., Many, LA 71449.
The book is also available at amazon.com by searching “Remembering Roy Acuff” or the complete book title.
NATCHITOCHES – Brandon Jordan of Many won first place in PC Troubleshooting, Cyber Security and Capture the Flag at the U.S. Information Technology Collegiate Conference in Springfield, Missouri.
Justin Dysarz of Sugar Land, Texas, won seventh place in the qualifying round of Cyber Security a day after earning his Security+ certification. Dysarz also took part in the first-ever USITCC Hackathon event in application development.
Northwestern State students have won 22 national championships in various information technology competitions since 2000.
The USITCC is produced by the Foundation for IT Education as part of its ongoing efforts to fulfill its mission of promoting information technology research and education and to encourage and support individuals entering and considering entering the information technology profession. The Foundation offers scholarships to students enrolled in undergraduate collegiate information technology-related programs across America.
Jordan, a senior computer information systems major, won the PC Troubleshooting competition for the second year in a row.
According to Jordan, this year’s PC Troubleshooting competition was similar to the previous year’s. Students took a qualifying exam. The finals involved troubleshooting a virtual computer. The security competition was more difficult. Jordan said the Capture the Flag event had a number of changes, “The competition required active application of hacking and security skills to find flags hidden through various means,” said Jordan. “This encompassed steganography, cryptography, OSINT, general file forensics and hash cracking.”
Over the last year, Jordan engaged in some other Capture the Flag competitions, as well as general hacking practice on HackTheBox that he feels helped him gain added knowledge. He also gained experience from security-oriented classes at Northwestern that he believes allowed him to win the security competition.
“My success brings a positive air to NSU’s CIS program for having a back-to-back national champion, and I could not have done it without the support of such professors as Dr. (Curtis) Penrod, Dr. (Jason) Powell, Dr. (Sarah) Wright, and Dr. (Eddie) Horton. They urged me to compete in these competitions and provided assistance which allowed me to attend. That was what helped me to achieve such great wins.”
Dysarz said the hackathon was a two-day event where competitors planned out a system and then built it. It was in groups that ranged from one to four people. Dysarz competed alone and got through the design phases and worked on building an app in C. HIs project for the competition was an anonymous chatting application with privacy and security first.
“Getting my Security+ certification the day we started the trip to the competition is the main reason I got seventh place in the first phase security competition and made finals,” said Dysarz, a senior computer information systems major. “I have never taken a cybersecurity course and most of my knowledge on the topic came from an outdated textbook from Amazon and YouTube videos. I was surprised with the results of the exam and the first phase security competition and am excited for the next competition since I will have a lot more time to prepare for the security competition.”
For more information on NSU’s program in computer information systems, go to nsula.edu/cis.
Pictured: Northwestern State University computer information systems majors Brandon Jordan, left, and Justin Dysarz competed at the U.S. Information Technology Collegiate Conference in Springfield, Missouri. Jordan won first place in PC Troubleshooting, Cyber Security and Capture the Flag. Dysarz won seventh place in the qualifying round of Cyber Security.
“Brad and Sophie are, by most standards, good people. They do things as a family, and they try to keep their kids involved in various activities. They are considering trading their SUV for a minivan, something Sophie said she would never do. They try their best to have dinner as a family when the kids’ schedules permit it, and when the family dinners happen, they always hold hands around the dinner table and say, “the blessing.”
On Facebook, a recent family photo by the flowered cross at church has more than one hundred likes and dozens of comments about their beautiful family. Brad and Sophie are in their mid-thirties and go to church once every three months, because they are so busy. The extended family on Brad’s side has a beach house on the Gulf Coast and they try to get down there for the weekend whenever the weather is nice. It is also a real hassle to get the kids out the door on Sunday morning. (Miraculously, they can get everyone ready for school each morning, but nobody has ever brought that up.) When they are in town, they try hard to be at church because it means a lot to Papa and Nana, Sophie’s parents.
Papa is a third-generation member of the church and has taught in the same adult Sunday school classroom for thirty years. He sings in the choir every now and then but doesn’t like some of the new music they’ve been doing since the church hired the “new guy.” Papa serves on several committees in the church and never misses a Sunday. Nana’s entire social life revolves around the church, and she is always so thrilled to see the grandkids there so she can show them off to friends. She and the other ladies teaching Sunday school tell the girls that they changed their mom’s diaper in the nursery when she was a baby.
Church is a “good thing” in this family’s life, especially for the kids, since it is a place where they learn good moral lessons. And when they finally do make it, they admittedly feel good about themselves—and it gives the kids a chance to wear their monogrammed “church clothes.” Being seen as a family that doesn’t take the kids to church would be embarrassing for Nana, and the passive-aggressive comments at family gatherings would be unbearable. Even when they lived in a different state, Nana would ask Sophie every Monday on the phone whether she “took my grandkids to church.” It drove Sophie crazy. Now, being back in the same town, she can’t lie about their church attendance. Attending a different church than Nana and Papa’s in the same town would be worse than not attending at all.
Plus, the experience is comfortable. During the worship service, the new minister speaks for twenty minutes about loving others. Jesus is portrayed as a great example of this, since He helped the poor. The pastor doesn’t talk about sin, repentance, or the need for salvation, but the messages are inspiring.
After church, Brad, Sophie and the kids head to Nana and Papa’s for lunch, and the kids can’t wait to change into their regular clothes. Brad and Sophie have found they fight less if they occasionally give this four-hour sacrifice to Sophie’s parents, as it doesn’t seem to impact the rest of their normal day-to-day routine.”
A happy story, huh?
By Brad Dison
Donald Edwin Pollock was born in 1914. In the late 1930s, Donald met and fell in love with Nellie Ruth “Ruthie Pill” Pillsbury. They married in 1939. When the United States entered World War II, Donald joined the Navy. In 1945, they had a son named David, followed by another son named Stephen two years later. When Stephen was just two years old, his father said he was going out to get a pack of cigarettes. Stephen later quipped, “It must’ve been a hard pack to find,” because Donald never returned. He used the need for cigarettes as a ruse to get out of the house and he abandoned his family.
Ruthie Pill only referred to Donald a few times in front of her children. When he left, she acted as if he never existed. When Stephen was a little older, he began to ask about his father. Ruthie Pill told young Stephen, “When people ask you why he left, say he’s in the Navy and that he’s at sea because that might not be a lie.” David and Stephen always had more questions than answers about their father, but they knew it was painful for their mother to discuss. Stephen remembered that as a teenager he said if he ever met his father, he would sock him in the mouth. When he matured a little more, Stephen said that if he ever saw his father, “I would ask, ‘why?’… Then, I would sock him in the mouth.” Stephen never saw his father again.
Ruthie Pill struggled as a single parent, but she provided well for David and Stephen. They never got all they wanted, but they always got what they needed. Ruthie Pill read to David and Stephen often. Stephen remembered fondly that they sat spellbound as their mother read stories about U.F.O.s, paranormal activity, and other tales of the strange and unknown from Fate magazine. The two brothers were fascinated by stories and read just about everything they could get their hands on. Stephen began to recreate comic book panels that he found interesting. His drawings were good for a child his age, but he just copied the text verbatim. One day, young Stephen showed his mother a comic panel he had reproduced. She appreciated his artwork but was less than impressed with the stories he had copied. “I bet you could do better,” she said, “Write one of your own.” Stephen had never considered this before. The possibilities were endless. Stephen said it was, “as if I had been ushered into a vast building filled with closed doors and had been given the key to open any I liked.” As an extra incentive, his aunt paid him a quarter for each original story he created. Stephen’s first story was published when he was 12 years old in a self-published magazine his 14-year-old brother created called “Dave’s Rag.”
In 2014, Stephen had a genealogist investigate his family history. He wanted to know more about his father. The genealogist showed Stephen a photo of a man and asked if he had ever heard the last name Pollock. Stephen did not recognize the man or the surname. He said, the name Stephen Pollock “just doesn’t have the same ring to it.” The genealogist revealed a secret that had been unknown to Stephen, his brother, and, most likely, his mother. For reasons that remain a mystery, years before Donald and Ruthie Pill married, he had changed his name from Pollock to King. By changing his name, his wife and sons became Kings, and his youngest son became the King of Horror, Stephen King.
Sources:
1. “In Search of Our Fathers,” Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Season 2, Episode 1, September 23, 2014, accessed April 12, 2025, https://pluto.tv/us/on-demand/series/65c662fe70ac440013ca78fa/season/2/episode/65eb824d925569001374b855?utm_medium=deeplink&utm_source=publisher.
2. “Donald Edwin King,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 13, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/136342403/donald_edwin-king.
Tony Dean Burgstiner was born on August 4, 1964, in Savannah, Georgia, to Carson Kelly Burgstiner and Wynona Gail Roberts Burgstiner. He passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Tony was a hardworking man throughout his life and found his true calling behind the wheel. As the owner and operator of Payleb Trucking, he drove for many years for the Georgia Ports Authority, where he earned his well-known nickname, ‘Speedy’. His dedication to his work was matched only by the way he lived—full of heart, quick with a joke, and always ready to pull up a chair and swap stories. Tony had a gift for connecting with people; he never met a stranger, and his charm and warmth made him the life of every party.
Outside of work, Tony was a longtime lover of music, an avid fisherman, and a truly talented cook who found joy in spending time with his loved ones around a table with a good meal and good beer. He lived fully, laughed often, and gave generously of his time and spirit, especially to his beloved children.
Tony was preceded in death by his father, Carson Kelly Burgstiner. He is survived by his mother, Wynona Roberts Burgstiner; his sons, Justin A. Burgstiner of Hardyville, South Carolina, and Caleb M. Burgstiner of Pembroke, Georgia; his daughter, Payton L. (Robert Colson) Sapp of Statesboro, Georgia; his brother, William (Sebahate) Burgstiner of Brunswick, Georgia; his nephew, Ryan Burgstiner; his uncle, Edward Roberts Jr. of Zwolle, Louisiana; and his grandchildren, Carson T. Burgstiner and Abigail Burgstiner.
A memorial service will be held in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia.
Tony’s presence will be deeply missed, but his love, laughter, and stories will live on in all who knew him.
For over 15 years, the Women’s Resource Center has hosted the Run Baby Run, a one mile fun run and a 5K, to increase awareness of the Center and the services it provides. These free services for clients include: pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, educational sessions, visits with our client advocates, supportive services and material assistance. The mission of the WRC is to educate and empower individuals to make life-affirming choices. The Women’s Resource Center provided over 850 services in 2024 and is currently serving clients from ten parishes.
We are excited to announce that this year’s 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!”
Runners, walkers and supporters of the Women’s Resource Center will gather at First Baptist Church, located at 508 Second Street, Natchitoches before 8 AM. Runners and walkers will take the beauty of the Historic District of Natchitoches, while enjoying the buzz and excitement the morning before the musical entertainment takes over downtown. Information, including registration link, can be found at wrcnatchitoches.org/events/2025-run-baby-run.
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. From the support of volunteers to NSU special interest groups to local churches, the Center draws its strength from supporters in all forms. The Run is one of two fundraisers the Center hosts during the year. Our largest fundraiser will be our Annual Right to Life Gala slated for September 18th at the Natchitoches Event Center. Visit our website for more details or call 318-357-8888.
Paid Content
April 16 is National Librarian Day, a time to honor the dedicated individuals who do far more than just shelve books. Today’s librarians are curators, educators, and community leaders, connecting people to knowledge in all its forms.
Gone are the days when a library was just a quiet room filled with dusty volumes. Today, libraries are vibrant hubs offering digital resources, job training, community events, and tech access — all guided by librarians.
At the Natchitoches Parish Library, Director Jane Harrison says the role of the librarian has expanded dramatically. “We’re no longer just custodians of books. We help people navigate information — whether that’s applying for a job, researching genealogy, or understanding online privacy.”
Librarians play a critical role in promoting literacy across all ages. From toddler story time to senior computer classes, they help bridge educational and generational divides.
With the rising tide of misinformation online, librarians are also becoming key players in the fight for media literacy and fact-checking. National Librarian Day recognizes their contributions, which often go unnoticed in the digital age.
Many libraries nationwide will host appreciation events, workshops, and social media campaigns to spotlight their staff today. Communities are encouraged to visit their local libraries and thank a librarian — the quiet force behind so much public good.
Tony Dean Burgstiner
August 4, 1964 — March 31, 2025
A memorial service will be held in his hometown of Savannah, Georgia.
Jerry Lee Vines
July 3, 1946 — April 14, 2025
Service: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Zwolle
Carol Ann Huffman
June 24, 1967 — March 27, 2025
Arrangements TBA
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
Longtime Sabine Parish District Attorney Don M. Burkett was among the seven honorees from throughout the state inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in its 33rd annual induction ceremony on April 5.
Winnfield’s Louisiana Political Museum and Hall of Fame tells the story of the state’s ofttimes colorful political history with historical artifacts and memorabilia. The Hall of Fame honors those politicians and civic leaders who have made a particularly noteworthy mark on our state’s leadership scene.
Don M. Burkett was recognized for a lifetime of public service to Sabine parish and Louisiana. His 41 years as Sabine parish district attorney is the longest such tenure in the state’s history, a testament to the caliber of his character and legal ability. Continuing his legacy of service, Burkett also served as president of the Louisiana District Attorney’s Association and the board of directors of the North Louisiana Crime Lab. He was inducted into the Louisiana Criminal Justice Hall of Fame in 2023.
His fellow 2025 inductees were: Judge Marion F. Edwards, Jimmy “Jim” Harris, The Honorable James Maxwell “Max” Kelley, Carloyn R. Phillips, Marsha Shuler, and Charles S. “Charlie” Weems.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and Chief Deputy Brad Walker have announced that the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office has officially joined the Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Three detectives from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office are now assigned to the task force and will be responsible for investigating internet crimes against children in Sabine Parish. The partnership is in collaboration with the Office of the Louisiana Attorney General.
The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office joins law enforcement agencies across the state in efforts to keep children safe from online predators.
BATON ROUGE – A bill introduced in the Louisiana House of Representatives aims to restrict the types of food that can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. House Bill 260, authored by Representative Romero, seeks to prohibit the use of SNAP benefits to buy certain unhealthy snack foods, including sugary, salty, and high-fat items.
The bill, filed for the 2024 Regular Legislative Session, cites concerns about the health and well-being of Louisiana’s children as a key motivation. Lawmakers argue that the current availability of unhealthy snack foods to SNAP recipients undermines efforts to promote healthier diets among low-income families.
If passed, the bill would add a new section to the state’s Revised Statutes—R.S. 46:302—which defines “unhealthy snack food” as including, but not limited to:
Sugary items such as candies, cookies, cakes, and sweetened beverages
Salty snacks like chips, pretzels, and other high-sodium processed foods
High-fat foods including fried foods, pastries, and packaged snack cakes
The legislation directs the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to develop and implement rules to enforce the restrictions. Additionally, the department would be tasked with collaborating with healthcare professionals, nutritionists, and other experts to create educational materials for SNAP recipients. These resources would inform families, children, and caregivers about healthier snack alternatives that can be purchased using SNAP benefits.
Supporters of the bill argue that it promotes better nutrition and long-term health outcomes for families relying on public assistance. Critics, however, may raise concerns about government overreach and the challenges of defining and enforcing what qualifies as “unhealthy” food.
As the legislative session progresses, the proposal will be subject to committee review and potential amendments before reaching a full vote in the House.
By Steve Graf
Not really sure where to start with this article. I understand that we live in a world that is constantly moving forward in so many ways, especially when it comes to technology. All sports evolve with time! While some progress is for the good of the sport, it could be argued that some is not.
Golf, for example, has become so advanced due to technological advances with equipment, that some golf courses are becoming obsolete. Whether it’s the clubs or the balls, the advancements are insane and have made some golf course architects lengthen their new designs to accommodate the improvements in golf equipment.
This is true even with bass tournaments. Rods and reels, tackle, bass boats and electronics have all come so far in the last 20 years that the sport is no longer just about who can catch bass, but who has the best equipment.
Technology has leveled the playing field with the controversial forward-facing sonar (FFS). This invention has allowed the younger generation of anglers coming up to compete with the older more experienced anglers. No longer can an angler just go flip bushes and win an event. He or she better be good at using FFS and looking for fish that are roaming in open water, a technique that was unheard of 10 years ago.
Also, 10 years ago, 20 pounds was the target weight if you wanted to have a chance to win. Not today! The new normal at weigh-in time has become 25 pounds or better. Twenty pounds today is average with this new FFS technology.
Another question that’s being asked today: “Why has bass tournament participation gone way down?” By way down, we mean cut in half, as most tournament trail registrations are down 50 percent! Why? There could be several reasons like the economy, the price of bass boats, etc., but most will say forward-facing sonar.
Anglers using FFS are dominating tournaments. While other anglers can’t afford it, some have just rejected or refused to learn to fish this way. They have come to the realization that they just can’t compete with anglers who are using this advanced technology. Therefore, many have decided to withdraw from tournament competition all together.
What does this mean for tournament organizations in the long run? Well, if they don’t adapt and change, some will just fade away like the sun going down. But I think there might be a glimmer of hope!
Some tournament organizations have taken the initiative to ban FFS in all their events in order to encourage tournament anglers to come back. Up until now, only a few have taken a hardline stance on this issue. Most benefit tournaments like the Despino Tire Fishin’ for Kids event have banned this technology and have had record numbers of anglers show up to fish their tournament. The Dylan Kyle Poche Tournament for 2026 will also be a no-FFS event.
Other organizations have also taken a stance to ban this technology like the newest professional level circuit, the NPFL (National Professional Fishing League). Top name pros have made decisions to leave major organizations like Major League Fishing (MLF) and the Bassmasters (B.A.S.S.) in order to fish with no FFS.
As some of the older anglers will tell you, the sport of bass fishing should not come down to who has the best electronics, but rather who has the most skill for both finding and catching bass. The new technology has ruined the purity and integrity of the sport of bass fishing. For the first time in my life, FFS may be the most controversial advancement that a lot of anglers feel has not been good for the sport.
So where do we go from here? Will 2026 bring a whole new set of rule changes like banning forward-facing sonar? Will all tournament organizations finally take a stance and do what’s best for the sport or will they be convinced by money from these electronic sponsors to maintain the status quo?
Only time will tell what the future will hold for so many tournament organizations as they attempt to reel in so many anglers that have left the sport for what they feel is an unlevel playing field.
‘Til next time, make sure your hooks are sharp, and your boat is full of gas. Hope to see you on the lake!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
The other day I counted the words that I have created, these were either spoken words, or words like this article. In the 43 years of ministry, I have produced 15,000,000 words! You knew that preachers talked too much, now you have proof. That number includes, articles, 10 years of writing Sunday School materials, sermons, weddings, funerals, and the ever present “come speak to our group” events. I handle lots of words! The majority of those words had something to do with Jesus!
The Gospel of John (21:25) states that if everything Jesus did were written down, “I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written,” That is certainly a statement of hyperbole, right? Jesus lived 33 years on this earth. We have an extensive record of what he did during his three-year public ministry. Sounds like the gospel writer was exaggerating for effect, right?
Most scholars believe that Jesus was crucified between 27-33 A.D. There is no way of determining the exact date, but we know his life came to an end on the cross. We are also preparing to celebrate Easter. The good news that the tomb is empty because; He is risen!
Since he is risen from the dead, and now intercedes for us with the Father, since the Holy Spirit dwells in each one of us, Jesus is still “doing things” in our world and in the lives of individuals. The books would never catch up with what Jesus is doing, because He is ahead of the books.
Right now, as you read, He is working in your life. Now as you read, He offers you love and grace. In this moment, He whispers to your soul, “Follow me.” Jesus is walking the life pathway with all his children, through the Spirit. The books will never catch up with the powerful presence of Jesus in the life of the church and in the individual lives of believers.
The words of your life story are not complete, because Jesus, the Word made flesh is still working in you and through you.
Jesus keeps working in me and I share those words through writing and speaking. His Word is not finished in my life, yours either.
That is a good word!
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports two men were arrested on March 29 for stealing communication wire off Hwy. 191, South of Zwolle.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Patrol FTO (Field Training Officer) A. Early was traveling on Hwy 191 just south of Obrie Street around 9:15PM Saturday night when he noticed two men walking in the ditch and a SUV and trailer parked on the shoulder of the road. Deputy Early stopped to investigate and identified Leon Glen Williams (age-43) of Zwolle and Joseph Chris Vines Jr (age-28) of Noble.
K-9 Deputy J. Alford and Sgt N. Sepulvado arrived on the scene to assist Deputy Early as both men were acting suspicious. Deputies located hundreds of feet of communication (copper) wire, a cutting saw, and straps lying on the side of road. Other cutting tools, blades, saws, and pieces of wire were discovered inside the SUV belonging to Williams.
Detective D. Self was called to the scene to lead the investigation and questioned Williams and Vines about the wire. Both men blamed each other for stealing the wire. The communication company was contacted and said it would cost over $50,000 to replace the wire.
Williams and Vines were transported to the Sabine Parish Detention Center and each booked for:
-Theft over $25,000,
-Simple criminal damage to property over $50,000.
Williams bond was set at $7,500, Vines bond was set at $5,000, they both bonded.
Sheriff Mitchell commends Deputy Early for being at the right place at the right time to catch these thieves in the act.
If you wish to report a crime or any suspicious activity, please call the Sheriff’s Office at 318-256-9241 option 5, or submit an anonymous tip through our Sabine Parish Sheriff App.
