Red River Cowboy Church invites families to saddle up for a summer of fun, faith, and fellowship with its upcoming Summer Buckle Series, a free, family-friendly event designed for toddlers through 4th graders.

The series is part of the church’s M3 Kids ministry, which focuses on three foundational principles: My God, My Family, and Me. Through a series of interactive “Mane Events,” the church aims to help families grow closer to one another while learning about God’s love in a hands-on, engaging way.

Held every 4th Sunday from May through August, the Summer Buckle Series kicks off immediately following the church service. Families can register their children for a Horseless Rodeo, featuring activities like sheep riding, dummy roping, goat ribbon pulling, cow branding with paint, and more. Kids can participate in as many events as they like, and a free lunch will be served by the Chuck Wagon crew.

Children who attend at least three out of the four Mane Events will receive their very own cowboy buckle — a prize every young rodeo fan will treasure.

For updates and registration details, follow Red River Cowboy Church on Facebook. This summer, the church is offering more than just rodeo fun — it’s an opportunity to live life with Jesus, cowboy style.

Red River Cowboy Church
South Red River Parish
LA-174, Coushatta, LA 71019
Phone: (318) 201-2626

By Brad Dison

Flying commercially in 1970 was a much more relaxed experience than it is today. The period from the 1950s to the 1970s is fondly considered “the golden age of travel.” Flying was more glamorous and luxurious. Many people dressed up to fly. Men often wore suits and women wore dresses. Their children were also dressed to impress. Smoking tobacco during flights was perfectly acceptable. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages were often complimentary to passengers during flight. The food was comparable to that served in fine restaurants, often with multiple courses. The distance between the seats, the legroom, was normally between 36 to 40 inches. Today, legroom averages about 28 inches. There were no electronic devices, so airlines provided all sorts of entertainment to help passengers pass the time. At one point, American Airlines held in-flight fashion shows down the aisles. Airport security at the time was almost non-existent when compared to what it is today. There were no metal detectors, no scanners, and no drug-sniffing or bomb-sniffing dogs.

On Monday, September 21, 1970, William James drove to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on what was his 20th birthday. He bought a ticket to fly to Denver, Colorado, and waited to board his plane. He passed the time by chatting with another passenger. William was jovial because he had left his teenage years behind and had entered his twenties. While William was waiting to board the airplane, he jokingly told another traveler that he had two bombs in his luggage. Even in the relaxed atmosphere of commercial flying in 1970, claiming to have a bomb on an airplane was nothing to joke about. The other passenger passed the information to the ticket agent who immediately called a nearby United States marshal.

Shortly thereafter, a marshal pulled William aside for questioning. William tried to explain that he was just joking, but the marshal found no humor in his claim. About that time, Chicago vice detectives stepped in though the airline had not called for outside police assistance. The detectives had been waiting to arrest William based on a different tip they had received about his luggage. The marshal and Chicago detectives carefully searched William’s luggage. The marshal was relieved that they found no bombs, but the detectives were delighted because they found what they were looking for. Inside William’s luggage, they found five bricks of marijuana which weighed two pounds each and had a street value of about $20,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over $163,000 in today’s money. The detectives arrested William and transported him to jail.

On the following day, the judge in Chicago’s narcotics court saw no humor in William’s bomb claim but was lenient in his sentencing. Rather than jail time, William was sentenced to probation. In this incident, many people surely told William that he was not funny and to take life seriously. Luckily for us, William did not listen because he is known around the world for his humor. The man who was arrested for carrying 10 pounds of marijuana in his luggage after he jokingly claimed that he had two bombs on an airplane appeared in many films including “Caddyshack,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Groundhog Day.” The world knows William James Murray as Bill Murray.

Sources:

1. Jacopo Prisco, “What the ‘golden age’ of flying was really like,” CNN, August 5, 2022, accessed May 18, 2025, cnn.com/travel/article/golden-age-flying-really-like.

2. Chicago Tribune, September 22, 1970, p.3.

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton established the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., laying the foundation for one of the nation’s most vital humanitarian organizations. Inspired by her experiences during the Civil War and the International Red Cross movement, Barton aimed to provide emergency assistance and disaster relief.

The organization has since played a crucial role in responding to natural disasters, wars, and health crises, embodying Barton’s legacy of compassion and service.

Other significant events on this date include:

1927: Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight, landing in Paris after departing New York.

1932: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Northern Ireland.

1955: Chuck Berry recorded his debut single “Maybellene,” influencing the future of rock and roll.

1979: The “White Night Riots” erupted in San Francisco following the lenient sentencing of Dan White for the killings of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.

1991: Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber during an election campaign.

Billy Ray Campbell, Jr.
Service held May 5 at New Freedom Fellowship Church in Many

Kenneth Elroe Buckley
No Service Information Listed

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

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell has announced the latest felony narcotics and firearm-related arrests for April 2025. These arrests and investigations reflect ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes and keep the community safe.

Stanley Frederick Craig (age-32) of Zwolle
• Possession of firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies,
• Possession of a firearm by person convicted of domestic abuse battery,
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Resisting an officer,
Warrant for:
• 2-counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth),
Warrant for:
• Possession of firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies,
• Possession of a firearm by person convicted of domestic abuse battery,
Warrant for:
• Simple battery,
• Hit and run,
• Reckless operation of a vehicle.
Total bonds set at $186,527, he remains in jail.

Ethan Cole Barnard (age-31) of Many
• Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth),
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Obstruction of justice,
Warrant for:
• 2-counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth).
Total bonds set at $70,000, he bonded.

Kendarius Tarvonne Manuel (age-28) of Many
• Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana),
• Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth),
• Possession of firearm in presence of CDS,
• Possession of firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies,
• Possession of a firearm by person convicted of domestic abuse battery,
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Resisting by flight,
• Jumping bail,
Warrant for:
• 2-counts of Distribution of schedule II(Meth),
• Distribution of counterfeit CDS,
6-Warrants for failure to appear in court for various other drug charges.
Total bonds of certain charges set at $400,000, no bonds on other charges, he remains in jail.

James Dean Remedies Jr (age-38) of Zwolle
• Possession of schedule I (Marijuana),
• Possession of schedule II (Meth),
• Second or subsequent offenses,
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Obstruction of justice,
• Contraband in penal institutions prohibited,
Warrant for:
• Distribution of schedule II (Meth),
Warrant for:
• Violating conditions of probation by possession of schedule II (Meth),
3-Warrants for failure to appear in court for various other drug charges.
Total bonds of certain charges set at $60,900, no bonds on other charges, he remains in jail.

Rufus Jasen McEvers (age-33) of Many
Federal Indictment for:
• Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana,
• Possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine,
• Possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense,
• Possession of a short-barrel rifle during a drug trafficking offense,
• Illegal possession of a machine gun,
• Receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm.
No bond, he was transferred to federal custody.

Norman Lee Hardy (age-59) of Many
• Possession of schedule I (Marijuana),
• Possession of schedule II (Meth),
• Failure to signal.
Bond set at $7,500, he bonded.

Clinton Staton Jr (age-66) of Zwolle
• Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana,
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
Warrant for:
• 6-counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth).
Total bonds set at $90,000, he remains in jail.

Vanessa D Hext (age-36) of Florien
• Possession of schedule II (Meth).
Bond set at $500, she bonded.

Ashley Martine Rutan (age-43) of Zwolle
• Possession of schedule II (Meth).
Bond set at $3000, she bonded.

Jeffery Lance Parrie (age-39) of Zwolle
• Possession of schedule I (Marijuana),
• Possession of schedule II (Meth),
• Second or subsequent offenses,
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
Bond set at $10,000, he remains in jail.

Scotty Lorance Brumfield (age-49) of Many
• Possession of schedule II (Meth),
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• View outward or inward through windshield or windows; obscuring prohibited,
• Vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition – cracked windshield.
Bond set at $3,500, he bonded.

Deonta Isiah Sweet (age-19) of Noble
Warrant for:
• Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana,
• Possession of schedule II (Oxycodone),
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Possession of firearm in presence of CDS.
Bond set at $5,000, he bonded.

John Henry Simpson (age-53) of Many
• Possession of schedule I (Marijuana),
• Possession of schedule II (Meth),
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Modified exhaust system,
• Operating vehicle while license suspended.
Bond set at $7,500, he bonded.

Jesica Lynn Stevens (age-42) of Zwolle
• Distribution of schedule II (Meth),
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
Warrant for:
• Distribution of schedule II (Meth),
3-Warrants for failure to appear in court for driver must be licensed.
Total bonds set at $90,750, she remains in jail.

Jennifer Casey Rossignol (age-46) of Hemphill, TX
Warrant for:
• Criminal conspiracy to Possess a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies,
• Criminal conspiracy to Possess a firearm by person convicted of domestic abuse battery,
• Criminal conspiracy to Illegally supply a felon with a firearm.
Bond set at $20,000, she remains in jail.

Greg Edwin Anthony (age-63) of Many
Warrant for:
• Criminal conspiracy to Possess a firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies,
• Criminal conspiracy to Possess a firearm by person convicted of domestic abuse battery,
• Criminal conspiracy to Illegally supply a felon with a firearm.
Bond set at $20,000, he bonded.

The Sabine Parish Farm Bureau Federation participated in the recent 4-H Achievement Day held at Cypress Bend, where students from Pre-K to 4th grade attended educational stations centered around agriculture. 

Stephanie Mains, the Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom Chair, led the “Egg-ology” station, guiding students through the stages of a chicken’s development and emphasizing the importance of agriculture in daily life. 

The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage with hands-on learning experiences and gain a deeper understanding of agricultural processes.

Red River Cowboy Church invites families to saddle up for a summer of fun, faith, and fellowship with its upcoming Summer Buckle Series, a free, family-friendly event designed for toddlers through 4th graders.

The series is part of the church’s M3 Kids ministry, which focuses on three foundational principles: My God, My Family, and Me. Through a series of interactive “Mane Events,” the church aims to help families grow closer to one another while learning about God’s love in a hands-on, engaging way.

Held every 4th Sunday from May through August, the Summer Buckle Series kicks off immediately following the church service. Families can register their children for a Horseless Rodeo, featuring activities like sheep riding, dummy roping, goat ribbon pulling, cow branding with paint, and more. Kids can participate in as many events as they like, and a free lunch will be served by the Chuck Wagon crew.

Children who attend at least three out of the four Mane Events will receive their very own cowboy buckle — a prize every young rodeo fan will treasure.

For updates and registration details, follow Red River Cowboy Church on Facebook. This summer, the church is offering more than just rodeo fun — it’s an opportunity to live life with Jesus, cowboy style.

By Steve Graf    

The recent Masters golf tournament was a true test of will and determination by Rory McIlroy. The entire tournament was a roller coaster ride of emotions, highs and lows, and wasted opportunities. Rory, who came into the event as one of the favorites to win, had a history of not fulfilling his dream of becoming a Masters champion.

But after 17 failed opportunities to win The Masters, he finally reached his goal of putting on the green jacket which is given to everyone that wins The Masters.

Rory, as a kid, did not come from a privileged family with country club money. His family was lower middle class, but his dad recognized at a very early age that Rory had a God-given talent of how to hit a golf ball.

One day, a young Rory asked his dad if they could go hit some range balls. His dad, who lived paycheck to paycheck, knew he only had one range token, which was good for 30 balls. So, he told Rory to pretend he was at The Masters and to make every ball count, since his father could not afford any more tokens until the following week when he got paid.

Rory has never forgotten all the sacrifices his family made in order for him to have a chance to become one of the world’s greatest golfers. But on this year’s final round of The Masters and a one-hole playoff with fellow European and friend Justin Rose, Rory’s emotions came to the surface as he made a 4-foot birdie putt to win the most prestigious tournament in the world — The Masters!

After making the most important putt of his life, Rory dropped to his knees and sobbed as all the stress and pain of 17 failed opportunities to win this event came rushing to the surface. Finally, he proved all the naysayers wrong. He would no longer have to answer media questions on why he hadn’t won this event.

All of us at some point in our daily lives have had things hanging over our heads or that we have carried around for years and never seem to overcome. It could be something as simple as finding the perfect job or losing weight. Maybe it’s a bad habit that we’ve carried for years like smoking.

No matter what our issue might be, there’s pretty much nothing each of us can’t overcome with a little encouragement from family and friends, or in some cases, professional help. But when that day finally arrives where we have conquered our demons, the relief from pressure lifted off of us can be absolutely incredible! 

Like Rory McIlroy winning The Masters after 17 tries, it’s important that we never quit. Just keep fighting those demons each of us carry deep inside, and through perseverance and determination, hopefully the day will come when we get to celebrate our own personal victory and put on our own green jacket just like Rory McIlroy. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

How is your perspective? The word is defined as, “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.”

There is a dog owner in the Gibsland metroplex that is very frustrated. The dog owner is in part time possession of what is a very large juvenile dog. If I were a guessing individual, I would guess the dog is a Catahoula Curr. She is going to be a monster when she fills out. I know the other part time owner of the dog is being frustrated by this dog. She is an escape artist.

She has a collar, and I have seen and removed several items that were a lame attempt at keeping the dog in her yard. I say lame, because she comes to the house with various objects attached to her collar. She is stronger than the attempts to keep her in the yard. She is at the same time causing frustration and bringing joy. She is living her life as a dog!

I have a bowl of dog food out for her. She shows up once in the morning and once in the evening to empty the bowl of dog food. She will follow me around the yard as I do my chores. I am in hopes to teaching her how to weed the garden. She has met my other two canine denizens, and they have barked at each other in a hearty manner. I’m not sure of the emotions behind the barking, but I’ve decided to keep her away from them.

She does have an adorable habit. She is a leaner. The first time she walked up she leaned against me while I gave her a little petting. She has continued leaning and the petting sessions have lengthened.

I’m glad to see her every day. But up the street there is a dog lover likely saying bad words about the dog who has yet again escaped. The same dog is viewed with two perspectives.

We call it walking a mile in another person’s shoes. Whether saint or sinner, we are all in need of expanding our perspective, of trying to understand the other person’s perspective. Take a deep breath and try to “get where I’m coming from,” it might help you with something that happens today.

Jesus’ words about perspective are gracious. We are to go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, settle disputes quickly and seek reconciliation when relationships are broken. Remember, for one guy it is an escaped dog, for another guy it is a daily visitor that leans in to receiving the human touch.

By Brad Dison

Public libraries are important to our communities because they provide free access to all the world’s recorded knowledge. Public libraries promote education and literacy in safe and welcoming environments to people of all ages, backgrounds, and social class. We, as citizens, have a responsibility to return the books we borrow by a set date, or we will face the shame of returning an overdue book.

In April 2010, Mark Bartlett, head librarian at the New York Society Library, noticed that two books checked out by the same person had not been returned. According to the library records, George checked out two books on October 5, and the books were due back on November 2. On October 15, ten days after checking out the books, George had to travel for work. He was a salesman of sorts who was trying to rally support for an idea rather than a tangible product. He referred to it as a promotional tour. He left New York City and, over the next two weeks, visited factories and farms in nearly 60 towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. George, then 57 years old, hoped the trip would improve his health. He had gotten sick during the summer and was not recovering as quickly as he had expected.

The fines on George’s overdue books began accruing on November 3. When George returned to New York on November 13, he failed to return the books. Perhaps his health did not improve as he had hoped. Perhaps he was exhausted by the whirlwind trip. Maybe he simply forgot. When the head librarian learned of the overdue books, he sent a letter to George’s home address about the overdue books. But there was a problem. By the time the library learned of the overdue books, George had died. In their correspondence with James Rees, representative of George’s estate, Mark asked if they could try to locate the overdue books. Mark explained, “We’re not actively pursuing the overdue fines, but we would be very happy if we were able to get the books back.”

Despite his best efforts, James was unable to locate the books. As a last resort to rectify the situation, James decided to replace the books. But there was another problem. The books had become rare. In May 2010, James found a copy of one of the overdue books, The Law of Nations, on a rare books website, made the purchase, and gave it to the library. The price of replacing just that one overdue library book was $12,000. James is still searching for a copy of the other overdue book. $12,000 is a huge sum to pay to replace a library book, but the representative of George’s estate got off light. Had the library not been so forgiving, the fines would have totaled around $300,000.

You see, in April 2010, the librarian learned that the books were overdue by 221 years. They had been checked out on October 5 and were due back on November 2, 1789. George, the salesman who traveled throughout New England, was rallying support for the United States Constitution. On the ledger which recorded the name of the person who checked out the books was written by quill and ink, not George, but “President.” George Washington had been President of the United States for less than six months when he checked the books out.

Sources:

1. Ed Pilkington, “Fine owed by George Washington for overdue library books now $300,000,” The Guardian, April 18, 2010, accessed May 11, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/18/george-washington-library-new-york.

2. Catherine Treesh, “New England Tour,” MountVernon.org, accessed May 11, 2025, https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/new-england-tour#:~:text=George%20Washington%20went%20on%20his,%2C%20Massachusetts%2C%20and%20New%20Hampshire..

3. “George Washington’s 221-year overdue library book: A timeline,” The Week, updated January 8, 2015, accessed May 11, 2025, https://theweek.com/articles/494173/george-washingtons-221year-overdue-library-book-timeline.

On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel in Tel Aviv, marking the end of British rule in Palestine and the birth of a new nation.

The declaration came hours before the British Mandate’s expiration and was immediately recognized by the United States and the Soviet Union. The establishment of Israel followed decades of Zionist efforts to create a Jewish homeland and was influenced by the horrors of the Holocaust.

However, the declaration led to immediate conflict. Neighboring Arab states, opposing the creation of Israel, launched a military intervention, initiating the first Arab-Israeli war. The conflict resulted in significant casualties and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

Israel’s independence has had lasting geopolitical implications, leading to ongoing conflicts and complex diplomatic relations in the Middle East. The day is celebrated annually in Israel as Independence Day, while Palestinians observe Nakba Day, mourning the displacement resulting from the state’s creation.

Bobbie Jane Cannon
August 12, 1943 — May 4, 2025
No Service Information

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 28th annual Natchitoches Jazz R&B Festival is this weekend and the organizers are calling it the biggest and best ever.

“We’ve already sold more advance tickets than we’ve ever sold at this point”, said festival Chairman Rodney Harrington, “many purchasers are from hundreds of miles away!”

According to Harrington, the excitement stems from the fact that country music superstar Gretchen Wilson is headlining and going to be appearing Saturday night, but also there’s lots of interest in the legendary funk-R&B pioneers Bar-Kays out of Memphis, TN and many of the other acts that are going to be appearing.

“People love the diverse and eclectic variety of the music we present”, said entertainment committee member Greg Burke, “from Bluegrass to gospel, country, to rock & roll, soul, blues, and of course jazz and R&B, we have it all!”

The town is also abuzz about Friday night’s “Tribute to Legends” lineup. Which includes the iconic Bon Jovi tribute band, Bad Medicine out of Atlanta, Georgia, followed by the Amazing Taylor Swift tribute out of Dallas, TX, “Lovers: An Eras Tour Experience”.

In fact, there is going to be a Taylor Swift “Taygate” at Flying Heart Brewery Thursday evening beginning at 6:00 where participants will be able to play Swift related games, sing songs, and participate in other Swifty activities, costumes are encouraged and there will be a costume contest with prizes awarded.

Advanced ticket purchasers to this weekend’s festival will be included in a Steel Magnolias Getaway Giveaway drawing, the winner of which drawing will receive 2 nights at the Steel Magnolia House, along with meals, a Riverboat ride, gift certificates and much more, a value of over $1,000!

All advanced ticket purchasers will be included in the drawing. For a full lineup and ticket information go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com

Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and the Sabine Parish School Board report the arrest of Javonte Emmanuel Mims, 26 of Natchitoches, on April 29.

Mims is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student last year at Pleasant Hill School while he was a teacher/coach. Mims allegedly sent his student inappropriate messages and had sex with her at least ten times away from the school campus.

Mims is also a youth minister at a church in Natchitoches. Mims is no longer employed with the Sabine Parish School Board. He was a teacher at Pleasant Hill School for approximately three years.

Mims was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for:
-10-counts of Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile,
-5-counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of Juveniles,
-1-count of Indecent Behavior with Juveniles.

No bonds have been set at this time.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reported the arrest of Ricardo Cirderrick Newton, 36 of Many, on May 2.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team has recently been investigating the illegal narcotic sales activity of Newton. T.N.T. Agents were able to obtain warrants for his arrest. Newton was located this morning and taken into custody by T.N.T. Agents. Newton is on parole for prior drug charges.

Louisiana State Probation and Parole Agents performed a residence check at Newton’s home on Aldredge Circle in Many. P&P Agents located and seized approximately 3 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, 5 grams of crack cocaine, and a loaded 9mm pistol.

Newton was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for:
-Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth),
-Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Crack Cocaine),
-Possession of a firearm in presence of CDS,
-Possession of firearm by a person convicted of certain felonies,

Warrant for:
-4-counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth),
-Distribution of schedule II (Crack Cocaine).

No bonds have been set at this time.

For the second consecutive period, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety
Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.

Following its Fall 2024 “A” recognition, NRMC has achieved the exemplary status for Spring 2025. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections, the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them as well as patient satisfaction.

“Inspiring excellence every day is our mission at NRMC, and we are committed to do all that we can to achieve high quality outcomes in patient care,” stated Kirk Soileau, NRMC CEO. “Receiving an “A” safety score from The Leapfrog Group for a second consecutive term is a testament of our commitment to safety and our journey to zero patient harm. From having the latest technology in place to the innovative services we provide, we are constantly focused on delivering effective and efficient care. I commend our entire team of Associates for achieving excellence in quality patient care and safety.”

“Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade reflects enormous dedication to patient safety,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I extend my congratulations to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, its leadership, clinicians, staff and volunteers for creating a culture where patients come first.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“Protecting patients and keeping them safe is our number one priority,” stated Sarah LaCour, NRMC Chief Nursing Officer. “We set high standards of patient care and are continually monitoring our safety measure processes and procedures to ensure our patients are safe. Earning this national distinction as an “A” rated hospital reflects the unwavering dedication, compassion and expertise of our entire team and I am proud of their continued commitment to providing our patients and our community with exceptional care.”

To explore Natchitoches Regional Medical Center’s full grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Motorists traveling along Hwy 6 West in Many should prepare for delays on Wednesday morning, May 7, as road construction continues. Crews will begin milling and overlaying the roadway from the railroad tracks to the intersection at Hwy. 171.

The construction zone includes a heavily traveled stretch in front of Tractor Supply, Brookshire Brothers, and Walgreens. Drivers are advised to plan for additional travel time, use caution in the area, and consider alternate routes if possible.

The project is part of ongoing efforts to improve roadway conditions and ensure safer travel. Local officials thank the public for their patience and cooperation during the construction period.

BOM is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Many FFA program. Pictured left to right: Darrell Simmons and Kylie Miller.

By Steve Graf    

One of the great pleasures in life is watching our kids grow to achieve their dreams or reach their goals. It’s one of the many things that gives us so much fulfillment in being a parent. From the day our kids are born, we as parents want nothing more than for our kids to be happy. Today, I’ll talk about some of the sacrifices my parents (especially my mother) made for me to have the life I’ve enjoyed so much.

Most of you already know my story from past articles. But in case you haven’t, my aunt and uncle rescued and adopted me at the age of 10 and turned my life completely around and literally saved me from the streets of Houston, Texas. They put me on the path to success with sacrifices and dedication of their own free will.

Again, the good Lord above blessed me with some athletic ability that only He can give. But it was my parents who made sure that my talent did not go to waste. So many days my mother made sure I was at every practice and every game on time.

She sat in a hot car for hours waiting on practice to be over knowing she still had supper to cook, clothes to wash, another child to tend to and a husband to take care of. Getting home after 7 o’clock each evening, she cooked dinner and made sure our homework was complete before ushering me and my brother off to take a bath.

She made sure uniforms were always washed and ready for the next game. She had very little time to herself as she worked full time as a nurse at a local clinic. But not one time did she fail to make sure I was where I needed to be whether it was a baseball or football practice or a Boy Scouts meeting. Mom sacrificed!

You never fully appreciate these sacrifices until the day comes when you have kids of your own and realize the effort it takes to make sure your kids are where they are supposed to be. She did this not just for me but my younger brother Chad, who was about six years younger than me.

All of my years growing up, we never took a vacation as a family. Mom never took one of those much-needed “getaways.” Sure, we made the occasional trip to Six Flags in Dallas or maybe to see the Texas Rangers play, but never a trip to the Caribbean or the mountains of Colorado to enjoy the scenery.

Pretty much every trip we took revolved around me or my brother playing baseball with All-Star playoffs. Even as I got into high school, she followed me to every game (home or away). She made the trip to Austin as we reached the state baseball tournament and won our first state championship in 1978.

Not one time did she ever complain or say “no” to any sport I wanted to play. Her devotion was unlimited, and her sacrifices were intentional. All to make sure I had every opportunity to achieve success!

I think it goes without saying that I was one of the lucky ones who had parents wanting their kids to have the best — the best opportunity to achieve and be successful in life. Sometimes I think we forget just how important those sacrifices are.

But at the time, we just think that’s how it’s supposed to be, but in reality, that’s not true. It takes parents willing to make those sacrifices unselfishly and make their kids a priority and their main focus.

For parents, the reward comes much later in life when they sit back and brag about all the accomplishments their kids have achieved all because of the sacrifices made. In the end, it’s worth every second and hour we set aside to make sure our kids are the priority! 

Without sacrificial parents, kids don’t stand a chance! So, to all you young adults out there looking to have children of your own, make sure they are your top priority. Thank you Mom, for your dedication and commitment to ME! Remember, sacrifice is unspoken love. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who make sacrifices for the benefit of others.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

If the Bible tells us that “God laughs,” could it be that humor is divine? If so, it would explain why some of us are blessed with the spiritual gift of dad jokes.

The Library of Life, Love, and Laughter has compiled some eye-opening statistics—literally, if you’re laughing hard enough. Did you know…

Studies have pinpointed 18 different kinds of smiles. The most recognizable is the smile of enjoyment. (Who has this job? Can I apply? I imagine their college transcript starts with Upturned Mouth 101 and ends with Advanced Guffawing. Do they have pop quizzes where you must correctly identify a smirk from across the room? I need answers.)

Thirteen muscles are used for smiling, but frowning demands a whopping 50? (Want to preserve your face value? Smile! You need to frown nearly a quarter of a million times to make a single wrinkle. So, in the battle against premature aging, laughter is basically skincare.)

Laughter lowers cortisol levels, which in turn boosts your immune system? (So technically, giggling at cat videos is self-care.)

Laughing stimulates your heart and lungs, elevates blood pressure, and temporarily improves breathing capacity. (In terms of exercise, laughing 100 times a day is like rowing for 10 minutes. Who needs a gym membership when you have a sense of humor?)

Charles Darwin believed that facial expressions influence moods. (Bio-feedback studies back him up. So, if you’re having a bad day, slap on a grin—even if it’s forced. Of course, people might start wondering what you’re up to.)

Laughing for 15 seconds adds two days to your lifespan? (So if you binge-watch stand-up comedy, do you achieve immortality?)

Impressive statistics, right? Laughter is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself—unless, of course, you belong to the Chicken Little League, whose members believe humor is suspicious behavior.

Psychologist Patricia Keith-Spiegel, in The Psychology of Humor, references a researcher who analyzed laughter like a malfunctioning engine. According to him, it involves spasms of the diaphragm, upper-body movements, nostril dilation, bulging eyes, and jaw vibrations. Keith-Spiegel observed, “One gets the feeling that a person engaging in this act must be critically ill rather than enjoying himself.” Ever met this serious person? The one who treats jokes like an unnecessary disruption to the universe? They’re probably a frequent flyer in the Chicken Little League.

Yet, sinners, prostitutes, and children loved hanging out with Jesus. Do you think it had anything to do with His laughter? Maybe He cracked a few legendary jokes, maybe His smile could light up a room.

Either way, His presence was joyful. And if joy is holy, maybe humor is, too.

By Brad Dison

In 2002, Michael and Kelley Flamoe were house hunting in Tacoma, Washington. They saw several houses which were all nice and would have fit their needs, but something held them back each time. They were all nice houses, but none felt like home to them. Then, the realtor took them to a house at 1112 North J Street in Tacoma. The neighborhood was nice. All of the houses on North J Street were at least two stories. The houses were built on a hill about six feet tall, which gave them the appearance of being taller than they actually were. To get from the sidewalk to the front doors of the houses took two flights of stairs sided with wrought iron hand railings which added to the charm of North J Street. Across the road sat a large grey stone Catholic church. It was a picturesque neighborhood. This house had a unique feature in that it was the only house on the block which had numerous groupings of square columns rather than single round columns supporting the porch and roof. Michael and Kelley loved the craftsman style of the home they were considering, and they had not even walked in the front door. After viewing the house’s interior and large backyard, Micheal and Kelley decided their search was over. At first glance, this house felt like home.

Michael and Kelley moved in a short time later. They were in the process of emptying their mountain of moving boxes when they heard a noise coming from the front of their new home. It was a pleasant noise. Michael and Kelley paused to listen more closely. They heard people singing. They remembered the large Catholic church across the street. Perhaps the parishioners were singing, but they were certain they would be unable to hear the singing through the solid stone walls. Michael and Kelley walked to the front room and peered from the picture window. There, at the base of their two flights of stairs, stood a gathering of people who were singing to their new home. Michael and Kelley gave an awkward smile and wave, their singing neighbors returned the gesture. After three or four songs, they ended on a Christmas song, but Christmas was months away. As soon as they finished singing, the crowd began returning to their nearby homes as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do.

To the crowd, it was perfectly normal. They gathered once a week to sing to the house. Michael and Kelley were not bothered by the act, or by the other strange happenings that occasionally happened in front of their home. Carloads, and sometimes busloads, of tourists would stop in front of their home on the normally quiet street, pile out, take pictures of and selfies with the home, some would sing to the house, then they reboarded their mode of transportation and disappeared as quickly as they had come. The weekly singings and the random visits by tourists happened long before Michael and Kelley moved in and it continues to this day. You see, when Michael and Kelley moved into the home, they paid little attention to a bronze plaque embedded into one of the steps leading to the home. It read, “Birthplace of Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby.”

Source: Steve Dunkelberger, “100+ Years Later: A Look Inside Tacoma’s Historic Bing Crosby House,” South Sound Talk, September 3, 2015, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.southsoundtalk.com/2015/09/03/bing-crosby-house-tacoma/.

National Tourism Day, observed annually on May 7, highlights the significant role tourism plays in the economy and cultural exchange. As the world gradually recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence, bringing renewed attention to its importance.

Tourism contributes trillions of dollars to the global economy and supports millions of jobs. In the United States alone, the travel and tourism industry generated over $1.6 trillion in economic output in 2019, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The industry encompasses various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and retail.

Beyond economic benefits, tourism fosters cultural understanding and global awareness. Travelers gain firsthand experiences of different cultures, traditions, and histories, promoting empathy and global citizenship.

However, the industry also faces challenges, such as environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices. Over-tourism can strain local resources, damage ecosystems, and disrupt communities. As a result, there’s a growing emphasis on responsible tourism, encouraging travelers to minimize their environmental footprint and respect local cultures.

On National Tourism Day, stakeholders in the industry, including travel agencies, hospitality businesses, and government agencies, often host events and campaigns to promote travel and highlight its benefits. It’s also a time to reflect on the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the longevity and positive impact of tourism worldwide.