Edi was pregnant with her first child. Her pregnancy was considered normal until she started experiencing severe pains in her abdomen. She feared for her unborn child. Her husband rushed her to the hospital, and doctors diagnosed her with appendicitis. As part of her treatment, they put ice on her stomach. The doctors feared the treatment was unsuccessful and advised Edi to abort the child. They explained that abortion would be the best solution because they knew the child would be born with some kind of disability. You see, the doctors had misdiagnosed Edi and feared their odd treatment had jeopardized the fetus. Despite the dangers to herself and her child, and despite the possibility of the child being born with a disability, Edi refused the doctors’ advice. She was determined to have her baby.

On September 22, 1958, Edi gave birth to a son. As the doctors predicted, the child was born with a disability, congenital glaucoma. Edi’s son was born with damaged optic nerves which were responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. The boy was only partially blind. The extremely short-sighted boy could see everything but only from up close. By the time the boy was three-and-a-half years old, he had undergone 13 operations to try to improve his eyesight, but none of them worked. When he was seven, his parents sent him to a boarding school for visually impaired children because no local school would allow him to enroll. His family visited him at the boarding school once a month, and the boy returned home for holidays. Then, an incident happened which Edi’s son said was the worst moment of his life. The boy was playing the position of goalkeeper in a game of football — you and I would call this soccer — at the school for the visually impaired. It was Edi’s son’s first time as a goalie, and it would be his last. One of the players kicked the ball and it struck Edi’s son directly in the face. The force of the strike caused a hemorrhage and darkness fell over the boy forever.

Edi’s son may have lacked sight, but his hearing was perfect. At the young age of six, the boy began taking piano lessons. His interest in music led him to learn to play the drums, flute, guitar, saxophone, trombone, and trumpet. Following high school, Edi’s son went to college where he studied law. He supported himself through college by playing in piano bars. Once he earned his law degree, he worked as a court-appointed attorney. Edi’s son could have continued his occupation as an attorney and his story of achievement would certainly have been impressive, but, to our benefit, another career came calling.

Had Edi taken the advice of her doctors, we would never have heard a voice which has been on 15 solo studio albums, three greatest hits albums, nine complete operas, and has sold more the 75 million records worldwide… so far. Celine Dion once said, “If God would have a singing voice, he must sound a lot like…Andrea Bocelli.”

Sources:

1. John Hooper, “Tenor’s story acclaimed by anti-abortion campaigners,” The Guardian, June 10, 2010, accessed June 15, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/10/andrea-bocelli-abortion-italy.

2. Thomas Edward, “Andrea Bocelli recalls the incident that left him blind: ‘That’s when darkness fell,’” Smooth Radio, September 9, 2024, accessed June 15, 2025, https://www.smoothradio.com/news/music/andrea-bocelli-blind-why-how/.

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June 18 marks the anniversary week of the death of Ray Charles, one of the most influential musicians in American history. Though he passed away on June 10, 2004, the week surrounding his death is often a time of reflection and remembrance for fans and artists alike.

Known as “The Genius,” Ray Charles helped shape modern music by blending gospel, blues, jazz, and country into a sound that became the foundation of soul. His influence stretched far beyond any single genre, and his legacy continues to impact music today.

Born Ray Charles Robinson in Albany, Georgia, in 1930, he lost his sight at age 7 due to glaucoma. Raised in poverty and orphaned as a teen, Charles’s early life was filled with hardship. Yet he found purpose through music, studying classical piano and composition at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind.

After moving into the professional music scene, Charles signed with Atlantic Records in the 1950s, where he found success with hits like “I Got a Woman” and “What’d I Say.” He revolutionized the industry by bringing gospel-inspired vocals into popular music, a move that gave rise to the soul genre.

Among his many classics, “Georgia On My Mind” became especially iconic, later adopted as Georgia’s official state song in 1979. Over his six-decade career, Charles earned 17 Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1986.

Charles’s contributions went far beyond music. In 1961, he refused to perform at a segregated venue in Georgia, taking a stand that would later be seen as a quiet but powerful moment in civil rights history. Throughout his life, he supported causes that uplifted underrepresented communities, particularly those with disabilities.

Despite personal struggles—including a long battle with heroin addiction—Charles maintained a prolific career and remained a generous supporter of programs for the blind and disadvantaged youth. He fathered 12 children and continued to perform and record well into his later years.

His final album, Genius Loves Company, was released shortly after his death and featured duets with artists like Norah Jones, Elton John, and Bonnie Raitt. The album earned eight Grammy Awards in 2005, including Album of the Year, further cementing his legacy.

A memorial service was held on June 18, 2004, at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, where stars such as B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, and Willie Nelson paid tribute to the late artist. Then-President George W. Bush called Charles “a great American legend.”

Ray Charles passed away at age 73 from liver disease, but his music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. As fans remember him during the week of his passing, his life stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and soul.

From a blind child in the segregated South to a global icon, Ray Charles redefined what was possible in music—and proved that genius knows no boundaries.

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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.)

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Many Elementary School has received a $10,000 donation from Energy Transfer to support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) opportunities for students in grades K–4.

The contribution will aid the school’s ongoing efforts to promote innovation and curiosity in the classroom through enhanced STEM programming and resources.

Principal Hollie Jenkins accepted the donation alongside members of her leadership team, Sabine Parish Superintendent Shane Wright, and other district leaders.

Energy Transfer, which maintains an active presence in the region, was recognized for its continued investment in local education and its support of future student success.

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is notifying residents and motorists that traffic count devices are being temporarily installed on various local roads across the state. Data collection is currently underway in several parishes, including Caddo, Sabine, St. John, St. Martin and Red River.

These devices are used to collect valuable information on traffic volumes, vehicle types and roadway usage patterns. The data supports future decisions related to transportation planning, infrastructure improvements and maintenance priorities. While DOTD has conducted traffic monitoring for decades, some of the current locations have not been surveyed in more than 20 years.

The equipment is non-invasive and does not pose a risk to the public or vehicles. Typically, traffic counters appear as small electronic devices placed near street signs or along the right-of-way. DOTD asks the public not to tamper with or remove the devices to ensure accurate data collection.

This effort is part of DOTD’s annual traffic monitoring program, which feeds into the Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS). The collected data is used to calculate vehicle miles traveled, determine highway classifications, establish project design standards and evaluate levels of service across Louisiana’s road network.

DOTD thanks the public for its cooperation as the department continues working to enhance the safety, efficiency and reliability of the state’s transportation system.

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Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are alerting residents about another text message scam that has the potential to steal personal information and charge unnecessary fees. In the latest iteration of the scam, many Louisiana residents have received text messages claiming the recipient has an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fee or face repercussions. The OMV recommends that customers ignore and delete such messages.

The Louisiana OMV offers the following tips to help residents avoid scams:
· DO NOT click on links in an unsolicited message from an unverified source

· DO NOT respond or send your personal information via text

· Delete all suspicious texts and emails and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov

· Exercise caution with all communications you receive from anonymous sources

· Confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source

· Keep an eye out for signs of scams (rewards, vague URLs, incorrect grammar)

The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations. To process legitimate online services safely and securely, Louisiana residents can visit the official OMV website at http://www.expresslane.org.

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Brad Dison, a lifelong resident of Bienville Parish and writer whose history column “Remember This?” runs weekly in the Journal, has released a new book about Sheriff Henderson Jordan’s pursuit and capture of notorious gangsters Bonnie and Clyde.

“The Trap: The Untold Story of Sheriff Henderson Jordan and the Final Pursuit of Bonnie and Clyde” is now available for purchase at www.HendersonJordan.com.

“There has been more fiction than fact written about their crime spree,” Dison said. “For 91 years, people have assumed that former Texas Ranger Frank Hamer used his superior tracking skills to locate Bonnie and Clyde. This is another bit of fiction. It was Bienville Parish Sheriff Henderson Jordan who located two of their hideouts in Bienville Parish. It was he who set three traps to capture the gang. It was he who used an ‘undercover man’ and a ‘man on the inside’ to determine where they would be on that fateful morning of May 23, 1934. It was he who led the ambush posse and ended their violent crime spree.”

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The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present the program “Fiddlin’ with the Finest! A Celebration of Louisiana Folk Fiddling” Saturday June 14 at 11 a.m. at the Many Depot Museum at 750 Highway 171 Bypass in Many. The event is free and open to the public.

Three past Louisiana State Fiddle Champions, Clancey Stewart, Joe Suchanek, and Ron Yule, will discuss the importance of the folk fiddling tradition with Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center and professor of English at NSU. Live music performed throughout the program will include various regional fiddle styles accompanied by demonstrations of fiddle stick playing and twin fiddling. A Q&A session on participating in fiddle competitions will follow. Fiddlers of all skill levels are invited to bring their instruments for a jam session with the invited musicians.

This year’s Louisiana State Fiddle Championship will take place as part of the 45th annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival, to be held on Saturday July 19 at 1 p.m. in the Magale Recital Hall on the NSU campus. Fiddlers may compete in the championship or non-championship division as well as in the twin fiddle category. Registration is at noon in the first-floor foyer outside the Magale Recital Hall. The Fiddle Championship winner will perform on the Festival main stage in Prather Coliseum at 5 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center. Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the City of Natchitoches, Cleco, the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council and the State of Louisiana.

The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities.

For more information, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to nsula.edu/folklife.

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The Harrington Law Firm in Natchitoches, while providing their clients with a small-town family feel, at the same time provides top notch legal representation as recognized by the nation’s leader in attorneys’ ratings.

“Some might call our business model a little ‘hokey’ or old-fashioned, but it is something that we truly believe in,” said partner Eddie Harrington when referring to the family approach to their business.

“My Dad (Rodney) and I are obviously family and the members of our staff have each been with us many years, and some cases, decades.” He continued, “We consider them to be part of our family as well and when someone becomes our client, we tell them that they have become a part of the Harrington Law Firm family.”

Harrington said that the attorneys and staff at the firm endeavor to treat every client the same as if they were an actual blood relative.

“Every client who comes to see us is involved in one type of stressful situation or another,” Harrington concluded. “They’ve either been in an automobile accident, are having financial problems, have been denied Social Security Disability, or are dealing with some other serious issue. We find that they are comforted by the fact that not only are we going to take care of their business, but we truly treat them like our own family members.”

When it comes to taking care of their clients’ business, one highly respected attorneys’ rating service says that the Harrington Law Firm does that as well as any firm in the country.

Martindale-Hubbell, the leading world-wide legal information service, which has been providing background information on lawyers and law firms in the United States and other countries for over 150 years, has given the Harrington Law Firm and partners C. Rodney Harrington and “AV Preeminent Rating,” the company’s highest rating. According to Martindale-Hubbell, the “AV Preeminent Rating,” which is established by the company obtaining peer reviews from other attorneys in the same geographical area, recognizes law firms and attorneys for their strong legal ability and high ethical standards.

An elite group of approximately 10% of all firms and attorneys in America hold an “AV Preeminent Rating,” a designation recognized as the “Gold Standard” of legal ratings. If that wasn’t enough, the firm has also been awarded the “Special Edition Judicial Award” which is especially noteworthy because it is based upon the confidential opinions and recommendations of members of the Judiciary familiar with the attorneys in the Harrington Law Firm. The “Judicial Edition Award” indicates perfect ratings from the Judiciary on the Harrington’s legal ability and ethical standards. 


Harrington Law Firm clients have the comfort and confidence knowing that not only are they going to be treated like family but that they represented by a firm that is recognized as the “Gold Standard” for legal firms across the country. The Harrington Law Firm is composed of partners C. Rodney Harrington and C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington and is located at 459 Jefferson Street, Natchitoches, LA. Their areas of practice are Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability and Wills & Successions.

Their website is www.theharringtonlawfirm.com.

For more information about Martindale-Hubbell and their rating system, go to http://www.lawyers.com .

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You still have time to win a buckle!

Red River Cowboy Church wants to help families live life with Jesus this summer! M3 Kids is based on 3 principles…My God, My Family & Me! We host several Mane Events each year to bring families together to play and learn how much God loves them. June 22 is the next Horseless rodeo! It’s a free family event for toddlers through 4th graders. Bring your child to church and register them for the Horseless Rodeo to begin immediately after the service. A free lunch will be provided by the Chuck Wagon. You and your child will choose your event. There will be events like sheep riding, cow branding with paint, sorting, dummy roping, and goat ribbon pulling. Do them all or just a few. This series will be held every 4th Sunday of May through August. Participate in 3 of the 4 Mane Events and your child will win a buckle. It’s that easy…and so much fun! Watch the Red River Cowboy Church Facebook page for more details. Every kid loves a cowboy buckle and this is an opportunity for you and your child to have a fun time the cowboy way!

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

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I had it but it is gone now.

You read these articles days after I send them. My habit is to write and send them on Monday morning before noon. So, I start thinking about them on Sunday afternoon. I had the greatest idea in the history of these articles for an article. The idea was brilliant. It was illuminating. It was humorous. It was less than six hundred words. I remember exactly where I had the idea. I was sitting in traffic at Walgreens. I was on my way to Tractor Supply to look at things I will never use in my life. I call this “expanding my horizons.” I smiled to myself and asked myself if I should write the idea down. Somewhere in my brain the voice told me that this idea was so brilliant, illuminating, and humorous there would be no way I could ever forget the idea.

Never ever trust that voice in your head. The voice lies. I have no idea what I was going to write. I do not have a clue. I do not know if it was animal, mineral, or vegetable. I lost it. The idea is gone or has landed in someone’s Instagram feed, and they are claiming it as their very own idea. Today, if you read something brilliant, illuminating, and humorous, it was probably my idea!

The idea for the article had something to do with a Yiddish proverb. The Yiddish proverb teaches, “If one man calls you an ass pay him no mind. If two men call you an ass—go and buy a saddle.” I thought it was brilliant, illuminating, and humorous. I forgot what else went with it.

Do you forget?

As I grow more mature and notice all the physical stuff that does not work anymore, I have noticed that my mind is not as quick as it once was. I forget things. I just remembered that I forgot to read an Internet article on remembering not to forget.

Here is the truth in all this. God remembers you! He loves you, knows you, and remembers you as if you were His only child!

When you confess your sins to Him, He forgets them. Since God has forgotten your sins, why do you keep carrying them around?

I am glad God remembers and forgets!

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The biggest, most star-studded and fun-filled party of every summer for miles around is coming your way at the end of the month.

Three days of festivities are approaching beginning Thursday June 26 through Saturday June 28 for the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

The LSHOF’s Class of 2025 will be enshrined Saturday night June 28 at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 66th Induction Celebration. The final event is already full with a waiting list and standing room only tickets available.

The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, June 26, with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street.

The Friday, June 27 schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The 2025 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event that is approaching capacity.


The slate on Saturday, June 28 kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.

At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.

Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.

The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.

The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.

The Class of 2025 is headlined by two men pivotal in LSU’s 2003 football national championship – coach Nick Saban and Andrew Whitworth, a champion at West Monroe High School, LSU and in the NFL during a 16-year pro career. More sparkle is provided by pro basketball All-Stars Danny Granger and Vickie Johnson, the state’s winningest all-time college baseball coach Joe Scheuermann and Danny Broussard, one of the nation’s most successful high school basketball coaches, in this year’s induction class.

It also includes LSU gymnastics great and NCAA individual champion April Burkholder, transformational Catholic-Baton Rouge high school football coach Dale Weiner and George “Bobby” Soileau, a four-time high school and 1956 NCAA boxing champion at LSU who also won a state crown as a football coach at his alma mater, Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte.

LSU graduate Herb Vincent, now a longstanding associate commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, is receiving the Hall’s Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award with his enshrinement.

Also being honored: Ed Daniels, a generational television sports broadcaster in New Orleans, and Glenn Guilbeau, one of the nation’s more decorated sportswriters in a career that has seen him cover LSU, state college, high school and pro sports along with stories across the South and around the SEC. They are being inducted as recipients of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism.

The 2025 Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors. 

For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.  

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They say age is just a number and that’s probably true. When we were young in our 20s and 30s, we grew up thinking that people in their 50s, 60s and 70s were old. Then the closer I got to each of these demographic age groups, they didn’t seem so old anymore. But when anglers you’re competing against start addressing you with the word “sir” included, that’s when it’s time to recognize the date of birth on your driver’s license. 

In the tournament bass fishing world, anyone over 50 is considered old. For years I never even thought about my age, but for some unforeseen reason turning 64 this year has hit me a little harder than other birthdays. This year for the first time, I’ve noticed I need stronger reading glasses, my balance is a little off and it requires a lot more effort to get up from my boat seat.

Younger anglers are now asking me if I need help launching my boat. When this first started taking place towards the end of last season, I was caught off guard and kind of offended. I mean, does it look like I need help? I thought maybe I need someone to video me launching my boat so I can see firsthand if I look old and unsure of myself. 

I have noticed this year that it does take more effort for me to climb onto the back of my truck, step down onto my boat trailer, unhook the boat strap, climb over into the boat and back the boat off the trailer. I used to hop around with ease like a jungle monkey going from tree to tree. But not anymore, as the muscles in my body don’t respond with the strength and quickness I once possessed. 

Even getting around in the boat is more of a challenge! I used to jump from the front deck to the back deck in single bond like Superman leaping over tall buildings. Today, it’s basically a Texas two-step with one more step added to get from the front deck to the back deck, with a high possibility that we might hang a toe and fall flat on our face. 

Another area that’s becoming a difficult challenge is running the trolling motor especially in rough water. At one time in my younger days, I had the balance of a cat walking on the top bar of a chain-link fence. But today, I need the pedestal butt seat in position up front so I can have something to lean on in order to stabilize myself. 

Currently, I feel like I’m only a couple of years away from needing a walker to navigate around my boat! While I haven’t fallen into the lake in years, I know that day is coming again really soon, and it will all be due to my inability to control the trolling motor, especially when it’s on high. This is why I always keep a complete change of clothes in the boat, just in case I decide to take an unexpected swim. 

Just like any other sport, there comes a time when you start to wonder if your time as a tournament angler is up. Is it time to load the boat for the last time and drive away? Tournament bass fishing has and will always be a young man’s sport. The energy, time and commitment required to compete at a high level is designed for younger anglers. 

But I still have that burning desire to compete! While I don’t practice 8 to 10 hours a day for an event like I used to, technology like forward-facing sonar has allowed me to be more efficient when scouting, saving a lot of wasted time searching for bass. 

While I know my days of possibly winning an event are slim, now I’m trying to be reasonable with my expectations and hoping for top 10 finishes. This younger generation anglers coming up are really good, especially when it comes to using their electronics. 

I guess that now I’m the old guy on the tournament trail, maybe I’ve earned the right to allow these younger anglers to help an old man in need! I might accept a little assistance when I’m trying to load or unload my boat. But I hope they don’t take my need for help as a weakness as a competitor … because I’ll still kick their butts every chance I get! 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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On the afternoon of June 4, 1987, 22-year-old Marquisa Kellogg was working at the Grand Slam Restaurant, a once-popular eatery in the Madisonville neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. She had served cheese coneys to two men in their early 20s whom she considered friends. She said she knew them “from the neighborhood.” Marquisa and the two customers exchanged pleasantries. There was no reason for Marquisa to suspect that this day would be any different than any other workday at the restaurant, but according to newspaper accounts from 1987, it all went wrong when the two men walked up to the cash register. The men had a brazen plan to rob Marquisa’s cash register. When they approached Marquisa, one of the men pulled a weapon. Marquisa took one look at the robber’s weapon and fled from her post at the open cash register. When she regained her composure and returned to the cash register, she found that it was short by $25 and called the police.

Police arrived at the restaurant, spoke with Marquisa, and began interviewing other customers. Police struggled to find witnesses to the crime. Upon hearing Marquisa scream, customers turned toward the cash register and saw her run away, but no one actually saw either of the men take money from the cash register. Was this part of the plan? Did the robbers intentionally steer the other customers’ attention onto the fleeing cashier and away from the cash register to enable them to quickly snatch some money? Was this their grand slam?

Marquisa later said the police failed to take the robbery seriously. You see, rather than using a weapon that most people would normally expect a robber to use, such as a gun or knife, this robber used a much smaller weapon which was only about an inch-and-a-half long. The weapon that the robber used to frighten Marquisa away from her cash register long enough to take money from it was a harmless six-legged winged insect called a Cicada.

In an interview in 2021, Marquisa said the robbery at the Grand Slam Restaurant which received national news coverage had been blown out of proportion. She said it had all been a prank gone wrong, but her register was still short $25. Police made no arrests in this case.

Sources:

1. Wilmington News-Journal, June 5, 1987, p.1.

2. News Journal, June 6, 1987, p.12.

3. The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 19, 2021, p.A5.

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On Tuesday, June 11, Louisiana residents embrace the spirit of summer by celebrating National Corn on the Cob Day, honoring one of the season’s most beloved staples. On this day, communities across the state gather to enjoy the sweet simplicity of corn on the cob while highlighting its cultural and agricultural significance.

Though often overshadowed by larger crops like sugarcane and cotton, sweet corn has long been a part of Louisiana’s summer harvest. This year, local farmers reported an especially strong crop.

Families across the state embrace the holiday at home, preparing corn on the cob in a variety of delicious ways. Some boil it the classic way and topped it with butter and salt, while others opt for grilling to add a smoky flavor and charred texture. For those looking to change things up, here are several popular ways Louisianans can cook corn on the cob for dinner:

Boiled: Simmered in salted water and served with butter, a timeless method.

Grilled: Charred on the grill for a smoky flavor, often brushed with garlic butter or Cajun seasoning.

Oven-Roasted: Wrapped in foil or baked open-faced with herbs, garlic, and olive oil.

Steamed: A gentle cooking method that keeps corn juicy and flavorful.

Air Fried: Quickly crisped in the air fryer with a light oil coating and spices.

Microwaved: A fast and convenient option—simply wrap ears in a damp paper towel and cook for a few minutes.

Elote-Style: Inspired by Mexican street corn—grilled and topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime.

Boiled in Milk and Butter: A rich Southern-style twist that adds creaminess and sweetness.

Beyond its flavor, corn offered health benefits, too. High in fiber and rich in antioxidants, it makes for a nutritious addition to dinner tables when prepared without excessive toppings. Nutritionists remind home cooks that keeping preparation simple—boiled, grilled, or roasted with minimal seasoning—could maintain both taste and wellness.

While June 11 also marks other observances like National German Chocolate Cake Day and International Yarn Bombing Day, National Corn on the Cob Day steals the show in Louisiana. Its ties to local farming, summer cooking traditions, and nostalgic family meals makes it a natural fit for celebration.

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NONE

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

You may email them to SPJContent@sabineparishjournal.com

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BOM was a sponsor of the Converse 6U Wildcats. Pictured left to right: Beaux Bossier, Gus Richardson, Drake Parrie and Jed Ryder.

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Funeral services for John Verena Lovelady, 87, will be Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy., Many, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A burial will follow the service at Beulah Baptist Cemetery, 31725 Hwy 191, Many, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Brother Kenneth Leach.

John was born on July 17, 1937 to John Henry Lovelady and Minnie Bass Lovelady in Sabine Parish, Louisiana and passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Lovelady; parents, John and Minnie Lovelady; sisters, Bernice Rogers (Bob), Bertha Oliver (Franklin), Estelle Brown (Bill), Eliza Melancon-Rogers (Lynn and Jr.), Virgie Evans ( George), Hazel Crouch (J.D.), Inez Knopp (Arthur), Rosemary King (Tommy), and Roma Jean Crouch (Ivan); and brother-in-law, J.C. Hippler. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Lovelady of Austin, Texas; son, Stoney Lovelady of Austin, Texas; stepsons, Ricky Lehr of Oklahoma and Chris Lehr of Zwolle, Louisiana; sister, Jewel Hippler of Longview, Texas; 1 granddaughter; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special caregiver, Libby McGaha.

Honoring John as pallbearers will be Dennis Franz, Jamie Baker, Tim King, Zee Sepulvado, Joey Brown, and Richard Lee.

Services and care were provided to the family by Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Many, Louisiana.

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Funeral services for Joan Ebarb Sneed, 86, were held on May 29, 2025 A burial followed the service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Officiating the service was Father Timothy Hurd.

Joan was born on September 30, 1938 to Albert Ebarb and Frances Knight Ebarb in Zwolle, Louisiana and passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Albert Ebarb; sisters, Iva Lee Meshell, Dorothy Ezernack, and Ethel Paddie; and brothers, Clifton Ebarb, Billy Rae Ebarb, Alfred Ebarb, Raymond J. Ebarb, and Steve Ebarb. She is survived by her husband, Billy Sneed; sons, Lamar Ebarb and wife, Wendy, of Zwolle, Louisiana, Steve Ebarb of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Alfred Anderson and wife, Darlene, of Zwolle, Louisiana; daughters, Paula Anderson of Ebarb, Louisiana, Sharon Leone and husband, Robert, of Zwolle, Louisiana, Phyllis Anderson of Zwolle, Louisiana, and Terri Remedies of Many, Louisiana; brother, Roy Ebarb of Farmerville, Louisiana; 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Honoring Joan as pallbearers were Justin Anderson, Brent Ebarb, Zack Remedies, Jeremy Leone, Robert Leone, and Eric France.

Services and care were provided to the family by Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

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Herman Hoyt Neel, 98, was born on May 21, 1926 to Hoyt Neel and Vera Calloway Neel in Negreet, Louisiana and passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Many, Louisiana. A memorial will be held at a later date.

Herman is preceded in death by his parents, Vera and Hoyt Neel; sisters, Claudine Cryer and Juanita Jackson; and brother, S.T. Neel. He is survived by his sons, Dudley Neel of Groves, Texas, Lenord Neel and wife, Wanda, of Crestview, Florida, Norman Neel and wife, Ruby, of Fort Jesup, Louisiana, and Robert Neel and wife, Gail, of Orangefield, Texas; daughters, Brenda Ortego of Many, Louisiana and Cheryl Crochet and husband, Johnny, of Groves, Texas; 15 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-children.

Services and care provided to the family by Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

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Funeral services for Khallie Christine Youngblood, 6, were held on May 24. A burial followed at Aimwell Cemetery. Officiating the service was Sister Vernice Green.

Khallie was born on December 24, 2018 to Bethany Stocking and Kevin Youngblood in Natchitoches, Louisiana and passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Many, Louisiana.

Khallie was loved beyond measure. She was a shining light in a dark world. She was the princess of the family and was by far the favorite of everyone. She loved to look at her reflection in her big mirror and could be seen admiring her beauty on a daily basis. Her days were spent watching her favorite princess, Elsa. She loved school and the time she got to spend there with her teachers, therapists, and friends. While Khallie will be missed dearly on earth, we know that she is in heaven with God’s other angels.

Khallie is preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Walter and Margaret Sepulvado. She is survived by her parents, Bethany Stocking and fiancé, Dylan Britner of Many, Louisiana and Kevin Youngblood of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana; great-great-grandmother, Doris Downs of Marthaville, Louisiana; great-grandparents, Paul and Doreen Carlisle of Zwolle, Louisiana, Terry Pantalion of Many, Louisiana, and Dano Lee of Zwolle, Louisiana; grandparents, Amanda Remedies and fiancé, Michael Downs of Marthaville, Louisiana and Jason Stocking and wife, Starla, of Hemphill, Texas; uncle, William Guage Stocking of Marthaville, Louisiana; aunts, Cherity Lowery and husband, Nathan, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Violet Paige Stocking of Hemphill, Texas, and Alyssa Stocking of Hemphill, Texas; and cousins, Colson Lowery of Jacksonville, North Carolina and Gabriella Stocking of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Honoring Khallie as pallbearers were Michael Downs, Zach Grantham, Violet Stocking, and William Stocking. Jason Stocking was an honorary pallbearer.

Services and care provided to the family by Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

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MANY, LOUISIANA, June 4 — Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU) and Sabine State Bank and Trust Company (Sabine) announced today their mutual decision to not move forward with the planned acquisition and to terminate their agreement.

Both organizations highlighted the strength of their financial institutions and shared commitment to help people and businesses prosper in their respective states.

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The Louisiana Association of Student Councils held its annual workshop at Northwestern State University this week June 1-5. The meeting, held at NSU for the past 51 years, brought together 367 high school student leaders from every corner of Louisiana for a week of fun, leadership development, and education.

The student council members were divided into small groups with whom they would spend the week, making friends from all over Louisiana. The students learn the ins and outs of running successful meetings, achieving goals as well as developing leadership skills. Many High School sent a strong contingent of student leaders who well represented our community.

The LASC members also got to hear a book talk from author and life sciences teacher Madi Hannan, who spoke about her new book “Scrim on the Run”. Ms. Hannan teaches at New Orlean’s Mt. Carmel Academy and is an advisor for LASC.

Next week will see 189 middle school students who serve on their schools’ student councils arrive at NSU for a week of fun and learning.

Attending from Many High School were were Kelsey Parrie, Malayna Miller, Bryanna Edmonson and Gabe Dugas.

The Sabine Parish Journal wishes all the best to these hard working young men and women as they complete their high school careers. We hope you learned a lot and enjoyed the university’s hospitality. Come back to NSU after your graduation and build your future!

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