BOM is proud to support the Family Renegades 94/50 U girls basketball team, an incredible program dedicated to empowering young women and cultivating leadership, discipline, and confidence through sports.
This talented team has exciting opportunities ahead, with upcoming tournaments in Indianapolis and Pennsylvania—and we’re honored to play a small part in their journey.
Pictured left to right: Pazile’ra Sanders, BOM’s Kayla Windham, and Annie Thweatt
On this day in history, July 23, 1885, former U.S. President and Civil War hero Ulysses S. Grant died of throat cancer at the age of 63. His death, though anticipated after a long illness, sent shockwaves through the nation. But what many may not realize is that this solemn moment in American history also gave rise to a peculiar and lesser-known “first”—a form of medical documentation that some now jokingly refer to as the world’s first “autopsy selfie.”
Dr. Shrady, Grant’s attending physician, was so determined to document the president’s final moments and the ravages of his disease that he invited an artist to sketch Grant on his deathbed and post-mortem. The results were a series of drawings that eerily resemble today’s obsession with visual documentation—even at life’s end. One image in particular, now housed at the Library of Congress, shows Grant shortly after his death, surrounded by pillows, bathed in natural light, with careful anatomical precision. It was neither macabre nor exploitative in its original intent—it was, for its time, an act of reverent scientific observation. Still, the image caused a stir when it was later reproduced in newspapers and medical journals, igniting early debate on the ethics of photographing or illustrating the deceased.
This moment, strange and morbid as it may seem by today’s standards, symbolized the late 19th century’s fascination with both death and progress. Photography was in its infancy, and deathbed portraits—both drawn and photographed—were not uncommon in Victorian households. But the Grant drawings were among the first examples of a public figure’s death being medically documented for educational purposes and public consumption. They bridged art, medicine, journalism, and a growing national obsession with hero worship and mourning.
President Grant’s funeral itself was a monumental event. Over 1.5 million people lined the streets of New York City for the largest funeral procession in the country’s history at the time. His body was placed in a temporary tomb in Riverside Park until the construction of his mausoleum—now known as Grant’s Tomb—was completed in 1897. The illustrations created immediately after his death, however, remain a strangely intimate piece of the historical record, tucked between heroism and humanity.
While historians have long noted the significance of Grant’s military campaigns and presidency during Reconstruction, the strange side note of his post-mortem portraits remains a curious footnote—a Victorian precursor to today’s digital oversharing and visual documentation of every stage of life (and death).
In retrospect, the drawing of Grant on July 23, 1885, may not have been a “selfie” in the modern sense, but it represents one of the earliest known instances where a personal and scientific image of a death became part of public record. It was a moment when mourning, medicine, and media collided—and a strangely appropriate reflection of a man whose life was lived so publicly, from the battlefields of the Civil War to the highest office in the land.
So while July 23 marks the death of one of America’s most revered figures, it also quietly marks the birth of a new way of recording history: not just through words and monuments, but through visual moments frozen in time—no matter how private or strange.
Bernice Wayne Crittenden
October 19, 1944 — July 18, 2025
Service: Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Carson Baptist Church, located at 266 Carson Rd. in Zwolle
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
Brick & Row is pleased to announce their FINAL Warehouse Sale taking place on Tuesday, July 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 214 Texas Street, Natchitoches, LA (Old Vaughn Showroom).
Shoppers can expect significant savings, with all Christmas merchandise marked 90% off and all other inventory available at 80% off.
Guests are encouraged to bring a shopping bag to take advantage of these exceptional deals.
For more information, visit Brick & Row’s store at 107 Church Street, Natchitoches, LA.
Brick & Row is pleased to announce their FINAL Warehouse Sale taking place on Tuesday, July 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 214 Texas Street, Natchitoches, LA (Old Vaughn Showroom).
Shoppers can expect significant savings, with all Christmas merchandise marked 90% off and all other inventory available at 80% off.
Guests are encouraged to bring a shopping bag to take advantage of these exceptional deals.
For more information, visit Brick & Row’s store at 107 Church Street, Natchitoches, LA.
Beginning in the 1870’s a new mode of transportation in America came into being. Railroad lines crossed the nation and both passengers and freight could be carried on both passenger and freight trains. One of the railroad lines that came through Louisiana was the Kansas City Southern Line that came from Kansas City, Missouri down to Lake Charles, La. and along southeast toward New Orleans, La. and west to Port Arthur, Texas. Up and down the KCS line were many depot’s in both large towns, small towns, and just small communities. These depots were known as “rail stops” and passengers could either board the train or disembark at the depot and freight could be received or shipped from these deports. One such depot was located at Sandel, La. in Sabine Parish La.
Sandel was a small community that was located about 4 ½ miles south of Florien, La. on US Hwy 171South. The little community was named after the Sandel Family that lived there. The Kansas City Southern line ran right through Sandel and a depot was located there. When the sawmill town of Peason was built and the Peavy Wilson Lumber Company Mill was established in 1917 the Christie and Eastern Railroad was a spur off the KCS line and it went all the way to Peason. The rail line was vital for the Peason Mill since it allowed timber and all types of lumber products to be shipped throughout the United States. As the mill began a full production run, loads of lumber of all types were shipped on the Christie and Eastern to the KCS and it eventually ended up in San Francisco, California. In 1906 San Francisco had been ravaged by a fire and earthquake. The terrible fire was caused by the earthquake that ruptured gas mains that caused the fire, and water mains were broken and damaged and a large portion of the town was destroyed. But the reconstruction began and lumber from Peason held reconstruct and also build complete new buildings. And many of those buildings still stand to this day !
The Sandel Depot was a fine building that was on the west side of the KCS tracks. Passengers could get off the train here and freight could be unloaded or loaded onto the train for shipment. Coming from Peason each morning and afternoon was the “Toonerville Trolley”. The trolley, a 1919 Ford Model T with railway wheels, had bench seats for the passengers and it towed a Sheffield flatcar that had been converted to carry both excess passengers and freight and mail to and from the mill town of Peason. The trip to Peason from the Sandel Depot was about 10 miles on the Christie and Eastern Line.
The Sandel Depot was a large wooden building that even had some upstairs storage, and for the passengers convenience, an outside “water closet” or as country folks say, an outside toilet. Around the depot, water closet, and small outbuildings there were white rock walkways. Several people worked at the depot, including the station master, and several workers who assisted with the freight loading and unloading, along with assisting the passengers.
As all the timber was harvested the mill run at Peason came to an end in 1935. Most of the timber had been cut by 1934 and it took until 1935 for all this timber to be cut into lumber and shipped to buyers. When the mill whistle blew for the last time in 1935 the mill closed and was later shipped to Holopaw , Florida where it ran until 1947. But with the mill closed the Christie and Eastern Railroad ended its operation from Peason to Sandel La. and was abandoned. Since the Sandel Depot was a “junction point” with the Christie and Eastern Railroad, after the mill closed it only became a “standalone depot” where only passengers for the Sandel area were loaded or unloaded and very little freight was received. In the KCS archives the depot may have sat along the KCS line until the mid to late 1950’s. But the little community of Sandel, La. once had a thriving rail depot located there. Sadly nothing remains of the depot but it was part of the large timber harvesting conducted in this area from the early 1900’s until the mid 1930’s when many of the mills closed. Many thanks to the KCS Archives and most of all the Southern heritage Museum at Lonfleaf, La. for the assistance and the use of photographs of the Sandel Depot.
Louisiana workers who rely on tips will see meaningful tax relief starting this year, thanks to a newly enacted federal law that exempts a portion of their tip income from taxation. The “No Tax on Tips” provision, part of the broader One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law on July 4, officially became federal law as Public Law 119-21—and Louisiana is among the states embracing it without additional legislative hurdles.
The new law allows employees and self-employed individuals in tip-based occupations to deduct up to $25,000 annually in qualified tips from their taxable income. The deduction applies to voluntary tips received in cash, by card, or through tip-sharing arrangements, and must be reported through standard IRS channels such as Form W-2, Form 1099, or Form 4137 for unreported tips.
Waitstaff, bartenders, hair stylists, delivery drivers, casino workers, and others in traditionally tipped professions stand to benefit the most. To qualify, the occupation must have been recognized by the IRS as regularly receiving tips by the end of 2024.
Self-employed individuals can also take the deduction, though it is capped at their net income from the relevant trade or business, before accounting for the tip deduction.
The full deduction is available to individuals earning less than $150,000 in modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), or $300,000 for married couples filing jointly. Above these thresholds, the deduction phases out.
Because Louisiana’s income tax system largely conforms to federal adjusted gross income, most workers in the state will automatically see the benefit of this deduction reflected on their state returns as well—without needing to complete separate calculations or forms. That’s welcome news in a state where service industries play a major role in the economy, particularly in hospitality hubs like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Natchitoches.
The deduction takes effect for tax year 2025 and will remain in place through 2028, barring further congressional action. The IRS is expected to release updated instructions and guidance before the end of the year.
In the meantime, tip earners are encouraged to continue accurate recordkeeping and reporting. The deduction doesn’t eliminate reporting requirements—only the tax burden on qualifying amounts.
For service workers across Louisiana, especially those juggling fluctuating incomes and long shifts, the “No Tax on Tips” provision offers more than just savings—it’s a nod to the essential roles they play in the state’s economy.
Natchitoches, LA — July 10, 2025— There’s never been a better time to support mothers and babies in our community. The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is now officially eligible for Louisiana’s Maternal Wellness Center Tax Credit, a new initiative offering generous financial benefits to individuals and businesses who invest in maternal health services.
This state income tax credit of 50% applies to any donation made to an approved center like WRC. That means when you give, half your donation comes back to you at tax time—while the full amount goes to support life-changing services for women and families in need.
“This program is a blessing,” says Nicole Woods, Director of WRC. “It allows community members to make a powerful impact on local families while receiving meaningful tax relief. Everyone wins—especially the moms and babies we serve.”
To help explore the financial and community benefits of this new tax credit, WRC Director Nicole Woods recently met with Rodney Boswell of The IHS Group in Natchitoches, a firm that provides insurance and financial services to individuals and small businesses. “Rodney’s insights on how local donors—both individuals and companies—can strategically take advantage of this credit were incredibly helpful,” Woods shared. “We’re excited to work with local professionals to ensure that this opportunity is well understood and widely utilized.”
The Women’s Resource Center has been a trusted nonprofit in Natchitoches for over 30 years. As a Christ-centered ministry, WRC provides free pregnancy testing, counseling, parenting classes, material support, and referrals. In 2024 alone, the Center served women from 10 different parishes, walking with each client in compassion, truth, and grace.
Key Highlights of the New Tax Credit:
The funds raised will help expand parenting education programs, provide critical baby items, and ensure every woman who walks through WRC’s doors receives the care and support she needs.
Donors are encouraged to consult their tax advisor to understand how to claim the credit and maximize their giving potential.
“By participating in this program, you’re not just giving to a cause—you’re helping transform lives,” says Woods. “We invite you to partner with us as we continue to equip parents and empower families in Jesus’ name.”
To make a donation or learn more about the tax credit, visit http://www.ProLifeTaxCredit.com or call (318) 357-8888
Today, I’m going to hop on my soap box. There aren’t many things that I truly hate, but summer bass tournaments would be at the top of the list!
Now why would this be? For several reasons that I’ll get into later, but the most obvious one –IT’S BLAZING HOT! It’s a time of year when anglers become babysitters, trying to keep their 5-fish limit breathing for eight hours in a live well.
Summer bass tournaments in the South are a grind for both anglers and the bass. The fishing is good the first hour, but can be horrendous the rest of the day. With daytime temperatures reaching the mid to upper 90s and humidity levels over 90 percent, it takes all the fun out of fishing, especially during the months of July and August.
A few tournament trails have or will drop their daily fish limit down from five to three which really helps in so many ways. For one, it allows for better survival rate, as there are less fish to manage in your live well and it means less bass being handled at the weigh-in.
Some anglers hate the three-fish limit tournaments as they think it levels the playing field too much. They feel anyone can get lucky and catch three good fish. But if you go back and look at three-fish tournament results over the years, it turns out that the same guys who win with a five-fish limit are still at the top of the tournament standings with three fish.
My personal reasons for hating summer tournaments would begin with the exhaustion you feel at the end of the day fishing in high temperatures. Fishing in 95 degree-plus temperatures drains the life out of an angler.
Next gripe — I hate it when sweat is dripping off my nose or running down my butt! The heat just makes fishing difficult and unenjoyable.
But what I really look forward to the most is nighttime cramps that occur after fishing in the hot sun all day. There’s nothing more fun than waking up in the middle of the night as your calf muscles or hamstrings decide to tighten up like a guitar string. Thank the Lord above for pickle juice, as there’s pretty much nothing better for eliminating cramps!
Another gripe — everything in your boat is blazing hot and will leave a mark on your butt if you sit on one of those latches that’s a part of the storage lockers. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up being branded like cattle at a stockyard.
Then there’s the wear and tear on your electronics which are large investments, as these units can cost up to $5,000 each. It’s also hard on your rods and reels and the fishing line spooled on each reel. Nothing is harder on your equipment than the hot sun!
As anglers, we must take precautions to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays. As a Melanoma survivor, I can attest to all the things I have to do in order to fish in high temperatures. These days, I always wear long sleeve UV protective shirts, a wide brim hat, long pants (most of the time) and plenty of sunscreen.
But my main reason for hating summer bass tournaments — it’s just not fun! It’s a miserable way to spend your day sweating to the oldies on the front deck of a bass boat! ZERO FUN!
The next issue (as if I need anymore) would be dealing with all the crazy recreational boaters like pontoon boats, jet skis and those awesome stupid wake boats that put out four-foot-high waves and disrupt everyone and everything on the lake! Sorry wake boaters, but there should be a limit to the size of the waves you all put out!
One rule I would like to see implemented strictly for wake boaters would be that they are not allowed on the lake until after 2 p.m. This way there would be no conflict with bass boaters and wake boats being on the lake at the same time, as most summer bass tournaments are over by 2 in the afternoon.
Now I know I’ll get some good fan mail over my wake boater comments, but at least I’ll know they read my article! Just kidding wake boaters, hope y’all have fun as well, but keep your wakes down please!
‘Til next time, enjoy your hot summer days on the lake as I hope and pray you won’t see me out there very often.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.
BOM was a proud supporter of the Zwolle Loggers Festival. The festival paid tribute to all of the logging and forestry families and industries in the town and parish. Pictured left to right: Lela Malay and Brittany Sepulvado.
Let’s talk about the most overconfident, underperforming button in modern technology: the “Close Door” button on an Otis elevator. A button so bold, so brimming with promise, that you can’t help but press it like your entire timeline depends on it. Yet, more often than not, it sits there, mocking your urgency with silent defiance—like a cat watching you call it from across the room.
Imagine this: you’re running late, Starbucks in hand, nerves frayed, and you finally reach the elevator. Someone’s trailing 20 feet behind you, clearly aiming for the same vertical destination. You eye the “Close Door” button with steely determination, channeling all your willpower into one righteous jab. And… nothing. The doors pause, dramatically, as if considering your plea… before staying open long enough to let your trailing co-rider slip in with a smug nod. You didn’t close the door—you just sent a polite request to the elevator gods, who promptly ignored it.
Why does Otis even have a “Close Door” button? Well, turns out, it’s largely placebo. For many elevators, especially in buildings built post-1990—the button is deactivated or overridden by a timer, reserved for emergencies or maintenance personnel with magical keys. For the rest of us mortals? It’s basically an adult version of a toy steering wheel. We press it to feel in control, because pushing buttons is what we do when we don’t actually have time for real solutions.
Scientific studies (conducted primarily in crowded office lobbies and hotels at 8:58 a.m.) have shown that humans are 73% more likely to hit the “Close Door” button repeatedly than just wait patiently. This behavior stems from our deep distrust of time and other people. Pressing the button repeatedly creates the illusion of productivity, much like reloading your inbox when you’re waiting for that one important email—or opening the fridge for the sixth time hoping chocolate has materialized.
There’s also social strategy involved. The way you press the “Close Door” button says everything about you.
Otis elevators have essentially turned us into actors in a moral drama performed 50 times a day.
In many ways, the Otis “Close Door” button is a symbol of adulthood itself. Full of buttons that seem to do something but don’t. Mortgage refinancing, printer troubleshooting, dieting after 5 p.m.—all have the same energy. The illusion of control is the lifeblood of modern living. We love the illusion of control, don’t we?
And yet, even as we know its futility, we still press it. Every single time. Because hope, however unscientific, beats standing next to a stranger who insists on loud phone calls or eye contact.
So next time you find yourself jabbing that shiny, unyielding button—hold your head high. You are a dreamer. A doer. A hero in an elevator shaft. You know it may be a lie, but you press it anyway.
After all, your hurry is more important than the other guy’s hurry. I wonder, what do we impatient people do with the invitation Jesus issued to the disciples, “Hey guys, let’s get away from the crowds and rest.”
Governor Landry Announces LA Wallet Accepted Nationwide
Baton Rouge–Governor Jeff Landry and OMV Director Bryan Adams announced LA Wallet is now approved nationwide. The Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) has certified Louisiana’s LA Wallet complies with federal requirements, allowing Louisiana residents to present LA Wallet at TSA security checkpoints, federal buildings and courthouses for the next three years. In 2028, TSA will again review Louisiana’s LA Wallet to ensure it remains compliant with federal privacy and security standards.
“We are thrilled to see Louisiana utilizing innovative technology to allow for a more flexible and accessible TSA experience. Under Secretary Noem’s leadership and work with our state partners, we are enhancing the passenger experience at TSA,” said Adam Stahl, TSA Deputy Administrator.
Gary Mark Gilmore’s life of crime began when he was in his early teens. It started with petty theft and soon evolved into Gary leading a car theft ring. Gary was in a seemingly endless rotation of crime and prison. After his father died of lung cancer, news which he received from a prison guard, the speed of Gary’s downward spiral increased exponentially. When Gary was released from prison, he became more erratic and became an alcoholic. In his mid-twenties, Gary was convicted of assault and armed robbery and sent back to prison. Eight years later, he was released on a conditional parole. Within a month, he was arrested for armed robbery. After his conditional parole from prison in 1976, 35-year-old Gary moved to Provo, Utah, to live with a distant relative.
At about 11 p.m. on the night of July 19, 1976, three months after his release from prison, Gary robbed 25-year-old Max David Jensen, the night attendant at a service station in Orem, Utah. Max was a graduate of Utah State University and was working at the gas station to pay his way through Brigham Young University Law School. Max had married 14 months earlier and had an infant daughter. At the end of the robbery, Gary told Max to lie down on the floor. Then, Gary shot Max twice in the head with a .22 caliber pistol. Max lost his life for $150.
Just before 11 p.m. on the following night, Gary robbed 26-year-old Bennie Jewkes Bushnell, the night clerk of the City Center Hotel in Provo, Utah. Like Max, Bennie had been married a short time, had an infant child, and was working his way through Brigham Young University. Gary forced Bennie to lie down on the floor and killed him in the same manner as he had Max. Bennie lost his life for $125.
Gary had parked his truck at a nearby service station and walked to the motel. Following the robbery, an attendant at the service station saw Gary return to his car, noticed he was bleeding, heard about the shooting at the motel, and called police. The service station attendant knew Gary and told police where he was living. With that information, officers arrested Gary without incident within three hours.
On October 7, 1976, after a two-day trial, a jury found Gary guilty of murdering Bennie and sentenced him to death. After hearing the verdict, Judge J. Robert Bullock asked Gary if he preferred to be hung or shot. Gary replied, “I prefer to be shot.” On January 17, 1977, as he stood before the six-man firing squad, Gary told the warden his last words. At 8:07 a.m., Gary’s sentence was carried out.
In 1988, Dan Wieden, co-founder of the advertising company Wieden and Kennedy, was hired to come up with a catchy slogan for a struggling company. Dan remembered Gary Gilmore’s last words and tweaked it slightly. A killer’s last words, “let’s do it,” which Dan tweaked to “just do it,” became one of the most successful slogans in advertising history and transformed the fortunes of a struggling shoe company called Nike.
Sources:
1. The Daily Herald (Provo, Utah), July 21, 1976, p.1,4.
2. The Daily Herald, July 23, 1976, p.2.
3. The Daily Herald, October 6, 1976, p.3.
4. The Daily Herald, October 8, 1976, p.1.
5. The Daily Herald, January 17, 1977, p.1.
6. The Miami Herald, August 22, 2009, p. 91.
It was on July 16, 1969, at 9:32 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time that NASA’s Apollo 11 mission lifted off from Cape Kennedy, Florida, beginning humanity’s most audacious journey yet: reaching the Moon. Almost 56 years later, the launch remains one of the most iconic moments of the 20th century, reshaping the trajectory of science, culture, and global ambition.
The Saturn V rocket, roaring to life against a clear summer sky, carried astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Their mission would etch their names—and Armstrong’s first steps—into history, fulfilling President John F. Kennedy’s bold pledge to land a man on the Moon and return him safely by the end of the decade.
More than just a technological marvel, Apollo 11 symbolized a powerful achievement in human collaboration and resolve. Countless scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel across the nation pulled together to make the lunar landing possible. The mission also served as a dramatic turning point during a time marked by Cold War tensions and questions of global leadership.
On launch day, millions watched breathlessly as Apollo 11 cleared the tower and vanished into the heavens. Days later, on July 20, Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface declaring, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” a phrase forever etched into the collective memory.
In the aftermath of the mission, public fascination soared. Televisions replayed the grainy images of lunar descent and Earthrise over and over. The success reaffirmed faith in scientific exploration and offered a unifying narrative of human achievement during a turbulent era.
The Apollo 11 launch also accelerated technological spin-offs: advances in materials science, telecommunications, computing, and more emerged from the mission’s rigorous demands. It served as the spark for future space exploration—from Skylab and the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station and plans for Mars missions.
What makes the anniversary of the 1969 launch especially resonant in July 2025 is its enduring legacy. Despite shifting priorities and challenges to space funding over the decades, the launch still represents a benchmark of inspiration. For many, it reminds us that bold vision combined with hard work can achieve what once seemed impossible.
On this day in history, the world also commemorates several other memorable firsts. July 16, 1945, saw the first successful test of an atomic bomb at Alamogordo, New Mexico, marking the dawn of the nuclear age. And in 1790, Washington, D.C. was designated as the capital of the United States, setting a foundation for the nation’s seat of government.
But it is Apollo 11 that captures the imagination in a timeless way—an emblem not only of space exploration, but of the enduring human spirit. Four decades later, the Earthbound crowd of July 1969 may have dispersed, but the ripple effects of that launch continue to shape aerospace, innovation, and cultural identity.
Today, as space agencies plan new missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the legacy of Apollo 11 remains a lodestar. The mission proved that frontiers once thought unreachable exist merely to be explored, as long as curiosity, courage, and cooperation prevail.
So as July 16 unfolds in 2025, the world pauses to honor that pivotal moment when Apollo 11 vaulted skyward—and forever opened the door to the stars.
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
The Fort Polk community marked the renaming of the installation from Fort Johnson to Fort Polk at a redesignation ceremony held at the fort’s headquarters building, Woodfill Hall, Friday July 11.
The fort, originally named in honor of Confederate general and Louisiana Episcopal bishop, Leonidas Polk, was renamed in 2023 in honor of Sergeant William Henry Johnson, who earned the Medal of Honor and Croix De Guerre with Golden Palm for his heroism in fighting off a German trench raid during the First World War.
Friday’s ceremony renamed the fort in honor of the late General James H. Polk who served a 35 year career in the US Army, spanning WWII, the Korean War and Cold War. During WWII, he commanded the 3rd Cavalry Group under General George Patton and was awarded the Silver Star and French Croix de Guerre.
The ceremony included an unveiling of “JRTC and Fort Polk” signage over the headquarters entrance and of a portrait of General Polk that will be hung inside the entrance. There was a 21-gun salute after which James H. Polk III, the general’s son, spoke. The Polk family were then presented ceremonial artillery casings from the 21-gub salute. Brigadier General Jason Curl, Commander of Fort Polk, gave remarks. The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 156th Army Band, “Louisiana’s Own” under Warrant Officer 4 Wade Farniss played the Army Song concluding the ceremony.
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell has announced the latest felony narcotics and firearm-related arrests for June 2025. These arrests and investigations reflect ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes and keep the community safe.
Byron Dale Black Jr (age-65) of Ringgold
• 2-counts of Aggravated assault with a firearm.
Bond set at $5,000, he bonded.
Edward Gene Dean (age-60) of Zwolle
• Possession of schedule II (Meth),
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Improper lane usage.
Bond set at $5,000, he bonded.
Ollie Dewayne Lee III (age-58) of Zwolle
• Federal Indictment for Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
He was transferred to federal custody in Shreveport.
Theddie Theodore Holden (age-31) of Noble
• Possession of schedule II (Meth),
• Possession of drug paraphernalia,
• Obstruction of justice,
• Expired MVI,
• Vehicles without required equipment or in unsafe condition.
Bond set at $5,000, he bonded.
Gerald Donald Theiler (age-74) of Burkeville, Texas
• Aggravated assault with a firearm.
Bond set at $15,000, he bonded.
Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announces the Sabine Parish Police Jury adopted Ordinance No. 5 of 2025.
This ordinance establishes policy and procedures for monitoring and controlling special events held within the boundaries of Sabine Parish.
“Special Events” includes outdoor music events, carnivals, circuses, trail rides, fishing tournaments, car shows, fund raising events and similar activities, held in all areas of Sabine Parish, except those held entirely in an area that falls within any municipal town limits with Sabine Parish. This ordinance shall apply to gatherings of 200 or more people. Further, this ordinance is intended to apply to commercial activities generating revenue or other economic benefit, and/or held in exchange for goods or services, This ordinance is not intended to apply to family assemblies of people. All “Special Events” being held on public property will be excluded from this ordinance. Permitting decisions shall be made without regard to the content of protected speech.
Permit applications must be obtained at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office at 400 South Capitol Street in Many.
Sheriff Mitchell said that similar ordinances have been adopted in neighboring parishes during the last few years.
Sabine Parish Schools Demonstrate Continued Growth Sabine Parish School District is proud to share they are one of only twenty-six districts demonstrating overall percent proficiency growth in ELA, math and science. The LDOE’s recent release of the 2025 LEAP assessment results are a direct reflection of the district’s unwavering commitment to Building a Stronger Sabine Parish, One Student at a Time, a vision realized through the collective efforts of educators, students, families, and the broader community.
Thirty-three percent of students in grades 3-8 performed at the top two achievement levels, a Mastery or Advanced, in ELA, math, and science, an increase of one percentage point from 2024. When including high school assessments (English | & II, Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, and U.S. History), the district’s overall Mastery or Advanced rate rose to 34%, marking
another year of positive growth.
Highlights from the 2025 LEAP Results:
• English Language Arts (3rd-12th): ELA proficiency remained steady, holding at 41% for grades 3-8, with 4th grade ELA improving significantly by 7 points. The district is actively enhancing literacy instruction to support further gains.
• Mathematics (3rd-12th): Math proficiency scores improved by 1 percentage point in grades 3-8. Notably, 7th-grade math proficiency increased by 9 points, indicating momentum in middle school numeracy.
• Science (3rd-12th): The district recorded a 3-point increase in grades 3-8 science proficiency, as well as a 3-point increase in high school Biology, signaling positive impact from districtwide science initiatives.
• Social Studies: U.S. History proficiency increased by 3 points and remains a strategic focus area. Results for grades 3-8 social studies are pending due to the implementation of new assessments aligned to the Louisiana Freedom Framework.
These results underscore the importance of ongoing investment in high-quality instruction, data-informed decision-making, and professional development. These gains are a testament to the focused efforts of our students, teachers, and school leaders; each percentage point of growth represents students who have been positively impacted. As we look toward the future, we remain dedicated to building a stronger Sabine, one student at a time.
As Louisiana transitions to a new accountability system in 2026, Sabine Parish remains aligned with the state’s vision while staying true to its mission of providing challenging and inclusive educational experiences that develop the whole child, developing leadership and life skills to prepare every student to become a productive citizen.
The Town of Many marked an exciting day in local government as newly elected leaders were officially sworn into office during a ceremony held earlier today.
Mayor Robert Hable took the oath for his second term as Mayor of Many, reaffirming his vision for continued progress, unity, and community-centered leadership. Hable, who first took office in 2021, begins his next four-year term with a focus on economic development and civic engagement.
Also taking the oath of office was Chief Cheryl Wooley, who returns as the head of the Many Police Department. Known for her steady leadership and commitment to public safety, Wooley enters another term with the confidence of the community behind her.
In addition to the mayor and police chief, members of the Many Board of Aldermen were sworn in. Their ongoing dedication to public service will play a vital role in the collaborative leadership team guiding the town forward.
The ceremony served as both a formal transition and a celebration of the democratic process, bringing together residents, civic leaders, and supporters to mark the beginning of a new term for the town’s leadership.
Town officials expressed their gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized their shared commitment to making Many a safer, stronger, and more vibrant place to live and work.
The Grand Opening of the Zwolle Museum on the Bend: A Legacy of Wood and Water will be held on Thursday, July 17 at 11 a.m. The museum, located at 927 S. Main Street. in Zwolle, celebrates the rich cultural, economic, and environmental heritage of the region shaped by Toledo Bend Reservoir and generations of woodworking, fishing, and community tradition.
The museum will serve as a central hub for local history, storytelling, and education, with exhibits that explore the people, industries, and natural forces that have defined life along the Sabine River for centuries. Guests at the Grand Opening will enjoy a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the exhibits, and a chance to meet local contributors and artists who helped bring the museum to life.
“Our story is rooted in the land and water that shaped us,” said Hunter Lewing, Assistant Curator of the Zwolle Museum on the Bend. “This museum is not only about preserving the past—it’s about honoring the people who made this region what it is today.”
Featured in the opening exhibits are:
“Solid Roots” – a photographic portrait series by Don Sepulvado capturing life in Zwolle and Ebarb in the 1970s and 80s.
Exhibits on the creation of Toledo Bend Reservoir, the logging industry, and the Native cultures that helped build the area’s identity.
Local lunker lore, including record bass catches and legends of the lake.
The Zwolle Museum on the Bend was made possible through the generous support of private donors, Town of Zwolle, the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, Sabine River Authority, and The Friends of Toledo Bend/Zwolle Museum.
How is your hope holding up?
We are sliding down the other side of 2025. The year is half over plus a couple of days. How has this year worked out for you and for those you love? Has it been a good year thus far?
I know some folks who are struggling with hanging on to their hope. There are hopeless situations being lived by folks we see and know. They might not say anything about it, but on the inside hopelessness is like a darkness extinguishing any light coming into their life. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with a sense of hopelessness.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5: 3-5)
This story will help.
In an art gallery, a tour group stood before a painting titled “Checkmate” by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch. The scene depicts a young man playing chess with the devil. The devil wears a smug grin, convinced he’s won. The young man looks defeated—his soul seemingly lost in this symbolic match.
The story goes that one man stood and stared at the painting as his tour group moved into a different room. After counting heads, the tour guide noted a missing guest. He backtracked and found the man intensely staring at the work of art. The man told the tour guide, “They need to rename this painting.”
The man viewing the painting was a chess master.
He said, “It’s not checkmate. The king has one more move!”
In every situation in your life, in the life of a loved one, King Jesus has one more move!
In August of 1979, I loaded my ’71 Buick LeSabre and headed from east Texas to Louisiana and Northwestern State University. The opportunity to continue my athletic career was a scholarship offer to play both football and baseball at NSU. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I was also excited and scared all at the same time.
Back then, the NSU football staff would send a workout program at the beginning of the summer that you needed to follow in order to show up in shape for two-a-days. Being an incoming freshman and not knowing what to expect, I showed up in the best shape of my life.
That summer I held down three jobs. One was working from 5-7:30 each morning for a company called Tex Pac, which was similar on a smaller scale to today’s FedEx. Then I would head for the Texas Highway Department from 8-5. My evening job was working for Dixie Youth from 6-9:30 keeping score and doing general field maintenance. Then I would do my NSU workout in the dark from 10-11:30 at the high school track and football field.
Let’s just say that sleeping was not a problem for me during this time. I will also admit that a Tex Pac co-worker who was a close friend of mine (Bill Curry) had to knock on my door a few times to make sure I got up. But everything considered, I was fairly responsible at making sure I was on time for all my summer jobs.
The day finally came to load the car and head for Louisiana. Little did I know at the time that this would be the greatest journey of my life. It would alter my future in ways I could never imagine.
It was a three-hour drive from Mt. Pleasant, Texas, to Natchitoches and NSU. I can still remember asking myself, “Am I good enough to play on the Division 1 level? Will I be able to compete with these guys? Will my teammates accept me for the person I am, and will I fit in?”
These are questions every athlete asks when making that jump from high school to college. But as I arrived in the parking lot at the football dorm on NSU campus, I was immediately greeted by a couple of Demon football players — offering me a solo cup of cold beer that was being iced down in three horse troughs.
Being from east Texas and growing up in a dry town, I was raised on Kool-Aid and sweet tea, along with a daily glass of milk. The thought of a beer just did not sit well. Even over time, I never developed a taste for beer.
It did not take me long to realize that I was no longer in east Texas anymore! Coming to Louisiana was a culture shock for me, to say the least, but one that I would embrace. All the guys (teammates) were so welcoming and supporting that it helped to make the transition easier.
Leaving home for the first time in 1979 and being on my own really helped me to grow up. We all thought that when we turned 18, we knew everything, and our parents knew nothing. We thought we were ready to tackle the world, and while most of us were, we still made dumb decisions. But this is all a part of the maturation process that each of us goes through, and hopefully survives, coming out a better person on the other side.
Looking back, my college experience was awesome as I played football and baseball with some of the greatest athletes that ever played at Northwestern. It was an experience that changed my life forever. I met my wife (Sherrie) of 44 years, and we raised three beautiful children and continue to live in Natchitoches to this day.
When we’re young, we don’t always recognize how great an opportunity is until it’s all over. To every athlete out there that gets the opportunity to play on the collegiate level, don’t waste it!
Take advantage and make the most of your time in college. Additionally, make sure to show appreciation to those who granted you that chance to extend your athletic career. But more importantly, thank them for the opportunity to get a college degree!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.