A $10,000 cash reward has been offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of person(s) involved in a shooting which occurred in Zwolle. A Zwolle Police Officer was shot at several times while he was in his patrol unit on US 171 near Old Pleasant Hill Road. A dark-colored passenger car fled the scene after the shooting.
If anyone has any information, please contact Sabine CID at 318-590-9475, or submit an anonymous tip through our Sabine Parish Sheriff App.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that the $21.3 million project to repair nearly 12 miles of LA 6 in Sabine Parish is officially complete.
The project included full-depth patching to repair sections of the roadway base, milling to remove old layers of asphalt, and new asphalt paving on the entire length of the project, which stretched from US 171 in Many to the Natchitoches Parish line.
Other improvements in the project included new roadway signage and pavement striping/reflectorized markings.
This type of investment in the state’s infrastructure system extends the service life of the roadway, vastly enhances the travel experience, and ensures continued connectivity for the communities along the route.
This section of LA 6 services between approximately 5,000 – 7,000 vehicles per day on average, and connects several communities to destinations in central Louisiana such as Toledo Bend.
Additional information:
Call 511, visit http://www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.
Despite the federal government’s refusal to use emergency funds to send out federal food aid, Louisiana residents remain hopeful that they will receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, better known as food stamps, in the first few days of November.
The optimism comes from Governor Jeff Landry asking the state legislature to authorize $150 million of state money to subsidize Louisiana SNAP benefits for November, after declaring a state of emergency to fund the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
However, Landry specifically asked that distribution be from November 1 through November 4, and limited the funds to go to children, the elderly, and disabled people, which make up a majority — but not all — of Louisiana SNAP recipients.
The state legislature, which is in an unrelated special session, unanimously passed the measure (97-0) on Friday, October 24th, and now the issue is with the Senate, which is expected to take up the matter on Wednesday, October 29th. Confident that the resolution will pass, Governor Landry has scheduled a new conference for Wednesday at 2:00 pm to address the situation.
The decision carries great weight among Louisiana residents as it is estimated that nearly 800,000 people in Louisiana receive SNAP benefits. Of those roughly 565,000 are either children, the elderly, or disabled.
I-20 construction has become an exercise in enduring a spiritual test. Those of headed west from Ruston or east to Ruston must face the challenge of merging into one lane around the construction. It is maddening. It is also instructive.
Let us begin with a confession: merging onto the interstate in Louisiana is not for the faint of heart. It is a spiritual exercise in chaos theory, a test of faith, and occasionally, a near-death experience. One might say it resembles the early church—passionate, unpredictable, and occasionally in need of divine intervention.
Contrast this with the Northwest, where merging is a liturgy. Drivers there glide like synchronized swimmers in a baptismal pool of asphalt. They signal. They yield. They make space. It’s as if they’ve read Romans 12:10—“Outdo one another in showing honor”—and applied it to traffic patterns.
But what if merging isn’t just about traffic? What if it’s a metaphor for fellowship?
In the church, we speak often of “fellowship,” that sacred mingling of souls in potluck lines and small group gatherings. But true fellowship—like merging—isn’t just proximity. It’s intentional movement toward one another. It’s the art of adjusting speed, checking blind spots, and sometimes braking for someone who’s still figuring out their spiritual GPS.
Consider the Apostle Paul. He was a master merger. One moment he’s persecuting Christians, the next he’s writing half the New Testament and hosting small groups in Philippi. He didn’t just join the faith; he merged into it—yielding to grace, accelerating toward purpose, and signaling his transformation with every epistle.
In merging, as in fellowship, timing is everything. Too fast, and you risk colliding. Too slow, and you cause confusion. The church, too, must learn this rhythm. We must make space for the hesitant, the wounded, the ones still figuring out which lane they belong in. We must resist the urge to honk our theological horns or tailgate someone into conformity.
And let us not forget the sacred blinker. In traffic, it’s a sign of intention. In fellowship, it’s vulnerability. It says, “I’m trying to join you. I’m not perfect, but I’m coming alongside.” The church thrives when we honor the blinker—when we respond not with suspicion, but with grace.
Of course, there are spiritual roadblocks. Pride. Judgment. The occasional congregant who drives a theological monster truck and refuses to yield. But even these can be navigated with patience and prayer. After all, Jesus merged with humanity itself—God taking on flesh, signaling love, and entering our lane with humility.
So next time you’re on the interstate, and a fellow Louisianan or visiting Texan barrels down the ramp like they’re auditioning for a Fast & Furious sequel, take a breath. Remember that merging is messy. Fellowship is, too. But both are holy.
Because in the end, the church is not a convoy of perfect drivers. It’s a caravan of grace—bumper to bumper, blinker to blinker, learning to merge our lives into one body, one Spirit, one glorious journey toward the Kingdom.
And if all else fails, just wave. It’s the universal sign of fellowship. Even in traffic.
MANY – Despite a 34-6 loss at Red River this past week, the Tigers still have all of their major goals intact.
Many (4-4, 2-1 District 3-2A) steps out of district play to host North Webster in its final regular season home game.
The Tigers hope that the Knights aren’t the last opponent to grace Tigers Stadium this season as Many, sitting at No. 17 in Division III Non-Select, still could host a home playoff game by climbing into the top 16.
That will certainly require a win against No. 24 North Webster (3-5), who is still in the playoff picture but has suffered four straight losses by at least 28 points each.
Some of those North Webster losses are against elites like Sterlington (50-7) and Haynesville (38-0), and others have come against programs like Carroll (33-0) and Richwood (34-6) that are having positive seasons against tough competition.
The Knights do own a win against a Class 4A Minden squad that is 4-4, so it’s a bunch that expects to compete when they head to Sabine Parish.
Many certainly had the same thought when they traveled to Red River Parish this past week, and the Tigers struck first with a Daniel Thomas rushing touchdown.
But Many struggled to corral Red River weapons like Malique Smith and Warren Bowman.
Smith threw for 205 yards and five touchdowns with Bowman catching three of those scores on four catches for 85 yards.
The most painful touchdown was a fourth-down pass in which Smith scrambled before finding Bowman in the near corner of the end zone late in the second quarter, putting Red River up 21-6.
Many struggled to finish drives as turnovers and failed fourth downs halted momentum.
“It didn’t go our way — Red River had a dominant performance, and they did everything right,” Many coach Tyler Hassell told KTBS following the game. “We didn’t tackle in space, but our guys fought to the end, and we’ll be better because of this game going into Week 9 and Week 10 and hopefully what’s a long playoff run.”
North Webster spreads the ball around offensively with four players owning at least 20 carries and six different players with multiple catches.
The offense starts with quarterback Justin Stewart, who averages 73 passing yards and 20 rushing yards per game.
(Part II)
Today we’ll continue our thoughts on the state of professional bass fishing and where it’s headed. Like the old saying goes, “Nothing lasts forever,” and I worry that the sponsorship or business side of fishing is getting tougher and more complicated as companies are now looking hard at how they spend their advertising dollars.
Today’s anglers are fighting among themselves for a much smaller piece of the pie while the amount of sponsorship dollars has dwindled. It’s becoming more difficult for anglers to land sponsors who have now decided to tighten their belts with regards to advertisement.
It’s Business 101, all about ROI (return on investment) as sponsors are no longer passing out money like candy. Companies have gotten more conservative on how much money they are willing to pay an angler to represent them. They’re also no longer hiring as many anglers to be a part of their marketing teams as they have in the past.
Company marketing plans have changed and this all started when the old FLW Tour went under in 2019, followed in 2021 when FLW was absorbed by MLF (Major League Fishing). This has changed the landscape of professional bass fishing as anglers try to make a living.
Recently with a smaller market of sponsors for anglers to choose from, along with a tight economy, professional anglers are having to look at other ways to raise money in order to support their families, pay for entry fees and travel expenses. It has slowly become the land of the haves and the have nots.
By that I mean, if you have money or come from money, you stand a better chance of making it as a professional angler than someone who is strapped for dollars, sleeping in their truck, and fishing for pay checks.
The older generation of anglers who have helped make the sport what it is today are now being phased out by a younger generation that requires less money to sponsor.
Let me explain. For years companies would hire professional anglers to do commercials and promote different products they offer. But as social media began to take hold, companies started turning to the younger generation due to their social media skills and their ability to navigate the web.
The difference between the older generation of anglers and the younger ones is that companies were having to pay a substantial amount of money to the older guys. The younger anglers, who are very social media savvy, are less demanding and will do promotions for pennies on the dollar or maybe a product exchange.
This has changed the landscape for how professional anglers can make a living. Companies today want anglers who understand the dynamics of social media, can sell a product, and have good communication skills. Just winning tournaments is not enough any longer.
So where is all of this headed? Is the future dream of being a professional bass fisherman still a reality? Major League Fishing has recently cut the number of anglers in its circuit down from 65 to 51, eliminating 15 anglers!
This of course helps with distribution of the so-called pie as there are now less anglers trying to lock down sponsors. I personally believe that anglers are going to have to reach out to sponsors that are not related to the fishing world like the FLW Tour did back in the early 2000s.
FLW did an excellent job of bringing in companies like Tide, Snickers, Land of Lakes, Castrol Oil, Kellogg’s and Walmart. They basically followed the same marketing plan as NASCAR by reaching out to non-endemic sponsors.
Being a professional bass angler is a great way to make a living and a dream for so many! Currently, there are a lot of questions as to what direction professional bass fishing is headed.
But there’s one thing that has remained constant in this profession. Young anglers today face the same challenges that the older generation faced — how to make money and provide for their families!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.
Walk through any hospital in Louisiana and there’s a good chance you’ll meet a nurse, technologist, or healthcare leader who began their journey at Northwestern State University. From Natchitoches to Shreveport, Alexandria, and Leesville, NSU has become one of the state’s most respected names in healthcare education.
Healthcare is changing quickly, and so are the demands on those who deliver it. Hospitals need more trained professionals. Patients need more access to care. Families need people who can lead with skill and compassion. For many in Louisiana, that career path begins at NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.
“Our students come from every corner of Louisiana and every stage of life,” said Dr. Aimee Badeaux, Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. “Some are high school graduates looking for their first step. Others are licensed professionals seeking to grow in their careers. What unites them is a commitment to helping others, and that’s something we know how to develop.”
NSU offers one of the most comprehensive selections of healthcare programs in the region. Students can choose from associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across nursing, radiologic sciences, and allied health.
Among the most popular options:
For working registered nurses, the RN to BSN program remains a top choice. The online format offers flexibility and affordability while maintaining a strong academic foundation.
“Many of our RN-BSN students are balancing full-time jobs and family commitments,” explained Dr. Greg Handel, Executive Vice President and Provost. “We built the program to meet them where they are. It’s affordable, accredited, and recognized nationally for quality.”
Students in NSU’s healthcare programs train in high-fidelity simulation laboratories that recreate real-world clinical settings. From emergency response to pediatric care, these labs allow students to practice critical skills in a safe environment before moving into hospitals and clinics.
Those partnerships with regional healthcare providers are another reason NSU graduates are in such high demand. Students complete clinical rotations with major hospitals, community clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout Louisiana, gaining the experience and confidence that employers look for.
“The hands-on training our students receive makes a real difference,” said Dr. Badeaux. “They graduate with practical skills and a sense of responsibility to their patients and communities.”
That preparation shows in the outcomes. NSU boasts NCLEX pass rates of 98% for ASN graduates and 96% for BSN graduates, consistently exceeding state and national averages.
The university has also earned top national recognition, including:
In the past five years alone, Northwestern State has produced more registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and radiologic technologists than any other institution in the state.
Behind every successful graduate is a team of faculty who are both experienced clinicians and committed educators. With an average class size of 17, students receive the kind of personal attention that larger universities often can’t provide.
“Students succeed here because they’re known here,” said James T. Genovese, President of Northwestern State University. “We take pride in offering an environment where each student’s goals are understood, supported, and celebrated.”
As Louisiana’s population grows and healthcare needs become more complex, NSU continues to adapt. The university is expanding key programs to new sites, building stronger partnerships with hospitals, and investing in technology that enhances training and patient simulation.
Dr. Badeaux summarized it simply: “Every day, we’re educating the professionals who will care for our families tomorrow. That’s work we take seriously.”
For students and families exploring healthcare careers, Northwestern State University offers a trusted path — from the first day of class to the first day on the job. To learn more or connect with an advisor, visit www.nsula.edu/nursing.
Paid Content
By Nutrition Agent Erin Stockton
One of the most pressing health challenges facing children today is childhood obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 5 children in the United States is affected by obesity. This condition not only impacts physical health but can also affect emotional well-being, self-esteem, and academic performance.
Childhood obesity is linked to serious health risks such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and joint problems. However, the good news is that small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Families, schools, and communities all play an important role in helping children build healthy habits that last a lifetime.
What Can Families Do?
Encourage healthy eating: Offer fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limit sugary drinks and snacks.
Be active together: Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Activities like walking, biking, dancing, or playing ball can be both fun and healthy.
Limit screen time: Encourage children to spend less time on phones, tablets, and television, and more time being physically active or engaging in creative play.
Set sleep routines: Getting good sleep can prevent problems related to health and behavior.
Model healthy habits: Children learn best by example. When parents and caregivers make nutritious food choices and stay active, children are more likely to do the same.
What Can Communities Do?
Schools, community organizations, and local programs can support families by offering nutrition education, safe spaces for physical activity, and access to healthier food choices. Programs such as school gardens, cooking classes, and youth sports leagues help encourage children to make healthier decisions and feel supported along the way. Childhood obesity is not a challenge that families face alone, it’s a community issue. By working together, we can help children grow up healthy, strong, and confident.
MyPlate Munch Trail Mix
Includes all 5 food groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, Dairy
Ingredients:
½ cup cubed cheese (Dairy)
1 banana, sliced and freeze-dried or dried (Fruit)
½ cup dried apple slices (Fruit)
¼ cup freeze-dried blueberries (Fruit)
½ cup baby carrots, sliced and oven-dried or dehydrated (Vegetable)
½ cup dry roasted unsalted peanuts (Protein)
1 cup whole wheat cereal (like toasted O’s or shredded wheat) (Grain)
Instructions:
-If not using pre-dried fruit or veggies, dehydrate banana slices, apple slices, blueberries, and carrot rounds until dry but chewy or crisp (use a dehydrator or bake on low heat).
-In a large bowl, gently mix all dried ingredients.
-Add cubed cheese right before serving or keep it separate in a cooler if packing for later.
-Portion into small containers or snack bags for an on-the-go treat!
Erin Stockton is a Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter in DeSoto and Natchitoches Parishes. A certified educator for over 20 years, she provides research-based programs to help families make healthy food choices and stay active. For program requests or questions, contact her at 318-872-0533, estockton@agcenter.lsu.edu, or on Facebook at LSU AgCenter DeSoto and Natchitoches Nutrition & Community Health.
When Melvin James Kiminsky was entering his senior year in high school in 1944, he took the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program test, an assessment to determine intelligence and comprehension. Melvin did so well on the aptitude test that Army recruiters sent him to Virginia Military Institute to study electrical engineering. Melvin, who had spent his whole life in New York City, was surrounded by “mountain ranges, red clay, a lot of horses, and statues of Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee.” At VMI, he was taught to ride a horse, wield a saber, do close-order drill, and electrical engineering. Then, he was transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma to work on a field artillery team whose main weapon was a 105mm cannon. The Army failed to provide hearing protection, so Melvin began tearing the filters off of Camel cigarettes and sticking those in his ears. He quipped, “my ears are still yellow to this day.”
In January 1945, Melvin was among hundreds of soldiers who were sent to Europe. He ended up on the front line between Sarreguemines, France, and Saarbrucken, Germany. Because he was classified as an engineer—his superiors overlooked the fact that he was an electrical engineer and not a combat engineer—they gave him a bayonet and told him to probe for mines. Melvin thought the order was absurd, but he was instructed to insert his bayonet into the ground at a shallow angle to avoid pressing the detonator which was normally triggered by pressure from directly above. After a while, Melvin joined a team with the 1104thcombat engineers who had to erect a Bailey bridge, a portable truss bridge, over a river which led into enemy territory defended by Nazis. The Bailey bridge was so light that they could swing it out over the river, but strong enough to support the weight of a crossing tank. Melvin was one of the first men who had to cross the bridge because he had to secure it to the other side. The ever-watchful Germans, angry that an American soldier would soon be coming onto their side of the river, shouted warnings in German over a loudspeaker. Melvin grabbed a bullhorn and responded to the German soldiers but not by yelling threats. He sang a full rendition of the popular upbeat Broadway showtune “Toot, Toot, Tootsie (Goo’ Bye!)”
When he finished singing, he lowered the bullhorn. The men in his company stared at him in complete and confused silence. For a few moments, the German soldiers were also silent. Then, a few of the enemy soldiers began clapping and cheering. Neither the American soldiers nor the German soldiers understood the absurdity that had just occurred. Melvin understood the absurdity of the war and satirized it directly to soldiers on both sides of the conflict. For the past 80 years, Melvin Kiminsky has been entertaining the world in much the same way, with his own brand of absurd comedy. He is one of only 27 entertainers who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony award for his work on films such as “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Spaceballs,” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights.” At 99 years old, he is currently producing and acting in “Spaceballs 2.” Kaminsky may not be a name you recognize. You see, early in his career, to eliminate his being confused with noted trumpet player Max Kaminsky, Melvin James Kaminsky began performing under the stage name Mel Brooks.
Source: “Mel Brooks on Fighting the Germans in World War II—Rare Interview!” TheTVTimeMachine, YouTube, March 3, 2024, https://youtu.be/xmJq2vvuPL4?si=e0Q3g1Zj8dwtBzyw.
October 29, 1929—Black Tuesday—marked the collapse of the U.S. stock market and the beginning of the Great Depression. In a single day, billions of dollars evaporated, and a wave of panic swept the nation. But beyond the financial fallout, the event carried an eerie weight, as if Wall Street itself had been cursed.
In the days leading up to the crash, brokers and bankers worked in a frenzy, trying to keep the market afloat. When prices finally plummeted, chaos erupted. Eyewitnesses described men fainting, tearing up ledgers, and screaming in despair. Some investors, ruined in minutes, walked out of buildings and never returned home.
Newspapers at the time fueled the legend of desperate brokers leaping from skyscraper windows. While the number of suicides that day was exaggerated, there were enough tragedies in the weeks that followed to cement the image of Wall Street as a haunted district.
The “ghosts of Black Tuesday” lingered long after the crash. Families who lost everything often told stories of hearing phantom voices in their former offices or seeing apparitions of men in suits wandering near the Stock Exchange. Whether real hauntings or the product of grief, these tales captured the sense of loss that haunted a generation.
The Great Depression reshaped America. Breadlines, dust storms, and shuttered banks became the grim reality of the 1930s. Even today, economists and historians study October 29 as a turning point when prosperity gave way to hardship.
In New York, legends persist that certain offices on Wall Street are cursed. Night guards whisper of cold drafts, shadowy figures, and footsteps echoing through empty hallways long after business hours. For some, Black Tuesday isn’t just history—it’s a haunting.
Nearly a century later, October 29 remains a reminder of how quickly fortune can vanish, leaving behind only ghosts of ambition and despair.
James “Greg” Stringer
November 21, 1955 – October 25, 2025
Visitation:Tuesday, October 28 at 10:00 AM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home
Services: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home
Billie Yvonne Burden
May 10, 1944 — October 25, 2025
Visitation:Thursday October 30 at Pendleton Assembly of God from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Services: Friday, October 31 at 10:00 a.m. at Pendleton Assembly of God
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
Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announced that four deputies have successfully completed the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Level II Basic Peace Officer Certification, marking an important milestone in their law enforcement careers.
Deputies Peyton Lewing, Chase Higginbotham, Max Peter, and Haydon Rezzoffi graduated on Oct. 14 from the 59th Session of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office Corrections Academy, held in Alexandria.
Over the course of 11 weeks, deputies representing multiple law enforcement agencies—including Rapides, Allen, Beauregard, Caldwell, Grant, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn Parishes, as well as the Winnfield Police Department—completed more than 330 hours of professional training. Their curriculum included: Criminal Law, First Aid & CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, De-escalation Techniques, Electronic Control Devices, High-Risk Prisoner Transport, Defensive Tactics, and Firearms Proficiency.
Deputy Max Peter was specially recognized with the prestigious “Top Gun” Award for earning the highest firearm qualification score in his class—a significant accomplishment highlighting his skill and dedication.
The four deputies will now serve in the Corrections Division at the Sabine Parish Detention Center under the leadership of Warden Berlion Sweet and Assistant Warden Kaylynn Remedies.
Sheriff Mitchell praised the graduates for their hard work and commitment. “These deputies have shown exceptional dedication to their training and to the people of Sabine Parish,” he said. “Their achievements reflect the high standards of our agency and our mission to protect and serve with professionalism.”
The Sheriff’s Office continues to invest in advanced training to ensure the safety and security of the community, reinforcing its commitment to excellence in law enforcement.
There are approximately 112 registered sex offenders in Sabine Parish, and the Sheriff’s Office wants parents to know which houses their children should avoid when trick-or-treating.
On Halloween evening, Oct. 31 Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies and Louisiana State Probation and Parole Agents will be monitoring the residences of convicted sex offenders throughout Sabine Parish. According to Louisiana state law, registered sex offenders are prohibited from giving out candy or wearing Halloween masks. Neighbors will be encouraged to report any violations to the Sheriff’s Office.
“Registered sex offenders report their home address to us. If you are going trick-or-treating, visit our Sabine Parish Sheriff App to see whose door you don’t want to knock on,” says Sheriff Aaron Mitchell. “Parents should search for offenders on their trick-or-treat route, and near any addresses where their children spend time. The search and maps on the App pinpoints where offenders live.”
On the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office website, citizens can also sign up for free email notifications from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office should an offender move into their neighborhood or around an address important to the parent.
“If you aren’t planning on trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, but will be in a family or friend’s neighborhood, search their address beforehand so you know which houses to avoid,” says Sheriff Aaron Mitchell.
Three things parents should do before Halloween:
-Search for sex offenders on our Sabine Parish Sheriff App.
-Sign up for email alerts from the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office: https://sabinesheriff.org/.
-Download the Free OffenderWatch App from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office website: https://sabinesheriff.org/. The OffenderWatch App is a free app partnered with law enforcement to inform families on registered sex offenders. Parents can find sex offenders near them, track their children while they are trick-or-treating and receive updates from law enforcement.
For further information, contact the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-590-9475, Deputy Harold Pardee.
Running back Daniel Thomas scorched the Winnfield defense for six touchdowns on a career night Friday as Many fended off a second-half surge in a 66-40 win.
Thomas scored Many’s last four touchdowns as he supplied the offense to keep an explosive Winnfield (2-5, 0-1 District 3-2A) bunch at bay.
“Daniel is a talented individual and the heart of their program,” said Winnfield coach Byron Keller. “He runs hard and is tough to tackle.”
Leading 35-12 after a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kellen Cox to Camdyn Bell, Many (4-3, 2-0) needed to withstand Winnfield comeback attempt.
Winnfield running back Detavious Williams rushed for a score and then returned an interception for a touchdown, before the visiting Tigers turned a Many fumble into a Nickalas Mockosher 43-yard scoring pass.
And just like that, Winnfield was within one score late in the third quarter.
But Many had the answer, scoring three straight touchdowns (all Thomas runs).
“It says a lot about their maturity and resilience,” said Many coach Tyler Hassell, who served on Keller’s staff at Red River in 2024. “We completed a big pass early in the fourth quarter that settled us down. We’ve talked all year about staying composed in the moment, and that third quarter really tested us. But our guys didn’t flinch. They leaned on each other, trusted the game plan, and responded the right way. That’s what good teams do, they answer when their backs are against the wall. I’m very proud of their resilience.”
Many has won its two district games by a combined 69 points.
Nobody is expecting a walk in the park when the Tigers head to Coushatta to face defending district champion Red River (3-4, 1-1).
The Bulldogs are desperate to stay in the title race after a district-opening loss to Mansfield, and another loss would completely eliminate Red River from contention and possibly put their playoff hopes at risk as well.
Third-year starting quarterback Malique Smith is thriving under the more open offensive system of first-year coach Travis Gary, and there’s no shortage of weapons with players like Warren Bowman, Cedric Moody and Lathyn Lewis.
“Red River’s always got athletes, and with that quarterback, you can see the experience,” Hassell said. “He’s calm in the pocket, doesn’t force much, and he’s got good timing with his receivers. They spread you out, they play fast, and they can hurt you in a hurry if you’re undisciplined. We’ve got to communicate well in the secondary and get pressure without sacrificing our coverage. It’ll be a big test.”
Many’s offense has proven capable of punching opponents in the mouth from its traditional I-formation, and they’ll want to do the same against a younger Red River defense.
Many has scored at least 35 points in all four of its wins while Red River has allowed 36 or more points three times.
The Tigers’ defense has also had its struggles at times with 39 or more points allowed in four games.
It’s Red River’s homecoming, and a homecoming of sorts for Hassell as he returns to face the program he helped win its first district title since 2005.
“We are looking forward to this matchup!” Hassell said. “We’re expecting a big crowd and a great atmosphere. It’s always fun to compete against coaches you’ve worked with and to see athletes you’ve coached on the other sideline.”
Many’s name is on the vast majority of those district titles, which included a 39-game district winning streak that was snapped in the 2024 winless season.
(First of two parts)
There was a time when being a “professional bass fisherman” was not considered a real job. A time when conservation was an afterthought and the phrase “catch and release” was considered crazy talk. A time when anglers looking to fish for a living did not have to be great communicators or promoters like is required today.
So, let’s look at how the sport has progressed over the last 50 years and a few of the men who made the sport of bass fishing what it is today, men who deserve the credit for what we call professional bass fishing. Then we’ll look at where the sport might be headed.
During the decade of the ‘70s, bass fishing was starting to take hold as a true sport. Ray Scott, founder of the Bass Angler’s Sportsman’s Society, now known as B.A.S.S., took the sport to a level no one other than Ray himself saw coming.
In the 1960s, Scott, working as an insurance salesman, had a vision for what he thought could revolutionize the sport of bass fishing. He wanted anglers to be able to compete and make a living doing it. He wanted it to be a means where anglers could provide for their families while doing what they loved.
Fast forward to the 1980s and ‘90s as Ray’s vision was starting to come together as some of the greatest anglers of all-time began to make a name for themselves — anglers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Rick Clunn, Gary Kline and Hank Parker. Guys who laid the groundwork and foundation for anglers to follow.
Almost every one of these top anglers made a name for themselves with their TV shows. But one program called the “Bassmasters” set the tone by covering each and every bass tournament. It allowed for great teaching moments for anglers all across the country to learn how professional anglers were catching fish. The popularity of this program was huge for fishing and attracting potential sponsors.
Other TV programs like “Bill Dance Outdoors,” “Jimmy Houston Outdoors” and “Fishing with Roland Martin” have led the way as the most successful TV bass fishing programs of all-time. Then Hank Parker dipped his toe into the TV world with his own program known as “Hank Parker Outdoors.”
They quickly found out that the way to prosperity was through the TV market where they could reach thousands of viewers on a weekly basis. What’s impressive is the fact that all these TV fishing programs still exist today!
It was these same anglers who started the journey themselves by hitting the road like a traveling circus, fishing lakes and rivers across America while competing and introducing bass fishing to so many.
Credit also goes to some other legendary anglers like Kevin Van Dam, Davy Hite, Mark Davis, Larry Nixon and Skeet Reece, who all have played a role in creating a way for anglers to make a living as professional bass fishermen.
The sport has come a long way from the early 1970s and hopefully it will continue for generations to come. But I’m really starting to wonder, have we already gone through the so-called “heyday” of professional bass fishing?
Next week in Part 2, we’ll take a look at the obstacles anglers are facing today in order to make a living as a professional bass fisherman.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.
Natchitoches Regional Medical Center Imaging Center has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®). MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific requirements based on ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported back to the facility and provide the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.
“Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is committed to providing the highest quality imaging services to our patients,” said Kirk Soileau, NRMC Chief Executive Officer. “This accreditation from the American College of Radiology reflects the expertise of our imaging team, their dedication to patient safety, and our ongoing investment in advanced technology to better serve our community.”
For more information about MRI services or to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.nrmchospital.org or call (318) 214-4518.
Baton Rouge — The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is implementing a series of strategic actions to strengthen and stabilize the frontline child welfare workforce. These steps are part of the Department’s broader commitment to improving safety, timeliness, and permanency outcomes for children and families across the state.
Over the past year, DCFS has undertaken a top-to-bottom review of its operations, informed by staff feedback, legislative discussions, and best practices from child welfare organizations. That review made clear that child safety and timely response depend on having sufficient staffing and supervision at the frontlines.
“Louisiana’s children deserve our very best response, every time,” said DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris. “We are making the necessary adjustments to ensure we have skilled, supported staff where children and families need us most — on the frontlines in their communities.”
As part of this effort:
More than 100 child welfare staff are being reassigned to place expertise closer to the children and families while also building a stronger operational backbone to sustain the change. These reassignments ensure that investigations and in-home services are properly staffed and supervised in every community.
Centralized Intake (CI) operations are being restructured to reinforce the strong commitment to child safety, rapid response, and accountability in how reports of abuse and neglect are handled. Beginning in December, CI staff will report to a DCFS office, improving connection to field operations, training, and supervisory support.
The Department is also expanding evening and weekend coverage, including a second shift of 53 newly hired child welfare professionals to address after-hours reports and reduce response delays.
Secretary Harris noted that the move toward in-office and community-based work reflects both national best practice and the evolving expectations for public service delivery.
“Child welfare work is intensely human work,” Harris said. “It requires collaboration, supervision, and real-time decision-making. Being together as teams especially in intake and investigations allows us to provide faster, higher-quality responses that keep children safer.”
DCFS is following all State Civil Service procedures in the implementation of these changes, and every impacted employee has been notified and will be supported through the transition.
The Department’s recent hiring efforts and organizational changes will produce improvements in response time and workload balance.
“These are difficult transitions, but they are absolutely necessary,” Harris said. “Every decision is being made with one goal – to strengthen the system so children are protected, families are supported, and staff are empowered to succeed.”
Preachers have all sorts of microphone stories. Microphones left one when one has “turned aside.” Microphones left on in the middle of singing. Thankfully my ushers know how to get my attention on that one. The last two Sunday’s I have lived my Saturday nightmare. That nightmare is we show up to lead worship, and we don’t have the bulletin the congregation does. The other part of that dream, the microphone doesn’t work!
It’s a common clergy nightmare: you’re mid-sermon, the Spirit is moving, the congregation is leaning in… and then poof — the microphone dies. You tap it, blow into it, give the sound booth a look that says, “Help me, Lord,” and suddenly your voice is swallowed by the sanctuary’s silence.
But maybe — just maybe — this isn’t a technical glitch. Maybe it’s a parable.
Because isn’t that how prayer sometimes feels? You’re pouring your heart out to God, asking, pleading, praising… and all you get back is silence. No booming voice from heaven. No divine thumbs-up. Just the spiritual equivalent of a dead mic.
But here’s the twist: when the mic goes out, the preacher doesn’t stop preaching. They raise their voice. They step forward. They trust that the message matters enough to be heard — even if it’s not amplified.
And maybe that’s what faith looks like when God feels silent. You keep praying. You keep showing up. You trust that your voice still reaches heaven, even when it feels like the sound system of the soul has short-circuited.
After all, Scripture is full of mic-drop moments — but also mic-off moments:
Elijah in the cave, waiting for God to speak through fire and wind, only to hear a whisper.
David crying out in the Psalms, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”
Jesus himself, on the cross, asking, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
These aren’t failures of faith. They’re echoes of it. They’re reminders that silence isn’t absence. That
God’s hearing isn’t always felt — but it’s always real.
So next time the mic dies, smile. It’s a holy metaphor. And maybe — just maybe — the sermon gets louder when it’s spoken from the heart, not the speakers.
BOM Bank is proud to support the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta Educational Day! Each year, all parish 3rd graders spend the day learning through fun, hands-on activities. This year’s Educational Day was hosted by SciPort Discovery Center, making it an unforgettable experience for the students.
On a warm October day at an air show in St. Louis, Missouri, pilot Archie Hoxsey learned that the colonel would be among the spectators. Archie asked the colonel if he would like to take a flight. The colonel quickly responded, “No, thank you. There are enough high-fliers up there already.” The colonel was apprehensive because he had never flown in an airplane before, but more importantly, he had heard about Archie’s most recent flight in an airshow in Lincoln, Nebraska. During that flight, one of the wings on Archie’s airplane collapsed. The airplane flipped upside down and Archie fell out of the airplane. Luck was on Archie’s side during this flight. He was flying slowly enough, low enough, and the airplane threw him out just as he was passing over a tall barn. He fell only a few feet and received only minor cuts and bruises as the barn’s roof broke his fall. The airplane was destroyed, but Archie explained that he had just received a brand-new airplane.
At the St. Louis airfield, Archie and the colonel continued their conversation as the colonel carefully examined the airplane. Finally, the colonel accepted Archie invitation. Archie responded, “You don’t need to fear anything, colonel. You’ll come down without a scratch.” The crowd of 10,000 spectators watched as the colonel clambered aboard the small two-seat airplane. Once Archie made sure the colonel was safe and secure in the co-pilot’s seat, he took the seat beside him. It took Archie and the ground crew ten minutes to get both engines running, which only worried the colonel for a moment or two. “Anything wrong?” the colonel asked. “I’ll get ‘em going,” he replied. “Good,” the colonel said without the slightest sign of nervousness. The anxious crowd cheered as the plane finally took off and climbed to a low altitude. The airplane circled the airfield and headed back over the crowd. People began to gasp as the airplane suddenly nose-dived toward the ground. Just above the treetop level, Archie pulled back on the yoke and the airplane darted back to its previous level. Just as the crowd was breathing a collective sigh of relief, the airplane took another nosedive. Archie let the airplane get within a few feet of the tops of trees before bringing it back to altitude, then immediately dipped the plane again. The third time, the airplane got within just a few feet of the ground before Archie pulled up. The relieved crowd roared with excitement. As the airplane flew over the crowd, they could see the colonel’s grand smile which his large mustache failed to conceal. Moments later, Archie and the colonel returned to the ground in a textbook landing. Their flight lasted just three minutes and twenty seconds. The crowd ran to greet Archie and the colonel. His large smile was only interrupted by his attempts to explain his experience to those nearest him. “There was nothing uncomfortable about it,” the colonel explained. “I don’t know when I have ever enjoyed myself so much. I wish I could have stayed up longer.” During that air show on October 11, 1910, Archie was piloting one of the Wright Brothers’ brand new Model B airplanes on the colonel’s first airplane flight. It was the first airplane flight of a President or former President of the United States. The colonel, as he preferred to be called, was former president Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt.
Sources:
1. St. Joseph News-Press, September 6, 1910, p.1.
2. The Kansas City Post, October 12, 1910, p.6.
3. “Colonel Roosevelt is invited to fly in Arch Hoxsey’s plane at St. Louis, Mo., 1910,” Library of Congress, January 4, 2010, accessed October 13, 2025, https://youtu.be/yIlpDwMKzJo?si=nhRiZqxyPHqajluI.
Charles and Ann Davis
Ann Nakayama Davis, age 95, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, John K. and Tome M. Nakayama, and her seven siblings and their spouses.
Ann was born on June 22, 1930, in Doña Ana, New Mexico, and moved to central Louisiana in 1947, where she spent the next 75 years of her life. At the age of 93, she moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where she was cared for by one of her daughters.
Ann and Tommy T. Kohara (deceased) had three daughters, JoAnne Kohara Thompson (Walter), Jeanne Kohara (Earl Pfohl, deceased ), and Barbara Kohara Capper (Stuart). She had three stepchildren, Charles I. Davis, Jr. (Carol), Jo Lynn Wallace (Roger), and Albert Davis (Lorelei).
Ann had a career as a registered nurse for 28 years working in central Louisiana hospitals. She enjoyed needlework, gardening, cooking, and traveling with her late husband of 52 years, Charles I. Davis, Sr., age 99.
Charles Irving Davis, Sr. passed away at home on Toledo Bend Lake on September 28, 2025, within 24 hours of Ann. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank W. and Cora Lee Davis and his brothers, Albert Anthony Davis and Wilbur Russell Davis. He was born on December 15, 1925, in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Charles and his previous spouse, Joyce Shafer (deceased), had three children, Charles Irving Davis Jr. “Beaux” (Carol), Jo Lynn Wallace (Roger), and Albert L. Davis (Lorelei). He had three stepchildren, JoAnne Kohara Thompson (Walter), Jeanne Kohara (Earl Pfohl, deceased) and Barbara Kohara Capper (Stuart).
Ann and Charles are both survived by 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. They are preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Jera Thrailkill.
Charles honorably served in the Navy during WWII from 1941-1947. He was also a dedicated fireman for the city of Alexandria, LA, as well as a TV and AC repairman prior to his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He and Ann, “his favorite catch,” enjoyed traveling together with their beloved dog, Skippy. Both he and Ann were also HAM radio operators, Charles (K5ABA) and Ann (KB5MI). Charles was an expert craftsman, who along with Ann, built their home on Toledo Bend Lake in the early 1970s.
A joint memorial service is planned for Ann and Charles on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana.
Mary Lee Greer, 77, was born on March 16, 1948 to Don Lee Crossland and Delia Thompson Crossland and passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 in Milam, Texas.
Mary was born and raised in Mountain Grove, Missouri. She graduated from Alton High School as Valedictorian in 1966. During her early life, she worked as a seamstress in factories in Missouri. She later moved to Temple, Texas where she worked numerous jobs as a waitress, forklift driver, and hotel receptionist. She met and married Merle Greer in 1980. They moved to Pineland, Texas to raise their children. She and Merle went into construction work and travelled all over the country for 10 years, making friends far and wide along the way. After Merle’s passing, at the age of 52 Mary got her realtor’s license and became a realtor in east Texas, where she met thousands of new friends.
Mary Greer worked tirelessly all of her life to help others. The Roseville benefit became a passion of hers and every year she ran the “chicken poop bingo” fund raiser. She will be missed by so many people in East Texas, Missouri, and across the United States.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Merle Greer; parents, Don and Dee Crossland; stepson, Marty Greer; and siblings, John, Darlene, Rosie, and Janet. She is survived by her children, Rocky (Bernadette), Tony (Jeannie), Krystie (Dwight), and Randy (Becky); special friend, Richard Tremble; grandchildren, Daniel (Ivy), Nathan (Brittany), Caleb, Carrington (Noah), Ian, Cody, and Kaci; niece and nephew, Stacey and John; daughter-in-law, Donna Greer; and 6 great-grandchildren.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at http://www.stjude.org
Mary requested that her obituary end with her favorite phrase: “Pass a good time.”
On October 22, 1942, a tragedy unfolded at sea that still sends shivers through maritime history. The British light cruiser HMS Curacoa was escorting the RMS Queen Mary, which was transporting nearly 20,000 American troops to Britain during World War II. In a catastrophic miscalculation, the Queen Mary accidentally rammed the Curacoa, slicing it in half.
The Queen Mary, nicknamed the “Grey Ghost” for her speed and stealth, was under orders never to stop, not even in emergencies. After the collision, the massive liner plowed forward, leaving behind the shattered cruiser and hundreds of men struggling in the cold Atlantic. Of the Curacoa’s crew, 338 perished. Survivors recalled the horror of watching their shipmates vanish as the Queen Mary steamed on.
The event was hushed during the war. News reports were minimal, and families often received vague notices of “lost at sea.” But among sailors, the story became a whispered legend of bad luck and restless spirits.
Today, the Queen Mary is docked in Long Beach, California, serving as a hotel and museum. It is also considered one of the most haunted places in America. Visitors and paranormal investigators frequently report hearing footsteps echoing in empty corridors, ghostly figures in naval uniforms, and even cries for help. Some believe the spirits of the Curacoa’s sailors followed the ship, bound forever to the vessel that could not stop for them.
Tour guides often point to “Door 13” in the engine room, where a crewman was crushed decades later, as one of the ship’s most active paranormal hotspots. But many say the true haunting stems from October 22, 1942, when hundreds of men were lost in the Atlantic’s icy embrace.
For those who walk the Queen Mary today, the line between history and haunting is thin. The ship’s grandeur hides its dark past, but echoes of the Curacoa disaster continue to reverberate—an eternal reminder of duty, sacrifice, and ghosts that never let go.