The Louisiana Legislature passed SB 121 Thursday, sending a new congressional map to Governor Jeff Landry for his signature following months of debate prompted by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down the state’s previous district lines.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais found that the previous map unconstitutionally prioritized race over traditional redistricting principles such as compactness and communities of interest. The new map was drawn without race as the predominant factor in determining district boundaries.

The legislation creates five Republican-leaning congressional districts statewide. A review of the enacted map shows that some parishes are split between congressional districts. 

For Caddo and Bossier parishes, both remain unified within the Fourth Congressional District alongside De Soto, Red River, Natchitoches, Sabine, Webster, Claiborne, and Bienville parishes. Central Louisiana, including Rapides Parish, is kept whole within the Fifth Congressional District.

The map now heads to the Governor for signature. If signed, it will govern Louisiana’s congressional representation through the remainder of the decade.

The Shreveport-Bossier Journal will continue to monitor developments.

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The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is joining Louisiana State Police in recognizing the retirement of Master Trooper Rodney Williams following nearly 30 years of dedicated law enforcement service.

According to Louisiana State Police, Master Trooper Williams served with the Patrol Division, Troop E, from 1998 until his retirement in 2026. During his career, Williams became a familiar and respected presence throughout Central Louisiana, including in Sabine Parish and surrounding communities.

In a public message shared this week, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office offered congratulations and appreciation for Williams’ years of service.

“Congratulations, thank you for your many years of service in Sabine Parish,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

Louisiana State Police also honored Williams for his “dedicated and unwavering service” throughout his law enforcement career.

As a member of Troop E, Williams spent decades serving motorists, responding to emergencies, investigating crashes, and assisting local agencies across the region. Troopers often work closely with parish sheriff’s offices and local police departments to support public safety efforts in rural communities throughout Louisiana.

Fellow officers, community leaders, and residents are expressing gratitude for Williams’ commitment to protecting and serving the public during his nearly three decades in uniform.

His retirement marks the end of a long career dedicated to law enforcement and public service across Central Louisiana.

Residents of Sabine Parish are invited to take part in a special community event this summer as local officials prepare to dedicate a new time capsule during the “Echoes of Today” ceremony in Many.

According to event organizers, the Sabine Parish Time Capsule Dedication will take place Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sabine Parish Courthouse located at 400 Capitol Street in Many.

The ceremony, titled Echoes of Today, is expected to serve as both a celebration of the present generation and a way to preserve memories, history, and community achievements for future residents of Sabine Parish.

Time capsules are traditionally created to capture snapshots of life during a particular era, often including photographs, letters, newspapers, memorabilia, and other items representing the culture and identity of the community at that moment in history.

Community leaders say the event will provide residents an opportunity to reflect on Sabine Parish’s heritage while also leaving behind a meaningful record for future generations.

The dedication ceremony is expected to draw local officials, community members, and residents interested in participating in a unique historical project focused on preserving the story of Sabine Parish in 2026.

Organizers encourage the public to attend and be part of the occasion as the parish creates what officials hope will become a lasting piece of local history.

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Residents across Sabine Parish should prepare for several days of showers and thunderstorms as a persistent wet weather pattern moves through the region this week, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say rain chances will remain elevated from Wednesday through Sunday, with scattered to numerous thunderstorms possible each day.

Wednesday is expected to bring widespread showers and thunderstorms with a high temperature near 83 degrees. Winds will remain light out of the south, and the chance of precipitation is forecast at 90 percent.

Rain and storm activity are expected to continue into Wednesday night with cloudy skies and overnight lows around 69 degrees. The National Weather Service places the chance of rainfall Wednesday night at 70 percent.

Additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms are forecast Thursday, especially during the afternoon hours after 1 p.m. High temperatures are expected to reach near 83 degrees under mostly cloudy skies.

Thursday night will see lingering storm chances before conditions begin to gradually decrease overnight. Temperatures are expected to fall to around 68 degrees.

Forecasters say another active weather day is likely Friday with additional showers and thunderstorms developing during the afternoon and evening. Friday’s high is expected to climb to around 86 degrees with a 60 percent chance of rain.

Rain chances decrease slightly heading into the weekend, though isolated to scattered thunderstorms will remain possible Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-to-upper 80s with periods of sunshine mixed with afternoon storm development.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to remain weather aware throughout the week, especially during thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds.

Drivers are urged to use caution during periods of heavy rain and avoid traveling through flooded roadways or areas with standing water.

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The Many Lady Tigers Volleyball program is inviting young athletes from across Sabine Parish to take part in its upcoming summer volleyball clinic designed to teach fundamentals, build skills, and introduce participants to the Lady Tigers program.

According to organizers, the two-day clinic will be held June 23-24, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. each day at the Many High School gym.

The clinic is open to students ages 4 through 14, including incoming Pre-K through eighth-grade students.

Lady Tigers coaches say the clinic will focus on teaching the basic fundamentals of volleyball while providing a fun and encouraging environment for young players interested in the sport. Instruction will be led by the Many Lady Tigers coaching staff, current players, and volunteers.

“It’s time for our summer clinic,” the program shared in a social media announcement. “We invite your child to participate in this volleyball fun.”

Organizers also teased a surprise activity planned for participants on the final day of the clinic.

Each participant will receive volleyball instruction and skill development, a clinic T-shirt, and free admission to the Lady Tigers’ first home game of the 2026 volleyball season.

Registration for the clinic is $40 per child, with a $5 discount offered for each additional sibling participating.

Program officials said payments are due by June 18 and may be submitted by cash or check to any coach or player or dropped off at the front office of Many High School.

Community members interested in registering can complete the online registration form provided by the Lady Tigers Volleyball program. Additional information is available by contacting Coach Alford at alfordh@spsb.la or by calling 318-415-9025.

Coaches say the clinic serves as both a learning opportunity and a chance for future Lady Tigers players to connect with the program while building confidence and teamwork skills.

“Come learn. Have fun. Be a Lady Tiger!” the program stated.

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

Three days of festivities are approaching beginning Thursday, June 25 through Saturday, June 27 for the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.

The LSHOF’s Class of 2026 will be enshrined Saturday night, June 27 at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 67^th Induction Celebration.

The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday, June 25, with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street.

The Friday, June 26 schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. The 2026 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event.

The slate on Saturday, June 27 kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.

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

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

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

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

The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group:  Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.

Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.

LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

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

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

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has announced that applications are now available for the 2026 commercial alligator lottery harvest season, which will begin Aug. 26 across designated wildlife management areas, public lakes, and federal property locations throughout the state.

According to LDWF, the commercial alligator lottery harvests will take place on 23 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), 28 public lakes, and one U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property.

Officials say applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026.

LDWF emphasized that this program is the state’s longstanding commercial alligator lottery harvest and is separate from the recently adopted recreational alligator lottery program, which will feature a different application process expected to open later this year.

Eligible applicants must be Louisiana residents who are at least 16 years old. Participants may submit one application per customer and may rank up to three preferred hunting areas on their application.

The application fee is $5, along with a $3.50 transaction fee. Hunters selected through the lottery process will also be required to purchase a $25 alligator hunter license and pay $40 for each alligator tag allocated.

To assist applicants in selecting hunting locations, LDWF has made additional resources available online, including area maps, contact information for WMAs and public lakes, and statistics showing 2025 first-choice selection percentages for each location.

The department encourages interested applicants to review the available information carefully before applying.

For additional information regarding commercial lottery alligator harvests on WMAs and public lakes, residents may contact their local LDWF Field Office or email LAalligatorprogram@wlf.la.gov.

Applications and additional program information are available through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

Nothing is harder to swallow than when a younger athlete comes along and replaces the older, more experienced player. Egos are shattered and feelings are sometimes hurt. No athlete likes to be put out to pasture. But in today’s bass fishing universe, that’s exactly what’s happening.

To say the young guns of bass fishing have arrived would be an understatement! No matter what sport you play, there comes a day when someone wants to take your spot. They respect you because of your experience and time you’ve given to the game, but they are the ones pushing you out of the sport you love. 

Today, a younger generation is making its mark on the sport of tournament bass fishing by utterly dominating tournaments with catches that no one has ever seen before. This past month a young buck, Andrew Rickman, 24 years old from Canton, Texas, made his presence felt by catching a record setting B.A.S.S. Nation record of 95 pounds,15 ounces over a three-day period.

Now to some this may not resonate, especially if you’re not familiar with tournament bass fishing. But what this young man did is nothing short of incredible! Maybe this will help you understand; he caught 15 bass over the three days and averaged over 6 pounds per fish — something that has never been done before in tournament competition. 

What makes this more amazing is the fact that he had never seen, let alone fished Toledo Bend in his entire life! Most anglers could add up three years of tournament catches and not even come close to 95 pounds of bass. This kid did it in three days with zero experience on the lake!

It’s just another testament to how good so many of these young anglers are. They are doing things and catching fish in ways the older generation of anglers have never dreamed about. 

One thing that is very noticeable about the young anglers of today; they spend a tremendous amount of time on the water learning new techniques and studying their electronic units like Forward-Facing Sonar so they can get better.

So many of these young anglers (due to forward-facing sonar) have been unfairly labeled as “scopers only.” But it’s a little unfair to put a blanket label over all of them because so many have been raised with old-school techniques and can catch bass with or without Forward Facing Sonar.  

To put a bow on this topic, if changes or FFS restrictions are not made with regards to bass tournaments, I highly suggest that the older anglers spend more time on the water learning how to use FFS during the off season and spend less time in the deer stand if they want to be competitive with the young guns that are on the rise in the bass tournament world. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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The Louisiana Department of Health announced Friday that beginning May 26, state SNAP recipients will only be able to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards for purchases made within Louisiana and in ZIP codes adjacent to the state’s border.

Department officials said the policy change aims to protect benefits from fraud and out-of-state use while ensuring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program dollars support Louisiana grocers, farmers, businesses and local communities.

EBT cardholders who shop at Louisiana stores and through approved online retailers will not be affected. Residents who regularly shop just across the state line in Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas will experience little to no disruption, as many of those border ZIP codes are included under the policy’s approved designation. Out-of-state purchases attempted outside of the approved areas will be blocked.

SNAP recipients who are traveling and need temporary access to make purchases outside of Louisiana can request a short-term exemption online at lifeincheckebt.com, by calling 888-524-3578, or by visiting a local department SNAP office.

Any temporary out-of-state access will automatically expire at the beginning of the following month, returning the card to the default setting.

For more information and a full list of approved border-area ZIP codes, residents can visit ldh.la.gov/page/electronic-benefits-transfer-ebt.

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I’m about to tell you something no preacher has ever told you. You may want to sit down. You may want to brace yourself. You may want to alert the denominational office, because if this leaks out, it could change the face of Christianity as we know it.

Ready?

It is holy, righteous, and perfectly acceptable for you to say “No.”

Not “no” to sin—we already know that one. I’m talking about a radical, countercultural, spiritually liberating “no” to good things. To church things. To “we’vealwaysdoneitthisway” things. To “we need a warm body on this committee” things.

You no longer have to say, “Let me pray about it,” when you already know the Holy Spirit is whispering, “Child… absolutely not.”

You have permission—pastoral, biblical, Christcentered permission—to use the word “no” freely, joyfully, and without guilt.

We live in a culture that treats “no” like a fourletter word. We’re so polite, so conflictavoidant, so eager to be liked, that we twist ourselves into pretzels trying to find “winwin” solutions.

Meanwhile, our souls are running on fumes.

Jesus Himself said “no” all the time. He said “no” to crowds who wanted Him to stay. “No” to disciples who wanted Him to skip the cross. “No” to temptations that promised shortcuts.

If the Son of God could say “no” without guilt, surely His followers can too.

This revelation hit me while changing the air filters at the house. We have two units, which means two filters, which means two opportunities for sanctification.

I went to the discount store, the only place in Ruston that carries my size—and brought home the filters. When I unwrapped them, I noticed something odd.

Let me pause here.

Why is everything wrapped in plastic?  Who decided my air filter needed to be hermetically sealed like it was going on a space mission? Why is my chewing gum wrapped like it’s a national security threat?

Somewhere, a committee met, and not one brave soul stood up and said, “No. Wrapping an air filter in plastic is dumb.”

Back to the filter.

Under the plastic was a sheet titled, “Getting to Know Your Filter.” I’m sorry… what? I don’t want a relationship with my filter. I don’t need to know its hopes, dreams, or how many microns it filters. If you’re out there reading airfilter biographies, I say this with love: get a hobby.

So I said “no.” I refused to “get to know my filter.” And it felt good.

“No” creates margin. “No” creates Sabbath. “No” creates space for the things Jesus actually calls you to do.

We are exhausted not because God has overburdened us, but because we have said “yes” to things He never asked us to carry.

When you say “no” to the unnecessary, you say “yes” to: peace, presence, prayer, people and purpose.

You say “yes” to following Jesus instead of following expectations.

The cross itself is God’s great “no” to everything that destroys us—and His great “yes” to everything that gives life.

When you say “no” in the right places, you’re not being selfish. You’re being faithful. You’re choosing the narrow way. You’re choosing Christ.

So hear this clearly, boldly, and with pastoral authority:

You are hereby empowered to say “no.”  Not because you’re lazy. Not because you don’t care. But because your “yes” belongs to Jesus first.

And that, my friend, is the secret that might just set the church free.

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If every disagreement turns into a critique of how you communicate, the real problem may be what you’re not resolving—here’s how to break the cycle and start working as a team.

 See what Ida says 

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The Indianapolis 500, commonly called Indy 500, is a 500-mile automobile race which has become the largest single-day spectator sporting event in the world. Since its meager beginnings in 1909, people have flocked to the track in record numbers to watch the high-speed thrills. On May 30, 1941, George “Joie” Chitwood readied his cigar-shaped racecar, the Blue Crown Spark Plug Special, for the Indianapolis 500. During qualifying, Joie bounced around the track in his racecar and had a hard time keeping his foot on the accelerator. Out of necessity, Joie used a simple strap to fix the problem. The other drivers objected to the strap because they thought it was dangerous. The heads of the AAA Drivers Association agreed and refused to allow Joie to use the strap. They only relented when Joie promised to release the strap if he thought he was going to crash. Keep in mind that the cars traveled more than 100 miles per hour. Joie did not crash that day. He came in 14th place and won $620. (The first-place winner, Floyd Davis, received $29,200.) Joie believed that using the strap helped his performance in the 1941 Indy 500, but the other drivers remained skeptical.

For decades, the general public remained skeptical as well. Carmakers often adopt equipment designed for racing cars on their vehicles. In 1949, now defunct carmaker Nash Motors offered this strap on about 40,000 of their Airflyte and Ambassador models, but over 39,000 of them were removed by dealerships at the request of the owners. In 1955, Ford offered it as an option on their vehicles, but less than 2% of buyers chose the strap. In 1958, Saab became the first carmaker to include the strap as part of their standard equipment.

Although he had nothing to do with its invention, Joie Chitwood made history that day in May 1941 because he was the first driver to wear the strap in the Indy 500. Today, all race car drivers are required to wear one. It has also become a requirement in all automobiles. At that time, the common misperception was that people were safer in a car accident if they were thrown from the wreck rather than behind held inside the vehicle. They called the strap safety belts, but we know this strap as the seat belt.

Sources:

1. Robert Tate, “The 1949 Nash was an Entirely New Postwar Design,” MotorCities National Heritage Area, October 1, 2025, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.motorcities.org/story-of-the-week/2025/the-1949-nash-was-an-entirely-new-postwar-design.

2. “1941 Indianapolis 500 Race Results,” Indianapolis 500 Race Day Stats, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/race-results/1941.

3. “Joie Chitwood (SR.),” National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, accessed May 17, 2026, https://web.archive.org/web/20190619150409/https://www.sprintcarhof.com/helper_pages/FileGet.aspx?id=186.

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Mary Jo Wright
July 30, 1945 – May 21, 2026
Visitation: Wednesday, May 27 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home
Services: Thursday, May 28 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Many

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

You may email them to SPJContent@sabineparishjournal.com

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Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell announced the arrest of a Noble man accused of multiple child sexual abuse offenses following an investigation conducted by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.

According to investigators, 58-year-old Norman Michael Sepulvado of Noble was arrested after three separate victims reported allegations of sexual abuse that allegedly occurred when they were between 12 and 13 years old.

Sheriff’s officials said detectives began investigating the allegations earlier this month. Authorities allege that abuse involving one of the victims continued for approximately 10 years.

Investigators stated that the alleged abuse involving the victims spanned a period of nearly 30 years, between 1992 and 2022.

Following the investigation, detectives obtained three arrest warrants for Sepulvado through the 11th Judicial District Court.

Sepulvado was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center on multiple charges, including:

Five counts of second-degree rape of a juvenile
Five counts of second-degree rape

Five counts of sexual battery involving a victim under age 13

Additional counts of second-degree rape of a juvenile

Authorities said Sepulvado’s total bond has been set at $2,750,000, and he remains incarcerated at the Sabine Parish Detention Center.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of abuse involving Norman Sepulvado to contact the Sabine Parish Criminal Investigation Division at 318-590-9475.

Officials noted that the investigation remains ongoing.

Sabine Parish Schools is reminding families that applications for district transfer requests for the upcoming school year must be submitted no later than June 1, 2026.

According to district officials, all transfer requests must be received by the Sabine Parish Schools Central Office by the deadline, and late submissions may not be considered.

Applications are available online through the Sabine Parish School Board website at spsb.la, and printed copies may also be picked up at the SPSB Central Office or any district school campus.

Completed applications may be submitted directly to the Central Office, attention K. Brumley or H. McDonald, or emailed to mcdonaldh@spsb.la or brumleyk@spsb.la.

School officials say the annual transfer process helps the district prepare for student enrollment, staffing, and campus planning ahead of the new academic year.

Sabine Parish Schools encouraged parents and guardians considering a district transfer for their child to complete the process as early as possible to avoid delays.

District leaders emphasized the school system’s continued focus on serving students throughout the parish, highlighting the district message: “Together, we are one district, one purpose, every student.”

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Residents across Sabine Parish should prepare for several days of unsettled weather as showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say rain chances will remain high from Wednesday through Memorial Day, with repeated rounds of showers and storms likely across the parish.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms during the morning hours, followed by showers and thunderstorms becoming more widespread during the afternoon. Skies are expected to remain partly sunny with a high near 85 degrees. Rain chances are set at 70 percent, with possible rainfall amounts between one-quarter and one-half inch.

Wednesday night will remain mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely before and after midnight. Overnight lows are expected near 69 degrees.

Thursday’s weather is expected to become even wetter, with a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. High temperatures are forecast near 83 degrees.

Showers and possible thunderstorms are expected to continue Thursday night with lows around 69 degrees and a 90 percent chance of precipitation.

Friday’s forecast remains stormy, with showers and thunderstorms likely and highs near 82 degrees. Rain chances remain elevated at 80 percent. Additional showers and possible storms are expected Friday night under mostly cloudy skies.

The unsettled pattern is expected to continue through the weekend. Saturday carries an 80 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms with highs near 83 degrees, while Sunday’s forecast includes a 90 percent chance of rain and storms and highs near 81 degrees.

Memorial Day itself is expected to remain cloudy and wet, with a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs near 83 degrees.

Meteorologists encourage residents planning outdoor events, lake activities, travel, or holiday gatherings to monitor local forecasts closely and remain alert for possible thunderstorms and changing weather conditions throughout the extended holiday weekend.

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Residents and visitors are being invited to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this Fourth of July with a patriotic boat parade on Toledo Bend Reservoir.]

Organized by Sabine Parish America 250 in partnership with America 250 Louisiana, the event will feature decorated boats traveling along Toledo Bend in a community-wide celebration of the nation’s semiquincentennial.

According to organizers, boat lineup will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Pendleton Bridge, with the parade officially starting at 10 a.m. Participants will travel along the designated route before ending at Cypress Bend Park.

Boaters are welcome to participate in the full parade route or join the procession at points along the lake as the flotilla passes by.

Event organizers say the parade is designed to bring together families, boaters, and patriotic supporters in celebration of 250 years of American history and freedom.

“We can’t wait to see the lake filled with boats, flags, and patriotic spirit,” organizers shared in announcing the event.

Participants are encouraged to decorate their boats with patriotic themes, flags, and America 250 displays as part of the festivities.

Community leaders say the Toledo Bend boat parade is expected to become one of the area’s signature Independence Day events while highlighting the natural beauty and recreational importance of the lake to Sabine Parish and the surrounding region.

Additional route information and event details are expected to be shared leading up to the Fourth of July celebration.

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No one has more secrets than bass fishermen, especially tournament bass fishermen! If you’re an angler fishing for bass, crappie or anything else, there are certain things you never reveal. For bass tournament anglers, it’s considered a cardinal sin to reveal how and where you’re catching bass. Since the beginning of competitive bass fishing, anglers have always been very secretive about what they know. 

So why are anglers sworn to such secrecy and not telling others about what they do and how they do it? Well one reason would be, it’s about finding fish and making sure other anglers don’t figure out where their secret locations are.

For tournament bass fishermen, the practice of being hush-hush has gone on forever. The problem is some anglers can’t find their own fish and will resort to whatever means necessary to poach another angler’s location. 

One thing that separates a great angler from an average one is the ability to find bass. Guys that develop this skill have a major advantage over those that can’t. Some anglers who are desperate will pay other anglers or fishing guides for waypoints and locations that hold bass.  

Some anglers are very tight-lipped about where and how they are catching fish. Forever, anglers have exercised their right to remain silent about information that someone can use against them in a tournament. 

So why are anglers so compelled to withhold this valuable information or sometimes try and mislead other anglers they are competing against with false information? 

First, it’s the money and prizes anglers are fishing for today. Some tournaments offer cash payouts while others offer both cash and prizes like a new bass boat!  Isn’t it funny how when there’s money involved, morals and ethics go out the window. 

Several circuits have high payouts with the winner taking home $100,000 or more for a win. Also, if it’s a high-level tournament trail, it’s not just about the money, but it’s the points they can earn that allows them to qualify for a championship at the end of the season.

Pretty much every circuit has a points system that will reward anglers who finish in the circuit’s top 20 or 30 percent at the end of the regular season, with an opportunity to fish for a championship which has an even greater payout. 

One thing that has been practiced forever on all tournament trails is the bond between small groups of anglers who, in most cases, room together on the road. These are guys that trust each other and feel confident that no matter what information they share, they know it won’t leave the group. 

With this being said, there are a few exceptions on who an angler will tell where and how he is catching bass. The thing about tournament bass fishing is that it creates a comradery among a select few anglers who TRUST one another.  

They trust the fact that while they might give away locations and how they are catching bass among each other, they know no one in their group will encroach on the location they have been told about during the tournament. But they will take this information and try to find a spot similar and catch their own fish.

This secrecy among anglers is what makes the sport of tournament bass fishing so unique, along with the comradery that is seen in only a few select sports. 

But this trust or bond can be a problem if just one angler decides to go outside the group and share information they promised not to tell. It’s like a marriage, once the trust is broken, the relationship is over! Bass tournament anglers are no different!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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As National Safe Boating Week begins, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding boaters across the state to prioritize safety on the water following dozens of boating fatalities reported in recent years.

According to LDWF, Louisiana recorded 87 boating fatalities between 2021 and 2025, with victims averaging approximately 50 years of age. So far in 2026, the state has already recorded five boating-related deaths.

Wildlife officials say many of the fatalities shared several common factors, including failure to wear life jackets, alcohol use, and lack of boating safety education.

State data shows:

81 percent of boating fatality victims were not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD)

Alcohol was involved in 26 percent of fatalities

75 percent of those involved had not completed boating education courses

LDWF officials are encouraging all boaters to wear life jackets and ensure every vessel carries enough personal flotation devices for all passengers onboard.

Under Louisiana law, children age 16 and younger are required to wear a life jacket while underway on vessels less than 26 feet in length.

The department also reminded residents that boating while intoxicated carries the same legal penalties as operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

To help improve safety awareness, LDWF continues offering free boating safety education courses across the state.

Officials say National Safe Boating Week serves as an important reminder for families and outdoor enthusiasts to remain cautious as boating activity increases heading into the busy summer season and Memorial Day weekend.

Additional boating safety information and course registration details are available through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

 

Forget steaks and racks of ribs — in this economy, one hot dog is apparently enough to require armed security and laser protection. Guests at this backyard gathering stare at the grill like they’re bidding on a rare collectible, hoping they might score a bite before prices go up again. The cartoon pokes fun at rising grocery costs and shrinking cookout menus, where even a humble barbecue has started to feel like a high-stakes event.

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