The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to remain alert after reports of a fraudulent text message scam impersonating the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) began circulating.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are sending text messages claiming recipients have unresolved traffic citations and threatening severe consequences if immediate payment is not made.

The scam message falsely warns individuals that failure to pay by a stated deadline could result in canceled vehicle registration, indefinite driver’s license suspension, civil judgment proceedings, and even possible arrest warrants.

Recipients are then directed to click a suspicious payment link and are urged to act quickly to avoid losing driving privileges.

Law enforcement officials stressed that residents should not click any links included in the message, as doing so could expose personal or financial information to scammers.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office advised anyone receiving the message to:

Do not click any links

Do not provide payment or personal information

Report the message as spam

Delete the text immediately

Officials emphasized that scam messages often create urgency and fear in an attempt to pressure recipients into acting before verifying legitimacy.

Residents with concerns about traffic citations, vehicle registration, or license issues are encouraged to contact the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles directly through official channels rather than responding to unsolicited texts or emails.

The Sheriff’s Office continues encouraging the public to stay vigilant against phishing scams and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement when necessary.

Authorities remind residents that protecting personal information is critical as text-based scams continue targeting individuals across Louisiana and nationwide.

The Town of Many has announced that its municipal water system has earned an “A” grade from the Louisiana Department of Health, recognizing the town’s efforts to maintain high standards in water quality and system operations.

Town officials said the achievement reflects an ongoing commitment to providing residents with safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water.

The grading recognition highlights the performance of local water infrastructure, operational standards, and compliance efforts required to maintain state health and safety guidelines.

Officials credited the accomplishment to the dedication of the town’s Water Department, whose daily work helps ensure the system continues operating efficiently and effectively.

Town leaders also acknowledged the role of office staff in supporting water system operations and maintaining administrative functions necessary for continued compliance and service.

“We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Water Department for their tireless efforts and professionalism in ensuring our system operates at the highest level,” town officials shared, adding that office staff also played an important role in the achievement.

The Town of Many additionally recognized the support of the Mayor and City Council, thanking them for continued leadership, infrastructure investment, and commitment to community well-being.

Officials said maintaining strong infrastructure and quality public services remains a priority for local leadership as the town continues working to meet the needs of residents.

The “A” rating marks a significant accomplishment for the community and serves as a point of pride for residents across Many.

SABINE PARISH, La. — Residents in Sabine Parish should prepare for several days of unsettled weather as showers and thunderstorms are expected to move through the area beginning Wednesday afternoon before conditions gradually improve heading into the weekend.

According to the latest forecast, Wednesday will bring showers and thunderstorms likely after 1 p.m. under mostly cloudy skies. Temperatures are expected to reach a high near 85 degrees, with calm winds becoming southerly around 5 mph by the morning. Rain chances are forecast at 70%.

Storm activity is expected to continue into Wednesday night, with showers and possible thunderstorms likely before 1 a.m., followed by an additional chance of overnight rain and storms. Cloudy skies will remain in place with temperatures falling to around 60 degrees. Rain chances remain at 70% overnight.

On Thursday, another round of wet weather remains possible with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy skies and cooler temperatures are expected, with a daytime high near 72 degrees.

A lingering chance of showers and thunderstorms continues into Thursday night, with mostly cloudy conditions and overnight lows around 55 degrees. Rain chances decrease slightly to 30%.

Conditions begin improving by Friday, though isolated rain remains possible. Forecasts show a slight 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms with partly sunny skies and a high near 76 degrees.

Friday night carries another slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m., with partly cloudy skies and overnight lows near 60 degrees.

The weekend forecast looks more favorable for outdoor plans. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with only a 20% chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms and temperatures climbing to a high near 81 degrees. Saturday night will remain partly cloudy with lows around 62 degrees.

Looking ahead to Sunday, warmer temperatures return with a high near 86 degrees. A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms remains possible under mostly sunny skies.

Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware during the midweek storm period, especially Wednesday and Thursday when rain and thunderstorm chances are highest.

After a stormy start to the week, Sabine Parish can expect improving weather and warmer temperatures as the weekend approaches.

Officials with Sabine Parish Police Jury have released the schedule for upcoming public meetings in May, inviting residents to attend and stay informed on parish business, planning matters, and emergency services discussions.

The meetings will be held inside the Police Jury Board Room at the Sabine Parish Courthouse unless otherwise noted, with select sessions also available for online viewing.

The Sabine Parish Planning Commission will meet on Tuesday, May 12, at 9:00 a.m. in the Police Jury Board Room at the courthouse.

The meeting is expected to cover planning and development matters relevant to parish growth, zoning considerations, and other community-related agenda items.

The EMS Advisory Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, May 19, at 5:00 p.m.

Officials noted that the meeting will be held in the Police Jury Board Room and will also be available for public viewing on Facebook, allowing residents additional access to discussions related to emergency medical services and community healthcare support.

The parish’s regular Monthly Police Jury Meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 20, at 9:00 a.m.

This meeting will also be held in the Police Jury Board Room at the courthouse and made available for viewing on YouTube, giving residents an opportunity to follow parish government proceedings remotely.

Sabine Parish officials encourage community members to attend meetings in person or access available livestream options to remain engaged with local government decisions and initiatives.

Public meetings provide residents with opportunities to stay informed on infrastructure, planning, emergency services, and other issues impacting Sabine Parish communities.

For additional meeting details or agenda information, residents are encouraged to contact the Sabine Parish Police Jury office directly.

Car enthusiasts and families across Sabine Parish are invited to attend the 11th Annual Maydaze Car Show, returning to Many High School this spring with classic cars, food, prizes, and family-friendly activities.

Hosted by the Toledo Cruisers, this year’s event is scheduled for May 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Many High School.

Organizers are encouraging vehicle owners to bring their cars and trucks to participate in the show, with entry priced at $20 per vehicle. Spectator admission is free.

Participants will have the chance to compete for more than 25 awards, while attendees can enjoy a variety of attractions throughout the day.

Event organizers announced that door prizes will be available, and the first 65 vehicle entries will receive a goody bag.

In addition to the car show itself, the Many High School Band Booster Club will be selling cakes and treats during the event. Food vendors will also be on site serving attendees throughout the day.

Additional fundraising activities will include Split the Pot as well as opportunities to win a Mother’s Day basket and a children’s basket filled with goodies.

Promotional materials describe the event as a day of “Great Cars. Great Food. Great Community.” with activities designed for all ages.

Organizers also shared that this year’s car show is being dedicated in honor of Mr. Harold Stewart, a beloved friend and fellow car club member.

Community members are encouraged to spread the word and help make this year’s Maydaze Car Show another successful event for Many and the surrounding area.

The annual gathering has become a popular community tradition, bringing together classic car lovers, local organizations, and families for a day of entertainment and fellowship.

Paid Content

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is celebrating the graduation of two deputies who have completed rigorous law enforcement training and earned their Louisiana Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Level 1 Certification.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell congratulated Deputies Creg Vaughn and Devin McKenney following their graduation from the 35th class of the Bossier Sheriff’s Training Academy during a ceremony held on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Over the course of 16 weeks, Deputies Vaughn and McKenney completed a demanding program designed to prepare them for modern policing. Their training included legal instruction, firearms qualification, physical conditioning, officer safety tactics, use of non-lethal force, and a wide range of essential law enforcement skills.

Officials noted that the academy experience is intended to simulate real-world challenges while building discipline, judgment, and readiness for service in the field.

Deputy Devin McKenney was additionally honored with the Academic Award, recognizing him for achieving the highest grade point average in the cadet class.

Several members of the Sheriff’s Office leadership attended the ceremony to show support, including Captain Jesse Branam, Chief Deputy Brad Walker, Captain Jason Heard, and Deputy Greg Sculthorpe.

Sheriff Mitchell and department leadership praised the deputies for their dedication and commitment to public service, emphasizing the importance of their accomplishment as they transition into active duty.

Following graduation, Deputies Vaughn and McKenney will begin their assignments in the patrol division under Captain Jason Heard. In this role, they will serve the community directly, applying the skills and training they have acquired to support public safety across Sabine Parish.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office continues to prioritize professional training and development for its deputies, ensuring that personnel are fully prepared to meet the demands of modern law enforcement and serve residents with integrity and skill.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that increased water temperatures, storms, and extended cloudy weather can lead to fish kills in inland and nearshore waters across the state. These events are typically caused by low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia), which often occurs in warm water, since it has a lower carrying capacity for oxygen than cooler water.  Conditions such as stagnant water, heavy rainfall, decaying vegetation, or increased nutrient runoff contribute to hypoxic conditions—especially in shallow bayous, marshes, and ponds.

Fish kills may affect certain species or sizes more than others. For example, shad are sensitive to hypoxia, and are often the first or only fish that experience a fish kill, while some species, like gar, can breathe air and are resistant to hypoxic conditions. Other species have varying levels of tolerance to hypoxic conditions. 

While fish kills can temporarily impact recreational and commercial fishing, aquatic ecosystems in Louisiana are resilient and typically recover naturally. Even in large fish kills, some fish will find refuge from hypoxic conditions in the affected waterbody or connected waterbodies and survive. Scavengers and decomposers help break down fish remains, and most systems recover over time. If conditions remain favorable, fish populations often rebound after major kills within one to two years without the need for stocking, and young fish benefit from reduced competition and increased resources. However, fish kills caused by pollution or chemical spills can occur at any time and may require additional response.

Documenting fish kills in Louisiana, whether caused by natural or human-caused events, is important to responsibly manage fisheries resources. Please report any observed fish kill to LDWF so biologists can investigate and document the kill as soon as possible. For information on how to report a fish kill or more information about the causes of fish kills, go online to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fish-kills.

Three Sabine Parish 4-H members recently represented their parish during the annual 4-H Day at the Capitol, an event designed to give Louisiana youth firsthand exposure to state government and civic leadership.

According to Sabine Parish 4-H, Dominick Brown (NHS), Lexie Jones (ZHS), and Caleb Corley (NHS) traveled to Baton Rouge to participate in the statewide event.

During the trip, students had the opportunity to learn more about the Louisiana legislative process and gain a better understanding of how state government functions.

In addition to the educational experience, participants also enjoyed activities including dinner on the Capitol grounds and a goose chase scavenger hunt, providing a fun and interactive element to the day’s events.

4-H leaders say 4-H Day at the Capitol offers youth a valuable opportunity to combine leadership development with civic education, helping students better understand their role in government and community service.

The annual event brings together 4-H members from across Louisiana to engage with lawmakers, explore the State Capitol, and strengthen their knowledge of leadership and public service.

Sabine Parish 4-H officials praised the students for proudly representing their schools and community during the statewide event.

I was always told as a kid growing up that you are judged by the company you keep. In other words, it’s important that you choose your friends wisely. This is also important when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

In each tournament, especially multi-day events, it’s important to have the right guys in the house you’re staying in. Guys that you trust and have the same moral and ethical values as yourself. Anglers that will come to your rescue on and off the lake if you have a problem.

Over the years I have fished all over the South and I have chosen who I travel with very carefully. There are several traits that make good roommates on the road. First and foremost, you have to trust the people you’re sharing a house with. I’m not talking about stealing or tearing the place up, but a person who when he says something, you can trust he’s telling the truth. 

Some guys like to share information, but you must be careful and proceed with caution with the info you receive — even from the guys you’re staying with. There are anglers that will lead you astray and send you down a rabbit hole just to eliminate you from being in contention. 

Understand this, bass fishermen are a different breed of people and love nothing more than winning. Oh, we all hope everyone in the house does well, but rest assured, each one of us wants to win!

The next trait I’m looking for in a good roommate on the road is attitude. Nothing is worse than having a guy in the house that has a poor attitude or rubs people the wrong way. It can make for a very long week of fishing when there’s one guy who the rest of the house can’t stand.

There are some guys that are always negative and like to drag others down with them. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had that experience before. But that’s because I choose the guys I’m traveling with very carefully. 

The final thing that is very important in a good housemate is if he is financially stable. This can be a problem if one guy can’t pull his weight and pony up the money necessary to take care his share of house expenses. 

I’ve always said, “If you can’t afford the expenses involved in tournament fishing like house rent, food, boat gas, entry fees, insurance etc., then you don’t need to be fishing tournaments!”  

No one, and I mean no one, has been as fortunate as I have when it comes to great housemates on the road. I have never encountered one angler who I would  later think, “He’ll never stay with me again!” 

For the last 10 years the guys who have been a part of our road crew are Brett Hortman, Walt Stevens, Adrian James, Brennan Flick and Cole Garrett. These guys are as good as gold and guys that I have nothing but great respect for. Not one time have we had an issue with anyone in the house. I’ve also had the privilege of staying with Albert Collins and Clayton Boulware, who are both great anglers but even better people. 

We’ve all had some great tournaments and some that weren’t so good. But the one thing I always knew, I could trust each and every one of them no matter what. Whether it was fixing a flat tire or making repairs on our boats, I could always count on these guys.

I always felt that if one of us was in contention to win, the rest of the house would help in any way we could. Finding guys like these is hard today with so many anglers fishing selfishly. 

To wrap this up, if you’re a young angler and getting into tournament bass fishing, choose who you travel with wisely. It will give great peace of mind knowing that if you have a problem, one of your guys will go out of their way to help you. 

Is there a phrase more terrifying to the modern grocery shopper than “UNEXPECTED ITEM IN BAGGING AREA”? (Except, perhaps, “ITEM REMOVED FROM BAGGING AREA.”) 

We’ve all been there: The panicked fumble, the furious (yet ultimately futile) pressing of the “clear error” button, the desperate eye-contact with the one store employee who is now also side-eyeing your entire existence. The worst part? The machine never understands your motivation. It doesn’t know about the snack craving, the mid-afternoon energy slump, or the urgent need for specifically this kind of chip. It only knows that something isn’t “registered” and now you’re the unexpected item.

Just… just give me the snacks, you heartless electronic demon.

Oil and gas activity in Natchitoches Parish remained robust through the month of April, with eighty (80) new leases filed at the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court office.

While a majority of the leasing activity continues to be concentrated in the western portion of the parish—stretching from the intersection of Interstate 49 and Highway 6 to the Sabine Parish line, and extending ten miles north toward the Spanish Lake bottoms—new developments are emerging.

A significant shift in recent activity includes the first signs of leasing on the east side of I-49. Additionally, while the primary focus remains west, energy companies are also expanding their footprint with new filings recorded south of LA Hwy 6.

In addition to the rise in lease filings, an upcoming public meeting has been scheduled for May 18 to discuss a proposed 3D seismic graphing project. The survey is expected to cover approximately 310 square miles, the majority of which is located within Natchitoches Parish.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 5137 University Parkway.

Landowners who have been approached with lease offers or seismic survey requests are encouraged to consult with qualified legal counsel before signing any agreements, as these contracts can have long-term implications for mineral and surface rights.

A review of Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records confirms the 80 leases filed in April 2026. The NPJ obtained this information directly from the parish’s online Public Records system.

Total Leases filed in calendar year 2025: 405
Total Leases filed in calendar year 2026 203

Proposal sparks discussion on experience, longevity, and the future of Louisiana’s courts

By Journal Staff

Voters across Louisiana will consider Amendment 5 on the May 16, 2026 ballot, a proposal that would increase the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.

If approved, the change would allow judges to complete full terms—some as long as 10 years depending on the court—provided they have not reached their 75th birthday at the time of service.

A Shift Reflecting Longer Lifespans

Supporters of the amendment point to a broader societal trend: Americans are living longer and remaining professionally active later in life than when the current retirement limit was established decades ago.

Under the existing system, judges who reach age 70 are required to step down, regardless of their health, performance, or desire to continue serving. Proponents argue that this can lead to the loss of experienced jurists at a time when institutional knowledge and continuity are valuable to the court system.

Continued Service Beyond the Bench

Even under current law, many retired judges remain involved in the legal system, often serving in temporary or ad hoc capacities to assist with caseloads. Backers of Amendment 5 say the proposal would formalize and extend that opportunity, allowing qualified judges to remain in full-time roles longer rather than transitioning to limited assignments.

Broad Support Across Legal Circles

The amendment has drawn backing from various members of Louisiana’s legal community, including attorneys, judicial organizations, and others who cite the benefits of experience and stability on the bench.

Advocates emphasize that the proposal does not eliminate voter oversight. Judges would still be required to stand for election, meaning the public retains the ability to decide whether a candidate—regardless of age—should continue serving.

Considerations for Voters

As with any constitutional amendment, the decision ultimately rests with voters. Amendment 5 raises broader questions about balancing experience with generational turnover, as well as how best to structure long-term service in the judiciary.

Voters will have the opportunity to weigh those factors when they head to the polls on May 16.

If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably remember a time when home appliances were built like tanks, weighed like tractors, and behaved like mischievous cousins who couldn’t be trusted. Ours certainly did. We had a refrigerator with only one big outer door, and inside that door—like a frosty little secret—was the freezer compartment. It was the kind of setup that made sense only to engineers who had never met actual children.

The top hinge of that refrigerator had screws that were, shall we say, “spiritually backslidden.” They were stripped, worn, and holding on by the power of prayer alone. If you opened the door too quickly or too wide, the hinge would give up entirely, leaving the entire refrigerator door hanging by the bottom hinge like a drunk uncle leaning on a lamppost.

And when that happened, it made a noise. A loud noise. A noise that said, “Someone is trying to sneak a popsicle.”

My mother, who possessed the hearing of a bat and the reflexes of a ninja, would shout from the other room, “Fix the door!” And we kids would scramble like we were disarming a bomb. Because in the 60s, you didn’t sneak snacks. You attempted them. And you were usually caught.

The tea pitcher lived in that refrigerator too, which meant that even the simple act of getting a drink of tea required the stealth of a Navy SEAL. The door could be opened quietly, but children in the 60s were not careful. We were loud, clumsy, sugarmotivated creatures who believed we were invisible as long as we whispered.

Looking back, that refrigerator door was more than a household hazard. It was a spiritual formation tool. It taught us patience, discipline, and the consequences of lukewarm commitment. Because if you approached that door casually—halfheartedly, carelessly—it betrayed you. Every time.

And isn’t that a picture of the Christian life?

Revelation talks about being hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Lukewarm is what happens when we try to follow Jesus casually, quietly, or only when we think no one is watching. Lukewarm faith is refrigeratordoor faith: it looks sturdy from the outside, but the hinges are loose, the screws are stripped, and the whole thing falls apart the moment life swings too wide.

But when we approach our faith with intention—with reverence, steadiness, and a little holy fear—we discover that the door holds. The hinges strengthen. The whole thing works the way it was meant to.

That old refrigerator is long gone, but the lesson remains: a life of faith can’t be sneaked into or stumbled through. It must be opened with purpose.

And if you ever doubt that, just remember: God hears everything. Even the sound of a kid trying to steal a popsicle.

She’s not just a nervous flyer anymore—she’s dreading every trip. With family and work pulling her cross-country, is it time to face her fears or stay grounded for good?

 See what Ida says 

Wilmer McLean was a retired officer of the Virginia militia who became wealthy as a wholesale grocer based in Alexandria, Virginia.  In 1850, he married Virginia Beverley Hooe.  Three years later when Virginia was expecting their first child, Wilmer searched for a quiet, peaceful place for his growing family to live.  On January 1, 1854, Wilmer’s son, John Wilmer, was born.  Wilmer had his sights set on the 1200-acre rural Yorkshire Plantation north of Manassas along Bull Run, a 31-mile-long tributary of the Occoquan River.  Shortly after baby John was born, Wilmer purchased the plantation.  Three years later, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lucretia “Lula” Virginia.  Theirs was a perfectly peaceful existence.  They lived in a huge two-story house, some referred to it as a mansion, on one of the many rolling hills next to the lazy stream.  It seemed as if they were living in a dream world which would last forever. 

Their peaceful, dreamlike existence ended abruptly on July 21, 1861.  Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard had commandeered Wilmer’s home and barn as his headquarters along the strategic Bull Run.  Whether Wilmer and his family continued to live in their home with the soldiers or moved to a nearby home is unknown, but they remained in close proximity.  On that hot July day, Union and Confederate soldiers fought an artillery duel on Wilmer’s plantation.  General Beauregard later wrote, “A comical effect of this artillery fight was the destruction of the dinner of myself and staff by a Federal shell that fell into the fire-place of my headquarters at the McLean House.”  What became known as The Battle of Bull Run was the first major campaign of the Civil War. 

Following the battle, the soldiers moved to other battlefields.  Wilmer and his family returned to the peaceful existence on Yorkshire Plantation that they had enjoyed before the war.  Soon thereafter, Virginia became pregnant with their third child.  Once again, their peace was broken when soldiers converged again near the same strategic location.  For three days in 1862, August 28-30, Confederate and Union soldiers fought the Second Battle of Bull Run.  Shortly after the battle, Wilmer and his pregnant wife and their two children abandoned Yorkshire Plantation for safer environs. 

On January 28, 1863, Virginia gave birth to a daughter named Nannie.  Shortly thereafter, Wilmer and his family purchased a large home about 140 miles to the southwest in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.  For two years, Wilmer’s family lived far from the fields of battle.  On April 9, 1865, Virginia was pregnant with their fourth child when Charles Marshall, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s aide, asked Wilmer to show him a suitable place for Lee to meet another general.  Wanting to distance his family from any connection to the war, Wilmer showed the aide a dilapidated home which he quickly rejected.  With no other contenders, Wilmer reluctantly offered the use of his family’s home.  At about 1 o’clock that afternoon at the McLean home, General Lee met with Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  The Civil War ended during that meeting when General Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to General Grant.  The Civil War began in Wilmer McLean’s front yard and ended in his front parlor. 

Through it all, Wilmer wanted a safe and peaceful existence for himself and his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer dedicated himself to ensuring that the citizens of Manassas township in Virginia had the same safe and peaceful existence that he had wanted to provide for his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer McLean, whose homes bookended the Civil War, became a Justice of the Peace.

Sources:

1.     Jim Rogers, “Crumbling bar is all that’s left of Yorkshire Plantation,” Potomac News, July 23, 1990, accessed April 26, 2026, https://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitallibrary/hsdw/M_Folder/McLean76-274/pdfs/McLean76-274NewsArtA.pdf.

2.     Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia), July 7, 1870, p.2.

3.     Kristi Finefield, “A Tale of Two Houses and the U.S. Civil War,” Library of Congress, April 9, 2015, accessed April 26, 2026, https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2015/04/a-tale-of-two-houses-and-the-u-s-civil-war/.

4.     Hparkins, “The Peculiar Story of Wilmer McLean,” National Archives, November 10, 2010, accessed April 26, 2026, https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2010/11/10/the-peculiar-story-of-wilmer-mclean/.

5.     “The McLean House – Site of the Surrender Meeting,” National Park Service, Accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/apco/mclean-house.htm.

6.     “Wilmer McLean,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5824/wilmer-mclean.

May 6 stands out in history for its connections to political leadership, technological milestones, and cultural influence.

One of the most notable events associated with this date is the crash of the Hindenburg airship in 1937. The German passenger airship caught fire while attempting to land in New Jersey, killing 36 people. The disaster effectively ended the era of passenger airship travel and marked a turning point in aviation history.

May 6 is also recognized as the birthday of Sigmund Freud, born in 1856. Freud’s work in psychology introduced groundbreaking theories about the unconscious mind, influencing fields ranging from psychiatry to literature and art. While some of his ideas remain controversial, his impact on modern thought is significant.

In political history, May 6, 1994, marked the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first Black president. His election followed the end of apartheid and symbolized a new era of reconciliation and democracy in the country. Mandela’s leadership became a global example of resilience and unity.

The date also carries cultural significance through various achievements in music, literature, and public life, reflecting the ongoing evolution of society.

Taken together, the events of May 6 highlight moments when innovation, leadership, and tragedy intersected to shape the course of history, leaving legacies that continue to influence the present day.

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BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced Thursday that upcoming U.S. House of Representatives races have been suspended following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

The court ruled Wednesday that Louisiana’s current congressional district maps constitute an unconstitutional gerrymander, and using them in the upcoming elections would violate the law.

Landry has certified the emergency under state law, a mandatory step before the governor issues an executive order to officially suspend the House races.

Despite the suspension of the congressional contests, all other races on the ballot will proceed as scheduled. Early voting for those remaining races will take place as scheduled from May 2-9.

“Our office will post notices at each of the early voting sites to alert the public of this change,” Landry said. “While the U.S. House races will remain on voters’ ballots, any votes cast in those races will not be counted”.

The general election remains set for May 16.

May 10, 2025 — April 27, 2026

Funeral services for Marshall Luke Parrie, 11 months, will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 307 Hammond St, Zwolle, Louisiana. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana. A burial will follow the service at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Officiating the service will be Father Keith Garvin.

Marshall was born on May 10, 2025 to Konner Thomas Parrie and Mary Ellen Myers Parrie in Shreveport, Louisiana and passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026 at his home in Pelican, Louisiana.

Marshall’s life was short but very full. He was baptized and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zwolle. Marshall had a beautiful smile that will be missed. He loved walks on the farm, side by side rides, and anything outdoors. He has been fishing, hunting, haying cows, feeding chickens, and harvesting honey. Reading books was one of Marshall’s favorite playtime activities. Above all else, with his parents was his favorite place to be.

Marshall is preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Marshall Myers and great-grandparents, James Glen Myers, Ray and Mildred Fisher, and Amos and Charlene Parrie.

He is survived by his parents, Konner and Mary Ellen Parrie; grandparents, Gordon and Lanea Parrie and Tammy Myers; uncles, Khristian Parrie and Kamron Parrie; aunt, Emily Myers; great-grandparents, Kathleen Myers and Thomas and Connie Sepulvado; great-great-grandmother, Doris Leone; and a host of family and friends.

Honoring Marshall as pallbearers will be Holden Rivers, Dallas Britt, Keaton Collins, Pete Gentry, Christopher Ezernack, and Ty Leone.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Shelley Cox FNP-C and The Pediatric Center of Many, Texas Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Clinic in Shreveport, Louisiana, Ochsner LSU – St. Mary, and Hospice of Natchitoches.

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