The Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child West Central Louisiana Area Team is hosting their annual kickoff celebration/project leader workshop on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches. The west central Louisiana area includes the parishes of Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine and Winn. This year’s celebration, the Pray Expect Participate Rally Expo, will begin at 9 am.

Whether you have attended in the past or this will be your first workshop, you will get to see new content and receive an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the ministry of Operation Christmas Child and the resources available to support your churches and groups in packing shoeboxes. This will be a fun and beneficial time of fellowship, along with snacks, new resources, and learning about ways to get your congregation or group members more involved. This workshop will also be a great place for you to meet like-minded individuals in your community and learn more about the impact you are having on children around the world. Each church represented will receive preprinted decorative shoeboxes as a part of the event.

Breakfast and Expo begins at 9 am. The program will start at 10 am. Anyone interested in learning more about this ministry along with project leaders is invited to this free event. Register online today to attend this kickoff celebration.

Date: Saturday, September 19

Time: 9 am – 12 noon

Location: First Baptist Church Natchitoches
 508 Second St.
 Natchitoches, LA

Register today: https://forms.gle/KGjXnb6Z6fXTPBkE6

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First Assistant District Attorney Anna Garcie officially qualified as a candidate for Sabine Parish District Attorney, pledging to continue the high standards and successful prosecutorial work she has built over the past 28 years of service.

Garcie has served the people of Sabine Parish as a prosecutor for nearly three decades, including the last five years as First Assistant District Attorney.

“I am not running for this seat to get a job,” Garcie said. “I am running to continue doing the work that I have been doing day in and day out for the past 28 years—prosecuting cases, standing up for victims, and administering justice based on the facts, evidence, and the law.”

“The role of District Attorney is a full-time job that requires full-time focus,” Garcie said. “From the work I have done in this office over the years, I know it cannot be done properly if someone is dividing their attention between this job and a separate career or business. That’s why I pledge not to have any outside business interest that would draw my time and focus away from serving the people of Sabine Parish. I have chosen public service as my career, and I am committed to remaining fully focused on the job at hand. I am proud to be your full-time prosecutor seeking to be your full-time District Attorney.”

As a career prosecutor, Garcie has handled misdemeanor and juvenile cases, drug trafficking cases, and violent felony cases, including homicides, sex-related crimes, domestic violence, and internet-related crimes against children.

Garcie said that experience is reflected in her courtroom record.

“I am proud of my record as the only candidate in this race with a 100 percent homicide conviction rate,” Garcie said. “Families deserve closure, and serious cases require time and sustained attention to ensure they are properly prosecuted.”

Garcie said the duty of a prosecutor is to seek justice by following the facts wherever they lead.

“A prosecutor must prosecute facts, not people,” Garcie said. “I follow the facts and the evidence wherever they lead. My role is not political and should never be influenced by partisan considerations or outside pressure.”

Garcie said victims will remain at the center of the District Attorney’s Office.

“Victims deserve to know that their voices matter,” Garcie said. “Our office will continue to be a place with open doors for victims of crime and any citizen who comes forward, where they can be heard and treated with respect.”

She added that fairness must extend to everyone who enters the justice system.

“Everyone in Sabine Parish deserves equal treatment under the law,” Garcie said. “That includes victims, defendants, families, and all who come before the court.”

Garcie said her campaign is centered on experience, continuity, transparency, and accountable leadership.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have served under District Attorney Don Burkett,” Garcie said. “He has set a high standard for this office through his integrity, leadership, and service, and that has shaped my career. I’m ready to continue those standards and to meet the expectations the people of Sabine Parish have for their District Attorney’s Office.”

“I intend to work as hard as I can to earn the confidence and vote of the people of Sabine Parish by listening to them and talking with them about my vision for the District Attorney’s Office. And if they don’t see me right away on the campaign trail, it’s probably because I’m at the office or in court. We represent the people of this parish, and our clients deserve to be served—even during election season,” Garcie said.

Anna Garcie is a native of Zwolle and a graduate of Zwolle High School, Northwestern State University, and the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. She and her husband, Michael, have 4 adult children and are blessed with 7 grandchildren. They attend St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Zwolle with her parents, David and Gwen Garcie.

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Qualifying for the upcoming election cycle has officially concluded, setting the field of candidates who will appear on the local ballot. Across the parish, voters will consider candidates seeking office at every level of leadership, from key judicial seats and school board positions to municipal offices and parish-wide boards.

To help keep our readers informed, Journal Staff has compiled a complete roster of candidates who have qualified for contested races. Below is the official list of candidates, organized by office, along with their political party affiliation and direct contact details to help you connect with those seeking to represent our community.

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By Dustin Granger / Reader-submitted opinion

Louisiana has a long history of officials cutting deals with private interests at the public’s expense. During the oil and gas boom, the state left severance tax revenue on the table while enforcement gaps let industry pollute our air, water, and land for decades. Governor Jeff Landry has accelerated that pattern faster than any of his predecessors. He installed an unqualified Secretary of Environmental Quality, then reorganized the Department of Natural Resources into something even statehouse reporters can’t fully explain. This year the legislature signed off on tax breaks and NDAs for AI data centers, keeping voters in the dark about what those companies are getting and what they’re using.

Now it’s SpaceX’s turn, and it’s the biggest giveaway yet.

The Landry administration is negotiating to hand over roughly 130,000 acres on Pecan Island, in Vermilion Parish, for a rocket blast pad, not a research facility, the kind Boca Chica, Texas is still fighting over. That land is reportedly tied to Exxon’s punishment, part of a coastal damages settlement for decades of polluting our marshes, though the settlement itself is sealed by court order. If that reporting holds up, instead of restoring the land, the state is routing it straight to Elon Musk.

Pecan Island is about the worst possible place for this. The coast there has been sinking and washing away for decades, and hurricanes are speeding it up. The site borders two wildlife refuges and some of the best hunting and fishing water left in this state, the kind “Sportsman’s Paradise” was supposed to protect. If this goes through, we can stop pretending coastal restoration is a real priority in Louisiana.

The legislature already greased the wheels this session, passing tax breaks and liability shields for unnamed “aerospace” companies and exempting them from public records requests. So, when something goes wrong, and something eventually will, Louisianans may not have the right to sue, and may not even have the right to know. Now Trump’s FAA wants to waive thirteen federal environmental and health laws, including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, so Musk doesn’t have to deal with “regulatory burden.”

We don’t even know the full extent of what Musk stands to gain. We know the eligibility thresholds in the tax break bills, not the actual value of what’s being handed over. Given how this Republican-controlled legislature has handled every other corporate giveaway this year, there’s little reason to think this deal is any different.

Local officials keep telling us we must accept this to “compete.” I don’t buy it. A state that can only land these deals by throwing out the rule of law and hiding negotiations behind NDAs is giving Louisiana away, one 130,000-acre parcel at a time.

Most Louisianans haven’t been told what this deal actually involves. That’s worth being angry about. Ask your legislators what they voted for this spring, and whether they’ll say so publicly.

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As an angler who has fished it all: BFL’s, Toyota Series, ABA Solo 150’s, ABA Pro League, Bassmaster Opens, Fisher’s of Men, Media Bass, Angler’s Choice and too many others I just can’t remember, I can say that some of these were great tournament trails and some were just OK.   

Now don’t get me wrong, there’s never been a circuit that I didn’t enjoy, but there’s an issue I would like to address. Major League Fishing (MLF) is taking the BFL’s from a pro/am draw format and making it a team/solo trail, hoping they can get their numbers up. 

Do we really need another team trail? I think I speak for a lot of anglers who still like to fish solo/individual trails and the last thing anglers need is another team trail as we have too many already! Since the demise of ABA dropping the Solo 150 and the Pro Leagues, the only remaining individual trails are the Bassmaster Opens and the Toyota Series. 

Both of these are very expensive with the Toyota’s costing an angler on the pro side $1,700 per event while the B.A.S.S Opens will cost you $2,000. The BFL was considered an entry level circuit designed for the working man but will now cost you $500 per event as a team/solo entry. 

Years ago, the BFL’s would draw a full field of 200 boaters (which used to be the case) due to the low entry fee, but their payback was the worst of any circuit out there as they took part of BFL’s money to help support its upper-level circuits, therefore shorting the anglers supporting the BFL’s. 

Another issue has been that ever since the “Live Scope” controversy started, BLF participation has gone down dramatically as so many anglers refuse to participate in events where this technology is allowed. Boaters and co-anglers walked away faster than a hook set. 

So, after a few years of low turnouts for the BFL’s, Major League Fishing (MLF) will be taking this circuit in a totally different direction. I hope they thought this through as it has just eliminated the last remaining pro/am circuit for the lower level of tournament bass fishing. 

As an angler who loves fishing a solo/individual circuit, I really wish MLF would have put the same amount of guaranteed first place money of $10,000 and kept the original format of a pro/am circuit. Anglers would have flocked for this kind of guarantee! 

The next issue is the fact that there will be no limit on using forward-facing sonar (FFS) for 2027 when fishing the BFL Team Trail. This will bring out many of the younger anglers who have grown up using FFS. But one thing I wish MLF would adopt for 2027 is only allowing the use of FFS every other tournament like Bassmaster does with their schedule. 

This would help to level the playing field especially with the older generation of anglers particularly on lakes where local anglers tend to dominate. As far as what to do with forward-facing sonar in the long run, we may not have a choice as some states, starting with Florida, are looking to ban FFS altogether. 

If this happens, other state organizations will follow suit and implement the same rule. Then FFS will no longer be an issue for tournament organizations to deal with. 

I’m so tired of talking about it and yet no matter what decisions are made from ANY organization, everyone has their own opinion if this technology is good or bad, as the division continues nationwide on this topic. 

It appears this year’s three-hour FFS rule for the BFL’s and the Toyota Series has been the most popular and if that’s the direction they want to go, so be it … I DON’T CARE! Even if they choose to take it away completely… I DON’T CARE! Just make a decision, stick with it and move on! 

I know this article will draw some comments and I welcome everyone’s opinion. We have enough team trails nationwide and need more solo or individual circuits to help balance things outs and give anglers another option. 

Good luck, good fishing, stay cool and be safe out there if you’re going to brave the heat to wet a hook. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Say hello to Logan Carter, Credit Analyst Trainee at BOM Bank’s Operations location! Originally from Converse, Louisiana, Logan is a graduate of Converse High School. When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find him on the golf course. In fact, his passion for the game led him to help establish the NSU Golf Club! We’re excited to have Logan as part of the BOM Bank family and we are excited to see where this journey takes him. Welcome!

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“Do you hear what I hear?”

It is a little early for Christmas music, but that old Christmas song has been running through my mind this morning.

I am sitting in my new little 4-by-6-foot office, practicing my pastor emeritus skills. Apparently one of those skills is sitting still long enough to notice what is going on around you. After years of meetings, sermons, phone calls, hospital visits, committee reports, and somebody always needing to know where the extension cord is, sitting quietly feels almost suspicious.

But this morning, I am listening.

Right now, the church building is silent. That will change soon.

Today is the first day of school for our preschool children. We have 104 children enrolled, which means that in a little while this silence is going to disappear. I expect to hear laughter, crying, little feet running down hallways, teachers giving instructions, parents saying goodbye, and perhaps one child announcing loudly that he absolutely does not intend to participate in whatever has been planned for him.

In other words, I expect to hear life.

And I cannot wait.

While I sit here listening for those sounds, another question occurs to me:

What are we listening for? And who are we listening to?

Jesus talked a surprising amount about listening.

Again and again he said, “Let anyone with ears listen.” He told his disciples to pay attention to what they heard. And in John’s Gospel Jesus described his relationship with us this way: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”

Apparently discipleship involves more than talking.

That includes prayer.

We usually think of prayer as talking to God, and certainly it is. We bring God our worries, hopes, fears, families, decisions, illnesses, disappointments, and dreams. We pray because we believe God listens and responds because God loves us.

But here is the harder question:

After we finish talking, do we listen?

Sometimes my prayers resemble leaving a voicemail for God.

“Lord, here are the problems. Here is what I need. Here is what I think you ought to do. Thank you very much. Amen.”

Click.

And then I am off to the next thing.

Maybe prayer occasionally needs a little silence at the end.

“Speak, Lord. I’m listening.”

Perhaps God’s answer will come through Scripture. Perhaps through another person. Perhaps through an unexpected thought, a nudging of conscience, a door opening—or closing. And sometimes God may simply give us the quiet assurance that we are loved and that we do not walk alone.

Soon the hallway will be filled with 104 little reminders that silence does not last forever.

But for this moment, it is quiet.

So I am listening.

Listening for children.

Listening for life.

Listening for God.

There is great joy in discovering that amid all the noise of this world, the Shepherd is still speaking.

The question is not only, “Do you hear what I hear?”

The better question may be:

Are we listening?

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More than a century before commercial air travel became routine, Orville Wright was born Aug. 19, 1871, in Dayton, Ohio.

Orville Wright would go on to become one of aviation’s most important pioneers alongside his brother, Wilbur. The Wright brothers developed and flew the first successful powered airplane in 1903, changing transportation and opening a new chapter in human history.

Their achievement did not come easily. The brothers spent years studying flight, building gliders and conducting experiments before successfully controlling a powered aircraft.

Orville’s Aug. 19 birthday is also shared by another name associated with groundbreaking technology: Gene Roddenberry, creator of “Star Trek,” was born on the same date in 1921. Former President Bill Clinton was also born Aug. 19, 1946.

Aug. 19 has been the date of several other notable moments in history, including the 1812 battle in which the USS Constitution defeated the British ship HMS Guerrière and earned the nickname “Old Ironsides.” In 1960, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 5, carrying two dogs that became the first animals to survive an orbital flight and return safely to Earth.

But for aviation, Aug. 19 carries a particularly fitting connection: it marks the birth of the man who, with his brother, helped turn the dream of human flight into reality.

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Rachel lived on the island of Saint Croix in the Caribbean.  She married Johann Lavien and they had a son named Peter, but Johann was such an abusive husband that Rachel left for her own safety.  In retaliation, Johann had her imprisoned for adultery.  Upon her release, Rachel sailed from Saint Croix to another island in the Caribbean called Saint Kitts.  There, she met a Scottish trader named James.  Shortly thereafter, Rachel’s father died and left her a seaside lot on the nearby island of Nevis.  She and James moved there together but could not marry because she was still technically married to Johann.  Rachel had two sons with James, James Jr. and Alex.  After a little over ten years together, James abandoned Rachel and his children.  Some historians argue that James left to protect Rachel and their illegitimate children from legal action brought on by Johann.  Whatever the reason, Rachel and her two sons sailed back to Saint Croix.  Three years after James left, Rachel and Alex contracted yellow fever.  Alex made a full recovery, but Rachel did not.  She died at the young age of 39.  

Things went from bad to worse.  James Jr. and Alex became orphans.  Because she was still married to Johann at the time of his death, he had control of her estate.  Johann sold all of Rachel, James Jr., and Alex’s possessions in an auction.  For a few months, James Jr. and Alex lived with their cousin, Peter Lytton, until he died by suicide.  James Jr. became an apprentice to a carpenter and Alex became a clerk at an import/export company on the island.  Alex was not yet a teenager.  

On one hot August day, a powerful hurricane devastated Saint Croix and changed the course of Alex’s life.  Well, not the hurricane itself, but a letter Alex wrote which described the hurricane.  Alex wrote the letter to his father.  Alex’s mentor, a minister and newspaper editor, was impressed with the letter and published in the local newspaper.  “Honoured Sir,” Alex Wrote, “I take up my pen just to give you an imperfect account of one of the most dreadful Hurricanes that memory or any records whatever can trace, which happened here on the 31^st ultimo at night.”  Ultimo was short for “in the previous month.”  As he neared the end of his letter, Alex wrote, “I am afraid, Sir, you will think this description more the effort of imagination, than a true picture of realities.  But I can affirm with the greatest truth, that there is not a single circumstance touched upon, which I have not absolutely been an eyewitness to.”  When the people of Saint Croix read the article, they were also impressed.  Those who knew Alex knew he was illegitimate and uneducated, but they knew how hard he worked.  They paid for Alex to come to North America for a proper education and to give him a chance at a better life.  Alex did not squander the opportunity.  While in college, war broke out and Alex joined the military.  Within a short time, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel because of leadership abilities and became the chief staff aid to the general in charge of the whole war.  After the war, Alex became a delegate to Congress, practiced law, and founded a bank.  When the general he served under became President of the United States, he chose Alex as his Secretary of the Treasury.  Because of this position, those of us who still carry cash can see him on our $10 bills.  Alex, that illegitimate orphan who achieved the American dream, who was a signer of the U.S. Constitution, was Alexander Hamilton.  And it all started because of a letter to his father. 

Sources:

1.     Susan B. Barnes, “Walk in the Footsteps of Alexander Hamilton on This Tiny Caribbean Island,” Smithsonian Magazine, August 23, 2017, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/alexander-hamilton-nevis-caribbean-island-180964047/.

2.     “Alexander Hamilton to the Royal Danish American Gazette, 6 September 1772,” National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-01-02-0042.

3.     The Royal Danish American Gazette, October 3, 1772.

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Peggy Joyce Marie Catherine Noelle Fandal Veuleman
May 31, 1931 — August 8, 2026
Visitation: will be from 1pm to service time at 2 pm
Services: Saturday, August 22 at FBC Marthaville at 2 pm

William E Sepulvado
October 4, 1944 — August 16, 2026
Services: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church

Rudolph Billy Hennigan
July 3, 1950 — August 13, 2026
Visitation: Friday, August 21 from 5 to 8pm at Apostolic Truth Tabernacle
Services: Saturday, August 22 at 10am, also at Apostolic Truth Tabernacle

Sabine Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public and registered sex offenders about Louisiana law regarding school bus pickup and drop-off locations.

Under La. R.S. 14:91.2, certain sex offenders whose victim was under 13 years of age are prohibited from loitering within 500 feet of locations commonly used to pick up or drop off children for school or school-related activities.

The restriction applies between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. when children are present.

“The safety of our children is a top priority,” Sheriff Aaron Mitchell said. “We encourage parents and community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity around school bus pickup and drop-off locations to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office.”

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office said it will continue to enforce Louisiana’s sex offender laws and investigate reported violations.

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Members of the Sabine Cattlemen’s Association recently gathered for a meeting featuring information on livestock concerns, agricultural legislation and upcoming events within the Louisiana cattle industry.

Lee Faulk with the LSU AgCenter spoke to attendees about mealybugs and screwworms, providing information on the agricultural and livestock concerns.

Jacob Bellow, Brand Commissioner with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, introduced himself to members and provided brand applications, information and updates.

Rodney Schamerhorn discussed recently passed legislation affecting agriculture and the farming community.

Representatives from the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association also attended the meeting. Shae Simon, LCA President Lynn Deloach and LCA President-Elect Shannon Midkiff introduced themselves and provided updates on upcoming Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association events.

The meeting also included a meal prepared by Chris Pearce, who served beef stew, while his wife, Pam Pearce, provided cake for dessert.

The Sabine Cattlemen’s Association thanked those who attended and participated, noting that the meeting provided an opportunity for members of the agricultural community to learn, share information and enjoy fellowship.

Those interested in the Sabine Parish Cattlemen’s Association can contact President Megan Cook at 318-419-0545. The association also listed Valerie Salter as treasurer and Regina Montgomery as secretary.

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The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new text message scam attempting to collect payments for alleged parking violations.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell issued the warning on Aug. 5 after a concerned citizen reported receiving a text message from an unrecognized number requesting payment for a parking violation.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the message is fraudulent, and residents should not click any links contained in the text or provide payment or personal information.

Officials emphasized that the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office will never contact residents by text message to request payment.

Anyone who receives a similar text message or email is advised to delete it and report it as spam.

The Sheriff’s Office also shared example screenshots of the fraudulent messages to help residents recognize the scam and avoid becoming victims.

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SABINE PARISH, La. — Hot and dry conditions are expected to continue across Sabine Parish through the weekend, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the upper 90s, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. Winds will be calm before becoming southwesterly at around 5 mph. Wednesday night will be clear with a low around 75.

Thursday will remain sunny and hot with a high near 96. Clear skies are expected Thursday night as temperatures fall to around 72.

Friday will bring another day of sunshine and heat, with a high near 96. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 72.

Temperatures will climb slightly heading into the weekend. Saturday is expected to be sunny and hot with a high near 97. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 72.

Sunday will continue the stretch of hot, sunny weather, with a high near 97 degrees.

With several consecutive days of temperatures in the mid- to upper 90s, residents spending time outdoors should take precautions against the heat, including staying hydrated and limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.

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A bridge on Louisiana Highway 1215 near Tranquility Bay has been closed to traffic after state highway officials determined that emergency repairs were necessary.

The bridge, located a little more than a mile west of Louisiana Highway 191 in Sabine Parish, is expected to remain closed through Aug. 20.

According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the bridge has structural deficiencies that make it unsafe for public travel. Immediate repairs are required before the bridge can safely reopen to motorists.

Drivers traveling in the area should plan for delays and use alternate routes. Motorists located west of the bridge will need to detour using Carter’s Ferry Road.

The closure comes almost exactly three years after the same bridge was temporarily taken out of service. The bridge was closed on Aug. 4, 2023, before reopening later that month following repairs.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution when traveling near the closure and allow additional time to reach their destinations.

Questions or concerns regarding the bridge closure or repair work should be directed to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

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FLORIEN, La. — Florien High School is welcoming six educators to its faculty family as the school begins a new academic year.
The new faculty members will serve in a variety of instructional and coaching roles at the junior high and high school levels

Reagan Wascom joins the school as an agriculture teacher and is also carpentry certified.

Morgan Alford will serve as a junior high teacher and softball coach, while Chase Manning joins the faculty as a junior high teacher.

Amanda Young will serve as a junior high English teacher.

Bobby Armstrong joins Florien High School as a high school teacher and varsity basketball coach.

Rounding out the group is Sonia Smith, who will serve as an instructional coach.

Florien High School welcomed the new faculty members with the message, “New faces. New energy. Same Blackcat pride.”

School officials said the educators’ talent, passion and dedication will help Florien High continue its work of inspiring and empowering students throughout the school year.

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Congratulations to our Spring 2026 LBA Leadership School graduates: Anna Lee, Robin Thompson, Tiffany Ostbloom, Kimberly Wilkerson, and Jessi Norman! Over the six months, these outstanding bankers have dedicated their time to strengthening their leadership skills and investing in their professional growth through the Louisiana Bankers Association Leadership School. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and this well-deserved accomplishment.

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First United Methodist Church of Many will host a free Diabetes Management Education program later this month, offering community members an opportunity to learn more about managing diabetes and making healthy lifestyle choices.
The program will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, located at 1000 Main Street in Many.

The event will be presented by Amie Mitchell, registered dietitian, and Cathy Troquille, retired registered nurse, who will share their knowledge and encouragement with participants.

Topics will include understanding important health numbers, learning healthy eating tips and discovering ways to stay active. A light lunch will also be provided.

The program is free to attend, but pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Those planning to attend are encouraged to register in advance by contacting the church office at 318-256-3632.

Organizers said the event is designed to give participants practical information to help them take greater control of their health while connecting with others in the community.

A drawing for prizes will also be held during the program.

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By Nutrition Agent Erin Stockton

Recipe of the Month: Peach Crumble

Serves: 9
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

If you are craving a comforting sweet treat, try this simple and inexpensive peach crumble that can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned peaches. Add blackberries or blueberries for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients. Serve this dish right out of the oven for an easy, warm dessert the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup margarine, softened
• 1/3 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 cans (15.25 ounces each) sliced peaches in 100% juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Combine oats, brown sugar and flour in a medium bowl.
3. Cut margarine into the oat mixture with two knives or a fork until well blended.
4. Add chopped pecans. Set mixture aside.
5. Drain one can of peaches and pour into a medium bowl. Add a second can of peaches with its juice.
6. Add sugar, flour and cinnamon to the peaches. Toss well.
7. Pour the peach mixture into an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the fruit and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Erin Stockton is a Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter in DeSoto, Sabine and Natchitoches parishes. A certified educator for more than 20 years, she provides research-based programs to help families make healthy food choices and stay active. For program requests or questions, contact Stockton at 318-872-0533, estockton@agcenter.lsu.edu, or on Facebook at LSU AgCenter DeSoto, Sabine & Natchitoches Nutrition & Community Health. The LSU AgCenter provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. Additional information: lsuagcenter.com/eeo

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Cyclospora cases are continuing to increase in Louisiana, and the Louisiana Department of Health has launched a public dashboard showing cases by parish. Sabine, Avoyelles, Caddo, Sabine, Vernon, Rapides Parishes each have between 1-4 cases reported.

As of Aug. 5, Louisiana has reported 125 cases of cyclosporiasis. Six individuals have been hospitalized, and East Baton Rouge and Lafayette parishes currently report the highest number of cases.

The illness is often linked to contaminated fresh produce that is consumed raw, including leafy greens, herbs, berries, and other fruits and vegetables.

Symptoms typically appear about one week after exposure. Individuals are encouraged to seek medical attention if they experience:

• Severe diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, decreased urination)
• High fever
• Persistent vomiting

Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems may be at greater risk for severe illness.

While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk, the following food safety practices can help reduce the chances of becoming ill:

• For produce that can be cooked, cooking to 158°F (70°C) or higher provides the greatest protection.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling fresh produce.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Scrub firm produce such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.
• Remove damaged or bruised areas from fruits and vegetables.
• Clean and sanitize cutting boards, knives, countertops, and other food-contact surfaces.
• Refrigerate cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables within two hours.
• Stay hydrated and contact a healthcare provider if experiencing persistent diarrhea or other symptoms.

More information about cyclospora is available at tinyurl.com/27rwcm9c.

The Louisiana Department of Health dashboard and map are available at tinyurl.com/4hjvhyzc.

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The Natchitoches Parish School Board is currently accepting applications for several positions across the district and is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals who are committed to making a difference in the lives of students.

Current openings include:

• Elementary English Teacher – Natchitoches Magnet School
• Middle School Social Studies Teacher – Natchitoches Junior High School
• High School Math Teacher – Lakeview High School
• Special Education Teachers (2 positions) – M.R. Weaver Elementary School
• Kindergarten Tutor – L.P. Vaughn Elementary School
• Special Education Paraprofessionals – Multiple Locations
• School Crossing Guard 

At NPSB, employees are part of a supportive team dedicated to student success, professional growth, and strengthening the communities we serve. Whether you’re an experienced educator or looking to begin a rewarding career in education, NPSB offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the job descriptions and apply online at https://www.npsb.la/page/careers.

For questions regarding any available position, please contact Director of Human Resources Ramona Wynder at Ramona.Wynder@npsb.la.

Join the NPSB team and help shape the future of Natchitoches Parish.

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We have reached the six-week mark after heart surgery and things are slowly getting back to normal, or close to what normal used to be. Once you’ve gone through open heart surgery, life is never the same. There are still many challenges I’m looking to conquer, and some will only be conquered with time. 

The physical challenges were tough, especially right after surgery, with all the tubes hanging out of my chest and just trying to find the right position to be comfortable. But once those tubes were taken out two days after surgery, I was a new man as it was such a stress relief to have those removed. 

One pleasant surprise has been the lack of pain. Every person I talked with who had been through open heart surgery said the leg where they take the vein out would be painful and hurt a lot. Well, not for me. I have not had the first ounce of pain from day one. While the chest has been sore, no pain there either! Just a lot of discomfort, especially when trying to lie down. 

Now don’t kid yourself, a slight cough or sneeze can send you to a place of pain that will remind you of some form of torture. The best relief for this is to squeeze the heart-shaped pillow they issue after surgery, as it truly becomes your best friend. 

But even more difficult for me have been the mental challenges that come with this type of surgery. My body has gone through a complete transformation with a weight loss of 30 pounds while trying to adapt itself to all the new changes and medicines. 

Anxiety was extremely high after returning home, not having nurses checking your vitals every hour of the day and night. When they say the mind is a very powerful thing, it’s true, as your mind tends to race and wonder 24/7. Emotions run high and rampant as one minute you’re crying and the next you’re so happy you’ve survived.

Trying to sleep at night has been my biggest challenge as I’ve truly been afraid I would stop breathing if I fell asleep. Taking a nap was a major challenge even though I knew and understood that my heart was as good as new. I had trouble trusting myself and the work I had done on me. 

Next is the adjustment to the medications … and I mean lots of medications. I think this also plays a huge role in your mental stability as it’s just another thing your body must adapt to. 

Now that we are at the six-week mark post-surgery, things are getting much better daily. The anxiety issues have slowly faded away especially since I have a low dosage of medication for that. 

But sleeping at night continues to be an issue as I tend to wake up every night at 3:00. Some nights, I’ll eventually go back to sleep and other times I’ll turn on the TV and just lay there hoping to fall back asleep.

This is very frustrating as I end up taking a long nap during the day just to regain energy. Food is still the enemy for me as nothing tastes like it’s supposed to. Soups seems to be the one thing I tend to like over anything else. 

Presently, I continue to try solid food, even the things I really enjoyed before the surgery. Slowly the appetite is returning, and things are starting to taste better even though I’m on a low sodium diet. 

One thing I have taken a liking to … chocolate protein drinks! These are really good and tend to make me feel full. Lately, I’ve been drinking one of these at some point during the day. Before I do my morning walk, I’ve learned that it helps to have some form of solid food for breakfast as it really helps my energy level. 

Again, while things are getting better and I continue to gain more strength, getting back into a routine has been very important in my metal state of mind. Hopefully this week my doctor will give me the OK to start driving again and regain some of my independence. My wife, Sherrie, has been an excellent chauffeur!  

Here’s some food for thought. Not too long ago, I wrote an article about how we all need a purpose in life. Well, it’s during times like this when having a purpose is more important than ever as it helps to occupy the mind. Hopefully soon, things will get back to what I used to call normal. 

 Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Paul Wilbert Procell

Funeral services for Paul Wilbert Procell, 83, will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 2 :00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery, 4024 Lakeside Loop, Many, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Brother Joe Hendrickson and Brother Jimmy Speight.

Paul was born on December 2, 1942 to Jim Procell and Louvenia Procell in Converse, Louisiana and passed away on Monday, August 10, 2026 in Zwolle, Louisiana.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Louvenia Procell; brothers, Floyd Procell, Elmo Procell, Hubert Procell, Clayton Procell, Steve Procell, Louis “Gail” Procell, and Joe “Chick” Procell; sisters, June Harley, Louise Strange, Verna Moore, Verda Anderson, Lee Procell, and Ida Mae Reese.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Linda Procell; son, Connor Farrell; special daughter, Mandi Walker; sisters, Jane Borden, Creola “Cookie” Sepulvado, and Paula Thompson; special grandchildren, Brynlaigh Speight, Dailee Scaife, and Ava Caddis Sanders; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Honoring Paul as pallbearers will be Darrell Sepulvado, Stanley Sepulvado, Connor Farrell, Anthony Petit, Jared Petit, and Randal Foster. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Chooch Laroux, Jeff Sepulvado, David Speight, Eddie Speight, Dennis Atwood, Brad Forrest, Ricky Sepulvado, Paul Haggerty, and Tim Evans.

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

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