The future has officially arrived — and apparently it wants to discuss your life goals before handing over your morning coffee. A new AI-powered coffee kiosk is leaving customers both caffeinated and confused as it replaces simple drink orders with a barrage of oddly personal questions. From optimizing emotional states to aligning beverages with long-term aspirations, the machine seems determined to do everything except just pour the coffee. Local residents report spending more time answering the kiosk than they would have spent chatting with an actual barista. Experts say this may be the first recorded case of a latte requiring a personality assessment.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) invites you to take part in its annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7. Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend allows residents and visitors to fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license.

“This weekend there is no need to purchase a fishing license, so please bring your families and friends to enjoy one of our state’s most beloved pastimes,” says LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth. “Please take this opportunity to make memories with your loved ones and introduce them to the great sport of fishing.”

While a fishing license is not required, all fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions, will remain in effect during Free Fishing Weekend. 

In addition, a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) is still needed during Free Fishing Weekend when possessing tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish, and gray triggerfish. When registering online at wlf.louisiana.gov, anglers should choose the “Free Fishing Weekend” option for the license type. Anglers can skip the “LDWF Fishing License Number” field. A Free Fishing Weekend ROLP will be valid only on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7.  An annual ROLP is still needed if possessing offshore species outside of Free Fishing Weekend.

LDWF reminds the public that, at any time outside of Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 18 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license to fish in any Louisiana public waters. Anyone who decides to continue fishing for the remainder of the year must purchase a state fishing license.

Right now, the world of tournament bass fishing has reached a crossroads. If the powers that be (tournament organizations) do not address the key issues that have created this massive drop in tournament participation, the entire bass fishing industry is on the verge of collapse. 

Now this may sound a little harsh, and maybe a little overblown, but the time has come to save an industry that needs saving. Bass tournaments, no matter how you look at them, are a necessary avenue for product invention and promotion.  

This is how the fishing industry gets the word out about a new lure, or any product related to bass fishing. No other group has the power of promotion more than tournament anglers all across the country, and even around the world, simply by word of mouth. 

Look at Japan and how this crisis has impacted the bass fishing community. Nobody has been more creative and responsible for new lures and techniques than the Japanese. They have sent their best anglers to America for the sole purpose of promoting their market and the products they produce. 

How have they done it? By winning tournaments here in America. It seems like every year a new Japanese angler arrives on one of the high-level tours and has an immediate impact either by winning or finishing very high in every tournament. 

But getting back to the problem at hand, why has tournament participation dropped like the stock market crash of 1929? It hasn’t just fallen off a little, it has plummeted! Anglers have literally walked away overnight with zero signs of them coming back. 

So how can we fix the problem? First, we must recognize the problem before we can figure out how to correct it. It’s similar to an alcoholic’s dilemma; they have to realize they have a problem before they can fix it. 

Anglers leaving the sport they’ve loved so much basically started right after the COVID 19 pandemic. But during this time tournament participation was high with most events running full fields of 200 boats or more. Today those same events are drawing less than 100 boats while others have lost over two-thirds of their participation.

Also boat sales during COVID exploded to the point that there were one-year waiting lists for all major bass boat brands. Manufacturers struggled to build bass boats fast enough to satisfy the demand. 

So, what happened after COVID and why did tournament anglers load their high dollar bass boats and go home, never to return? Well, there’s only one thing that’s had a major impact on the bass fishing world – the invention of Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS)! Bingo!

This hit the bass fishing market like nothing else ever has. Just like American politics, it has also divided us as consumers! Not just a little bit either; anglers around the country continue to argue over the negative impact FFS has placed on our bass fisheries. Some issues have been substantiated, and others are now considered myths. 

Most anglers will agree that forward-facing sonar has been a tremendous invention that has totally changed the bass fishing world. But the true anglers who are considered to be purist believe that this new technology has no place in bass tournaments. 

The PGA Tour has faced similar technology issues lately with better golf clubs and golf balls that are flying farther than ever before. These adjustments have caused major concerns for the PGA Tour and even have resulted in some golf courses becoming obsolete, or at least, not suitable for pro tournaments.

So, the PGA Tour decided to implement new restrictions on manufacturers and how far golf balls can fly. They did this for the good of sport and the future of the sport. Maybe B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) need to take a page from the PGA Tour. 

Let’s take away FFS for all bass tournament competitions and get back to using acquired skills anglers need to have in order to compete at the highest level. You don’t have to eliminate it totally; allow anglers to use it for practice only. But it has no place on the professional level and should be banned on tournament day. 

The biggest concern at this time is with the lower entry-level tournaments like the BFL’s, Toyota Series and the Bassmaster Opens. Is it too late to make changes or eliminate FFS for tournaments on the lower levels? 

Not really. Every year tournament organizations make changes to their rules, and this would be no different. I just hope the powers that be (B.A.S.S. and MLF) wake up and do the right thing for 2027 in order to save a dying industry — tournament bass fishing!  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

I’ve been pondering one of life’s great mysteries: what happened to hats? Real hats. The kind men used to wear when they went to work, went to town, or went anywhere except the shower. Once upon a time, a man wouldn’t leave the house without a fedora, a trilby, or something with a brim wide enough to shade half the county. Now the only folks still wearing real hats are cowboys—and even they take them off indoors, which is more than I can say for the baseballcap crowd at Walmart.

I watch Perry Mason before bed most nights. Not for the suspense—there isn’t any. We all know Perry’s client didn’t do it. I watch to see how much the world has changed. In the 1957 episodes, everybody wears a hat. Even Perry. The only hatless soul is Paul Drake, the detective, who apparently needed full cranial ventilation to solve crimes. And have you noticed? Nobody has a television in their living room. They’re sitting around talking to each other like it’s normal. Wild times.

Do y’all know what happened to hats? Should we start a new fad here in Ruston? On second thought, no. I’d rather someone start a movement to make neckties disappear. That’s the one part of my calling I’ve never understood. Why wrap a decorative noose around my neck and cut off blood flow to my already overworked brain? I’m trying to preach the gospel, not pass out in the pulpit. Someone please start a necktie revolt. I’ll sign the petition.

And while we’re talking about things that vanished—what happened to CB radios? That was the first social media. You could make friends for a solid five miles. Longer if you were driving 55 on the interstate, which we all were back then, unless we weren’t, which is why we needed the CB in the first place. “Breaker onenine, where’s Smokey hiding?” Then radar detectors came along and CBs went the way of the eighttrack.

Some things I’m glad disappeared. Felt boards in church. I never trusted those things. One wrong move and Moses would fall off Mount Sinai. Typewriters? Good riddance. I used more liquid paper than ribbon. I’m surprised they didn’t sell it by the gallon.

But here’s something I hope doesn’t vanish: you.

So go to church on Sunday—before someone starts wondering what happened to you.

June 3 is National Egg Day, a celebration of one of the most versatile and widely consumed foods in the world.

Whether scrambled, fried, boiled or baked into a favorite dessert, eggs remain a staple in kitchens across America. This year’s observance comes after several years in which eggs became an unlikely headline-maker due to supply challenges, rising grocery costs and changing consumer habits.

For many families, eggs are among the first items checked on a grocery list. They are used in everything from breakfast plates and holiday baking to restaurant recipes and school cafeteria meals. Their affordability and nutritional value have helped make them a longtime favorite among consumers.

Eggs have also become a cultural fixture. Social media is filled with debates over the best way to cook them, while chefs continue to develop new recipes featuring the humble ingredient. In Louisiana, eggs often play a starring role in dishes ranging from breakfast biscuits and gravy to bread pudding and homemade meat pies.

The observance also offers a chance to appreciate the farmers, producers and businesses that help keep grocery shelves stocked. According to agricultural experts, Americans consume billions of eggs each year, making them one of the country’s most popular food products.

National Egg Day has no elaborate traditions, but many people mark the occasion by preparing a favorite egg dish, trying a new recipe or simply enjoying a classic breakfast.

Whether served sunny-side up, folded into an omelet or mixed into a cake batter, eggs continue to prove that some of the simplest foods can have the biggest impact.

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

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.

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

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.

Fifty years ago, a much younger, much more nervous version of me stepped into a pulpit for the very first time. My sermon was too long, my theology was too thin, and my confidence was too high for someone who had no idea what he was doing. In other words, I fit right in with every preacher who ever lived.

Half a century later, I stand amazed — not only that God has been faithful, but that congregations have been too. Some of them even stayed awake. If you want to understand humanity, don’t study psychology. Don’t read philosophy. Just preach weekly for fifty years and watch what happens in the pews.

I’ve seen:

People sleeping so soundly during my sermons that I considered checking for a pulse. One gentleman snored in perfect rhythm with the Doxology. I took it as a compliment. Parents losing control of toddlers who suddenly discovered their spiritual gift was interpretive dance in the center aisle. Teenagers communicating entirely by eyeroll, a language I now speak fluently. Peppermint unwrappers — the saints who believe they can open a candy “quietly,” which somehow takes seven minutes and sounds like a raccoon rummaging through aluminum siding. Folks, at this point in my ministry, I beg you: grip it and rip it. The Lord already knows.

After fifty years, I owe some congregations an apology. Not for theology, not for leadership decisions, not for pastoral missteps — though I’ve had my share of those — but for some truly lousy sermons. There were sermons that wandered. Sermons that limped. Sermons that should have been humanely euthanized. Sermons that were so confusing even I wasn’t sure what I meant.

To the churches who endured them: Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your grace. And thank you for not forming a search committee.

Through it all — the laughter, the tears, the baptisms, the funerals, the potlucks, the revivals, the meetings that should’ve been emails — I have been surrounded by people who loved Jesus and tried their best to love one another.

I’ve watched congregations rally around the grieving, celebrate the newly married, welcome the newborn, and feed the hungry. I’ve seen the church at its most beautiful: ordinary people doing extraordinary things because Christ lives in them.

Fifty years of ministry has taught me this: Following Jesus is less about perfection and more about direction. Less about knowing all the answers and more about trusting the One who does. Less about preaching great sermons and more about living a faithful life.

I’ve stumbled, learned, grown, laughed, cried, and kept walking — because Jesus kept leading. And somehow, by grace alone, I’ve made it to this milestone.  If the next years bring more sleeping saints, more peppermint concerts, more toddlers on the loose, and more holy moments of grace — I’ll count myself blessed.

Thank you for letting me preach, love, learn, and laugh among you. Thank you for fifty years of community. Thank you for walking with me as I’ve tried to walk with Christ. And if you happen to fall asleep during this article, I’ll take that as a sign of spiritual peace.

In April 1969, Gaynor Hopkins’s aunt heard her singing in her bedroom and entered her in a local talent competition.  She was nervous and excited.  The song she chose was the chart topper “Those Were the Days,” made popular by Mary Hopkin.  It was the first time the 17-year-old had ever used a real microphone.  Gaynor did not win the talent show but came in second place to an accordion player.  People at the talent show praised Gaynor for her vocal delivery and sweet voice.  The following week, Gaynor saw an advertisement in her local newspaper in which a singer named Bobby Wayne was looking to hire three female backup singers.  The ad said, “No experience needed, training [would be] given.”  Winning second in the talent show gave Gaynor the confidence to audition.  Out of the 34 girls who auditioned, Gaynor was one of the three selected.  For two years, she performed with Bobby Wayne and the Dixies.  There was a problem.  Gaynor Hopkins resembled and sounded like Mary Hopkin, and people often confused the two.  Gaynor said she never really liked her name, so she took the opportunity to change it.  She adopted her niece’s first name, added a common last name, and became Sherene Davis.  She performed under that name with her own band called Imagination.

In 1975, Gaynor was performing with her band at a local hotspot called “The Townsman” which was in a multi-story building.  Talent scout Roger Bell went to the building to see Vic Oakley sing, but he went to the wrong floor by mistake.  Roger liked what he heard and invited Gaynor to London to record a demo.  That demo led to a contract with RCA Records.  Gaynor released her first single in 1976, but it was a flop.  Her second, “Lost in France,” fared much better, then there was another career setback.  After suffering with a sore throat, Gaynor’s doctor said she needed surgery to remove nodules from her vocal cords.  In the spring of 1977, her doctor said the operation was a success and her voice would return to normal if she remained completely silent for the six-week recovery period.  He instructed her to communicate only by writing.  Gaynor, a self-proclaimed chatterbox, tried but failed and strained her voice.  Her doctor explained that the damage was irreversible. 

Gaynor had years left on her contract with RCA, so they brought her in for another recording session.  After singing the first six words of a song in the studio, everyone involved was worried.  The sweetness was replaced with a huskiness.  RCA released the song as a single in November 1977 only after the song’s producer and songwriters threatened to terminate their contracts with RCA.  To RCA’s surprise, the song rose to the top 10 in 20 countries and to the number one spot in 8 of those countries.  That song was “It’s a Heartache.”  Gaynor had many other hit songs including “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”  When Gaynor signed her contract with RCA, they stipulated that Gaynor change her stage name from Sherene Davis to something that sounded less like a belly dancer.  She bought two newspapers from which she listed all the Christian names and surnames.  She tried many different combinations until she found one that suited her.  You may never have heard the names Gaynor Hopkins or Sherene Davis, but the world knows her as Bonnie Tyler. 

Sources:

1.     Abby Morgan, “Bonnie Tyler: ‘The older you get, the less you have to prove,’’’ Leicestershire Press, July 10, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://leicestershirepress.com/2023/07/10/bonnie-tyler-the-older-you-get-the-less-you-have-to-prove/.

2.     “33.1/3^rd,” Record Collector, December 28, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/33-1-3rd-8.

3.     Goldmine Contributors, “Bonnie Tyler feels ‘The Best Is Yet To Come,’” Goldmine: the Music Collector’s Magazine, May 27, 2021, accessed May 10, 2026, https://www.goldminemag.com/interviews/pop/power-ballad-singer-bonnie-tyler-feels-the-title-is-perfect-for-her-latest-album-the-best-is-yet-to-come/.

For generations, blue jeans have survived fashion trends, school dress codes, road trips, concerts, awkward family photos and at least a few questionable DIY projects. And on May 20, one of the world’s most recognizable wardrobe staples celebrates a major milestone in history.

May 20 marks the anniversary of the 1873 patent that helped launch blue jeans into global fame. On that date, businessman Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis received a U.S. patent for adding metal rivets to men’s work pants, creating a stronger and more durable product designed for laborers during the Gold Rush era.

At the time, the invention was practical. Workers needed clothing tough enough to survive mines, railroads and physically demanding jobs. More than 150 years later, those same rugged pants somehow became acceptable attire for everything from grocery runs to weddings held in barns.

The original riveted denim pants were intended for hardworking laborers in the American West. Today, they are just as likely to be worn by teenagers filming dance videos, tourists walking through Buc-ee’s or someone insisting they are “dressed up” because they chose dark denim instead of faded denim.

Jeans have become one of the few pieces of clothing capable of sparking universal emotional experiences. Nearly everyone has owned a pair that fit perfectly for exactly three weeks before shrinking, stretching or suddenly becoming uncomfortable for reasons science still cannot explain.

The evolution of denim trends has also created some memorable fashion eras. Over the decades, styles have ranged from bell-bottoms and acid wash to ripped skinny jeans and ultra-baggy designs large enough to store camping equipment in the pockets. Every generation has confidently declared its preferred version the correct one while criticizing the styles that came before and after it.

Despite changing trends, denim remains deeply tied to American culture. Blue jeans have appeared in movies, music, political campaigns and countless advertisements promoting the idea of rugged independence. They are worn by ranchers, celebrities, mechanics, teachers and people pretending they definitely did not just spill queso on themselves moments earlier.

Retail analysts say denim sales continue to remain strong even as athleisure wear and comfortable loungewear compete for closet space. Still, many shoppers continue searching for the mythical perfect pair of jeans — one that is comfortable, affordable, flattering and does not require Olympic-level flexibility to put on.

As May 20 rolls around, Americans once again celebrate an invention that managed to outlast countless fashion trends while remaining stubbornly difficult to shop for. More than a century after their invention, blue jeans remain one of the few things capable of making people simultaneously feel confident, nostalgic and personally attacked by fluorescent dressing room lighting.

The 29th annual Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival will take place May 15-16 on the downtown riverbank in Natchitoches, featuring live music across multiple stages and a lineup of national and regional performers.

Festival events begin Friday night at 7 p.m. with a “Tribute to Legends Night” featuring The Led Zeppelin Project and Waterloo.

Saturday’s lineup will be headlined by country artist Joe Nichols and will also include Louisiana native and former American Idol runner-up John Foster, Houston-area R&B performer Tiffany Rachal, and more than 20 bands performing on four stages throughout the weekend.

Local favorites Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs are scheduled to perform on the main stage Saturday at 5:25 p.m., while The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples will perform on the Roque Stage at 1 p.m.

Festival organizers said VIP tickets are nearly sold out ahead of the weekend event.

Additional festival information and tickets are available through Natchitoches Jazz and R&B Festival.

Northwestern State University awarded 890 degrees to 860 graduates during Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies May 13-14.  Spring graduates listed by hometown (In Our Journal Services Coverage Areas) are as follows. 

Alexandria – Kellie Crain, Breanna Kirts, Abigail Lachney, Magen Pierite, Associate of Science in Nursing; Guymeka Bowers, Luke Compton, Maggie Creamer, Kailyn Price, Associate of General Studies; Mia Speed, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Seddricka Furlow-Hawthorne, Bachelor of General Studies; Joseph Cain, Maggie Creamer, Bianca Dixon, Leila Ford, Dexteria King, Joseph Jordan, Benjamin Joseph, Shelby Palmer, Kailyn Price, Sydney Smith, Reshida Tate, Bachelor of Science; Colton Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Christopher Doney, Mary Doney, Janice Williams Master of Arts; Cassandra Armstrong, Sarita Kathayat Ghimire, Ciji West Master of Science in Nursing 

Anacoco – Caslyn Farquhar. Amanda Shores, Associate of Science in Nursing; Madison Blackburn, Haylee Gilbert, Kyle Hillman, Sylvia Ross, Associate of General Studies; Karlea Welch, Bachelor of Science; Emily Montes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Arcadia – Anayah Allen, Associate of General Studies 

Ball – Andrea Laudun, Master of Science in Nursing 

Barksdale, AFB – Brandon West, Bachelor of Science 

Benton – Diana Mccabe, Associate Degree; Kendall Nattin, Associate of General Studies; Juliana Miller, Bachelor of Arts; Katharyn Evans, Sierra Khaled, Amber Long, Diana Mccabe, Bachelor of Science; Stephanie Adair, Angela Cameron, Master of Science in Nursing 

Blanchard – Kimberly Clemmons, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Bossier City – Jada Dudley, Jordan Pennington, Olivia Spruell, Tashia Zeigler, Associate of Science in Nursing; Trinity Browder, Associate of General Studies; Kalyah Rushing, Associate of Science; Cody Davenport, John Gray, Kierra Nelson, Bachelor of Arts; Richard Salzer, Bachelor of Music; Solon Burris, Allie Denton, Devin Ennis, Layla Havis, John-Michael Head, Haley Henderson, Bryant Holmes, Cing Kim, Ariana Lee, John Lewis, Kalyssa Mall, Madysen Morgan, Reva Ott, Abigail Petermann,  Karla Sanchez Hernandez, Paige Smith, Toni Sullivan, Bowen Vardeman, Jessica Watters, Bachelor of Science; Baylin Berry, Melaney Berry, Hollie Gohl, Jennifer Marr, Imani Mosley, Patrise Polley, Melanie Robinson, Katerina Rooker, Ashley Woodfin, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Laura Jorgensen, Master of Arts; Jennifer Drygas, Master of Education; Lauren Ashcraft, Beau Bevan, Madison Brown, Master of Science

Willie Herrington, Madison Kach,Travis Kach, Sha’Darius Plummer, Master of Science in Nursing 

Boyce – Kortney Carlock, Scott Davis, Averie Rachal Associate of General Studies; Victoria Fatula, Lauren Holt, Olivia Melroy, Bachelor of Science 

Bunkie – Tiona Jenkins, Bachelor of Science; Megan Pickett, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Jill Tassin, Master of Education 

Campti – Julia Clark, Tralyn Lofton, Associate of General Studies; Syreetta Evans, Faith Matthews, Bachelor of Science 

Castor – Kaylyn Long, Bachelor of Science 

Center Point – Curtis Bertrand, Associate of General Studies 

Cheneyville – Tara Perkins, Master of Education 

Choudrant – Holly Ford, Master of Science in Nursing 

Cloutierville – Aleeya Jefferson, Bachelor of Social Work; Tonya Masson, Master of Science 

Colfax – Jaclyn Edwards, Galen Loyd, Bachelor of General Studies; Ananda Flanagan, Bachelor of Science; Dyana Edwards, Master of Education 

Converse – Justin Rushing, Bachelor of Arts; Emiley Pratt. Master of Science in Nursing 

Cottonport – Bryce Juneau, Bryce Juneau, Bachelor of Science 

Coushatta – Brett Danzy, Bachelor of Arts; Latoya Gray, Bachelor of General Studies; William Almond, Bachelor of Science 

Deville – Olivia Downs, Associate of General Studies; Peyton Fuller, Bachelor of Science; Aimee Butler, Master of Science in Nursing 

Dodson – Caroline Boyett, Bachelor of Science 

Doyline – Amaris Buitrago, Bachelor of Science 

Dry Prong – Patience Martinez, Associate of Science in Nursing; Cameron Remrey, Bachelor of Arts; Kallie Evers, Bachelor of Science; Hannah Peppers, Master of Arts 

Dubberly – Jayde Burks, Bachelor of Arts 

Elmer – Alex Alston, Bachelor of General Studies 

Eunice – Chelsea Guillory, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Florien – Shaelon Miller, Eric Rutherford Associate of Science in Nursing; Tia Holmes, Abigail Thomas, Bachelor of Arts; Cesaleigh Hall, Bachelor of Science 

Forest Hill – Baronica Gunter, Bachelor of General Studies 

Fort Polk – Tamara Brekke, Lauren Eubanks, Lindsey Moser, Michiya Shoels, Associate of Science in Nursing; Katherine Clay, Madelynn Flint, Aidyn Gagnos, Kiana Mas’sa, Charlie Owens, Elizabeth Wyatt, Associate of General Studies; Danika Dingus, Bachelor of General Studies; Kyle Reyes, Bryanna Stebane, Bachelor of Science; Amanda Sinders-Lewis, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Glenmora – Jaliyah George, Associate of General Studies; Katie Dupre, Bachelor of Social Work; Jolie Chevalier, Master of Science in Nursing 

Goldonna – Hillary Burke, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Michael Johnson, Master of Science in Nursing 

Grand Cane – Sandra Kimble, Master of Science in Nursing 

Greenwood – Jacob Sullivan, Bachelor of Science 

Hall Summit – Seth Wimberly, Master of Science 

Haughton – Kaylan Washington, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lawson Turner, Bachelor of Arts; Taylor Eggleton, Paige Pruett Bachelor of Science; Hannah Pourteau, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Anna Vaughn, Master of Arts; Gracie Simonton, Master of Education; Brandice Bowers, Jordan Logan, Danielle Potter, Master of Science in Nursing; Victoria Lodrini Post, Baccalaureate Certificate 

Haynesville – Brylee Foster, Camren Marsh, Associate of General Studies 

Hineston – Jamie Kile, Aiden Lewis, Kennadie Thacker, Zoey Wilson, Associate of General Studies; Maria Juarez-Rubio, Bachelor of Arts; Rebecca Dousay, Tinley Steedman, Natalie Taylor Bachelor of Science 

Hornbeck – Logan Lawrence, Bachelor of Science 

Ida – Britney Mitchell, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Jena – Taylor Brown, Jacobie Wilson, Associate of Science in Nursing; Brittany Crooks, Ella Jensen, Alyson Overstreet, Bachelor of Science; Rosalyn Hall, Educational Specialist; Chelsea Morris, Master of Science in Nursing 

Jonesboro – Georgia Robinson, Bachelor of General Studies; Amber Melton, Bachelor of Social Work 

Keithville – Dorissa Pennywell, Associate of Science in Nursing; Walker Holland, Gabriele Williams, Bachelor of Science; Kaci Green, Bachelor of Social Work 

Lecompte – Mason Doughty, Associate of General Studies; Shuntavica Busch, Associate of Science in Nursing; Amanda Hobart, Master of Education 

Leesville – Brittany Counts, Mustachia Everett, Morgan Owens, Associate of Science in Nursing; Avery Bealer, Luke Beaubouef, Ashton Chandler, Addison Coffman, Gryphon Cooley, Seth Dukes, Crystal Gomez, Kane Hagan, Anthony Isley, Jayvan Jackson, J’layah Jones, Jennifer Kudla, Micah Merchant, Dakota Miller, Audrey Robbins, Kyler Slaughter, Natalie Somers, Sydnee Sturm, Jayde Wilbanks, Keagan Williams, Conner Wilt, Kylie Wolff, Associate of General Studies; Jaya Chenevert- Jones, Abigail Williams, Bachelor of Arts; Tessa Blackwell, Chelsea Bornowski, Jeffrey Keys Bachelor of General Studies; Michael Bell, Matthew Rieger, Maria-Theresa Ross, Bachelor of Science; Ellen Daily, Bachelor of Social Work; Kendall Collins, Elizabeth Rios, Master of Arts; Charles Myers, Laila Salas Master of Science 

Lena – Lashae’ Lucas, Master of Science in Nursing 

Mansfield – Tina Richardson, Associate of Science in Nursing, Christopher Addison, Paulette Rambin, Kemariya Thomas, Bachelor of Science

Many – Patrick O’Neal, Brianna Wade, Associate of General Studies; Kaylee Herr, Bachelor of Arts; Kristen Hammontree, Emma Peace, Kelsey Sepulvado, Bachelor of Science

Marksville – Koby Brevelle, Bachelor of Arts; Mia Rodriguez, Makenzie Scroggs, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Marthaville – Aaron Manasco, Associate of Science; Aaron Manasco, Amelia Strahan, Bachelor of Science

Minden — Makenlee McCall, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lacoya Hawkins, Bachelor of Science; Jenna Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Adrianna Maddox, Bachelor of Social Work; Mary Simms, Doctor of Education; Michel’le Coleman, Sharde Evans, Lawanda Jefferson, Master of Science in Nursing

Montgomery – Elizabeth LaCroix, K’lashia Nash, Associate of General Studies; John Tucker-Howell, Bachelor of Arts; Ethan Jones, Zackary Racine, Bachelor of Science

Moreauville – Mylesha Jones, Associate of Science in Nursing

Natchez – Victoria Hatten, Associate of Science in Nursing; Spencer Yellott, Associate of Science; Josiah Conant, Anastasia Nelson, Spencer Yellott, Bachelor of Science

Natchitoches — Austin Jordan, Associate of Science in Nursing; Kenyetta Jackson, Bachelor of Arts; Natasha McHenry, Associate of General Studies; Morgan Myers, Kanda Ryals, Cameron Taitano, Associate of Science in Nursing; Cheyenne Bertrand, Luis Cervantes, John Jett, Matthew Mayeux, Associate of General Studies; Norman Martinez Reyes,  Dequallin Newton, Associate of Science; Albert Benner, Sophia Brossett, Brendan Campbell, Shanice Hutson, Maria Lopez Macias, Andrew Perrilloux, Christopher Richard, Mya Williams, Shakera Williaims, Bachelor of Arts; Caleb Burton, By Bui, Ashley Harkey, Ariyonna Sarpy, Tyler Sibley, Bachelor of Fine Arts; LaQuita Collins, Silet Gray, Miranda Harrison, Lolita Hukasian, Craig Sylvia, Teresa Tilley, Tavis Wilson, Bachelor of General Studies; Lennon Cooke, Ever Naun Galeas Antunez, Kevin Juarez Lopez, Norman Martinez Reyes, Fernanda Morales, Nohelia Ramos Vallencillo, Ronald Zaldaña Sánchez, Bachelor of Music; Eileen Ashley, Dominick Saldivar, Bachelor of Music Education; Karmyn Babineaux, Haleigh Bertrand, Abigail Bevill, James Burrell, Brendan Campbell, Benjamin Castro, Cameron Churchman, Jaylen Coleman, Aaliyah Creekmore, Angelisa Dobbins-Taylor, Aryel Durr, Phillip Evans, Sileena Farrell, Sofia Garcia, Brody Garlington, William Jordan, Mackenzie Kanehl, Kayden Larkins, Madison Martin, Norman Martinez Reyes, Kyleb Mcmahon, Cameron Possoit, Preston Rasco, Madison, Raymond, Heather Schrock, Taylor Shephert, Santiago Tobon Cardona, Mekenna Tryon, Emily Ware, Shakera Williams, Starla Williams, Madeline Williford, Ariel Wilson,  Bachelor of Science; Lacy Byles, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Lane Alford, Logan Boline, Logan Bordelon, Kyle Perkins, Brendan Ritter, Laura Rogers, Master of Arts; Micheal Cox, Master of Education; Parrel Appolis, Walker Libbe, Victor Mata Zepeda, Kathryn Wilkinson, Master of Music; Kolby Burrell, Bryce Fink, Christopher Gistarb, Jalivia Johnson, Kirsten Knobloch, Taylor Maust, Andrew Perrilloux, Macy Vascocu, Master of Science; Bailey Gaspard, Anna Jordan, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

New Llano – Bhavi Patel, Associate of General Studies; Lexi Arellano, Bachelor of Science

Olla – Jensyn Walters, Associate of Science in Nursing

Otis – Waylon Crooks, Alayna Dauzart, Allie Marhsall, Associate of General Studies; Andrew Vincik, Bachelor of Arts

Pineville – Kenzie Basco, Hallie Below, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jayla Armstead, Josie Cleary, Kaylee Cotton, Olivia Edwards, Reese Favors, Hunter Kelone, Parker Maddox, Jaxson McCurtain, Amber Michot, Gabriel Michot, Kamri Powell, James Shepherd, Amie Tran, Dua Waqas, Ryan Woodruff, Associate of General Studies; Isabella Deville, Karly Stansell, Bachelor of Arts; Breanna Melancon, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Wendi Bray, Tayvon Fennix, Kenyetta Jordan, Kylee Mott, Sterling Player, Ashlyn Saucier, Kirstyn Smith, Katarina Transier-VanGossen, Bachelor of Science; Isabella Sisneroz, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Mikaylah Littleton, Master of Arts; Rhett Thiels, Master of Arts in Teaching; Jeri Thiels, Master of Education; Wendi Bray, Tyjianna Sherman , Master of Science; Hannah Mackey, Avery Ryan, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Pitkin – Rickie Cook, Charlene Graham, Associate of General Studies; Logan Cheever, Connor Goleman, Alexis Thetford, Caitlin Thetford, Bachelor of Science

Plain Dealing – Hayden Baldwin, Bachelor of Science

Plaucheville – Alise Clausen, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Pleasant Hill – Alexander Stewart, Associate of General Studies; Micah Armstrong, Skylie Harris, Bachelor of Science

Pollock – Kaitlyn Abrams, Associate of Science in Nursing; Abigail Marcul, Bachelor of Arts; Lien McGehee, Emily McGehee, Andrew Morrison, Bachelor of Science; Josie Fowler, Bachelor of Social Work, Jennifer Peckmore, Doctor of Education; Jaclyn Lambright, Master of Arts in Teaching; Brittany Atwell, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Princeton – Constance Underwood, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Raynell Sheild, Master of Science in Nursing

Provencal – Kassidy Dowden, Associate of General Studies

Quitman – Kaitlyn Williams, Bachelor of Science

Ringgold – Autumn Smart, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Robeline – Jaykob Harrison, Associate of General Studies; Kristin Bull, Bachelor of Arts; Brycen Jones, Associate of Science; Christopher Paligo, Isabella Young, Bachelor of Arts; Andrew Austin, Kandis Kay, Tucker Vascocu, Bachelor of Science

Ruston – Mae Holyoak, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lorelei Freling, Bachelor of Science; Joseph Craighead, Master of Arts

Sarepta – Katie Ingle, Master of Science in Nursing

Shreveport – Brianna Bradford, Justin Burge, Elaine Ezell, Jakiya Hollins, Jacinta Jemeli, Kacee Poole, Candra Robinson, Associate of Science in Nursing; Sheena Rose, Associate of General Studies; Samuel McCray, Christiyon Moore Douglas, Rashunda Morrison, Bachelor of Arts; Demarcus Reid, Bachelor of Science; Stone Smith, Bachelor of Arts; Anna Kent, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Averi Garner, Troy Hayes, Christian Holmes, Sheena Rose, Eric Appleton, Sawyer Benson, Taja Bolds, Anyah Cowan, Quianna Daniel, Jaydon Evan, Olivia Horrell, Olivia Horrell, Donald Johnston, Ashlyn McClain, Alex Melvin, Mi’Chael Miles, Kristie Miller, Jabari Muhammad, Katherine Randolph, Zariah Ray, Virginia Santiago, Halie Stevenson, Haley Streeter, Lorien Thomas, Kaleb Tucker, William Wilson, Bavhelor of Science; Ali Gill, Khadijah Lockett, Spayne Moore, Baylee Parnell, Allie Pitre, Betty Reeves, Kenyaya Russell, Stephanie Williams, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Shayla Campbell, Shelbey DeLouche, Emily Frataccia, Kenberly Jones, Amanda Spraggins, Ava Ward, Bachelor of Social Work; Elisabeth Cason, Roishene Johnson, Doctor of Education; Steven Turner, Master of Education; Lillie Christaw, Naydu Daza Maya, Dana Wainwright, Master of Science;  Matthew Anderson, Charmon Bates, Tonconia Blow, Carla Drain, Kari Harris, Sheryl Jeter, Olivia Lanclos, Alexis Leslie, Camille Mayfield, Tiffany Mills, Justin Morehead, Tiffany Murray, Dione Ngwen, Susan Pesnell, Adam Rinaudo, Breah Seazer, Master of Science in Nursing; Jessica Plunkett, Post Baccalaureate Certificate; Amie Wilson, Post Master’s Certificate

Sikes – Kaylee Parker, Associate of Science in Nursing, Brandi Tolbert, Bachelor of General Studies

Stonewall – Alexandria Cole, Associate Degree; Lauren Becton, Alexandria Cole, Bachelor of Science; Sonya Edelen, Past Master’s Certificate

Trout – Callie McDowell, Bachelor of Science

Vivian – Bridget Duncan, Bachelor of General Studies; Brandon Garner, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Gavin Kendrick, Gavin Kendrick, Tonya Sedrick, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Winnfield – MaKayla Shelton, Selena Villalobos, Associate of General Studies; Ella Price, Bachelor of Arts; Tolbert Triplett, Bachelor of General Studies; Ashlyn Beaubouef, John Spikes, Landon Thompson, Bachelor of Science

Woodworth – Caroline Blanchcard, Bachelor of Science; Valerie Devillier, Master of Science in Nursing  

Zwolle — Ahyuana Harris, Associate of General Studies; Cynthia Johnson, Kamaryn Rivers, Bachelor of General Studies; Nahliyah Boykins, Erin Escott, Gracie, Bachelor of Science, Malachya Lilly, Bachelor of Social Work 

Louisiana has emerged as a national leader in academic recovery, becoming the only state in the country to surpass its 2019 pre-pandemic reading benchmarks. According to the latest Education Scorecard, a collaborative report from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth, Louisiana also ranks 3rd in the nation for academic growth in math.

The report, which combines state test results from 35 million students nationwide with national assessment data, provides a high-resolution look at the state’s educational landscape between 2022 and 2025.

Key Statewide Findings:

• Reading Leadership: Louisiana is the only state in the nation where students are performing above pre-pandemic levels in reading (+.29 grade equivalents over 2019).

• Math Growth: Louisiana is one of only two states performing above 2019 math levels, ranking 3rd out of 38 states in growth.

• Economic Impact: Gains in high-poverty districts were largely driven by federal pandemic relief (ESSER) funds, which provided roughly $6,000 per student.

• Challenges Ahead: Chronic absenteeism remains a significant hurdle, rising from 18.8% in 2022 to 22% in 2025.

Based on the latest report from the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford and Harvard universities, here is the academic performance and attendance summary for Sabine Parish:

Overall Academic Performance (2022–2025)

• Average Test Scores: Students in Sabine Parish performed 0.89 grade levels below the 2019 national average. This is slightly lower than the Louisiana state average of -0.70.
• Performance Trends: Test scores have been improving at a rate of +0.12 grade levels per year since 2022. This growth is double the statewide average trend of +0.06.
• National Rankings: Sabine Parish ranks in the 26th percentile for math and the 44th percentile for reading performance nationwide.

Learning Rates (School Quality Indicator)

Learning rates measure how much knowledge students gain as they progress from grade to grade, providing a strong indicator of school quality.

• Annual Growth: Students in Sabine Parish learned an average of 1.07 grade levels per year during the 2022–2025 period.
• National Standing: This learning rate is higher than 73% of districts nationwide. It also exceeds both the national average learning rate of 1.0 and the Louisiana state average of 0.97.

Student Subgroup Trends

• Race/Ethnicity: Both White and Black students are showing positive growth in test scores, at +0.12 and +0.13 grade levels per year, respectively. White students performed 0.31 grade levels below the national average, while Black students performed 2.57 grade levels below it.
• Economic Status: Students from low-income families performed 1.39 grade levels below the 2019 national average but are showing steady improvement with a growth trend of +0.08 grade levels per year.
• Gender: Male students showed a higher growth trend (+0.16) than female students (+0.07) since 2022, though female students currently perform closer to the national average.
• Reading Success: The district’s growth in reading is notably strong, with a trend in scores that ranks in the 89th percentile nationally.

Chronic Absenteeism

• Current Standing: The average chronic absenteeism rate in Sabine Parish—representing the percentage of students missing 10% or more of the school year—was 19.0% between 2022 and 2025.
• Long-term Change: This represents a 2.3 percentage point increase from the 2017–2019 pre-pandemic average of 16.7%.
• Regional Context: Despite the increase, Sabine Parish’s absenteeism rate remains lower than the state average (21.8%) and is better than the average for its “similar districts” (22.2%).

While the “learning recession” of the last decade has been severe, the recovery has officially begun in Louisiana. Harvard Professor Tom Kane, faculty director of the Center for Education Policy Research, noted that while a small group of state leaders have started “digging out” by changing how students learn to read, the work must continue.

With federal relief funds expiring, the report suggests Louisiana focus future school improvement dollars on middle- and higher-poverty districts that still trail their pre-pandemic levels.

By Nutrition Agent Erin Stockton

Recipe of the Month: One-Skillet Chicken with Green Beans and Tomatoes

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

This chicken with green beans and tomatoes can have dinner on the table in just minutes, and its single-skillet cooking method makes cleanup simple. Local green beans and tomatoes from a farmers market, farm stand, or grocery store can help ensure the vegetables are fresh and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced, or 2 to 3 teaspoons dried garlic powder or canned minced garlic
• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 fresh lemon, juice and zest
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 sprig fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Grated parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions:

1. Wash green beans under cool running water.
2. Snap or cut off the stem ends of the beans.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Season chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
5. Add chicken to the skillet and brown on each side, about 2 minutes per side.
6. Add garlic, green beans, and tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Add chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and balsamic vinegar. Cover skillet and cook for about 5 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
8. If using fresh thyme, remove the sprig before serving. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired.

For more information, contact Stockton at 318-872-0533, email estockton@agcenter.lsu.edu, or visit LSU AgCenter DeSoto, Sabine, and Natchitoches Nutrition and Community Health on Facebook.

Erin Stockton is a Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter serving DeSoto, Sabine, and Natchitoches parishes. She provides research-based programs focused on healthy eating and active living.

BATON ROUGE — Louisiana families may qualify for SUN Bucks, a summer grocery assistance program providing a one-time $120 benefit for each eligible school-aged child to help purchase food during the summer break.

The program applies to children ages 5 to 18 and is designed to assist families while school meal programs are unavailable during the summer months.

Most eligible children will automatically receive the benefit and do not need to apply. Automatic eligibility includes children born between Aug. 20, 2007, and July 1, 2020, who received SNAP, FITAP, KCSP or income-based Medicaid benefits at any time between July 1, 2025, and Aug. 20, 2026.

Children may also automatically qualify if they attend a school participating in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and were approved individually for free or reduced-price meals.

Some families, however, will need to submit an application. This includes households with children attending Community Eligibility Provision schools where all students receive free meals but no meal application was completed. Families may also qualify based on household income even if they do not meet the automatic eligibility categories.

Applications for summer 2026 benefits will be accepted through Aug. 20, 2026. Approved applicants typically receive benefits within three weeks of approval.

Officials say SUN Bucks benefits will begin distribution in mid-May. Families already receiving SNAP or those who participated in SUN Bucks last summer will have benefits added to their existing EBT card. Other households will receive a preloaded EBT card by mail in a plain white envelope addressed to the child.

Families are encouraged to verify their mailing address information with Medicaid, FITAP, KCSP and their child’s school to avoid delays in receiving benefits.

SUN Bucks cards can be activated through the LifeInCheck app, by calling 888-997-1117 or online through the LifeInCheck EBT system. Cardholders will need the child’s Social Security information, birthdate and ZIP code to complete activation.

Officials also remind families to choose secure PIN numbers and avoid common patterns such as repeated or consecutive digits.

The Natchitoches Jazz&R&B Festival, which is celebrating its 29th year on May 15-16 is widely regarded as one of the top if not, THE top music festivals in north Louisiana. 

According to festival chairman Rodney Harrington, the event is the culmination of a year long community effort and would not be possible without the generous support of area businesses, concertgoers, and musicians.

“First and foremost, we have a super hard-working board of directors and core group of volunteers who work all year long for no other reason than to help provide good quality musical entertainment for the people of our area and beyond,” said Harrington.

“The festival simply wouldn’t happen without the generosity of our sponsors or partners as we call them”, Harrington continued, “they step up to the plate year after year and allow us to put on a top quality festival featuring A-list artists  and first class sound and production.”

Harrington did say that ticket sales are critical, however, and at the end of the day, it’s all about putting” butts in the seats.”

“With advance online ticket sales, we are able to track where our purchases are coming from and it’s pretty eye-opening,” Harrington said, “ we have folks coming to this festival from literally all over the country, although we rely heavily upon people who are in driving distance.”

He encourages local businesses which, for whatever reason, did not become sponsors, to please consider buying tickets to give to their employees and/or customers. 

Harrington says that the festival was started over 30 years ago mainly to provide a venue for local musicians to perform and it still maintains its loyalty to that group.

“The lineup of performers includes lots of local acts and they are going to be amongst the best you’ll see at the festival, “says Harrington.

For the first time, this year’s festival will feature a stage where all performers will play only their original music.  This will be in the beautiful setting of Beau Jardin and will be presented in cooperation with The Natchitoches Original Music Showcase.

BREAKING NEWS ALERT:  VIP TICKETS ARE NEARLY SOLD OUT AND THE JAZZ FEST BOARD ANTICIPATES TERMINATING THE FURTHER SALE OF THOSE TICKETS IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.natchjazzfest.com

Several years ago, a radio station in San Francisco conducted a nonscientific listener survey. Sixty-eight percent of the people surveyed were for it. Twenty percent were against it. The remaining twelve percent had no opinion on the matter. So the radio station concluded from this nonscientific survey that the vast majority were in favor of it. The funny part is that the radio station never asked a question. It was an illustration of the bandwagon effect. If you get enough people walking down South Trenton Street in the same direction at nearly the same time, a parade is likely to break out.

I could go on one of my rants about people not thinking critically about political, educational, existential, or spiritual matters — but I won’t. I will say this: you need to read more than just the headlines on the website. You need to read the article. And you need to read more than one verse of the Bible if you want the whole picture. We often form opinions based on emotion rather than actually thinking something through. (I know — shocking.)

I talk about this because when people find out I’m a minister, they usually ask a question that goes something like this: “Do Methodists believe in drinking wine and playing cards at the dance held on Sunday afternoon at the movie theater?” This is not a serious question, but the ones people ask me are just as funny. When someone asks me about a specific “sin,” I usually ask them what they think. You might be surprised to know that people are looking for direction and validation in their lives. I’m amused that they mostly want to know if I’m AGAINST the same things they’re against. Often, in seeking direction and validation for our spiritual position, we join a church where people “think like we do.”

Nonchurch folks define the congregation of Trinity Methodist in two ways: by who attends our church, and by what we are AGAINST. I have a list of jokes to prove my point, but space doesn’t allow me to share them. (You’re welcome.) In church life, the bandwagon is joined as much for what a church is against as for what the church believes. But do you really want anyone defining you by what you’re against?

Now here’s what I want you to hear — and I want you to hear it louder than any bandwagon rolling down the street. I am FOR YOU. I believe God loves you just the way you are — not the “improved,” “cleanedup,” “Sundaybest” version of you, but the real you, the one who sometimes burns the biscuits, loses their patience, and wonders if they’re getting any of this right. You don’t have to do one single thing to earn God’s love. Not one. I believe God wants the best for you — and your “best” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. God loves you so much that He sent Jesus into the world to show us that love with skin on.

And if you’ve never heard anyone say this plainly, let me be the first: you matter, you are loved, and heaven is not rolling its eyes at you. God is not waiting for you to get your act together — God is already cheering for you, believing in you, and walking with you.

What do you believe?

The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to prioritize water safety as summer approaches, reminding families that strong safety practices can help prevent drownings and serious water-related injuries, particularly among children.

The reminder comes as Gov. Jeff Landry has proclaimed May as Louisiana Children’s Trust Fund Swim Safety Month.

According to recent data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the fourth leading cause of injury-related deaths among children ages 0 to 14 in Louisiana.

LDH officials said most drownings are preventable and often happen quickly and quietly. Between 2022 and 2024, 55 children drowned in Louisiana, according to the LDH Office of Public Health. More than half of those children were unsupervised, and 42 percent drowned in water areas without proper protective barriers. Most incidents occurred in swimming pools.

An additional 54 children were hospitalized due to nonfatal drownings or near-drownings, which health officials say can lead to lifelong disabilities and permanent developmental impacts.

State health officials are encouraging parents and caregivers to actively supervise children whenever they are near water, keep young children within arm’s reach and never leave children unattended around pools, lakes or other bodies of water.

The department also recommends enrolling children in swim lessons at an early age, installing protective barriers and self-latching gates around pools, ensuring pools and spas have compliant drain covers and teaching children to avoid pool drains.

Officials say extra caution should be used in open water environments such as lakes and beaches, where conditions can include low visibility, changing depths, currents and underwater hazards.

Families are also encouraged to use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during boating and water recreation activities, avoid alcohol while swimming or supervising children and learn CPR and basic rescue skills in case of emergencies.

Additional water safety information, swim lesson resources and CPR class information are available through the Louisiana Department of Health.