A graveside memorial for Della Louise McLendon will be Friday, July 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Prospect Cemetery, 1401 Prospect Rd, Florien, Louisiana. Officiating the service will be Brother Clinton Alford.

Della was born on October 20, 1934 to Jessie Lee Byrd and Mattie Louise Walker Byrd in Sabine Parish, Louisiana and passed away on July 6, 2024 in Many, Louisiana.

Della owned her own beauty shop in Shreveport, Louisiana. When her husband started to lose his eyesight, she got her welding degree at the technical college in Many, Louisiana so that she could help him work in his shop. She also fostered countless children in her lifetime.

Della is preceded in death by her parents; husband, A.D. McLendon; and son, John McLendon. She is survived by her son, Steve McLendon and wife, Ashley, of Zwolle, Louisiana; daughter, Amanda Bliss and husband, Taylor, of Zwolle, Louisiana; grandchildren, Zane, Alexis, Maya Jane, and numerous step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Honoring Della as pallbearers will be Taylor Bliss, Steve McLendon, Zane McLendon, Patrick Meshell, Michael Peveto, and Tejeda “Oz” Rodriguez.

Linda Lee Walker was born on January 13, 1961 to Homer Paul Boudreaux and Iris Arlene Jeffers in Morgan City, Louisiana and passed from this life on Thursday, June 20, 2024 in Noble, Louisiana.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and son, Christopher Hutto; sisters, Faye Castille Boudreaux and Melinda Boudreaux. She is survived by her husband, Benny Walker; sons, Nathan Walker and Travis Williams and wife, Tisha; daughters, Judy Hutto and husband, Chistopher, Jennifer Williams and husband, Trey, Stacey Gilgannon, and Joni Williams; sisters, Warden “Cricket” Strickland, Diane Byrd, Jacqueline “Jackie” Boudreaux, and Brenda Froiu; brothers, Lonnie Boudreaux, Chad Boudreaux, Jojo Hebert, Homer Boudreaux, Jr., and Brent Boudreaux; grandchildren, Jordan, Jayden, Brysyn, Jazzey, Jaycee, Kolby, David, Cody, Jesse, Celeste, Skylor, and Trevor; and great-grandchildren, Decoda, Lou, and Delilah.

By Brad Dison

Lee Ethel Reliford
July 9, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Rufus Carl Gibson
September 28, 1954 – July 5, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Jourdan J. Taylor
July 3, 2024
Arrangments TBA

William Lester Bolton
August 30, 1939 — July 6, 2024
Service: Wednesday, July 10 at 10am at Blanchard St Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Virginia Webb
September 29, 1928 — July 5, 2024
Service: Saturday, July 20 at 1 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Northwestern State University 1971 graduate and Associate Louisiana Supreme Court Justice James “Jimmy” Genovese reportedly said he has Gov. Jeff Landry’s backing to become the next NSU president, according to NOLA.com state political writer Tyler Bridges.

Bridges reported that Genovese, from Opelousas, said Landry has texted his support. Bridges wrote that political and higher education sources indicated Genovese is the “heavy favorite” to become NSU’s president.

The University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors is slated to name the next president on Thursday, July 18 in a meeting in Baton Rouge, following on-campus interviews of top candidates on the NSU campus in Natchitoches July 15-16. The presidential search committee will meet Monday in Baton Rouge to assess applicants. The job was posted in early June after the May 31 announcement that current Northwestern State President Dr. Marcus Jones was departing to accept the No. 2 post at the UL System office in Baton Rouge.

According to the NOLA.com reporting by Bridges, Genovese has spent his career as a lawyer and judge. The 74-year-old has two more years remaining in his 10-year seat on the state Supreme Court, elected in 2016 and term limited.

Bridges wrote that Genovese was first surprised by a suggestion that he would be a good fit for the president’s role, but has become convinced he can help turn around the university. Total enrollment fell at NSU from 11,447 in fall 2020 (after the Covid pandemic struck in March 2020) to 8,847 in fall 2023. On-campus enrollment has also declined significantly.

The NOLA.com report quoted Genovese as saying “I owe Northwestern a lot. It’s a beautiful place with a lot of promise. They definitely do need some leadership and exposure to build up the enrollment and curriculum.”

Bridges reported Genovese “has won repeated elections to various courts, and embraces retail-style politics, enthusiastically shaking hands at coffee shops and dancing at Zydeco or Cajun festivals.”

As a Supreme Court member, Genovese oversees judges in his western Louisiana district, reassigning cases that obtain a change of venue, and he meets with state legislators regularly to seek money for the court. 

Genovese is in the university’s Long Purple Line, the highest honor the university issues to its alumni. He was inducted in 2018. https://nsutraditions.com/the-collections/long-purple-line/

Congratulations to Daniel Bennett on his promotion to Regional President.  Daniel is the North Regional President for BOM Bank and will oversee all Lenders in Sabine Parish, Bossier Parish, Caddo Parish, Sabine County and Angelina County.

Congratulations, Daniel!

A pair of ceremonies were held Friday, June 28, on Ft Johnson’s Mountain Field that marked significant milestones in the history of two units.

A large crowd of military, retiree’s and civilians gathered at 9 a.m. to witness the 3^rd Squadron, 89^th Cavalry Regiment case their colors and inactivate the Patriot Recon unit.  All current cavalry units are being reorganized for reclassification under current force restructuring by the Army.

The 89^th Cavalry Regiment was formed as the 899^th Tank Destroyer Battalion in August of 1942.  The unit was activated at Ft. Polk in January of 2005, and participated in numerous combat tours as part of the Global War on Terrorism.

Remarks were offered by Col. Ryan D. Barnett, Commander of the 3^rd Brigade Light Infantry, 10^th Mountain Division (LI).  They centered on the leadership of squadron commander LTC Ryan R. Nugent and CSM Andrew P. Baxter.  Barnett’s comments on CSM Baxter were met with a boisterous round of applause from veterans in attendance.

The second ceremony Friday involved the casing of the colors for the 3^rd Brigade Light Infantry, 10^th Mountain Division (LI).  The unit was established in September of 2004, at Ft. Drum, New York.  In August 2014, the brigade inactivated most of its elements at Ft. Drum and reactivated in February 2015, using the assets of the 4^th Brigade Combat Team (Patriots) 10^th Mountain Division at Ft. Polk.

The unit is headed to Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.  There are already 1000 soldiers from the unit at six different locations in Europe. Col. Barnett, unit commander, spoke on the unit’s mission: to deter Russian aggression, assure NATO allies we’ll be there, execute aggressive training regimens, and transform and modernize units for the new Army models.  While in Europe the unit will be under the command umbrella of the 12th Polish Mechanized Division.  The deployment will last 9-12 months with various units rotating back to Ft. Johnson at different times.

By Brad Dison

May 3, 1944 — June 15, 2024

A memorial service for Lynda Sue Evans Mathis, 80, was held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1016 Hwy 346, Pelican, Louisiana. Family and friends shared stories and kept Lynda company through the night leading up to the service. Officiating the service was Father Timothy Hurd of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Many.

 Lynda passed away peacefully after a brief illness on June 15, 2024, surrounded by her family at her beloved camp overlooking Toledo Bend Reservoir. She was born on May 3, 1944, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the first child of Floyd Newton Evans, Jr. and Bernice Geneva Flores. Early in her life, she lived in Hawaii while her father served in the US Air Force during and after WWII, a place she fondly remembered as an island paradise. Once her father completed his service, the young family moved to Louisiana and became dairy farmers. Lynda and her mother would cook big meals from scratch for her father, brothers, and extended family, they worked the dairy, and she helped tend the family garden, farm, and house. She was also a second mother to her younger siblings until she left home to get married. She was industrious, smart, and a stellar student, winning awards for academics, cooking, and sewing. 

 At Mansfield High School, she met the love of her life, Michael Clark Mathis. They married on July 22, 1961, and enjoyed 53 years together until his death in 2014. They enjoyed a large, boisterous family life, with seven children and an open-door policy for anyone in need. Along with her husband, Lynda loved the outdoors and led many family camping trips, cooking big, delicious meals with anything her husband and children would catch and clean. As a young mother, Lynda attended college at Northwestern State University with her mother and sister, Becky, who all became registered nurses. Her young family lived in Mansfield until 1975, then moved to Shreveport, where she enjoyed a long career in healthcare as a registered nurse, health facility inspector, business owner, and long-term care consultant in Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Nevada. 

 Lynda was the bedrock of her family and supported her husband and children through many of life’s challenges. With her love and guidance, Michael overcame partial blindness, was a Friend of Bill’s for 33 years, and built a career in long term health care administration. She always welcomed her children and others in her family to take refuge at her home and camp whenever needed. In 2008, Lynda and Michael “retired” to lake life, although she continued to work as a nurse and consultant until her stroke on April 5. Lynda was absolutely devoted to her family, and she was the foundation for her husband and children through all the twists and turns of life. She will always be lovingly remembered as the matriarch for her large extended family. Generations of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren lovingly knew her as Mimi, and spent time with her during lake visits and the annual family beach trip.

 Lynda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter, Cynthia Ann Mathis, and her brother-in-law and his wife, James (Jim) Carol Mathis and Janice (Jan) Richard. She is survived by her children, Marjorie Christine Mathis, Daniel Evans Mathis (Lucia), Elizabeth Kathleen Goerner (Philip), Marilyn Carol Asher (Frank), Michael Stuart Mathis (Alyson), Stephen Patrick Mathis, Rosemary Alice Mathis, 11 grandchildren, Erin, Justin, Elise, Jared, Katelyn, Madison, Taylor, Cameron, Evan, Alex, and William, and 7 great-grandchildren, Michael, Elianna, Christina, Griffin, Caspian, Rowan, and Aeson, and her brother-in-law and his wife, Robin Eugene Mathis and Linda LeBlanc. She is also survived by her siblings, Andrew Flores Evans (Marilyn), Paul Keith Evans (Jan), Dennis Anthony Evans (Carol), Michael Stuart Evans (Peggy), Gary Vincent Evans, Mary Catherine Golden (Roger), Rebecca Anne Evans, Jeffrey Louis Evans, Theresa Denise Griffiths (Derek), Patricia Elaine Koch (Mike), John Stephen Evans (Lora), Angela Kay Evans (John Morrison), and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

 Honoring Lynda as pallbearers will be her sons Daniel Mathis, Stuart Mathis, and Stephen Mathis, and grandsons Evan Mathis, Alex Mathis, and William Mathis.

 Flowers may be sent to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1016 Hwy 342, Pelican, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Shriner’s Hospital or to the charity of your choice in her name.

• Catch a movie. Many theaters offer free summer kids movies or discounted matinee showings for adults. 
• Go to the park. Plan a picnic or spread out a blanket and read that novel you’ve been meaning to start. 
• Visit a local art exhibit. Many museums have discounted days or free passes available. 
• Check out your local library. There is a wealth of programming at publicly funded libraries, not to mention all the books!
• Catch a local production at a theatre. From community theatres to college productions to touring Broadway shows, there’s sure to be a show within driving distance. 
• Meet a friend for lunch or dinner. Arrange a play date for both the parents and kids. Socialization is good for us all. 
• Invest in a new hobby. Pick up some gardening shears or buy materials to start scrapbooking all the photos you’ve thrown haphazardly in a box. 
• Dust your dreams off the shelf. Always dreamed of being an artist? Buy a canvas and some paints. Dreaming of writing the Great American Novel? Carve out some time to write each day. 
• Turn dinner into family time. Enlist the family to help with prep or baking a dessert. Spend time talking as you prepare a meal together. 
• Create “fun” baskets for your kids. Create a scavenger hunt or utilize flash cards to learn a new language. Change the baskets out daily with new activities. 
• Host fun days in your own home, like a backwards day. Everyone wears their clothes backwards and walks backwards. Serve dessert before the main meal. 
• Volunteer somewhere. From food pantries to animal shelters, there is always a need for an extra pair of hands. You often make lifelong friendships volunteering while making a difference in the world. 
• Get crafty! Many home improvement stores and libraries have free take-home craft kits to put together with your loved ones. 
• Host or attend a game night. Game nights are proven to be a powerful stress reliever. 

By Doug De Graffenried

Lt. Tragg was the worst detective in the history of television.

He and Hamilton Burger were the arch nemeses of Perry Mason. A television show that ran from 1957-1966 and starred Raymund Burr.

I know all this stuff because in the first two minutes of the episode, I can identify who gets killed, who gets blamed and who confesses in the last five minutes of the show. Perry Mason is the background noise while I am doing other things. In the early episodes, Lt. Tragg is always present. He always knows that he has the criminal because there is a fingerprint on something. It is amusing to watch a crime show with the absence of forensic science. In that regard, we have come a long way.

I watched the episode knowing that poor old Lt. Tragg is wrong. He is wrong every time. There are a couple of episodes where he does finally get the right criminal, but always with Perry Mason’s help. Every time I see the Lt. Tragg character I am reminded of something important.

Before I get to that, a story.

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule ‘braying’ -or-whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened …and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back … a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up! This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeatedly encouraged himself with that mantra. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought “panic” and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!

It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him, blessed him…all because of the way he managed his adversity. If we face our problems, respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity, the adversities that come along burying us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us.

Lt. Tragg and the mule remind me that Jesus said, “By your endurance you will gain your souls.”

Keep on for Jesus’ sake!

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email:  DougDeGraffenried

Every bass tournament is a series of decisions. Some will either make you or break you depending on which direction you decide to go. Some decisions are small while others are huge and can be the difference in winning or getting your butt kicked.

But one thing is understood. The decisions we make as anglers on the water, we must live with, as there’s no going back or asking for a redo. Today we’ll look at one of my last tournaments on Toledo Bend where I made the right decisions.

Let’s first look at practice and where my plan came together. One of my favorite areas that I like to focus on is the mid-lake region. By mid-lake, I’m talking about an area known as the 1215 area south to Negreet Creek. This is a huge portion of Toledo Bend and is highly regarded as some of the best fishing on the Bend.

During practice, Toledo Bend Lake levels were up about one foot above pool, which is 172. For me, this meant that flipping bushes would come into play which is what I love to do. Nothing gets my juices flowing more than pitching a jig into a bush and pulling out a four- or five-pound bass; it’s a rush I really can’t describe!

I fished an area where I have had success over the years and only caught one four-pound bass. It was an area known for holding quality fish, but for some reason the bass just were not setting up on them … yet. So, I then switched over to Plan B and started fishing cypress trees on main lake points.

I quickly realized that this would work but didn’t feel like I could fully rely on this pattern as the lake level was starting to fall. I then switched to another pattern that I like especially after the spawn is over and that would be boat docks. Boat docks are a great place to fish as bass will seek refuge on docks as they recover from the physically draining spawn.

Now all docks are not created equal as some will hold bass when others will not. But I have found over the years that the docks closer to deeper water tend to hold bass better than the ones on a big flat.

As Day 1 of the two-day tournament approached, I decided to start on an early morning point fairly close to our takeoff. The day before, I shook off over 15 fish on this one 40-yard stretch and thought this be a great place to get an early limit. Well, the good Lord above had different plans on Day 1 as my great starting spot turned out to be a big fat zero.

I immediately switched to Plan B once again, and started fishing a couple of stretches of boat docks I had gotten some quality bites on in practice. I ended the day with over 14 pounds and was sitting in the top 10 after Day 1.

Day 2 was pretty much the same routine, but with only a little over 10 pounds in the boat at noon, I decided to head north and flip bushes. Again, I only had one bite in the bushes in practice, but I just thought with the blue bird skies and the sun shining strong, that the bass would be looking to seek cover in the form of bushes.

Best decision I’ve made this year! My third cast into a bush with a jig resulted in a 3.5-pound bass and the culling party began. I was also able to get a few frog bites, but my main bait was the jig. In two hours, I had culled every fish in the livewell and came in with a bag just shy of 16 pounds for a two-day total of 30.81 pounds and a fifth-place finish.

Again, every bass tournament is a series of decisions. Some days you make great decisions and on others, you make bad ones. Most of the time with bass fishing, it’s all about timing. Some areas of the lake will turn on when other areas turn off. To be successful on tournament day, you must be in the right place at the right time.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing, happy Independence Day holiday, and be sure to wear your sunscreen and good protective clothing because Melanoma does not discriminate.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Eleanor LaCaze Garcie Dowden
January 16, 1932 — July 1, 2024
Service: Wednesday July 3 at 10 am at Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches

Marvin Bombek
September 9, 1932 — June 29, 2024
Service: Saturday July 6 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Deweylean Raymo
June 29, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Barbara L. Davis
June 29, 2024
Service: Saturday, July 6 at 11 am at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on Dunn Road in Montgomery

Stephern Cox
June 29, 2024
Service: Saturday July 6 at 11 am at the Will of God Ministries Church on Calliope Street in Coushatta

LaShonda Hardwell
June 9, 1983 – June 25, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Pelican Broadband, the newly rebranded internet service provider, is excited to announce its official launch, following a recent purchase and rebranding effort. The company, NortheastTel, recently acquired the Louisiana operations of EpicTouch, marking a significant milestone in its growth and commitment to providing superior internet services to Natchitoches and other local communities.

The purchase, finalized in February, brings together the legacy of two telecommunications companies that date back to the 1930’s and 40’s, when the original companies began as Campti-Pleasant Hill Telephone Company and Northeast Louisiana Telephone Company. The new entity, Pelican Broadband, is working to implement and improve internet services in the communities of Campti, Creston, Natchitoches, and Pleasant Hill. Along with the planned improvements, Pelican Broadband is dedicated to continuing to provide outstanding service to DeSoto, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Red River, and Sabine Parishes.

A Commitment to Better Connectivity

Pelican Broadband is currently replacing legacy copper infrastructure with state-of-the-art fiber optic technology to ensure faster, more reliable internet and telephone services. This ambitious project aims to cover approximately 300 miles of fiber optic cable over the next five years. The upgrade will bring minimum speeds of 100 Mbps to underserved areas, with plans for up to 1 Gbps of speed.

Community Focus and Affordability

As a local, family-owned business, Pelican Broadband understands the unique needs of its customers. The company has made significant strides in making its services more accessible, including reducing the prices of most residential packages and simplifying the sign-up process with a flat deposit and no credit check requirements. 

“We want to ensure everyone has access to reliable internet, especially in today’s world where connectivity is crucial,” said Mike George, President and CEO of Pelican Broadband.

Expanding Services and Community Involvement

Pelican Broadband is not just about internet and traditional telephone services. The company also offers Hosted PBX phone systems, and will be rolling out Managed IT Services, a new offering to the Natchitoches area. 

Additionally, Pelican Broadband is committed to supporting their communities, sponsoring events such as the NPSB Expo in July, a 4-mile run/walk in Morehouse Parish in October, various K-12 organizations & athletics, Natchitoches Christmas Festival, and the annual Tappedtober and NRMC Foundation Gala events.

Trusted Local Service

“Our team remains the same dedicated group of professionals our customers have come to know and trust,” said  Chief Operating Officer, Rick Darsey, who joined the company in 2010.

“We pride ourselves on providing personal, reliable service and being an integral part of the communities we serve.”

Pelican Broadband invites current and prospective customers to learn more about their services by visiting their website or contacting either of their offices. As the company looks to the future, it remains focused on expanding into new areas and continuously improving its network to meet the needs of all customers, ensuring that even the most rural areas have access to high-quality internet services.

For more information, please visit pelicanbroadband.com or contact Pelican Broadband at 318-352-0006.

About Pelican Broadband

Pelican Broadband is a local, family-owned internet service provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable internet and telephone services to communities in Louisiana. With a rich history dating back to 1933, the company is committed to enhancing connectivity through state-of-the-art fiber optic technology and a focus on customer satisfaction.

C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have previously been awarded an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale-Hubbell Rating Service which is the service’s highest possible designation of professionalism and ethics.  This rating was generated by a survey of Harrington’s peers and only 10% of attorneys across the United States receive this coveted designation.  

Martindale-Hubbell is widely recognized as the world’s most respected service for rating attorneys.  They have been conducting and publishing attorney ratings for over 130 years and are regarded the “Gold Standard” of attorney ratings. 

Now, the Harrington Law Firm is proud to announce that attorney C. Rodney Harrington and the firm have also been awarded by the same rating service the highest possible distinction by the judiciary.

C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have added to their previous award the Special Edition Judicial Award which is especially noteworthy because it is based upon the confidential opinions and recommendation of members of the judiciary familiar with Mr. Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm.  The Judicial Edition Award indicates perfect ratings from the judiciary on the attorney’s legal ability and ethical standards.

According to Harrington, he is particularly proud of this recognition because it is based upon reviews from other attorneys and area judges who are familiar with his and the firm’s legal standards and professional ability, and not some “Buy an Award” marketing ploy.

“We’re a small, family law firm in a small town and we strive every single day to be ethical and professional in the representation of our clients,” said Harrington.  “That’s why it’s so gratifying to learn that we have received the highest possible rating by our fellow attorneys and now by judges as well.  We must be doing something right.”

C. Rodney Harrington has been practicing law in this area for over 45 years and his son and partner, C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington for over 14 years.

The Harrington Law Firm handles a wide range of cases, but primarily all types of personal injury, including Automobile, Motorcycles, and Big Truck Wrecks and Medical Malpractice, along with Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability Appeals, and Wills and Estates.

The firm’s website is http://www.theharringtonlawfirm.com

A collection of paintings and drawings by Natchitoches artist Brother Michael David Elvestrom will be on exhibit at Northwestern State University’s Orville Hanchey Gallery through mid-July.  The well-known Natchitoches artist will be honored with a reception at the gallery from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 28.  The public is invited, and guests are encouraged to attend in costume.  

The exhibit is taking place in advance of Brother Michael David’s departure from Natchitoches after having been a fixture of the town’s art and culture scene for decades.  Recognizable by his monastic attire, straw hat and theatrical personality, Brother Michael David has impacted the Natchitoches community, NSU, and the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts as an artist, designer, teacher, musician and local character. Later this summer, he will move to a residence in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he plans to continue an active studio and social life.

The show includes work from the 1990s to contemporary pieces completed in the last year in oils, watercolor and acrylics.  Brother Michael David titled the show “Embarrassment de Riches.” An embarrassment of riches. 

“The art of creation overwhelms me,” he said.

“It’s been a wonderful discovery for me, to go back,” he continued.  “These recent ones, I did 28 paintings in one week, because they are fun for me. This is the most fun I’ve ever had doing artwork, discovering color and being free from the strictness of the academic art world.

“Isn’t it amazing how it just goes on and on.  The big canvases, I painted right over the other ones…and summoned the colors coming from underneath and the whole thing opened up, so as art, they have perfect essence of the abstract.  It was a wonderful discovery.”

Brother Michael David, who identifies as a Franciscan Friar in the Catholic Church, was born in Portland, Oregon, and brought up on a farm with animals and gardens. He won honors with 4-H as a youngster and was the state representative to Chicago in 1963.  Later, he entered a cloistered New York monastery for nine months but left to attend graduate school at the University of Iowa, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts in printmaking.  He taught art, music and theatre for 40 years at NSU and LSMSA and was awarded several fellowships to teach outside the United States.  His work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and is included in the collections of many individuals in Natchitoches and elsewhere.

Brother Michael David has been active in the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society and other local organizations, often seen at Trinity Episcopal Church, the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and strolling through the Historic District.  Over the years he lent his design talents to several large social and holiday events, balls and historic tours. He was king of the Krewe of Dionysos Mardi Gras festivities in 2004 and was featured in a 2015 documentary film, “Sacred as Folk.”

In his musical life, Brother Michael David studied and performed solo and in ensembles on flute, organ, harp and as a vocalist, once giving a recital in five languages.

“I’ve done so many things. I have all my degrees.  I have sung opera.  I was in ‘Cosi Fan Tutte.’ I have sung with Dr. Jack Wann in the theatre.  I sung a solo in ‘The Messiah.’  I played in a string quartet for four years, I played harp with Shirley Jennings….”

“My works are constantly in flux and adventurous,” he said. “This whole show for me, ghosts have appeared constantly.  People think I’m doing little tight, classical drawings.  It’s going to be a nice eye-opener for people. I worked for year [on this show].”

Now facing health issues, Brother Michael David has spent recent days boxing his art and belongings in anticipation of vacating Our Lady of the Lake Hermitage, his long-time Washington Street residence, and looking forward to a new chapter.  His humor and enthusiasm remain intact.

“I’m bringing to Texas some of my outrageous candelabra from Mardi Gras.  They have a krewe out there.”

Friday’s reception is free and open to the public.

Orville Hanchey Gallery is located in NSU’s Creative and Performing Arts Complex on Central Avenue.  Regular hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon on Fridays. 

Acclaimed sportswriter Scott Rabalais joins Billy West Live to talk about his upcoming book “100 Years in Valley” about LSU’s Tiger Stadium

In 1990 Julie Evans gained employment with Winn Parish School Board as school bus driver for Calvin High School. The position was perfect.

“I brought my kids to school and home again,” said Evans as she laughed. “I always knew they arrived safely”.

Julie retired after 23 years of service to fulfill the requirements of a higher education. 

Julie graduated from Northwestern State University in 2012 with a bachelors degree in addiction studies, with a minor in psychology, and again in 2014 with a masters degree in counseling with concentrations in school counseling.

After graduation, Evans entered the school system again as student counselor with the Red River Parish School District.

“It was a blessing to begin my professional career with such a supportive administration,” shared Evans.

She later gained employment with Winn Community Health Center where she humbly serves as student counselor for the Winn Parish students. She went on to say, “I am thankful for my employer, Mr. Deano Thornton, and my position within the school-based clinic.”

In 2020 Julie enrolled into the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans in the PhD Counseling, Leadership, and Education Program. Having graduated with her PhD, Evans calls it her last degree while her family just nods and laughs. 

In 2022, with a nudge from the Holy Spirit, Evans began forming a private practice offering Christian counseling services. Evans said, “There is such a need, people want more than what the secular world can offer.” She counts her practice, Ash Street Ministries LLC, as a blessing from the Lord and without Him, she states, it “just wouldn’t work.” Evans admits being called Dr. Evans will take some getting used to, as she humbly said, “Ms. Julie works just as well.” 

Evans is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a child of God. ASM takes all insurances, and welcomes new patients.

Julie Evans, Ph.D.
National Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor
Certified Telemental Health Provider

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Evans at 318-471-1221 or email her at ministriesllc@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

You can’t drive forward while looking in a rear-view mirror.

You can try and some do.

Ministers spend a great deal of time in a car driving to various places. I enjoy my automotive world. With technology, I can hear the phone ring despite playing my radio loud enough to change my heart rhythm. I play the radio so loud because I don’t hear well after all these years of playing the radio very loud in my car. The vehicle allows the phone call to interrupt my musical moment. I never miss a phone call while driving. When I am alone, the air-conditioning is on the “freeze out” setting. I want to make sure that my glasses fog up heavily when I exit the vehicle. If I can’t see at all, the air conditioning was cold enough. I also look for sermon illustrations while I am driving. Jesus is certainly watching, but I am too! When I raise the phone while driving, I’m not texting. I am photographing.

This morning driving to work, I had the radio loud and the air conditioning on “freeze out,” while I observed the world. In front of me was a black mustang convertible. There was a girl in the car. I could tell because she had her rearview mirror cocked in the “installing make up while driving” position. We sat at the light, and I watched as she applied some ointment, powder, or treatment to her face while the light was red. Because of the angle of the Mustang rear window, I could not tell if she continued applying make-up while driving. She was going “my way” and I did note she was an excellent driver and I’ll bet a super multi-tasker.

I have witnessed full facial make-overs while the person was driving the car. I have seen men put on a tie, send a text message, and read the newspaper at the same time while driving on the Interstate. But I am fascinated by the women who can put on that eye makeup stuff while driving. I have seen mascara going on while the nice lady was driving the car and making a cell phone call. I am amazed. They are doing all of this while looking backwards. The road they are traveling on is out the front window!

But really, you can’t drive forward looking in a rear-view mirror. Jesus said, “If you put your hand to the plow and look back you are not worthy of the kingdom.” Jesus was saying you need to keep your spiritual focus and your life looking forward. If you look back to regrets, mistakes, slights, hurts, sins, or even successes you will miss the beauty of this day. Today is out there, it is not back there!

You didn’t know your car was spiritual, did you?

Doug de Graffenried is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana. You can reach Doug at his email:  DougDeGraffenried

I believe 2016 was the last time Toledo Bend was on fire. Well, 2024 has been very similar to that year so far. The Bend is once again an awesome fishery that is putting out not only quality bass, but bass over 10 pounds. This past May during the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash was the proof that anglers are embracing.

Understand, all lakes go through some periods of decline and most rebound with good management. It’s like a deer lease; the only way to have quality deer is to manage the herd. It’s been through the coordination and dedication of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Management (TPWM) that Toledo Bend has been able to rebound and become one of the best fisheries in the South.

Here are some numbers from mid-May’s Sealy Big Bass Splash that will illustrate just how good the Bend is fishing at this time.

• Over the course of three days anglers brought in 94 bass over 6 pounds with 35 of those over 7 pounds.
• For the first time in years, the top four bass of the event were over 10 pounds — 10.06, 10.52, 10.58, along with the winning bass of 10.64 lbs. 

All Sealy events also have an hourly payback for the top 15 bass each hour. Here’s what it took just to make the Top 15 each hour.

• Friday – it took a 4.16 lb. bass to make the Top 15.

• Saturday – it a 4.13 lb. bass to make the Top 15.

• Sunday – it took at least a 3.72 lb. bass to make the Top 15.

To the average person these numbers may not mean much, but to an avid bass fisherman they are eye-popping. The numbers show just how good of a fishery Toledo Bend is currently. Additionally, it proves that the lake is putting out quality bass and that will encourage tournament organizations to schedule more events on the Bend.

There are other factors that have helped the Bend to become, once again, one of the best bass lakes in the country. Over the last year, there has been a resurgence of grass, what biologists call hydrilla. Both ends of Toledo Bend have good grass beds from Blue Lake (north of San Miguel) down to Housen Bay and Six Mile areas.  Lower water levels of 2023 and early 2024 have also been a factor due to the fact it has allowed more vegetative growth in the shallow water areas.

One thing is clear. Toledo Bend is once again in the category of “Best Lakes in America.” While Mother Nature is the determining factor on just how good this lake will be in the future, it’s up to all anglers to do our part with fish management. It’s our job to take care of our catch on tournament day and make sure the fish we release back into the lake are in great condition to be caught again.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing, and let’s all try to practice catch and release on all our waterways. Keep what you can eat and throw the rest back to be caught another day.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com