The Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, in partnership with the Sabine Parish America 250 Committee and community sponsors, will officially launch Sabine Parish’s America 250 celebration with Frontier of Freedom: Louisiana’s Legacy in the American Story on January 31, 2026, at Fort Jesup State Historic Site in Many.

This kickoff event marks the beginning of Celebrating America: 250 Years in the Making, a yearlong initiative honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States. The celebration will recognize Louisiana’s early frontier history and its contributions to the broader American story.

From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., visitors can explore living history demonstrations throughout the fort grounds, interact with historical interpreters, and view El Nuevo Constante, a traveling exhibit highlighting Spanish colonial influence in the region. Period music and historical demonstrations will help bring early America to life.

The ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will include remarks from local leaders and a keynote address by State Senator Alan Seabaugh. Following the ceremony, the event will continue with children’s activities, historical games, and opportunities for attendees to further explore multiple living history stations and exhibits.

The event is free and open to the public. Residents, families, students, and visitors of all ages are encouraged to join this celebration.

For more information on this event, visit toledobendlakecountry.com, follow Sabine Parish America 250 on Facebook, or call the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission at (318) 256-5880.

This and other America 250 events are made possible by our sponsors: Toledo Bend Lake Association, Sabine River Authority, Treaty Oak Clean Energy, Expand Energy, DT Midstream, NextEra Energy, Cane River National Heritage Area, Toledo Bend Lake Country, Atmos Energy, Sabine State Bank, Bank of Montgomery, VFW Post 5187, Good Gracious, and Community Bank.

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If you grew up in the 1960s, you remember that nightly publicservice announcement that came on right before the late news: “It’s 10 PM. Do you know where your children are?”

Of course, our parents didn’t know where we were. It was the 60s. Half the time we didn’t know where we were. Childhood back then was a freerange, unsupervised, loosely organized adventure involving bicycles with no helmets, creeks with questionable water quality, and a general understanding that you should be home “before dark,” which could mean anything from 5:30 PM to the next morning depending on the season and your mother’s mood.

Today’s parents track their children with GPS, Bluetooth, satellite imaging, and—if necessary—a drone. In the 60s, the only tracking device was your mother’s voice hollering your name across three neighborhoods like a foghorn powered by righteous indignation. And somehow, that worked.

Back then, if you told your mom, you were “going outside,” that was considered a complete itinerary. No one asked followup questions. No one needed a permission slip. You could be building a treehouse, digging a hole to China, or accidentally setting something on fire. As long as you came home eventually and didn’t bleed on the carpet, you were considered a successful child.

And yet, for all the differences between then and now, one thing hasn’t changed: every generation has to figure out life—and faith—for themselves.

My generation grew up with three TV channels, rotary phones, and the theological certainty that if you ran in church, God would personally trip you. Today’s kids grow up with smartphones, streaming services, and the ability to Google “Why does my pastor say that?” during the sermon. (Please don’t tell me if you’ve done this.)

But here’s the truth: faith has never been something you inherit like your grandmother’s casserole dish. Each generation has to discover Christ anew—sometimes in ways that surprise the generation before them. And the church, if it wants to stay alive and not become the spiritual equivalent of lukewarm leftovers, has to let the Holy Spirit shape it into a living, breathing, organic body of Christ—not a museum of how things used to be.

The kids who grew up hearing “It’s 10 PM—do you know where your children are?” are now grandparents watching their own grandkids navigate a world we couldn’t have imagined. And just like our parents trusted us to find our way home before dark, we can trust that God is guiding this new generation toward their own encounter with grace.

So the next time you worry about “kids these days,” remember: our parents survived us. And God, who has been faithful through every generation—from rotary phones to TikTok—will be faithful still.

And if you’re reading this after 10 PM, don’t worry. God knows where His children are. Always has.

Always will.

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Hall Summit is preparing for a big day of action, community spirit, and charitable giving as the Hall Summit Community Center & Park hosts a full slate of events on Saturday, February 28, 2026, all benefiting Pilots for Patients.

The all-day event will bring together motorcycle riders, barbecue teams, outdoor sportsmen, vendors, and families for a cause that provides critical air transportation for patients in medical need.

One of the highlights of the day will be the Don Bernard Memorial Poker Run, which will begin at 3 State Harley-Davidson in Bossier City before riders make their way to Hall Summit. Motorcycles, cars, Jeeps, and clubs are all welcome to participate, honoring Bernard’s legacy while supporting the life-saving mission of Pilots for Patients.

Also on the schedule is a BBQ Cook-Off, featuring a non-traditional two-meat competition with half chicken and ribs. Teams will compete for bragging rights and prizes, with an entry fee of $150. Smoke will be in the air as pits fire up for what organizers expect to be a competitive and crowd-pleasing cook-off.

Outdoor excitement continues with a Wild Hog Live Catch Tournament, offering 40 award buckles and action throughout the day. The tournament is expected to draw participants from across the region.

In addition to the main events, attendees can enjoy a silent auction, raffles, vendors, concessions, and a variety of family-friendly activities, making the day accessible for all ages.

The event will take place at Hall Summit Community Center & Park, located at 1170 First Street in Hall Summit.

All proceeds from the day will go directly to Pilots for Patients, a nonprofit organization that coordinates free air transportation for patients facing serious medical challenges.

Organizers say the event is about more than competition and entertainment — it’s about honoring a legacy, supporting a life-saving cause, and showcasing the strength of a small community coming together for something bigger.

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Nothing has shaken the bass fishing world more than forward-facing sonar (FFS). While I’ve given my perspective on this technology and how it’s affected the bass tournament world, I’m now wondering what’s next? Understand, this is my perspective, as I have no inside knowledge from anyone.

One thing that we know for sure, the big three fishing electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance) are not going to stop building a better mouse trap. Their engineers are paid to be innovative and are aways looking to make improvements and advancements with regards to their technology.

Today’s sonar units are crazy good! You can literally see the swimming action of the tail on a bass. No fish is safe anymore and no fish can hide from today’s electronics.

One thing that is probably coming next will be the ability to identify the fish you’re seeing on the screen without guessing. Is that a bass, crappie or a carp? Knowledgeable anglers can do that today if they’re really good with their electronics and if they have studied and understand fish behavior.

But I think these companies are going to figure out a way to tell you exactly what species of fish you are seeing on your screen. They are going to continue to simplify the visual aspect of what you’re seeing on the screen.

Next, get ready for live video! This already exists with a company called Aqua-Vu. (It’s just not allowed in tournaments.) These have been out for a few years and to let everyone in on a little secret: several bass touring pros already use this unit for scouting, but don’t want the public to know.

Look for new camera units from one of the big three electronic companies, probably in association with “Go Pro Cameras,” to be the first to introduce this new way of seeing fish on our screens.

Many people are asking the question, “Where does all this stop?” Here’s the bottom line. There’s no stopping technological advancement. It won’t stop until people quit paying the prices they are asking for all these electronic advancements. If anglers are willing to pay, companies will continue to build bigger and better units.

Here’s the problem; just follow the money! All these electronic companies are pumping thousands of dollars into these professional bass fishing organizations as sponsors, forcing B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) to allow pro anglers to use forward-facing sonar.

I think we are getting to the point where these organizations are going to have to decide what’s more important — sponsorship support or the integrity of the sport? They also need to ask themselves if this new technology is good for the sport in the long run on the professional level.

You can say what you want, but forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass tournaments is destroying the sport. I’m personally not against FFS for the everyday angler. I think it’s great tool for fun fishing and catching crappie.

I’m even OK with it for local bass tournaments on the amateur level. But when it comes to professional anglers using it on pro tournament trails, I am not a fan and it should be disallowed.

This is the same as Major League Baseball allowing the use of aluminum bats. It’s just not good for the sport of baseball! Hopefully the pro tours will do the right thing and eliminate FFS completely.

The biggest complaints about FFS come from the older generation of anglers, not the young guns on the rise. The young kids today have been raised with FFS from day one and really understand how to use it, giving them a huge advantage over the older anglers.

This could all play out another way. Pro tours may just wait out this issue with FFS and let this older group of anglers walk away or retire because five years from now, FFS won’t even be an issue at all.

So, what’s the next big issue going to be? Probably something totally different, as the electronic companies continue to make improvements and advancements with their electronic units. Only time will tell!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

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In a world of endless alerts and nonstop trends, the public’s attention rarely makes it past the loading screen before the next “new thing” drops.

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On January 21, 1793, King Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris, a moment that irrevocably altered the course of French and European history. The execution marked a dramatic escalation of the French Revolution and symbolized the collapse of centuries-old monarchy.

Louis XVI ascended the throne in 1774 during a time of economic strain and social inequality. France faced crushing debt, widespread poverty, and resentment toward an aristocracy seen as detached from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Revolutionary ideas gained momentum, fueled by Enlightenment philosophies advocating liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty.

Following the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the monarchy’s authority steadily eroded. Louis XVI was eventually arrested and charged with treason, accused of conspiring against the nation and attempting to undermine the revolution. His trial before the National Convention was unprecedented, placing a reigning monarch on trial by his own people.

The execution itself was swift but symbolic. As the guillotine blade fell in the Place de la Révolution, it sent shockwaves across Europe. Monarchies feared similar uprisings within their own borders, while revolutionaries viewed the act as a decisive break from tyranny. France soon found itself at war with several European powers determined to suppress revolutionary ideals.

Domestically, the execution intensified political divisions. The revolution entered its most violent phase, known as the Reign of Terror, as leaders sought to eliminate perceived enemies of the state. Thousands were executed in the name of protecting the revolution, leaving a legacy of both radical change and profound loss.

January 21 remains one of the most significant dates of the French Revolution. The death of Louis XVI transformed a reform movement into a full-scale revolution, redefining governance, citizenship, and the balance of power in modern societies.

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Paula was born in 1896. In 1903, when Paula was six years old, her father died from a lung hemorrhage. Her mother was left with only his meager pension to raise Paula and her brother. In 1907, when Paula was 11 years old and her brother was 18, her mother died from breast cancer. The government provided them with a small pension to ease their burden. Paula’s brother, a romantic, idealistic, and fantasy-oriented teenager, was away at the time of his mother’s death studying fine arts. He dreamed of being a famous artist. He wanted everyone around the world to know his name. He had little money, but he knew he would have better opportunities to earn money than his 11-year-old sister, so he selflessly transferred his share of the pension to her. Paula’s brother sometimes sold a watercolor painting or two to get by, but most of the time he took whatever manual labor job he could get.

For years, Paula and her brother had little contact. When they saw each other they bickered, as most siblings do but they had genuine affection for each other. Paula’s brother struggled to build his reputation as a painter. They both took menial jobs just to survive. He fought during World War I but never gave up on his dream. After the war, he tried to build his reputation as an artist again, but few people had money to buy non-essential items such as watercolor paintings. Paula’s brother began working in politics, but continued painting. When Paula lost her job because of her connection to him, he began sending her money each month to help. He fought during World War II and painted when he had the opportunity. Paula’s brother considered himself, “an artist by nature and not a politician.” He said, “I will end my life as an artist.” In April 1945, Paula saw her brother for the last time. During their visit, they talked for a short time. When it was time for her to leave, he gave her a large amount of money. Two weeks later, he died from a gunshot wound.

Paula lived off the money that her brother had given her for several years and then returned to menial jobs for survival. She died in poverty in 1960. At the time of Paula’s brother’s death, few people knew him as an artist. Now, practically everyone knows his name. His paintings are in collections all over the world and often fetch high prices when they come up for auction. Sometimes, people protest the sale of his paintings. Most people are interested in his paintings, not because of their beauty, but for another reason entirely. For several decades, Paula Wolff kept a secret. She was living under an assumed last name. In the 1930s, Paula’s brother insisted that she adopt the last name Wolff to shield her from his reputation. He was still protecting her. You see, Paula’s real last name was Hitler. Her brother was Adolf.

 

Sources:

1. Daily News (Sydney, Australia), September 22, 1939, p.1.

2. The Daily News Leader (Staunton, Virginia), November 22, 1992, p.8.

3. The Bolton News, September 27, 2006, p.4.

4. “Alois Hitler Sr.,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11646/alois-hitler.

5. “Klara Pölzl Hitler,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11645/klara-hitler.

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Patrick Todd Funderburk, 50, was born on July 7, 1975 to Robert Lynn Funderburk and Cynthia Ann Blake in Many, Louisiana and passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Patrick is preceded in death by his grandparents, John Joseph Blake, Jr. and wife, Murrell, and Luther Hall Funderburk and wife, Vera. He is survived by his wife, Brandy Funderburk of Conway, Arkansas; mother, Cynthia Blake of Hineston, Louisiana; father, Robert Funderburk and wife, Kathy, of Natchitoches, Louisiana; daughters, Kenda Berthelot of Key West, Florida and London Berthelot of Denver, Colorado; sister, Mary Katherine Funderburk of Seattle, Washington; brother, Michael Allen Funderburk and wife, Stacey, of Zwolle, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Veterans Administration.

Care provided to the family by Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Many, Louisiana.

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Funeral services for Howard Otis Rivers, 79, were held Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 307 Hammond St., Zwolle, Louisiana. A burial followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. A visitation was held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana and  continued on Sunday, January 18, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6:00 p.m. Visitation continued still on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Officiated by  Father Timothy Hurd and Father Keith Garvin.

Howard was born on March 16, 1946 to Robert Otis Rivers and Elzado Sepulvado Rivers in Sabine Parish, Louisiana and passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026 in Noble, Louisiana.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elzado Rivers; son, Michael Dewayne Rivers; sister, Bobbie Ezernack; brothers, Benny Rivers, Larry Rivers, Terry Rivers, and T.D. Rivers; daughter-in-law, Missy Rivers; and son-in-law, Doug Remedies. He is survived by his sons, Delayne Rivers and wife, Pam, of Mansfield, Louisiana, Lance Rivers and wife, Lindsey, of Noble, Louisiana, and Justin Rivers and wife, Angel, of Noble, Louisiana; daughters, Roxanne Kezerle and husband, Jason, of Converse, Louisiana, Regina Ezernack and husband, Evan, of Noble, Louisiana, Brandy Cathey and husband, David, of Many, Louisiana, Micki Erdelac and husband, Tony, of Frierson, Louisiana, Lacey Rivers of Noble, Louisiana, and Terry Remedies of Zwolle, Louisiana; sisters, Kay Ezernack of Zwolle, Louisiana, Brenda Carter of Keithville, Louisiana, Janice Lewis of Zwolle, Louisiana, and Gloria Carrier of Eunice, Louisiana; brothers, Joe Rivers of Many, Louisiana and Roger Rivers of Converse, Louisiana; 36 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Honoring Howard as pallbearers wereMatt Kezerle, Colby Kezerle, Hayden Kezerle, Austin Kezerle, Tyler Rivers, Anthony Erdelac, Lawson Rivers, Clayton Rivers, Blayne Sepulvado, Toby Sepulvado, Brentley Rivers, Drew Remedies and Luke Remedies. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his remaining grandsons, nephews, and special friends.

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

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Lillie Ruth Bullard
October 24, 1957 – January 15, 2026
Visitation: Thursday, January 22 at 3:00 p.m. for family and 4:00 p.m. for the public
Services:Friday, January 23 at 12:00 p.m.at Old Pisgah Baptist Church Reverend Dean

Levy Dale Bonds
August 1, 1947 – January 14, 2026
Visitation: Saturday, January 24 at 5:00 PM at Warren Meadows Funeral
Services: Sunday, January 25 at 2:00 PM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home

Tracy Wade Parker
September 21, 1971 – January 12, 2026
Service information not available

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

You may email them to SPJContent@sabineparishjournal.com

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The Many High School Band has earned a rare and prestigious invitation to perform as part of the America 250 celebration in Virginia this April, marking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local students.

The invitation follows months of dedication and hard work by band members, who have practiced tirelessly and begun fundraising efforts to make the trip possible. During the visit, students will compete in a national contest, participate in a workshop at the College of William and Mary, and tour some of the most significant historic sites in the United States.

School officials say the experience will provide students with invaluable educational and cultural opportunities while allowing them to represent Sabine Parish on a national stage.

Community members who would like to help offset travel costs are encouraged to donate. Contributions can be made by contacting band director Scott DeBose at 318-461-5376 or the Many High School main office at 318-256-2114. Donations and inquiries may also be sent by email to deboses@spsb.la.

With community support, the Many High School Band hopes to make this historic journey a reality.

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Sabine Parish will play a role in launching America’s 250th anniversary celebrations with a special event at Fort Jesup State Park in Many.

“Frontier of Freedom: Louisiana’s Legacy in the American Story” will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Fort Jesup State Park, located at 32 Geohagan Road. The event invites residents and visitors to honor the people and stories that connect Louisiana to the founding and growth of the United States.

Set within one of Louisiana’s most historically significant landmarks, the celebration will feature guest speakers, live music, food, and educational experiences for all ages. Organizers say the event will bring history to life while highlighting Louisiana’s unique role in the nation’s journey to independence and expansion.

The program will explore the state’s colonial, maritime, and frontier heritage, drawing connections between the El Nuevo Constante shipwreck, the Galvez Expedition, and the American Revolution. These stories will be woven together with the establishment of Fort Jesup, which once stood as a gateway on the western frontier and a symbol of early American growth.

Community members are encouraged to attend and take part in this milestone moment as the nation begins commemorating 250 years since its founding. The event aims to celebrate Louisiana’s enduring legacy in the American story and to inspire a deeper understanding of the region’s role in shaping the country.

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Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 62°F. Winds light and variable, shifting to northwest at 5-10 mph in the morning, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, low around 32°F. North winds around 5 mph becoming calm after sunset, with gusts possible up to 20 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 50°F. North winds around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday Night: Clear skies, low near 33°F.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 63°F.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, low around 35°F.

Saturday: Sunny, high near 56°F.Saturday Night: Mostly clear, low around 30°F.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 52°F.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, low near 28°F.

Monday (M.L. King Day): Mostly sunny, high near 55°F.

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Northwestern State University has announced students named to its Honor List, Dean’s List, and President’s List for the Fall 2025 semester, recognizing outstanding academic achievement. Students on the Honor List earned grade point averages between 3.0 and 3.49, Dean’s List honorees posted GPAs from 3.5 to 3.99, and President’s List students achieved a perfect 4.0 while enrolled full time.

The following students from Sabine Parish communities were recognized:

Honor List (GPA 3.0–3.49)

Florien: Laken Ferguson, Charles Krumholtz, Shaelon Miller, Lilly Sparks, Madison Weldon

Many: Levi Booker, Ava Brown, Layton Byles, Kaiya Causey, Brooklyn Davis, Christopher Ezernack, Ethan Goldberg, Joclyn Holland, ShaeAunna Johnson, Edward LaFollette, Michael Leslie, Madison McLendon, Josephine Naquin, Earonia Smith, Olivia Williams

Noble: Leah Clary, Jordyn Tramel

Pleasant Hill: Takera Turner

Provencal: Elizabeth Shirley

Robeline: Kayla Adkins, Andrew Austin, Nikolas Broadway, Emma Collins, Adam Guidry, Emily Miller, Christopher Paligo, Brayden Pullig, James Scott, Chloe Vascocu, Keith Vascocu

Zwolle: Charlea Britt, Ieshia Cutright, Blayne Dillard, Ariel Sepulvado, Paris Williams

Dean’s List (GPA 3.5–3.99)

Anacoco: Darian Chaney, Cash Day, Chelsea Kay, Cheyanne Lopez, Emily Montes, Anne Morgan, Abby Nicholas

Florien: Malayna Abels, Brenden Ford, Cesaleigh Hall, Tia Holmes, Delana Johnson, Lexi LaRoux, Makenna Landry

Many: Harli Cruse, Victor Culbertson, John Harris, Landyn Leach, Ava McElwee, Madison Milligan, Lynsi Newman, Baylee Samples, Masen Starks, Vivian Sylvia, Allayiah Thomas, Kierstyn Williams

Noble: Rebecca Hardee

Pleasant Hill: Abigail Bozeman, Danyelle Hicks, Brian Stewart

Robeline: Anniston Broadway, Jacob Bynog, Allison Goings, Maddie Hendon, Baylee Johnson, Marley Lester, Samuel Pickett, Gabe Roe

Zwolle: Tzitlali Barrientos, Kyleigh Bass, Emery Craig, Christian Culbertson, Jaeger Ebarb, Cameron Ezernack, Madilyn Laroux, Dawson Leone, Malachya Lilly, Kade Meshell, Kamron Parrie, Kamaryn Rivers, Preslee Sepulvado, Summer Sepulvado

President’s List (GPA 4.0)

Anacoco: Mallory Cooley, Aaron Green, McKenzie Guy, Landen Jett, Karlea Welch

Florien: Abigail Thomas

Many: Sara Booker, Allison Bordelon, Madison Cauthen, Kara Davidson, Jaydan DeLatin, Savanah Hall, Victoria Jessee, Jeffery Key, Geert Kor, Darien McMillian, Emma Penfield, Trenton Sepulvado, Nicholas Tarver, Hilary Williams, Emma Wilson

Pleasant Hill: Katie Murray

Robeline: Jax Colston, Jon Henderson, Chase Johnston, Kandis Kay, Kaley Koss, Sean Mitcham, Bonney Phillips, Taylor Poole, Tiffany Tousek, Tucker Vascocu, Harley Welling

Zwolle: Emma Meshell, Hailee Meshell, Victoria Sepulvado

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One of the great joys of ministry is baptizing infants. We Methodists believe that God does the baptizing—we’re just the human instruments of His gracious activity. And because we’re Methodists, we’re so laid back about it that we offer the full buffet: immersion, sprinkling, and the mysterious middle option known as affusion.

If you’ve never seen affusion, imagine a college prank that somehow wandered into the sanctuary and got canonized. For the uninitiated, affusion is simply pouring water over the candidate’s head. It’s the liturgical equivalent of someone saying, “Hold still, this won’t hurt… probably.”

Most babies are adorable, and I love holding them for those few sacred moments. But sometimes the baptismal waters are troubled. One Sunday, little Junior had a pacifier in his mouth. Before I took him from his mother, she reached in and pulled the pin. Now, taking a pacifier from a baby and pulling the pin on a grenade share certain similarities. In both cases, you brace yourself, because the next sound you hear will not be angelic.

Some infants, on the other hand, fall asleep in my arms midbaptism. They’re so peaceful and precious. I’ve been in ministry long enough that those sleeping cherubs are now full members of the church—and they still fall asleep in my arms, only now it’s during the sermon. So the next time you see a brother or sister snoozing in the pew, feel free to wonder whether they slept through their baptism too. And remember: every one of them was once a cute baby… or at least someone said they were.

But here’s the part that stops me in my tracks: many of the infants I’ve baptized recently will live to see the year 2100. I will not. They will witness things we can’t imagine. Think of the changes you’ve seen in your lifetime. Technology evolves so fast it makes your head spin. A decade ago, we were introduced to the smartphone. Before that, our phones were not very bright. They were basically pocket bricks that could call your mama and maybe play Snake if you were lucky. Now they can do everything except fold the laundry—and I’m sure that’s coming.

So the next time you see an infant, be amazed. You are looking at someone who will experience a century you will never see. Pray for them. Pray that they inherit a world shaped more by compassion than conflict. Pray that our technology builds community instead of tearing it apart. Pray that they grow up knowing peace, and knowing the astonishing power human beings have to love one another.

Because the future they will live in is the future we hand them. Through them, you and I get to touch a world beyond our years. That’s worth pondering the next time you’re in the presence of a child.

Maybe that’s why this story is in the sacred text:

Parents brought their children to Jesus so He could bless them. The disciples tried to shoo them away—because apparently even in the first century, church people were good at gatekeeping. But Jesus was having none of it. He said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them. The Kingdom belongs to such as these.” And then He gathered them up, placed His hands on their tiny heads, and blessed them.

Pray for a child.

They hold the keys to the kingdom.

And they hold the future we will never see—but God will.

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By Nutrition Agent, Erin Stockton

Recipe of the Month: Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

 

Bring a little Italian flavor to your dinner table with this simple, diabetes-friendly parmesan crusted chicken recipe. Serve with a side of zesty pasta salad for a balanced meal the whole family will love. For more information about healthy eating and active living, contact your local LSU AgCenter nutrition & community health agent, Erin Stockton (estockton@agcenter.lsu.edu).

Ingredients:

Vegetable cooking spray
3 (6 – 8 oz.) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into even strips
1 ½ cups low-fat or non-fat plain yogurt
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons no salt Creole seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the cooking sheet with vegetable cooking spray.
Cut chicken breast into even sized strips.
Place chicken strips in yogurt and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
In a dish, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, flour, paprika, no salt creole seasoning, and garlic powder.
Coat each piece of chicken with yogurt and dredge in crumb mixture, pressing down on both sides to get a coating of crumbs.
Place chicken stripes on the cookie sheet that has been sprayed with vegetable cooking spray.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is tender and juice runs clear, or to the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Erin Stockton is a Nutrition Agent with the LSU AgCenter in DeSoto, Sabine, and Natchitoches Parishes. A certified educator for over 20 years, she provides research-based programs to help families make healthy food choices and stay active. For program requests or questions, contact her at 318-872-0533, estockton@agcenter.lsu.edu, or on Facebook at LSU AgCenter DeSoto & Natchitoches Nutrition & Community Health.

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These days, the campaign trail doesn’t wind through town halls — it runs straight through your phone. This cartoon takes a swipe at modern politics, where selfies, likes, and viral moments can matter more than boring old things like healthcare or infrastructure. When the algorithm is watching, the question becomes: is the goal to solve problems, or just rack up views?

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Sabine Parish is now accepting nominations for its 2025 entry to the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame, an honor that recognizes individuals whose lifelong dedication has helped shape communities and inspire generations through 4-H.

With a rich history rooted in 4-H, Sabine Parish has long benefited from volunteers, alumni, educators, and supporters who have strengthened youth development and community leadership. Parish leaders are asking residents to help identify those individuals connected to 4-H who have made substantial contributions at the local level or beyond.

Eligible nominees may include 4-H volunteers, alumni, former extension professionals or staff, and 4-H donors. Past Hall of Fame members from Sabine Parish include Mrs. Sheila Farmer (2008) and Mrs. Sarah Jones (2016).

To nominate someone, community members are asked to submit a one-page biography focusing on the nominee’s citizenship, leadership, career, and character. Entries should be emailed to jcampbell@agcenter.lsu.edu by Friday, January 23.

One nominee will be selected by a committee to represent Sabine Parish as this year’s official entry to the Louisiana 4-H Hall of Fame.

Organizers encourage residents to take part in honoring those who have helped build strong youth, strong families, and strong communities through 4-H.

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Sabine Parish Government closed 2025 with measurable gains in infrastructure, public safety, and operational efficiency, highlighting a year defined by innovation, targeted investment, and strong partnerships.

The Sabine Parish Police Jury focused its efforts on areas that most directly affect residents—roads, waste management, and interagency readiness—delivering improvements that are expected to benefit the parish for years to come.

Turning Waste into Roadway Value

One of the year’s most impactful initiatives centered on the parish landfill and its Pugmill operation. Far from serving solely as a disposal site, the landfill continued to function as a strategic asset for parish road projects.

Between July 7 and Sept. 25, 2025, the Pugmill processed 9,726 tons of oil sands into usable road-building material. Through improved landfill operations and a commitment to long-term growth, the program has directed roughly $1 million into parish roadwork to date.

The innovation gained statewide attention when Sabine Parish’s Road Superintendent presented the Pugmill and Oil Sand Plant project at the Police Jury Conference in October, demonstrating how the approach can benefit peer parishes across Louisiana.

Recognition and New Funding

Sabine Parish’s proactive approach earned regional recognition. The Police Jury received the 2025 Partnering For Progress Infrastructure Award from The Coordinating & Development Corporation for its creative and forward-thinking infrastructure strategies.

The parish also secured a $410,000 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) to fund targeted road improvements aimed at enhancing safety, connectivity, and economic opportunity throughout the area.

Meeting Unique Roadway Challenges

Sabine Parish manages approximately 950 miles of roads while ranking 15th in acreage but 39th in population statewide. This low-density, large-area profile significantly increases per-mile maintenance demands.

Compared with similarly sized parishes, Sabine oversees about 38.5 percent more roadway miles—a reality that underscores the importance of cost-effective strategies and innovations like the Pugmill operation.

Modernizing Operations

In 2025, landfill operations were modernized with the addition of a Tana Compactor 555. The new equipment improves compaction efficiency, slope stability, and overall landfill lifespan while enhancing operator comfort and safety.

These upgrades strengthen environmental stewardship and support more effective, long-term waste management practices for the parish.

Strengthening Governance and Preparedness

Parish officials continued to invest in leadership and readiness. Representatives attended the 2025 Parish Legal Horizons CLE and Workshop in Pineville, joining attorneys and officials from 35 parishes to enhance governance and legal best practices.

Locally, the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Office hosted ICS 300 training, bringing together fire departments, the sheriff’s office, dispatch, public works, and out-of-town emergency specialists. The training improved unified incident command, incident action planning, and multi-jurisdictional coordination.

As 2025 comes to a close, parish leaders credit the Sabine Parish Police Jury, Road Department, Landfill team, emergency services, and partner organizations for their leadership and collaboration.

Together, their efforts are building a safer, more connected, and more resilient Sabine Parish.

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I’ve always wondered what makes one athlete better than another. Why do some excel more than others? Is there a secret pill or an exercise regimen that makes them better? Well today we’ll ask the same questions about bass tournament anglers.

I’ve heard for years that no angler has learned anything without another angler telling them. While this might be true in a few cases, I’m not sure that’s the case with everyone.

So many of today’s anglers have learned so much through the internet and on YouTube. You can literally learn any technique and know when to use it simply by watching a YouTube channel.

Want to learn how to use your electronics? Watch YouTube! Want to learn about a drop-shot, Carolina Rig, or how to flip a jig? Watch YouTube! Want to understand how to fix an issue with your boat? Watch YouTube! It’s an endless resource of information.

But the older generation of anglers, like me, has learned through trial and error. We’ve learned from other anglers who came before us how to get better or how to fix an issue we’re having with our boats. We didn’t always have the internet as a resource. But there was one resource that came by mail once a month: Bassmaster Magazine!

This was my generation’s internet. Every issue in the mailbox addressed everything from different ways to catch bass, to how to replace a water pump or change the oil in the lower unit of the motor. Today, I’m still a subscriber to not only Bassmaster Magazine, but another publication called B.A.S.S. Times.

But just like great athletes, there’s something different about anglers who win more than others. The first thing I have noticed is their confidence level is usually high. They believe in what they are doing to catch bass and they understand bass behavior.

Another trait I’ve noticed is how the top anglers tend to think outside of the box. They don’t follow common trends or thought patterns other anglers do. Most of these winning anglers tend to do things a little differently.

I believe that the great anglers like Kevin Van Dam, Dustin Connell, Jacob Wheeler and the late Aaron Martens, each possess a sixth sense. They tend to think a little differently than the average bear. They don’t always follow traditional thinking when it comes to how they should be catching bass.

A phrase commonly used by these exceptional anglers is that “they let the fish tell them what and how they want the bait.” Saying this to the average angler means nothing, but to the great anglers, it explains a lot.

They don’t try to force a technique onto the bass. Every angler always has a game plan going into the tournament based on what and how they caught bass in practice. But on tournament day, the great anglers are not afraid to abandon that game plan and change their approach in the middle of the day.

I’ve also found that great anglers are really good at reading the water. To those who don’t bass fish, this is something that’s a gift that not all anglers have. They can literally walk up to the edge of the lake and tell you how they will catch them on that day just by looking at the water.

The great anglers have abilities just like great athletes. They have intangibles that make them special that some call the ‘it” factor. You can’t coach “it,” you’re born with “it.”

While all anglers can get better by spending time on the water, reading magazines or watching You Tube videos, there will always be those anglers who possess something that cannot be measured…God-given talent!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

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Jerry Hubbard was a singer/songwriter. In February 1967, Hubbard released his first album, but it failed to reach the top 100 charts. He had recorded singles as early as 1955, when he was 18 years old, but after twelve years in the industry a hit song still eluded him. Disc jockeys occasionally played songs from his debut album on the radio, one of which peaked at No. 53 on the Billboard country music charts, but still no hit song. Critics compared his voice to the sound of a bandsaw. Hubbard admitted, “I can sing, but I’m not a polished, theoretical singer,” but he kept trying.

A few weeks later, Elvis Presley, who regularly listened to the radio in search of songs to record, heard one of Hubbard’s songs and loved it. He decided he wanted to record a version of it. Elvis and his band gathered at Studio B in Nashville and began working on the song, but there was a problem. Elvis was disappointed with the result. Despite numerous attempts, they were unable to get a sound that suited Elvis. Producer Felton Jarvis told Elvis that the key to the song was the lead guitar which Scotty Moore was unable to duplicate. Jarvis said that if he wanted that sound, he needed to get Hubbard in the studio because he played the lead guitar part. Elvis agreed. Elvis and his band worked on other songs while Jarvis began searching for Hubbard. Jarvis located Hubbard’s wife, but she explained that Hubbard had taken his daughters fishing on the Cumberland River just outside of Nashville. Once Jarvis explained the situation, Hubbard’s wife rushed to the river. Hubbard was in disbelief. He had been performing Elvis songs live for years. Hubbard called the studio and explained that it would take him a while to get there. Hubbard did not take the time to shower, change clothes, or shave. He later explained that he had not shaved in several days and reeked of fish. He grabbed his guitar and headed to the studio. Hubbard quipped, “I was there in about twelve and a half minutes.”

Everyone was shocked at Hubbard’s appearance as he walked into the studio. That all changed when Hubbard began playing the intro to the song. Hubbard recalled, “[Elvis’s] face lit up and here we went.” In about as much time as it took Hubbard to drive to the studio, twelve and a half minutes, they had a recording that Elvis was thrilled about. That song, “Guitar Man”, went to No. 1 on the country charts.

Hubbard was thrilled that one of his songs reached the No. 1 position even though it was recorded by another artist. In 1971, Hubbard finally took one of his own songs to No. 1 on the country charts, “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot”. He recorded other hit songs such as “Amos Moses”, “The Bird”, “She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft)”, and “East Bound and Down”, which was the theme song for the iconic film in which he co-starred with Burt Reynolds, Smokey and the Bandit. Few people remember the name Jerry Hubbard, but it all becomes clear when you see his full name, Jerry Reed Hubbard.

 

Source: “Jerry Reed Impromptu Gearz Interview, Part 4,” G V, Youtube.com, July 9, 2010, https://youtu.be/bF9te3INOZ0?si=9e0PKUyycdsJrzEV.

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BOM Bank was a proud sponsor of the Zwolle Christmas Festival, a festive event filled with holiday fun for the whole community. Activities included cookie decorating for all ages, a Christmas movie showing, a Cajun cook-off, an ugly Cajun Christmas sweater contest, a parade, and a fireworks finale to top it all off. 

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Audrey Joan Freeman, 72, was born on November 24, 1953 to Landrum Ingram and Levina Ingram in Natchitoches, Louisiana and passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Audrey was preceded in death by husband, Jimmie Freeman; parents, Landrum and Levina Ingram; granddaughter, Marissa Freeman; and son-in-law, Mark Matthews. She is survived by her son, Jimmy Freeman of Noble, Louisiana; daughters, Joannie Matthews and husband, Scott, of Noble, Louisiana, Lisa Freeman of Zwolle, Louisiana, and Tammy Freeman of Noble, Louisiana; sister, Sherry Lemoine of Robeline, Louisiana; brother, Aaron Ingram of Natchitoches, Louisiana; grandchildren, Amanda, Chelsea, Dominique, and Kaitlyn; great-grandchildren, Sean, Donald, James, Cayleigh, Kira, and Boogie; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will be holding a memorial service at a later time.

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

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