Funeral services for Robin Sue Stark, 54, were held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church, 560 Dess Rd., Florien, Louisiana burial followed. A visitation was held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Officiated by Brother Wayne Chance.

Robin was born on March 27, 1971 to Robert Elton Stark and Peggy Marguerite Chism in Many, Louisiana and passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026 in Rayville, Louisiana.

Robin is preceded in death by her father, Robert Stark; grandparents, John Wesley and Lona Mae Peace Stark and Delos Floyd and Gertharie Miller; and brother, Shelton Lynn Stark. She is survived by her mother, Peggy Chism of Zwolle, Louisiana; aunts, Shirley Chism of Blanchard, Louisiana, Glenda Chism of Blanchard, Louisiana, and Janet Miller of Zwolle, Louisiana; and a host of cousins and friends.

Honored pallbearers were Charles Foster, Patrick Foster, Darrell Chism, Charles Miller, Donald Wayne Downs, and Kenneth Funderburk. Honorary pallbearers were Jared Hagelin and Eric Hagelin.

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

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A memorial service for Leila Susilawati Harris, 77, was held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana. A visitation took place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Officiated by  Reverand Lonnie Crawford.

Leila was born on February 7, 1948 to Yasa and Detje Soesmani Natakusumah in Jaya Jakarta, Indonesia and passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Leila is preceded in death by her parents, Yasa and Detje Soesmani Natakusumah and her brother, Yuri Natakusumah. She is survived by her husband, Robert Harris of Hemphill, Texas; sons, Danny Segura and wife, Angie, of Riverside, California and Jeremy Segura and wife, Kelly, of Benton, Louisiana; step children, Melanie, Tracy, Scott, Carlos, Lorena, Angela, and Melisa; brother, Iwan Natakusumah and wife, Anie, of Indonesia; grandchildren, Kristen, Mariah, Gracie, and Reid; and a host of step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

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

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Audrey Joan Freeman
November 24, 1953 — January 9, 2026
The family will be holding a memorial service at a later time

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 Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office has released the following arrest information involving multiple individuals on a variety of drug-related and other criminal charges. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Norman L. Hardy, 60, of Many, was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine), and failure to use required turn signals. Bond was set at $7,500, and Hardy has since bonded out.

Rickey Lamont Booth, 41, of Many, was arrested on three counts of distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine). Bond was set at $60,000, and Booth remains incarcerated.
Tiffnea Anetti Nugent, 40, of Many, was arrested and charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia. No bond has been set at this time.

Demarlon Dewayne Lynch, 24, of Zwolle, was arrested for possession of marijuana and simple obstruction of a highway. Lynch also had outstanding warrants for possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance (Xanax) and possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances. Total bonds were set at $5,094.50, and Lynch has bonded out.

Michael Wade Springer, 51, of Many, was arrested on multiple felony charges, including a warrant for felony theft valued between $5,000 and $25,000. Additional charges include possession with intent to distribute several Schedule II controlled substances—methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, hydrocodone, and oxycodone—as well as possession of hydrocodone and fentanyl, possession of a firearm in the presence of controlled dangerous substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Total bonds were set at $480,000, and Springer remains in jail.

Tarquerious Chavez Seastrunk, 31, of Many, was arrested on numerous charges, including possession with intent to distribute Schedule I substances (marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids), possession with intent to distribute Schedule II substances (methamphetamine, cocaine, and crack cocaine), possession with intent to distribute a Schedule IV substance (diazepam), possession of a legend drug (promethazine), possession of drug paraphernalia, second or subsequent offenses, and creation or operation of a clandestine laboratory for the unlawful manufacture of controlled dangerous substances. Seastrunk also had outstanding warrants for distribution of a Schedule I substance (marijuana) and disturbing the peace by fighting. Total bonds were set at $140,249, and he remains incarcerated.

Spencer Danardo Horn, 56, of Many, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (methamphetamine) and second or subsequent offenses. No bond has been set at this time.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office continues its efforts to combat illegal drug activity and urges residents to report suspicious behavior to local law enforcement.

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The Sabine Parish School Board has announced Mr. Christian Sepulvado as its 2025–2026 Principal of the Year, recognizing his outstanding leadership and dedication to students, staff, and the community.
School officials say Mr. Sepulvado exemplifies exceptional leadership through his active involvement in the school community and his commitment to building strong relationships with students, educators, families, and community partners. Known for his approachable leadership style, he consistently works collaboratively to create and sustain a positive, supportive, and engaging school environment.

Mr. Sepulvado also incorporates the Leader in Me framework into his daily work, encouraging both students and staff to develop leadership skills, take ownership of their personal and academic growth, and pursue continuous improvement.

The School Board expressed gratitude for Mr. Sepulvado’s dedication and the positive impact he continues to make across Sabine Parish schools. Officials extended their congratulations on this well-earned honor and wished him continued success as he advances to the next level of competition.

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Residents of Sabine Parish can expect a warm and mostly quiet start to the week, followed by increasing rain chances before cooler, drier air settles in for the weekend.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with afternoon highs near 77 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southerly around 5 mph. Skies turn mostly cloudy Wednesday night, with overnight lows around 58.

On Thursday, clouds will continue to build, and there is a 30 percent chance of scattered showers. High temperatures will again reach near 77 degrees. Thursday night brings a slight chance of showers early, with a better chance of showers and thunderstorms developing after midnight. Patchy fog may form toward daybreak, and lows will dip to around 62.

Rain chances increase on Friday, with showers and thunderstorms possible in the morning and becoming more likely by the afternoon. Patchy fog is possible early, with mostly cloudy skies and a high near 73.

The chance of rain stands at 60 percent. Friday night will remain mostly cloudy, with a 30 percent chance of lingering showers and cooler lows around 41.

The weekend will bring a noticeable cooldown. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 59. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy with a slight 20 percent chance of showers and a chilly low around 35.

Sunday will be mostly sunny and cooler, with afternoon highs near 55 degrees, providing a pleasant end to the weekend.

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Sabine Parish residents are invited to mark their calendars for one of the area’s most anticipated celebrations as the Many Mardi Gras Parade returns on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The family-friendly nighttime parade will roll through downtown Many beginning at 6:00 p.m., bringing with it all the sights and sounds of a traditional Louisiana Mardi Gras celebration. Attendees can expect colorful floats, festive throws, lively music, and plenty of purple, green, and gold filling the streets.

Organizers say the celebration won’t end when the parade concludes. Music in the square is planned immediately afterward, giving parade-goers the opportunity to continue the festivities with live entertainment and community fun.

The Many Mardi Gras Parade is designed for all ages and promises an evening filled with lights, music, beads, and hometown spirit. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to gather friends and family, dress in Mardi Gras colors, and enjoy a night of celebration in the heart of Sabine Parish.

Additional details about the parade will be released as the event approaches. For now, organizers urge everyone to save the date and get ready to celebrate Many Gras in downtown Many.

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The LSU AgCenter will be offering cattle producers the opportunity to become certified Louisiana Master Cattlemen this spring. The Louisiana Master Cattleman Program was developed in 2004 to increase cattle producers’ knowledge of the cattle industry and help them become more profitable and productive. The Master Cattleman Program is a series of lectures held once a week in the evenings that cover topics including pasture management, animal health, nutrition, cattle handling, and economics of beef cattle operations. In addition to these topics, participants in the Master Cattleman Program will complete the Beef Quality Assurance Certification Program. Classes will be held at the Red River Parish Extension Office in Coushatta, LA. Lectures begin on Thursday, March 5, and will be held each Thursday night until May 7 from 6 P.M until 9 P.M. Evening meals will be provided. Tuition fees for this course are $225 per person and pre-registration is required. The deadline to register for this course is February 23. Space is limited so sign up soon. For more information on this course, please contact any of the following LSU AgCenter extension agents: Lee Faulk (318-245-4200), Joshua Salley (318-872-0533), or Randall Mallette (318-932-4342).

“It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability. If you need special assistance to participate in this course, please call 319-927-2578.”

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Acadian Ambulance Service has officially begun 911 emergency response service in Sabine Parish. One ambulance began coverage at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, and the other two ambulances began at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, January 1.

Acadian brings a fleet of 3 ambulances, 12 paramedics and 12 EMTs to its Sabine Parish operations. One of the ambulances is equipped to provide Critical Care Transport (CCT) capabilities with specialized paramedics, advanced ventilatory equipment, and capability for full hemodynamic monitoring.

Acadian’s local EMS operations are stationed in Zwolle and Florien.

“We have had great conversations with the local fire departments and police department, as well as hospital leadership, Chamber members, and other local organizations. We’re excited to be part of the community and begin providing service to these residents,” Regional Vice President Taylor Richard said.

Christian Dennis serves as operations manager for Sabine Parish. A native of Lake Charles, Dennis has been with Acadian Ambulance for nearly 10 years, previously working in the company’s Southwest Louisiana, Orleans, and Tennessee operations areas before becoming the operations manager for Central Louisiana.

Acadian reminds the public to continue to call 911 for emergencies. Facilities that would like to request non-emergency transportation for their patients should call Acadian at 800-259-1111.

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A burn ban may stop brush fires, but it doesn’t slow fear, outrage, or misinformation. Some fires don’t require permits.

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Over the past three years, tournament participation has fallen off dramatically mainly due to forward-facing sonar (FFS). Organizations have made rule changes with the hope of bringing tournament anglers back. Some have eliminated FFS all together, while the Major League Fishing trails like the BFL’s and the Toyota Series have put a time limit (three hours) on how long FFS can be used on tournament day.

While there’s no pleasing all the anglers, some tournament trails are hoping that the changes they have made will encourage anglers to come back and fish. They’ve made compromises for both sides, those who are in favor of FFS and those who want it eliminated from the sport all together.

Some anglers feel this new technology has no place in pro tournament fishing. It’s a great tool for the weekend warrior and an awesome tool for scouting. But for tournament use, others feel it is damaging the integrity of the sport. It’s made touring pros out of average to below average anglers.

Where organizations believe they have lost co-anglers, it turns out the boater/pros are also walking away. Early registration for the upcoming BFL (Cowboy Division) on Sam Rayburn indicates that they have more co-anglers signed up than boater/pros. This is a big problem for the parent company, Major League Fishing.

So many factors are at play when it comes to getting anglers back. Economy, price of boats and too many tournament trails are creating problems, not to mention the FFS issues.

To use a political hot word for 2026, “affordability” is a big concern for a lot of anglers. One tournament director of a major fishing organization made the comment that anglers are not having “fun” anymore. This is very much a true statement!

I agree with this comment. The fun days of showing up at a particular body of water and competing with guys you respect and have good relationships with are gone.

We, as anglers, never really thought about anyone cheating. But with so many issues last year with rules violations and failed polygraph tests, it’s now the first thing that pops into our heads when we back our boats down the ramp.

COVID, I believe, has also played a hand in the drop-off of angler participation. Back during the pandemic, the structure of tournaments changed. Anglers who fished during this period know that tournament directors focused on making sure we kept our distance from each other due to COVID restrictions.

The rules for a weigh-in changed as you had to stay in your boat and bring your fish to the scales one at a time. No more gathering of anglers at the weigh tanks.

Once you weighed in, you were expected to leave immediately, and winning checks were often mailed. This took all the fun out of tournament fishing and eliminated the connection anglers had developed over the years.

But during this difficult time, it was truly a lifesaver and a boost to anglers’ morale because they were excited just to have bass tournaments. Anglers appreciated the efforts organizations and directors put forth just so anglers could compete. Connections and comradery are very important to bass anglers. That’s what makes it fun!

Hopefully 2026 will bring a new beginning and a resurgence of anglers coming back to fishing tournaments. My hat is off to all tournament organizations as they try and navigate the new technology with FFS while trying to please as many anglers as possible.

I’ve always said the worst job in the world would be trying to make bass fishermen happy.

Best wishes and tight lines to all anglers for the upcoming tournament season!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

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I have a preacher friend who delivered a baby. Yes—delivered a baby. Some ministers get called to preach revivals. Some get called to chair committees. Rev. Kathy Howell? She gets called to the maternity ward parking lot in Jennings, Louisiana.

Kathy was visiting her mom in the hospital and had been waiting with her all morning. Since her mom couldn’t eat before her test, Kathy said, “Mama, I’m going to walk across the street to Wendy’s and get a burger. I’ll be right back.” That’s already a holy act—leaving a hungry mama to go get a single, solitary burger.

So off she goes, walking across the parking lot in her clerical garb. Yes, even we Methodist ministers have the shirt with the backwards collar. We don’t get many perks in ministry, but we do get one fashion statement that says, “I am available for baptisms, blessings, and—apparently—obstetrics.”

She was wearing her Roman collar when a man jumped out of his car with the look of someone who had just realized babies don’t wait for paperwork. He yelled, “How do I get to the emergency room entrance—my wife is having a baby!”

Kathy walked over, looked in the car, and sure enough, that baby was clocking out of the womb early.
Now, I like to think of myself as available to offer care and comfort to those in extremis. But let me be clear: no call of God would have me climbing into the front seat with a woman about to pop out a baby. I’m more of a “boil some water and rip some sheets” kind of helper. You know—19thcentury frontier medicine. Very safe. Very sanitary.

Imagine the poor woman in the passenger seat. She looked at Kathy—this unexpected, collarwearing, Wendy’sseeking angel—and said, “My husband and I prayed the whole way here that God would take care of us… but I was not expecting His answer to be you.”
And she did not say it with confidence. It was more like, “Lord, is this… is this really what we’re doing today?”

Kathy patted her hand and said, “You’re going to be okay. God’s got you.” And apparently God said, “Yes, and I’ve also got a Methodist minister with a nursing degree and a halfeaten burger waiting across the street.”

By the time the husband came back with the wheelchair and the nurse, he was a father. Right there in the front seat of a car in the hospital parking lot in Jennings, Louisiana, Reverend Kathy Howell delivered a baby. That is a great day’s work for a minister. Most of us are thrilled if we can find the right page in the hymnal.

Now, how dare God answer a heartfelt prayer for medical attention with a Methodist minister. Honestly. God should do a better job of answering prayers. Don’t we all feel that way sometimes? We pray for help, and God sends… well… us. Or someone who looks suspiciously like they were on their way to Wendy’s.
The hospital even let her sign the birth certificate because she delivered the baby. And she signed it:
“Reverend Katherine Howell, R.N.”

Turns out, before she was a Methodist minister, Kathy Howell ran the emergency room at East Jefferson Hospital in Metairie. So, I suppose God answered that prayer exactly the way it needed to be answered.
Which is just like God—always sending help, always showing up, and occasionally doing it in a Roman collar with a Frosty waiting across the street.

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Holiday Cheer from BOM’s Many Team! The holiday hustle is in full swing, and our BOM Bank team from Many has been out spreading cheer, sharing smiles, and delivering BOM pens to some incredible local businesses and community partners!

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When Joe was born in July of 1915, his grandfather announced, “This child is the future president of the nation.” At the time, Joe’s grandfather was the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, and Joe’s father was the president of the Columbia Trust Bank in Boston. From a young age, Joe’s father groomed him for a career in politics with the presidency as his ultimate goal for his son. Joe’s eight siblings were all held to high standards, but Joe was the favorite child. If Joe had his own goals in life, he never acted on them.

In 1933, Joe graduated from the prestigious Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut, and won the Harvard trophy, one of the most coveted of athletic prizes which was awarded annually to the member of the football team who best combined scholarship and sportsmanship. Although Joe was not the first person to win the trophy, his was the first name engraved upon it. Rather than going straight into college, Joe was one of 20 youths selected from over 900 applicants “for a year’s trip around the world on a four-masted schooner.” Joe and his group visited every continent and almost every European country on their tour. While in Germany, Joe praised Adolph Hitler and his forced sterilization program in a letter to his father. He said Hitler’s program was doing “away with many of the disgusting specimens of men which inhabit this earth.”

In the fall of 1934, Joe entered Harvard College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree four years later. Joe then enrolled at Harvard Law School, the next logical step on his way to the presidency. With World War II looming on the horizon for Americans, Joe was among a group of Harvard students who formed the Harvard Committee Against Military Intervention in Europe and proclaimed, “Since, contrary to the assertions of the Committee for Militant Aid to Britain, there is every reason to believe that America is not now at war, it is incumbent upon us to consider the possibility of remaining at peace.”

War often brings opportunity. Despite his initial opposition to the war, Joe put his law studies on hold and enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in June of 1944. Becoming a war hero would certainly help his political ambitions. The United States officially entered the war on December 7, 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. As a pilot, Joe flew more than enough combat missions to allow him to return home. Fellow pilot Louis Papas said, “There was never an occasion for a mission that meant extra hazard that Joe did not volunteer. He had everybody’s unlimited admiration and respect for his courage, zeal, and willingness to undertake the most dangerous missions.” In August 1944, Joe volunteered to take part in Operation Aphrodite in which war-weary bombers were converted into radio-controlled missiles. The plan was that Joe and his co-pilot Wilford Willy would fly the “drone” bomber with over 21,000 pounds of explosives to an altitude of 2,000 feet at which point another airplane would gain complete radio control. Joe and Wilford would then arm the explosives and parachute out of the airplane over England. The crew in the second airplane would fly the radio-controlled bomber to its target. At 6:18 p.m. on August 12, Joe radioed, “Spade Flush,” the code phrase for the second airplane to take radio control of the drone. At 6:20, while Joe and Wilford awaited the signal to bail out, the bombs detonated prematurely.

Joe’s father’s dreams of his son becoming president ended with Joe’s death. Well, only for a short time. You see, had Joe not been killed during World War II, it is unlikely that his brother would have become president of the United States. Joe, Joseph Kennedy Jr., was the older brother of John F. Kennedy.

 

Sources:

Meriden Record, May 30, 1933, p.8.
Meriden Record, June 23, 1933, p.8.
The Boston Globe, July 20, 1934, p.3.
The Atlanta Constitution, December 18, 1940, p.28.
The Kansas City Times, August 15, 1944, p.3.
Meilan Solly, “The Top-Secret World War II Mission That Killed Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the Heir Apparent to the Political Dynasty,” Smithsonian Magazine, August 12, 2024, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-top-secret-world-war-ii-mission-that-killed-joseph-pkennedy-heir-apparent-political-dynasty-180984857/#:~:text=Joe%20Jr.’s%20time%20in,Kennedy%2C%20who%20had%20intellectual%20disabilities.

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On January 7, 1610, an Italian mathematician named Galileo Galilei pointed his handmade telescope toward Jupiter and made an observation that would alter humanity’s understanding of the cosmos. What he saw that night—a trio of small, bright points near the planet—seemed innocuous at first. Yet those glowing dots would soon become evidence that Earth was not the center of the universe.

Galileo had been refining his telescope for months, improving its magnification from the early Dutch models. His January observations of Jupiter revealed something surprising: the points of light did not behave like distant stars. Over the next several nights, he watched them shift positions, sometimes appearing in different arrangements but always aligned closely with the planet.

By January 13, he identified a fourth object. He realized that the bodies orbited Jupiter itself. These were the four largest of Jupiter’s moons—Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—now known as the Galilean satellites.

This observation posed a significant challenge to the prevailing geocentric model, which held that all celestial bodies revolved around Earth. If moons orbited Jupiter, then Earth was clearly not the universal center. Galileo recorded the event in detailed sketches, noting the inconsistent positions of the moons to demonstrate their orbital motion.

What makes the moment historically striking is not simply the astronomical discovery, but the immediate tension it created across academic and religious communities. Galileo’s findings reached scholars quickly, prompting intense debate. His telescopic observations disrupted centuries of established thought and contributed to the broader scientific movement that shifted Europe from medieval cosmology to modern astronomy.

Although the conflict often overshadows the science, the January 7 discovery represented a profound expansion of human perspective. For the first time, observers had direct evidence that celestial bodies could orbit something other than Earth, providing powerful support for the emerging heliocentric model.

Scientific institutions today continue to mark January 7 as one of the pivotal dates in astronomy. Galileo’s sketches remain preserved in archives, offering a glimpse into the night an early telescope revealed worlds orbiting another planet—one of history’s most remarkable moments of discovery.

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Robin Sue Stark
March 27, 1971 — January 5, 2026
Visitation: will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. before the service
Services: Friday, January 9 at 11:30 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church

Leila Susilawati Harris
February 7, 1948 — December 1, 2025
Visitation: from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. before the service
Services: Saturday, January 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home

James Allen Stringer
July 16, 1959 – December 19, 2025
A memorial service will be held at Warren Meadows on January 7, 2026.

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 Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is recognizing the retirement of Deputy Stanley Neal, marking the conclusion of a 26-year career in law enforcement dedicated to serving the citizens of Sabine Parish.  Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and Chief Deputy Brad Walker announced Deputy Neal’s retirement this week. Neal began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1998, starting as a jailer under former Sheriff Guffey Lynn Pattison. Over the years, he held several key assignments, including inmate transport, courtroom security, and work with inmate labor crews. For the past several years, Deputy Neal served as the supervisor of the inmate work crew division, overseeing daily operations and ensuring safety and accountability.

Deputy Neal was honored during a retirement recognition attended by his family, friends, and fellow deputies, who gathered to celebrate his long-standing commitment and service.
“Stanley was a very dependable deputy. No matter what task he was asked to do, he did it. He will be missed,” Chief Deputy Brad Walker said.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell thanked Deputy Neal for his years of service and wished him well in retirement, expressing hopes that he enjoys a well-earned, relaxing next chapter.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office extended its congratulations and best wishes to Deputy Neal, affectionately known by colleagues as “Jericho,” as he begins his retirement.

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The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office is highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Sabine Parish Detention Center inmate litter crew, which has made a significant impact on roadway cleanliness across the parish over the past several months.

According to Sheriff Aaron Mitchell, from September through December 2025, inmate crews supervised by Deputy Stanley Neal and Deputy Mike Rutherford worked consistently to remove litter from state highways throughout Sabine Parish. On average, six inmates participated in the program, collecting trash along approximately 80 miles of roadway.

Despite not being able to work every day due to other responsibilities and operational duties, litter collection remains a top priority for the crew. Over the four-month period, inmates gathered an average of 600 bags of trash, working approximately eight hours per month on cleanup efforts.

Sheriff Mitchell also recognized Deputy Stanley Neal, who is retiring this month after 26 years of dedicated service with the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. Neal has played a key role in supervising the litter crew and supporting the parish’s cleanup initiatives.

The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that deputies continue to issue written citations to individuals caught littering in Sabine Parish. Residents are reminded to properly secure trash in vehicles, as items that blow from the bed of a truck or trailer are considered littering under state law.

Citizens who witness littering or illegal dumping are encouraged to report it by contacting the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-256-9241, option 5, or by submitting an anonymous tip through the Sabine Parish Sheriff App.

The Sheriff’s Office says community cooperation is essential in keeping Sabine Parish clean and safe for everyone.

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Residents of Sabine Parish can expect a stretch of mostly sunny and mild weather over the coming days, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 61 degrees. Winds will remain calm early, becoming west around 5 mph later in the day. Skies will stay mostly clear Wednesday night, with temperatures dropping to around 37 degrees and light, calm winds.

New Year’s Day will bring more sunshine, with mostly sunny conditions and a high near 67 degrees. Winds will be light, becoming southwest around 5 mph. Thursday night will turn mostly cloudy, with overnight lows near 51 degrees.

Friday is expected to be mostly sunny and warmer, with highs reaching near 76 degrees. Friday night will be mostly clear and cooler, with temperatures falling to around 47 degrees.

Sunny skies will continue into Saturday with a high near 69 degrees. Saturday night will remain mostly clear, with lows around 42 degrees.

Sunday will be mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high near 70 degrees. Skies will remain mostly clear

Sunday night, with overnight temperatures around 48 degrees.

Looking ahead to Monday, conditions will be partly sunny with daytime highs near 70 degrees, continuing the trend of mild and comfortable weather across the parish.

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Online trends sneak into political conversations. Because apparently what’s trending can matter more than, you know… actual answers. When a meme goes viral, it can suddenly feel like the main issue—whether it makes sense or not. Which is fitting, since “6–7” itself barely means anything at all.

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By That One Pastor Who Still Believes in Miracles, Even After Trying to Assemble IKEA Furniture

As the calendar flips to January—because apparently time insists on moving forward whether we’re ready or not—Americans everywhere are once again drafting their annual list of New Year’s resolutions.

These are the same resolutions we made last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, like a Hallmark movie plot that keeps getting recycled with slightly different actors.

We all know the classics:

“I’m going to eat healthier.”

(Translation: I will buy kale, let it wilt in the fridge, and then throw it away with a sense of moral superiority.)

“I’m going to exercise more.”

(Translation: I will wear athleisure clothing while sitting on the couch.)

“I’m going to get organized.”

(Translation: I will buy a planner so beautiful it intimidates me, then never write in it.)

But here’s the thing: resolutions are basically promises we make to ourselves while hopped up on leftover Christmas sugar and the delusion that a new calendar equals a new personality.

Which brings me to a radical proposal for 2026:

What if we skipped the resolutions and followed Jesus instead?

Now before you roll your eyes and say, “Pastor, that sounds like the churchy version of ‘live, laugh, love,’” hear me out. Following Jesus is not the safe, predictable, colorcodedplanner life we imagine. It’s not even the tidy “new year, new me” vibe we try to manufacture every January.

Following Jesus is… well… an adventure.

And not the kind of adventure where you book a cruise and spend seven days eating shrimp cocktail. I mean the kind where you wake up and say, “Lord, I have no idea what You’re doing today, but please don’t let it involve snakes, public speaking, or me having to apologize to someone before coffee.”

Jesus has a way of inviting us into things we never would’ve put on our resolution list:

“Love your enemies.”

(Not on anyone’s planner.)

“Forgive seventy times seven.”

(Also not on anyone’s planner.)

“Feed my sheep.”

(We prefer feeding ourselves.)

“Take up your cross.”

(Definitely not on the planner.)

But here’s the twist: while our resolutions tend to fizzle out by midJanuary—right around the time the gym parking lot empties and the kale turns brown—Jesus’ invitations don’t depend on our willpower.

They depend on His grace.

And grace, unlike my treadmill, actually works.

Following Jesus won’t give you a slimmer waistline or a colorcoded pantry, but it will give you something far better: purpose, joy, courage, and the kind of hope that doesn’t expire on January 31.

So this year, instead of resolving to become a slightly improved version of yourself, maybe resolve to follow the One who already knows who you’re becoming.

It’s riskier. It’s wilder. It’s holier.

And yes—it’s far more adventurous than kale.

Happy New Year, friends. May your 2026 be full of grace, laughter, and the kind of holy surprises that make you say, “Only Jesus could’ve pulled that off.”

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Several new laws and policy changes are set to take effect across Louisiana beginning January 1, 2026, impacting drivers, homeowners, court proceedings, insurance policyholders, and those involved in civil lawsuits. The changes stem from legislation passed during recent sessions and reflect a broader shift in public safety, legal standards, and consumer protections.

Key Louisiana Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026

• Hands-free driving law fully enforced
• Modified comparative fault standard in injury lawsuits
• Limits on recoverable medical expenses in civil cases
• Expanded tax credits for home fortification projects
• New licensing requirements for residential roofing contractors
• Mandatory electronic or in-person court filings for attorneys
• Insurance companies required to disclose credit score use

One of the most visible changes involves the state’s expanded hands-free driving law. Beginning January 1, full enforcement will begin following the end of a grace period. Drivers will no longer be allowed to hold a mobile phone while driving for texting, scrolling, browsing, or similar actions. Penalties will increase in school zones and construction zones, and repeat violations may result in steeper fines.

Louisiana will also see a major shift in how fault is assessed in personal injury lawsuits. The state is moving from a pure comparative fault system to a modified comparative fault standard. Under the new law, a person found to be 51 percent or more responsible for an accident will be barred from recovering damages. Those found 50 percent or less at fault may still recover compensation, but any award will be reduced based on their percentage of responsibility.

Changes are also coming to how medical expenses are calculated in injury cases. Under the new law, plaintiffs may only recover the amount actually paid for medical care rather than the higher amounts originally billed by healthcare providers. Supporters say the change brings awards more in line with real costs, while critics argue it may limit recovery for some injured parties.

Homeowners will see new incentives aimed at strengthening properties against severe weather. Expanded tax deductions and credits will be available for qualifying home fortification projects, including improvements that increase wind resistance. One measure allows homeowners to receive up to a $10,000 tax credit for qualifying roof fortification upgrades.

New licensing requirements will also take effect for residential roofing contractors. For roofing projects exceeding $7,500, contractors must now hold a state-issued residential roofing license or a residential construction license with a roofing designation. The law is intended to protect homeowners from unqualified contractors, particularly following major storms.

Court procedures will also change beginning in 2026. Attorneys will be required to submit court filings electronically or in person in paper form, in accordance with systems established by each clerk of court. The move is aimed at modernizing court operations and improving efficiency statewide.

Additionally, insurance companies operating in Louisiana will be required to disclose to policyholders whether credit scores are used in determining insurance premiums. While full implementation of this requirement begins later in 2026, the change marks a shift toward greater transparency for consumers.

Together, the new laws represent a mix of safety enforcement, legal reform, and consumer-focused policy changes that will affect residents across the state as the new year begins.

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Students in Louisiana with an interest in agriculture, education, and community outreach have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience this summer through the LSU AgCenter’s Cooperative Extension Internship Program.

The LSU AgCenter is now accepting applications for its Summer 2026 Extension Internship, offering 20 paid positions across Louisiana. The program is open to current or rising juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are interested in learning how Extension programs are planned and delivered at the parish level.

Selected interns will work alongside LSU AgCenter educators in local parish Extension offices, gaining real-world experience in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, extension education, or related fields. Interns will earn $15 per hour during the 8–10 week program, working up to 400 hours over the summer.

According to program details, interns will complete a project, written report, and video highlighting their experience. Participants may also coordinate with their academic advisors to receive college credit for the internship.

Applications officially open December 22, and all interested candidates must complete an application and interview process. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Students interested in applying or learning more can visit lsuagcenter.com/extintern or contact larcemont@agcenter.lsu.edu for additional information.

The LSU AgCenter internship program offers a unique opportunity for Louisiana students to build professional skills, explore career paths, and make a meaningful impact in their local communities.

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