MANY – The Many football team is eager to start its second season when Lakeside visits Friday to open District 3-2A play.

The Tigers (2-3) are on a three-game losing skid following a 57-0 loss to Alexandria Senior High after winning the first two contests of the season.

Many fell to larger traditional powers Leesville and ASH during the losing streak, but the Tigers were just a couple of plays away from pulling out a road victory at St. Mary’s.

But Many seeks to return to its early-season form as the Tigers scored big wins against Logansport and DeRidder.

Coach Tyler Hassell is laying the foundation for the program to return to its state title contender roots, and a Week 6 against Lakeside (3-2) will serve as a solid measuring stick to gauge Many’s progress.

Despite a winning record, Lakeside is a team finding its way as well. The Warriors soundly beat the teams they were clearly favored over in Arcadia, Plain Dealing and Northwood-Lena.

But the 2024 Warriors also topped LaSalle and Montgomery en route to a 6-0 start, and the 2025 squad lost those contests 32-29 and 34-22, respectively.

Coach John Ware is trying to instill winning traditions in which he was a part at North Webster and Haynesville, but this Lakeside bunch is much younger than the group that put together a 9-3 season and won a playoff game for the first time in school history.

Both of Lakeside’s 2024 losses came in district play, but the Warriors opened up that slate with a 28-6 win against Many.

For Many, finding its early-season form will require improvement in all three phases.

ASH forced two fumbles and blocked a punt in its big win, which included a 37-point first quarter.

Many scored 84 points in its first two wins compared to just 43 points in its three losses. The defensive production is also similar, allowing just 40 points in its first two wins compared to 144 points in its three losses.

The Lakeside loss this past season snapped a 39-game district winning streak for Many, one in which they can start again Friday.

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA), the state-supported residential high school for academically motivated Louisiana sophomores, juniors, and seniors, will host its next Exploration Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, October 13.

Exploration Days—often scheduled to coincide with public school holidays—are “open house”-style events where prospective students and their families can tour campus, explore LSMSA’s one-of-a-kind Living/Learning Commons, attend classes, and meet members of the administration, faculty, and current students.

“Attending an Exploration Day is really the best way for prospective families to get a taste of what life is like at LSMSA,” said Emily Shumate, Director of Enrollment Management and Outreach. “The panel featuring current students is always a favorite part of the day; parents also enjoy hearing from members of our leadership team.”

Here’s what some of our students have to say about LSMSA:

“I love that I’m in such a supportive and accepting community. We all come in with a passion for learning, and we want to be here. The academic side is excellent, but our living community is a safe space that is so refreshing and wonderful to be in.”
Roz H. (’26)

“I love the opportunities that LSMSA has to offer. As an LSMSA student, I have had the chance to do many things that I would not have had the opportunity to do at other places!”
Olivia L. (’26)

“What I love most about LSMSA is the ability to go to office hours and get help directly from the LSMSA faculty.”
Emily M. (’27)

“I was able to help found a robotics team that competes in competitions and creates a robot that looks pretty cool while doing it.”
Amelia W. (’26)


There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required. Visit http://www.LSMSA.edu/visit to register and RSVP to the official Facebook event for October 13.

LSMSA is located at 715 University Parkway in Natchitoches, on the campus of Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Exploration Days, Campus Tours, and Info Sessions are offered several times each semester. Louisiana students currently in the eighth grade or higher are encouraged to attend. Students younger than eighth grade who are traveling with an older sibling may attend if accompanied by their parents to all parent activities.

LSMSA is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Financial assistance is available to ensure that no eligible student is denied access to its 42-year legacy of a college-level living/learning experience.

Once again, I’m going to venture off into the abyss and stray away from the bass fishing world. While aging and experiencing life for over 64 years of living in this great country, there are so many questions that I feel we just can’t find answers to. Today, with so much unrest in this country, let’s look at some of the issues we are dealing with and possible solutions.

Why are we as a nation so divided? What has come between all of us that we can’t sit in the same room and listen to one another? Why can we no longer share our opinions without fear of repercussions? Let’s start with the first question.

Why are we so divided? My first thought turns to the plain and simple fact: one political party hates the President! The hate runs so deep that it clouds their judgment as they refuse to acknowledge or accept anything he does good or bad. They just can’t overcome the hatred they have for this President!

How do we overcome the hate? We can start with the one thing that we as a nation need to face and correct. We need to get back to the teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! While some of you might stop reading at this point, I hope you’ll continue.

Within the last 20 years, we have allowed the far left to convince us that God has no place in our schools or athletic events. We have literally caved into a small minority group and turned our backs on the ONE who has kept generations on the right path.

Somewhere along the way during our country’s 250-year journey, SOMEONE decided to take God out of our schools and prayer out of our athletic/public events! For this, “WE” have no one to blame but ourselves and the officials “WE” elected to represent “US” — the people.

This issue has a simple solution; replace the people we elected with those who will truly represent our needs and wants. It’s time to reset our moral compass! Instead of making decisions with our best interests at heart, most of our representatives (law makers) today are not interested in doing what’s right, they’re looking for personal and financial gain. They have forgotten the reason they are in such positions of power- to represent their constituents.

Next, we as a nation have become too tolerant to the concept of new ideas, knowing there will be consequences for generations to come, all because neither side can come to a mutual agreement that works for both. We don’t want to dismiss the other’s opinion even though we know it’s not right, so we tolerate it.

Why can we no longer sit in the same room and work out our issues? The problem is that it doesn’t matter what side you’re on, everyone feels THEY are right no matter what evidence or reason is put before them that says otherwise. In reality, we are at the point where no one truly wants to hear what the other side has to say and I’m not sure how we can overcome this obstacle.

It’s simply human nature that we all feel the need to be right, and no one wants to admit when they are wrong on any issue. In today’s America, everyone thinks their way is the only way and if you don’t agree with them, then YOU’RE not only the problem, but the enemy as well!

So how do we move forward and get past all these issues? I personally feel it’s going to take a major incident like 9/11 where our country is attacked and our way of life is threatened or worse, taken away. We’re desperately in search for a reason to come together and reunite.

Another thing that must change — fix the divorce rate in this country and bring back the family dynamics. Wedding vows should mean something! Bring back the idea of families and couples staying together! Now there’s a great concept! So many of today’s young people have mental issues mainly due to coming from broken homes, the breakdown of family structure, and of course, SOCIAL MEDIA!

We must recognize and eliminate social media as the biggest issue we have in our country today! While initially it was a great idea, other countries are now using it to manipulate our thoughts and turn us against one another with fake posts that have bad intentions.

Bottom line is this, whether you agree or disagree, America made a statement last November on how unsatisfied the people are at this point by electing a person who they feel will try and bring America back to its powerful place in the world. Everyone knew from the start that he (the President) has and will continue to ruffle a few feathers, but they elected him anyway.

To use a sports analogy, every Saturday college football coaches make decisions they feel are in the best interest of their teams. Each and every single one of them are looking and searching for one thing — victory. But not everyone agrees or likes the play or plays that are called, especially when they lose.

Politics is no different. Both parties think they have all the answers and know what actions are needed to bring America back. But all I know is this — if we continue to try and do this without God, we will never be able to bring this country back to a point where we can all get along.

To wrap this up, here’s some food for thought: sometimes we must lose what we have in order to appreciate what we had. While this could be hard for some to handle, it might be the only way we can bring our country back to where it used to be … SANE!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

BOM Bank made a donation to the Sabine Parish Fair and Rodeo. The annual tradition is held, the last week of September and brings the community together for fun, family and celebration. Pictured left to right: Jill Britt and BOM’s Tiffany Miller.

On the night of October 8, 1871, the city of Chicago became an inferno. Flames tore through wooden buildings, leapt across streets, and devoured entire neighborhoods. By the time the fire burned itself out, more than 17,000 structures were gone, 100,000 people were left homeless, and at least 300 lives had been lost. The Great Chicago Fire remains one of the most infamous disasters in American history—but the story behind it is almost as legendary as the flames themselves.

The official cause was never determined. Popular legend blames Catherine O’Leary’s cow, said to have kicked over a lantern in a barn on DeKoven Street. The tale, fueled by anti-Irish prejudice, stuck in the public imagination, even though O’Leary and her family were likely innocent. Later, historians traced the story to an embellishment by a newspaper reporter who later admitted he had made it up. Still, the image of a cow sparking the blaze became part of Chicago folklore.

But what makes the event especially eerie is its timing. On the very same night, October 8, massive fires also erupted in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and parts of Michigan. The Peshtigo Fire was far deadlier, killing an estimated 1,500–2,000 people—yet it was overshadowed by the destruction in Chicago.

This strange coincidence led some scientists to propose an unusual theory: that fragments of Biela’s Comet, which broke apart in the 1840s, may have showered Earth with flaming debris, igniting the Midwest. Others dismiss this, noting that comet fragments don’t behave that way in the atmosphere. But for those who enjoy the supernatural edge to history, the idea of a cosmic spark remains haunting.

The aftermath of the fire was equally dramatic. Chicago rebuilt with brick and steel instead of wood, launching the era of skyscrapers and transforming the city into a hub of modern architecture. Yet the ghost stories linger. Residents have long claimed that DeKoven Street, where the O’Leary barn once stood, feels unsettled. In the ruins after the fire, some survivors even swore they saw faces in the flames, as if the city itself was screaming.

Whether sparked by a cow, a careless match, or falling stars from the heavens, the Great Chicago Fire turned October 8 into a date forever marked by destruction, myth, and mystery.

Ryone Marrie Palmer, 83, was born on July 31, 1942 to Ira Devalcourt and Grace Thibodeaux Devalcourt in Sunset, Louisiana and passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025 in Shreveport, Louisiana. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Souled Out For Christ at 2:00 p.m. Officiating the service will be Brother Leon Manshack.

Ryone, affectionately known as Ronnie, had a deep love for the outdoors. She never missed an opportunity to go hunting or fishing, and she delighted in the beauty of God’s creation—whether in the flowers she so carefully tended in her garden or in the majestic birds of the sky. Her favorite of all was the beautiful cardinal.

Ronnie’s greatest joy was her family. Her grandchildren were the center of her world until her great-grandchildren came along, bringing even more love into her life. The memories she created with each of them will be cherished forever.

She also had a passion for cooking and baking, and she loved sharing her dishes with family and friends. Beyond her devotion to family, Ronnie was a faithful Christian who found peace and strength in God’s word. Strong-willed yet kind-hearted, she was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Ronnie is preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Grace Devalcourt; brothers, Joel Devalcourt, Bill Devalcourt, and Frank Devalcourt; sisters, Renae Elbert and Veronica Devalcourt; and grandchildren, Dwain Nettles and Joseph Dyess, Jr. She is survived by her son, Lee Roy Palmer III and wife, Angela, of Zwolle, Louisiana; daughter, Tamra Bass and husband, Nicholas, of Bossier City, Louisiana; sister, Irene Foshee of Anacoco, Louisiana; brothers, Chris Lawrence and wife, Marlene, of Fairhope, Alabama, Gary Devalcourt and wife, Priscilla, of Opelousas, Louisiana, and Olan Devalcourt of Pensacola, Florida; grandchildren, Haylie Dyess and spouse, Josh Behan and Tristan Palmer; grand daughter-in-law, Samantha White; step-grandchildren, Christopher Anderson and wife, Victoria, and Marrisa Anderson; great-grandchildren, Zane Behan, Kambriella Behan, Joshua Nettles, and Tytus Nettles; step-great-grandchildren, Max Weathy, Lucas Lapar, and Joshua, Carter, and Adaline Anderson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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

Bob Allen Luton, Jr.

A graveside service for Bob Allen Luton, Jr., 78, was held on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Jesup Cemetery, 199 Geoghagan Rd., Many, Louisiana. Officiated by Brother Buster Jordan.

Bob was born on December 1, 1946 to Bob Luton, Sr. and Marguerite Luton in El Paso, Texas and passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Luton; parents, Bob Luton, Sr. and Marguerite Luton; brother-in-law, Donald Edwards; and great-grandson, Justin “LJ” Williams, Jr. He is survived by his sons, Joseph Allen Luton and wife, Joni, of New Caney, Texas and David Self and wife, Wendy, of Many, Louisiana; daughters, LaFaye Saxton and husband, George “Bubba”, of Livingston, Texas and Janice Lynn Barnett and husband, Jerry, of Splendora, Texas; sister, Audrey Edwards of Splendora, Texas; grandchildren, Lisa Flores, Jayme Moore and husband, Terry, Danielle Saxton and husband, Justin Ferguson, Jarred Manshack, Marissa Manshack, Hunter Luton, Gabby Barnett, Jaden Barnett, Logan Barnett, Sean Barnett, Xander Barnett, Dalton Self and wife, Erica, Gabryel Garlington and husband, Chris, Haley Alexander and husband, Colten, and Mayci Manning and husband, Chase; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Those whom honored Bob as pallbearers were Bubba Saxton, Chris Garlington, Colten Alexander, Chase Manning, Dalton Self, David Self, and Herby Dauphinet.

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

Let’s talk about forgiveness. Not the kind where you say “It’s fine” while secretly plotting revenge via passive-aggressive casserole. I mean the real deal—the Christian commandment to forgive, even when it feels like hugging a cactus.

Jesus lays it out in Luke 17:3–4: “If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times in a day and seven times comes back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

Seven times a day? That’s not just a bad roommate—that’s a full-time job.

Let’s break this down. If someone wrongs you seven times in one day, that’s once every 3.4 hours.

Assuming you sleep eight hours (which you don’t, because you’re still mad), that’s a sin every two hours.

At that rate, you’re basically running a forgiveness factory.

But Jesus isn’t joking. He’s not saying “forgive when it’s convenient” or “forgive when they bring cookies.” He’s saying forgive every time. Even if the apology sounds like “Oops, my bad” and they’re already halfway out the door.

Forgiveness is like spiritual cardio. It’s hard, it’s sweaty, and you’ll probably cry a little. But it strengthens your heart. Holding onto bitterness is like carrying around a backpack full of bricks labeled “Petty.” You think it’s protecting you, but really, it’s just ruining your posture and your peace.

Jesus knew this. That’s why He didn’t say, “Forgive when you feel like it.” He said, “You must forgive.” It’s not a suggestion—it’s a commandment. Like “Don’t steal” or “Don’t eat shrimp off someone else’s plate.”

I thought about these practical tips:

Say it out loud, “I forgive you.” Even if your voice cracks like a teenager at prom. Saying it helps your brain catch up to your heart.

You are not the scorekeeper. If you’re keeping a sin spreadsheet, you’re missing the point. Forgiveness isn’t about tallying offenses—it’s about releasing them.

Remember that you are also a sin expert. You’ve messed up too. Probably today. Maybe while reading this. God forgives you without a dramatic monologue. Extend that grace.

Learn to pray for the person. “Lord, bless them… with wisdom… and maybe a little common sense.” It’s okay to start petty. God can work with that.

Forgiveness does not mean you must help fools be fools. Forgiveness doesn’t mean letting someone borrow your car after they drove it into a lake. You can forgive and still say, “No thanks.”

Forgiveness is funny because it’s so human to resist it. We want justice, closure, and maybe a dramatic courtroom scene. But Jesus offers something better: peace. Not the kind you get from noise-canceling headphones, but the kind that lets you sleep at night without rehearsing arguments in your head.

So the next time someone sins against you—again—remember Luke 17. Forgive them. Even if it’s the seventh time. Even if they still owe you money. Even if they never say, “thank you.”

Because forgiveness isn’t just for them. It’s for you. It’s freedom. And it’s the kind of holy absurdity that makes following Jesus both challenging and beautiful.

Now go forth and forgive.

Most safety equipment on vehicles originated because of accidents. Underride bars, the safety device attached to the backs of semi-trucks and trailers, were the result of one such accident.

At around 1 a.m. on June 29, 1967, 40-year-old attorney Samuel “Sam” Brody; 20-year-old pre-law student Ronnie Harrison; 34-year-old Vera Jayne Palmer; three of Vera’s children: three-year-old Marie, six-year-old Zoltan, and eight-year-old Mickey Jr., along with their four dogs, left Biloxi, Mississippi, and began the 100-mile trip along US-90 to New Orleans. The three adults and two chihuahuas rode on front seat of the gray 1966 Buick Electra sedan, and the three children and two more chihuahuas slept in the back seat. At about 2:25 a.m., Ronnie drove the car along an extended straight stretch of the Chef Menteur Highway through the marsh which separated Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf of Mexico. Mosquitoes have always plagued the marsh during the summertime, and New Orleans city employees sprayed insecticide fog from city trucks in the never-ending battle for control. These workers sprayed insecticide fog during the night to avoid the heavy daytime traffic because they had to travel at slow speeds along the two-lane highway.

Forty three-year-old Richard Rambo was driving an 18-wheeler in the same direction on Chef Menteur Highway some distance ahead of the gray Buick when he saw a white cloud emanating from the slow-driving fogging truck. Rather than depressing the brake pedal which would have illuminated the brake lights, Richard removed his foot from the accelerator pedal and the “jake brake” slowed the truck and trailer to about 30 miles per hour. In the car, which was traveling about 70 miles per hour, Ronnie failed to notice that the truck and trailer had slowed significantly. He never hit the brakes. The car drove under the rear of the trailer with such a tremendous impact that it peeled the top off of the sedan. The car stopped when its front end struck the back tires of the trailer. Ronnie, Sam, Vera, and the two chihuahuas in the front seat were killed instantly. Vera’s children and the two chihuahuas in the back seat were injured but ultimately survived.

In 1968, the year after the deadly crash, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made it mandatory that all commercial trailers be equipped with large metal guards to prevent cars from driving under the rear of semi-trucks and trailers. Although technically called underride bars, the safety bars were nicknamed after Vera Jayne Palmer. You see, Vera Jayne Palmer was a famous actress, Playboy Playmate, and sex symbol of the 1950s and 60s. The world knows her by her married name, Jayne Mansfield. Because of the car crash that claimed her life, underride bars are commonly referred to as “Mansfield Bars.”

Sources:

1. The Shreveport Times, June 30, 1967, p.18.

2. Scott Armstrong, “The Dangers of Underride Truck Accidents, AKA Mansfield Bars,” February 14, 2025, https://albtriallawyers.com/the-dangers-of-underride-truck-accidents-aka-mansfield-bars/.

Ryone Marrie Palmer
July 31, 1942 — September 21, 2025
Services: Saturday, October 11 at Souled Out For Christ at 2:00 p.m.

Sandy Rose Tankersley
August 2, 1957 — October 6, 2025
The family will be having a memorial service at a later date.

Susan Jan Rachael Chambers Slay
February 4, 1942 – October 3, 2025
Visitation: Wednesday, October 8 at 5:00 PM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home
Services: Thursday, October 9 at 10:00 AM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

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

The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples will take the stage on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 6 pm at Trinity Baptist Church to launch a special series of benefit concerts in support of three-year-old Lydia Rachal, who is battling Sanfilippo syndrome — often referred to as “childhood Alzheimer’s.”

Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare, fatal genetic disease that causes progressive brain damage. While Lydia has not yet experienced the inevitable symptoms, her family knows time is running short. Experimental clinical trials have shown promising results in slowing or diminishing the symptoms, but FDA approval and funding remain crucial hurdles before treatment can reach children like Lydia.

“Our theme is ‘The clock is ticking,’ because for Lydia and so many others, it truly is,” organizers shared. “We are proud and excited to do our small part to help Lydia and other children literally LIVE. Continued community support is vital.”

The “Save Lydia” concert series will continue at venues throughout October and November:
October 12 – First United Methodist
November 2 – Siloam Baptist
November 14 – Sabine Theater
November 16 – Westside Baptist

Each event will feature uplifting music from the Amazing! Rhythm Disciples, with proceeds benefiting “Hope for Lydia” and efforts to advance Sanfilippo research and treatment.

Organizers invite the public to attend one or more of these upcoming events and “make a joyful noise for a very good cause.”

The search for a missing Sabine Parish man came to a tragic end on Sept. 27 when the body of Trevor Williams, 23, was discovered in a pasture off WPA Road in Pleasant Hill.

Williams had been reported missing a week earlier after family and friends grew concerned when they had not heard from him for several days.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the Pleasant Hill Police Department, is investigating the case. At this time, authorities say no foul play is suspected in Williams’ death.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell expressed condolences to Williams’ family and friends, asking the community to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.

In accordance with state regulations, the Sabine Parish Police Jury reinstated the Sabine Parish Ambulance Advisory Board two and a half years ago. While much has been shared on social media regarding transparency, it’s crucial to address certain inaccuracies concerning the Board and the Request for Proposals (RFP).

Firstly, it’s important to understand that RFPs are not bids. The RFP utilized by the Sabine Parish Ambulance Advisory Board is distinctive and aligns with state-wide standards to ensure the highest quality care for Sabine Parish residents. The Board consists of five members representing each fire district, alongside the sheriff’s office, hospital, and 911 office, ensuring frontline responders have a voice in emergency services planning.

The RFP process for the Sabine Parish Ambulance Advisory Board is a standard procedure across Louisiana parishes to ensure service accountability. These standards are designed to align Sabine Parish with state expectations, not to single out providers. The three companies that have submitted RFPs emphasize community engagement and local hiring, fostering better community relationships and efficient service delivery. This process is not financially driven, as no Police Jury funds are involved; the goal is to elevate Sabine Parish to state-level service standards, ensuring optimal care for our citizens.

The Sabine Parish Police Jury and the Sabine Parish Ambulance Advisory Board are committed to transparency and enhancing community communication. The Sabine Parish Ambulance Advisory Board meetings are open to the public, and plans are in place to televise future meetings to promote transparency. The Sabine Parish Ambulance Advisory Board’s next public meeting is scheduled for Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Police Jury Board Room, and all community members are encouraged to attend.

The town of Zwolle is gearing up to celebrate one of its most anticipated traditions, the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta, set for October 9–11, 2025, at the Zwolle Festival Grounds. The three-day event will feature live music, contests, food, parades, and cultural showcases honoring the town’s rich history and traditions.

Pre-Fiesta Events:

Festivities begin early with the Fiesta Poster Unveiling on Thursday, September 11, followed by the First Lady & King’s Gathering and Fiesta Trail Ride on Saturday, October 4. A Fiesta Royal Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7.

Thursday, October 9 — Kick-Off:

The official fiesta opens with Senior Citizen Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., including bingo, lunch, and door prizes. Festival gates open at 4 p.m. with $2 admission. Opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. will present Fiesta Royalty, recognize dignitaries, and showcase special entertainment. Music kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with the Next of Kin Band.

Friday, October 10 — Music and Fun:

The day begins with a Third Grade Educational Day from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gates reopen at 4 p.m. with $5 admission. Evening entertainment includes performances by Herry Reggans & The Louisiana Side Men (4–5:30 p.m.), Lucas Jagneaux and the Road Show (6–7:30 p.m.), and Horace Trahan and the Ossun Express (8–11 p.m.).

Saturday, October 11 — Fiesta Day:

Fiesta Saturday kicks off with a 5K Run at 8 a.m., followed by the Parade at 10 a.m. and a Treasure Hunt for a $500 savings bond. Festival gates open at 8 a.m. with $10 admission. The day is packed with activities including:

Midwest Rides & Concessions (11 a.m.)
Toledo Cruisers Car Club Show (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Tamale Eating Contest (11:15 a.m.)
Spanish Costume Contest (12 p.m.)
Arm Wrestling Contest (12:30 p.m.)
Tamale Judging (1 p.m.)
Mud Bog Competition (2 p.m.) with special tent and cooler fees

Live music will run throughout the afternoon and evening with performances by PineKnotz Band, Landry & Company Band, Ronnie Anderson with Raven, One Trick Pony, and Shadow Road closing out the night.
The Zwolle Tamale Fiesta offers tamales, carnival rides, concessions, souvenirs, vendors, and a celebration of community pride.

For more details, visit zwolletamalefiesta.com.

The Vaughn Automotive Group has officially acquired Jimmy Granger Ford in Natchitoches and introduced the dealership under its new name, Vaughn Ford of Natchitoches.

The transition brings Vaughn’s long-standing tradition of customer service and competitive pricing to the Natchitoches community. The dealership will continue offering new Ford models along with a selection of pre-owned vehicles. In addition, the service department will provide maintenance and repair support for customers.

With the change in ownership, Vaughn Automotive Group aims to expand its presence in the region while maintaining the values and customer-focused approach that have become hallmarks of its brand.

NATCHITOCHES – Far from his roots in Converse, Kip Patrick is a world traveler who’s written or been quoted for Wired, National Geographic, CNN and Men’s Journal, among others. After earning a degree in journalism at NSU in 1995, he worked in media and communications in Washington, D.C., New York and Miami, before he and his wife Liz, whom he married in 2008, flew from D.C. to the Philippines for a year-long around-the-world adventure. During their travels, they sought volunteer opportunities along the way which led to the creation of the 1 of 7 initiative, which encourages individuals to spend 1 day per week paying it forward in some way. He and Liz now have two children.

As a student, Patrick was involved in student media, student government and held membership in several honor societies. He has remained engaged with the university over the years by serving three terms on the Alumni Association board, speaking at New Student Convocation and introducing students to the 1 of 7 initiative, which has become an important component of Demon Days welcome week activities.

Earlier this year, Patrick was named vice president of the World Bank, an international development organization owned by 189 countries. The World Bank’s role is to reduce poverty by lending money to the governments of its poorer members to improve their economies and to improve the standard of living of their people.

Patrick took time to visit with an old friend at NSU to discuss his work, his experience living abroad with his family and how prioritizing service and volunteering has impacted his life and career. The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Where are you now based?

I’m currently living and working remotely in Valencia, Spain, though we’re planning to move soon to Grand Junction, Colorado, to be closer to my wife’s family and mine in Sabine Parish. [Kip’s parents, Larry and Paula Patrick both earned master’s degrees at NSU.] Spain’s been incredible and we love Valencia, which is Spain’s third largest city but can often feel more like a coastal colonial town with lots of parks, narrow streets and incredible food. It’s also the birthplace of paella, which reminds me of jambalaya, and the café culture based largely on drinking coffee, wine or beer while sitting outside is hard to beat. Workwise, the move has been a welcome change, particularly for time zones and ease of travel, since my work focuses on helping people in Africa get easier access to quality healthcare and energy. It will be a big change, trading the Mediterranean for the Rockies, but we’re looking forward to being back home.

Can you talk about what the World Bank does and your role there?

The World Bank’s core mission is ending poverty and improving people’s lives and livelihoods. My specific role is with the Global Financing Facility, which helps developing countries improve the health of women and children. It’s fun, fulfilling work. We’re essentially helping countries invest in their most precious resources: their people. I get to tell the stories of programs that are literally saving lives and building healthier futures.

What are your day-to-day tasks?

My role varies a lot, which is one of the things I like most about communications. It’s never boring. One day, I’m interviewing a mother in Nigeria whose baby was saved through one of our programs, the next I’m on a conference call across three continents building out a new program strategy, the next I’m writing a speech for an executive or government official.

How has your NSU education helped?

My NSU education gave me a solid foundation to build my career on. Working as a writer and editor for the NSU newspaper taught me how to write, build a story and meet deadlines. Serving in student government and working on group class projects taught me how to work with people and manage different perspectives, which is essential when you’re coordinating with teams across cultures and time zones. But what probably made the biggest difference were professors who genuinely cared about our success, like my advisor Tommy Whitehead and former journalism professor Steve Horton. They didn’t just teach theory – they mentored us and pushed us to be better storytellers and critical thinkers. I can still clearly remember sitting in Tommy’s office in Kyser Hall my senior year, sending out resume after resume until I finally secured an internship with a major public relations firm in Washington, D.C. I wouldn’t be where I am today without NSU.

Tell me about your family and living abroad.

I’ve always loved to travel, and luckily my wife Liz is the same – we’ve lost track of how many countries we’ve gotten to visit together. Early in our marriage I once suggested we consider having a kid or maybe instead quit our jobs and travel for a year or two. Six months later unemployed in a jungle in Borneo, she told me that was one of the best…and easiest…decisions she’s made. We’ve tried to instill that travel bug in our kids. One of the coolest things about living in Europe has been how close it is to so many other places. One example, the kids were studying ancient Egypt in school, so we booked a cheap flight to Cairo to see the pyramids. Not something we’re able to do every day, but it’s much more doable when you’re so close.

Serving others has always been a priority for you…can you talk about that and how it has impacted your life and career?

Thanks mostly to my awesome parents Larry and Paula and a lot of time at Fellowship Baptist Church in Converse, I was taught that being nice and helping others should be a priority. That’s stuck with me, even after much of my southern drawl has slipped away.

After a stint in the corporate world in New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami, I’ve been lucky to find jobs for organizations more aligned with those childhood lessons, whether it’s getting kids in the U.S. more nutritious food or helping mothers in Nigeria get access to clean water and medical care. That philosophy has flowed into other parts of my life as well. When my wife and I took a year off to travel, we volunteered at least once per week wherever we went. We practiced English with monks in Laos, painted schools in Uganda, picked up trash in Borneo and distributed shoes in El Salvador. We’ve learned that there’s always something we can do to help out if we take the time to look.

You’ve had a long career in communications, public affairs and advocacy…what do you think is on the horizon for you?

That’s a tough one. We’re living through a time of massive change, particularly with the arrival of artificial intelligence. AI is going to rewrite a lot of professions, including communications. I’m working on ways to help people, especially students, better understand and prepare for what’s coming, while continuing to help well-meaning organizations do their work better, whether they’re in rural Africa or closer to home in the U.S.

Do you have any advice for someone looking for a career like yours?

First, be genuinely curious about the world and other people’s experiences. You’ll get a lot further if you’re interested in understanding different perspectives. Second, say yes to opportunities that scare you a little and don’t be afraid to fail. The things you learn from failures will make you stronger down the road. Third, develop both your writing skills and your strategic thinking. Being able to craft a compelling narrative is only valuable if you understand how it fits into broader goals and how to deliver it compellingly. And finally, travel and volunteer when you can and never underestimate the power of networking. The people you meet and get to know will help you almost as much as your education, something NSU taught me well.

Information on NSU’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts is available at https://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/school-of-creative-and-performing-arts/new-media-journalism-communication-arts/.

For information on all of NSU’s degree programs, visit https://www.nsula.edu.

When running back Daniel Thomas spun around St. Mary’s defenders and sprinted 59 yards for a touchdown Friday, the Tigers had life down just four points with about four minutes remaining.
What Many needed was a defensive stop.

But St. Mary’s moved the chains, marched down the field and stuck one in late en route to handing Many a 39-28 loss.

There’s been times when Many football (2-2) felt like it’s been way ahead of schedule in building back a program under first-year coach Tyler Hassell following the 2024 winless season.

Finding a way to make a stop in the waning minutes and another score to top St. Mary’s (1-3) on Friday would have been another feather in the program’s cap.

Not coming up with those plays Friday illustrates that its reconstruction continues.

Most Many fans would probably feel OK about a 2-2 record after four games this season, but many might not have expected the Tigers to plow through their first two opponents Logansport and DeRidder before dropping double-digit decisions to Leesville and St. Mary’s – both of whom earned their only wins of the season so far against Many.

Both Leesville and St. Mary’s are talented and will compete in their respective districts, but both entered the Many game trying to find their way in the early season.

Many will face a complete and constructed powerhouse when Class 5A Alexandria Senior High visits this Friday.

The Trojans (4-0) have won three games by 45 points or more and edged fellow Class 5A power Destrehan in the other game. The list of the defeated include West Feliciana (54-7), Union Parish (57-0) and Opelousas (59-6), the latter two of which have won state titles in their respective classifications since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coming off the program’s second appearance in a state championship game, ASH still looks like a title contender despite losing three-time all-state running back J.T. Lindsey and a host of key pieces from the 2024 team.

Quarterback Karson Sellers is back, and he’s thrown for 701 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Trojans involve a lot of backs in their running game.

ASH won this past year’s matchup against Many 69-7.

Why would anyone walk away from fishing for a living? Who in their right mind would want to give up this lifestyle? Well, if you sit down and visit with any one of several anglers who have lived “the dream” and fished professionally, you’ll understand the trials and tribulations that go with the job.

It’s truly a lifestyle very much like those we call gypsies. Traveling the country like a circus from town to town or in the fishing world, lake to lake. Anglers traverse the United States from the south with Florida’s Lake Okeechobee to as far north as the Great Lakes. From Lake Murray, South Carolina, in the east to as far west as Lake Amistad in Del Rio, Texas.

Nothing ages a person more than travel and stress. It’s hours upon hours of lonely windshield time. Each tournament can mean anywhere from 15 to 18 hours of travel time one way depending on where they choose to call home.

But some anglers have tried to make their drives much shorter by uprooting their families and moving to the southeastern part of the United States since the majority of the tournaments are in this part of the country.

Many anglers who have grown up on the west coast looking to pursue “the dream” of a professional bass fishing career have made a career move to Alabama, Georgia, or Tennessee just to help cut down on road time in between events.

This life-changing move is not just about the angler, but their families as well. Talking to several pro anglers over the years, time away from family is the hardest part of pursuing the life of a professional angler.

Sacrifices are made like missing birthdays, Mother’s Day, Easter and many more events that are considered family time. Many tears have been shed by anglers as they leave their driveways headed for the next event as they look into their review mirror and the wife and kids are waving goodbye, wondering when dad will return.

This is the emotional sacrifice ALL professional anglers endure. Like so many other jobs, it takes a toll on the angler himself and the family. Many divorces have been had over an angler chasing this so-called dream.

It takes a special wife who is strong and can handle the challenges of raising kids, running a household and dealing with everyday life while the man of the house is gone for several weeks straight. A conversation I had with pro angler Shaw Grigsby revealed that he figured up that he had slept in his own bed only three days out of the month of April one year.

This time away from home is the norm and not the exception. That’s why so many successful touring pros give all the credit to their wives for their success because she is the one holding down the fort while they as anglers try and do their jobs.

So, what’s the attraction to be a professional angler? Is it the fancy truck and boat wraps? Is it the cool looking logoed shirts the anglers wear? Yes, to both of these, and the same as any other high-profile job, the fame and fortune and a lifestyle that’s like no other.

But if you think “going fishing” everyday sounds like fun, understand this. While you’re going to the office for your job, their office as professional anglers is at the lake. Their job requires them to back their boats in the water every single day in all types of weather.

Their office is outdoors and very seldom do they get days off just because it’s raining, cold or hot. They still must find fish and figure out how to compete and catch bass in all types of weather conditions. Their day starts at sunrise and ends at sunset!

While we see these anglers at an expo or the weigh-ins, what we don’t see are the number of hours they put in researching their next body of water, tackle preparation, social media postings, and sponsor meetings.

To be a professional angler is a full-time job that not just anyone can do. It takes a person with special talent who is committed and dedicated to being a professional angler. It also takes a team to make an angler successful. In most cases it’s the wife/business manager that helps to make these pros successful in the bass fishing world.

I hope you now have a better understanding of what it’s like to be a professional bass fisherman. So, if you think this is the life for you, good luck because you’re going to need it.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

There’s a special place in the afterlife for whoever decided that plastic wrap should be the default packaging for every item that’s already hard to open. You know the ones—DVDs (back when those existed), cucumbers, remote controls, and the dreaded double-layered plastic fortress around batteries.

It’s like the manufacturers said, “This item is mildly inconvenient to open. Let’s make it a spiritual trial.”

You tug, you peel, you slice, you pray. And just when you think you’ve made progress, the wrap retaliates—clinging to your fingers like a needy toddler, refusing to be discarded. It’s not just packaging. It’s a test of character.

But what, exactly, are they protecting?

Is the cucumber going to escape? Is the remote control plotting a rebellion? Are the batteries going to unionize and demand better working conditions? No. The plastic wrap is there to protect the item from… us. From our grubby, impulsive, human hands. It’s a barrier. A shield. A clingy, transparent “Do Not Enter” sign for consumer goods.

And here’s where it gets theological.

In Ephesians 6, Paul talks about the “armor of God”—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word. It’s divine packaging, really. A spiritual cling wrap designed to protect us from the world’s sharp edges. Because let’s be honest: life is full of metaphorical box cutters. Gossip, temptation, passive-aggressive emails, and people who say “Let’s circle back.”

Just like that shrink-wrapped pack of AA batteries, we too need layers. Not to keep others out entirely, but to slow down the unwrapping. To make people pause and consider: “Is this worth the effort?”

Because vulnerability is sacred. You don’t just hand it out like free samples at Costco.

Jesus himself had boundaries. He withdrew from crowds. He napped during storms. He didn’t answer every question. He didn’t heal every person. He wrapped himself in solitude, prayer, and intentionality.

Not because he was hiding, but because he was protecting the mission.

So maybe the plastic wrap isn’t just annoying. Maybe it’s a parable.

Maybe it’s saying: “Hey, not everything should be instantly accessible. Some things are worth the struggle. Some things need protection. Some things—like your peace, your purpose, your spiritual batteries—should be wrapped up tight until the right moment.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean we should start shrink-wrapping our emotions or encasing our personalities in bubble wrap. But it does mean we get to choose who gets access. Who gets to peel back the layers.

Who gets to see the real you underneath the cling.

And if someone’s not willing to wrestle with a little plastic wrap, maybe they’re not ready for the contents.

So next time you’re battling a stubborn package, take a breath. Channel your inner apostle. Remember that even the holiest things come wrapped. And maybe—just maybe—that frustrating layer is a divine reminder:

You are worth protecting.

Even if it takes scissors, a minor meltdown, and a YouTube tutorial to get there.

Mary Cartinez Tyler

Funeral services for Mary Cartinez Tyler, 79, were held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 307 Hammond St., Zwolle, Louisiana. A burial followed at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery, 4897 Hwy 482, Noble, Louisiana. A visitation was held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with the rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana and again on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Officiated by Father Joseph Madalla.

Mary was born on April 4, 1946 to Walter Cartinez and Minnie Ola Williams Cartinez in Converse, Louisiana and passed away on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Many, Louisiana.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Elton Tyler; parents, Walter and Minnie Ola Cartinez; son, Delane Tyler; Infant daughter, Mary; and sisters, Gloria Jean Faircloth and Dorothy Sepulvado. She is survived by her daughter, Tracey Sepulvado and husband, Michael, of Many, Louisiana; sisters, Katie Faircloth of Many, Louisiana, Maxine Faircloth of Noble, Louisiana, Sharon Procell and husband, Joey, of Noble, Louisiana, Wanda Garcie of Ebarb, Louisiana, Rachel Rivers and husband, Allen, of Zwolle, Louisiana, and Carolyn Sepulvado and husband, Randy, of Ebarb, Louisiana; brother, Joe Cartinez and wife, Billie Jean, of Ebarb, Louisiana; and grandchildren, Erica Ezernack and husband, Derek, of Zwolle, Louisiana, Scott Lehr and wife, Tiffany, of Colorado, Corey Sepulvado and wife, Jessica, of Many, Louisiana, Landon Rogers and wife, Kristy, of Oklahoma; and Jaydan Tyler.

Honoring Mary as pallbearers were Derek Ezernack, Landon Rogers, Gavin Garcie, Lance Sepulvado, Corey Sepulvado, Jeffrey Faircloth, Kevin Faircloth, and Eric Garcie.

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

Sandra Gayle Franklin

A graveside service for Sandra Gayle Franklin, 74, was held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at New Freedom Fellowship Cemetery, 660 Hwy 1215, Many, Louisiana. A visitation was held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 9891 Texas Hwy, Many, Louisiana. Officiated by Brother Dean Hillman.

Sandra was born on September 4, 1951 to Jack P. Garner and Florine Little Clark in Monroe, Louisiana and passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, Jack P. Garner and Florine Little Clark; sister, Glinda Sue Strickland; brothers, J. W. Garner, Elder Ray Little, and Buddy Jack Garner. She is survived by the father of her children, Tommy M. Franklin of Halton City, Texas; son, Michael Franklin and wife, Maria, of Mansfield, Louisiana; daughters, Teresa Ferguson Franklin of Many, Louisiana and Tina Franklin of Zwolle, Louisiana; sister, Sheila Homes and husband, Johnny, of Rayville, Louisiana; brothers, Jimmy Dean Garner and wife, Janice, of Collinston, Louisiana, Billie Garner and wife, Francis, of Collinston, Louisiana, and Don Little and wife, Sue, of Rayville, Louisiana; grandchildren, Brittany Miller of Gloster, Louisiana, Kenzie Ferguson of Grand Cane, Louisiana, Kody Franklin of Zwolle, Louisiana, Kristen Meshell of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Kelsey Meshell of Zwolle, Louisiana; and 4 great-grandchildren, Aiden, Joseph, Kirisean, and JaBryson.

Honoring Sandra as pallbearers were Boone Phathong, Kody Franklin, Dylan Smith, Jimmy Garner, Billie Garner, Michael Franklin.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mansfield Nursing Center and Desoto Parish Dialysis Center for their love and compassion towards Sandra.

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

On May 24, 2025, 137 passengers and six crew members boarded an Airbus A320 for flight DE1234 from Zurich, Switzerland to Heraklion, Greece. Many of the passengers were anticipating a relaxing, fun-filled vacation in Heraklion, which is on the beautiful island of Crete in the Mediterranean Sea. Vacationers planned to visit any number of famous beaches, the Archaeological Museum, and the ancient Palace of Knossos. They just had to get there first. The flight was supposed to depart at 6:20 a.m. and routinely took about 2 hours and 55 minutes, but this was not a routine flight from the beginning. After a short delay, the jet took off at 6:51 a.m. and flew its usual route to the southeast. Two hours into the flight, the pilot began the jet’s descent as they passed over Athens, Greece. As they neared the idyllic Greek isle, winds buffeted the jet. The turbulence worsened exponentially as they descended. The turbulence was such that some of the passengers became nauseous and some vomited. Air Traffic Control told the pilot that the winds were too strong to land at the moment. The pilot had no choice but to pull up and circle around the airport until the winds died down. When the pilot announced the delay to the cabin, a few people groaned, but most of the passengers were relieved to be out of the turbulence. The pilot and co-pilot watched their fuel gauges carefully to ensure that if the wind did not subside, they had enough fuel to make it to another airport to refuel. After circling for nearly an hour, that time had come. Despite groans from the passengers, the pilot aimed the A320 to Athens, Greece. The jet landed safely at the Greek capital after a three-and-a-half-hour flight. Standard airline practice is not to top off the fuel tanks, but to add enough fuel plus a little reserve to make it to the intended destination to reduce the risk of fire in case of an emergency landing.

After refueling, flight DE1234 departed from Athens at 1:50 p.m. and flew towards Heraklion. The flight should have taken about 45 minutes. Just as before, turbulence buffeted the plane horrendously as it descended and the pilot was forced to climb into a circling pattern. Again, passengers had become nauseous and some vomited. The pilot and co-pilot, always aware of the fuel gauges, circled as long as they could, but the wind had not subsided. This time, the pilot diverted the jet to the island of Kos, Greece, about 55 minutes to the northwest. Once the jet was refueled, flight DE1234 departed KOS, but did not fly southwestward toward their original destination of Heraklion. The wind at Heraklion still had not subsided and the flight crew had nearly exhausted the allotted time that they could fly. They were legally required to get some sleep. Condor airlines determined that Thessaloniki, Greece, was the best place for the crew and passengers to spend the night. The passengers groaned as they learned they would not make it to their destination on that date, but what could they do? The pilot aimed the A320 to the northwest and, after a flight of just over an hour, the jet landed in Thessaloniki without incident about 11 hours after they first departed Zurich.

On the following morning, flight DE1234 with its 137 passengers and 6 crew members departed Thessaloniki for Heraklion. Once again, severe weather prevented them from landing and, after circling for a prolonged length of time, the jet was diverted to Athens to refuel. At 1:24 p.m., the jet departed from Athens. An hour and 20 minutes later, the jet landed in perfect weather, but not at its originally intended destination of Heraklion. After two days in the jet, after five takeoffs and landings, 32 hours after they departed Zurich, the airline brought the passengers back to Zurich. They were right back where they started.

Sources:

1. Ben Schlappig, “Condor A320 Operates 32-Hour Journey To Nowhere, With Five Landings,” One Mile At A Time, June 6, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://onemileatatime.com/news/condor-a320-32-hour-journey-nowhere-five-landings/.

2. Ben Cost, “Horrid flight as passengers stuck on 32-hour trip to nowhere — and wind up right back where they started,” New York Post, June 9, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/06/09/lifestyle/passengers-endure-32-hour-flight-to-nowhere-after-5-emergency-landings/.

3. Kathleen Wong, “Passengers stuck on a 32-hour flight with multiple diversions never made it to destination,” USA Today, June 13, 2025, accessed September 21, 2025, https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/06/13/condor-passengers-trapped-flight-diversions-greece/84187436007/.

BOM Bank was honored to support the 4th Annual Forever 11 Memorial Tournament. The Kyndall Gilley Memorial Co-Ed Softball Tournament was created to raise money for scholarships in loving memory of Kyndall. Pictured left to right: Andi Sepulvado and BOM’s Tiffany Miller.