Peggy Lou Snyder was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1909. Peggy Lou’s adventures in the entertainment industry began when she was just six weeks old and her parents brought her onstage in a play in which they were performing. Peggy Lou’s father, Roy Hilliard Snyder, was an actor and director at the Princess Theater in Des Moines. Her mother, Hazel, was a musical comedy actress. Roy and Hazel adopted Roy’s middle name, Hilliard, as their professional last name. At three years old, Peggy Lou got her first speaking role in a comedic play called “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.” When not in school, Peggy Lou was working on the stage with and, as she got older, without her parents.

In 1930, Peggy Lou and her parents moved to New York City for more acting opportunities. In August of that year, she began a brief and troubled marriage with comedian Roy Sedley. In 1931, Peggy Lou appeared in her first film entitled “Musical Justice,” in which she fittingly played the wife in a divorce hearing. It was her first of many films. In 1932, Oswald, an attorney who decided he enjoyed playing his saxophone and singing with his band more than practicing law, met Peggy Lou when she was the mistress of ceremonies at a New York night club. Soon thereafter, the band leader hired Peggy Lou to share vocal duties in his band. “It was strictly a business arrangement initially,” Peggy Lou later explained, but when her marriage ended, she married the band leader. In the following year, Peggy Lou made her radio debut.

Peggy Lou was a star of every entertainment medium of the era. She was performing on stage, on recordings, and on radio with her husband, and she was also acting in Hollywood films. Her schedule was hectic. In 1936, her schedule grew more hectic when she had her first child, a son named David. Four years later, she had a son named Eric. Peggy Lou struggled to balance her career and family. Something had to give. Between 1931 and 1944, in addition to her other performances, Peggy Lou had appeared in 19 films. Then, Peggy Lou and her husband decided that she would pause her film career, and they would focus more on their family. Before you judge her husband too harshly, it was he who came up with a plan in which the whole family could spend every day working together. Twenty years later, she said, “I’m Lucky. How many actresses get the chance to work with their family every day?” It was a whole new adventure.

You may not remember Peggy Lou for her film career which included roles in Hollywood classics such as “Follow the Fleet” with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, “Cocoanut Grove” with co-star Fred MacMurray, and “Honeymoon Lodge,” which also featured her husband. You have probably never heard the names Peggy Lou Snyder or Peggy Lou Hilliard, but for 22 years, she entertained millions of people on radio and television as America’s favorite mother. You see, Peggy Lou’s most notable adventures began when she, under her lifelong stage name, created with her husband a radio show which evolved into a television show called “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.”

Sources:

1. The Cedar Rapids Gazette, August 29, 1976, p.40.

2. The York Dispatch, October 4, 1994, p.2.

3. The Des Moines Register, December 24, 2000, p.19.

4. “Harriet Nelson,” IMDb.com, accessed September 7, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0384948/?ref_=tt_cst_t_2

September 17 holds a special place in American pop culture history. On this day in 1937, the masked hero known as the Lone Ranger made his debut on national radio, galloping out of regional obscurity in Detroit and into living rooms across the country. What began as a small-scale radio drama would soon evolve into one of the most enduring legends in American entertainment, spawning television shows, comic books, films, and a cultural legacy that still echoes nearly nine decades later.

The Lone Ranger had already been riding the airwaves for a few years in Michigan before this national breakthrough. Created by WXYZ radio station writer Fran Striker and station owner George W. Trendle, the character was imagined as a heroic Texas Ranger who survived an ambush and fought for justice in the American West. With his iconic silver bullets, trusty horse Silver, and loyal companion Tonto, the Lone Ranger embodied a romantic vision of the frontier.

By the time the program went national on September 17, 1937, the United States was in the depths of the Great Depression. Families gathered around radios not just for news, but for escape, and the Lone Ranger delivered. His adventures brought listeners into a world where good triumphed over evil, and where the lawless frontier could be tamed by courage and honor. The show quickly gained a devoted following, making “Hi-Yo Silver! Away!” one of the most recognizable catchphrases of the era.

The significance of the Lone Ranger’s debut goes beyond entertainment. The show helped set the template for modern serialized storytelling. Its weekly cliffhangers, character arcs, and strong moral center influenced everything from superhero comics to today’s television dramas. Scholars have also pointed out how the Lone Ranger reflected American ideals of the time: rugged individualism paired with a sense of duty and justice.

Yet the series was not without its complexities. Tonto, portrayed by Native American actor Jay Silverheels in later television adaptations, became both a groundbreaking role for Indigenous representation and a controversial stereotype. Historians and critics have debated the cultural impact of the character for decades, noting how the show reinforced some outdated tropes while also giving audiences their first mainstream Native American hero.

The Lone Ranger’s influence stretched far beyond radio. The first television adaptation premiered in 1949 and ran for eight years, cementing the character in visual culture. A string of films, comic books, and merchandise followed. Even as late as 2013, Disney attempted to revive the franchise with a blockbuster film starring Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp, though the movie met with mixed reviews. Still, the fact that the story continues to be retold speaks to its lasting resonance.

September 17, then, marks more than a date on the calendar. It marks the birth of a pop culture icon that bridged radio, television, film, and literature. The Lone Ranger’s call to justice, his silver bullets, and his bond with Tonto are all reminders of how a character created during the hardships of the 1930s could ride into the national imagination and stay there for generations.

Micheal La’Vel Carrington
12/01/1980 – 09/09/2025
Visitation: Friday September 19 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel
Services: Saturday September 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel

Bobby Ray Jenkins
April 1, 1935 – September 13, 2025
Visitation:  at 10 a.m. that morning preceding the funeral.
Services: Saturday, September 20 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Many

Shirley Mae Beaubouef
June 22, 1957 — September 12, 2025
Services: September 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home

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

Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and Florien Chief of Police Stuart Anthony report a man was killed in the City of Florien. Chief Anthony was informed of a couple arguing on Sept. 9 around 10 pm at a convenience store in Florien. Chief Anthony discovered a black male lying on the ground bleeding, North of the store near the highway.

Kamrie Raeanne Caballero, 32 of Fisher, was arrested and booked into the Sabine Parish Women’s Jail for Second Degree Murder.

Initial investigation revealed Caballero allegedly stabbed the male subject once in the chest and he died on the scene from his injuries. The case remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and Florien Police Department.

The Sabine Parish Library in Zwolle will host a book signing on Friday, Oct. 3 featuring local author Verena Ferrant Harp and her debut release, Biography of Paul Cornelius Ferrant: World War II Veteran in the Army of Peace. The event will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. at the library, located at 755 Hammond Street.

Harp’s book tells the story of her father, Paul Cornelius Ferrant, who served as a pastor in Sabine Parish for more than 40 years. Before entering the ministry, Ferrant was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, where he flew as an aerial gunner on 57 combat missions.

The biography traces his journey from his early life as a strawberry farmer in Ponchatoula to his wartime service and eventual calling as a Christian pastor, highlighting how he transitioned from the battlefields of war to what Harp describes as “God’s Army of Peace.”

Community members are invited to meet the author, hear more about Ferrant’s legacy, and have copies of the book signed during the event.

One win does not a dynasty restore, but man, what an impression the Many Tigers made in their season-opening 35-19 win at Logansport.

Coming off an 0-10 season in which the Tigers weren’t competitive most games, the Tyler Hassell era started with a bang as Many manhandled a proud Logansport program that advanced to the Division IV Non-Select semifinals this past season.

Hassell was on the Many staff for much of the glory years under Jess Curtis, including the last few seasons as defensive coordinator before he joined Curtis at Natchitoches Central in 2023.

The Tigers looked like the boys of yesteryear, particularly in the second half, outscoring Logansport 21-6.

“The rebuild isn’t over by any means, but the key so far has been full buy-in from the kids and the coaching staff,” Hassell said. “From day one, we’ve preached attitude, belief, and culture. Our ABC’s. Belief being the most important component – belief in themselves, in each other, and in the process. We’ve worked hard to establish a culture where effort and preparation are non-negotiables. When you stack enough good days together, success starts to follow. I’m proud of how fast our guys have embraced that.”

Daniel Thomas rushed for four touchdowns, including an 88-yarder to put the exclamation point on the win.

Many’s defense stiffened in the second half after giving up passing touchdowns of 32 and 75 yards as the Tigers scored 21 straight points after halftime to take control.

“We played a physical brand of football from start to finish,” Hassell said. “Our defense did a great job of getting stops and getting the ball back in our offense’s hands.

“Offensively, we controlled the ball and sustained drives. As the game went on, especially in the late third and into the fourth quarter, I felt like we really wore them down. That physicality and discipline on both sides of the ball was a big difference maker.”

After 11 straight losses including the 2023 quarterfinals defeat, Many aims to start a different streak.

The Tigers will go for two in a row when they welcome DeRidder on Friday.

The Dragons (1-0) handled business in a 42-13 win against South Beauregard after a 5-6 record and playoff appearance in 2024.

A diverse rushing attack got the job done for DeRidder as Jaiden Cooper gained 120 rushing yards and Javaughn Fairley rushed for three touchdowns and 73 yards.

The Dragons won the 2024 matchup 37-0, one of eight times Many was held to single-digit scoring.

There’s one famous quote among tournament bass anglers, “When it’s your turn to win, it’s your turn and you can’t mess it up.” So basically, no matter what you do, the bass fishing gods will make sure you don’t mess it up.

I’m not a superstitious angler, but I do believe that there are the powers that be that can make things happen to help you win. Every now and then, things go your way and Lady Luck shines on you like a beam of light from the heavens.

But sometimes it seems like the whole world is against you and it becomes obvious that today just might not be your day. On these days you’re left wondering, “Where is my Lady Luck and why is she not stepping in and saving me from myself?” This is exactly the question I was asking at a recent event on Lake of the Pines.

After a pretty good practice for two straight days and feeling good about a couple of patterns I had put together, things went south quickly on tournament day.

But let’s start with the first cast of the day as I was working a topwater bait when a 3-pound bass came up and exploded on it! As I swung the bass into the boat, I thought, “This is going to be a great day when your first cast produces a solid 3-pound bass! What a great start!”

But many anglers believe it’s a bad omen to catch a bass on your first cast. Again, I’ve never believed in these kinds of superstitions, but it seemed to be real as things went downhill from there.

Despite the bad omen, I was feeling good about my first fish of the day being a 3-pounder in the live well. But I continued to throw the topwater bait with zero results.

I turned to plan “B,” as I reached down and picked up a spinnerbait that I had been catching a ton of fish on the previous two days of practice. They were hitting this spinnerbait so well in practice, I had to put a guard over the hook so I wouldn’t hook any fish that I might need on tournament day.

One thing is for certain; bass fishing is a funny sport. However, the bass gods have a warped sense of humor as they evidently sent out a memo to all bass that day to “not bite the spinnerbait Steve Graf is throwing!”

But that’s OK, I have a plan “C.” I decided to start fishing a small worm in and around boat docks and brush piles. This is how I thought I could win this event, as 90 percent of my bigger bites in practice came off brush piles.

But my day went from bad to worse as I had three fish break off on the hookset. I lost two huge fish (both over five pounds each) when they pulled off beside the boat as I was playing them down so I could land them.

I knew it wasn’t my day when I lost a $400 Daiwa rod and reel combo that got hung up in the net I was using to land a fish. I lost 45 minutes of valuable fishing time trying to drag and snag the combo with a crankbait — with no success.

Then the final straw came around 1:45 that afternoon as I bent over to pick up a certain rod and almost blacked out due to how hot it was. This has never happened to me before and I had been so conscious of making sure I was hydrating properly.

This was a wakeup call for me personally as at the age of 64 I’ve come to the realization that I don’t handle the heat like I used to. Even though I wear good quality sun protective clothing and sunscreen, it’s the heat that you just can’t escape when you’re on the lake trying to win a tournament.

If you think you would like to be a tournament bass fisherman, understand that there will be days that will frustrate you and make you question every idea you had on how to catch a bass. But it could be worse; you could have decided to pursue golf rather than tournament fishing!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

The Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches (WRC) is excited to host its annual Right to Life Gala on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Natchitoches Events Center. This inspiring evening “Be the Light” will bring together community partners, supporters, and friends to celebrate life and the mission of WRC.

The Gala is a cornerstone fundraising event, providing vital support for WRC’s services, which include pregnancy testing, parenting education, baby supplies, counseling, and referrals for women and families across ten parishes. Through the generosity of sponsors and attendees, WRC can continue offering these resources at no cost to every woman and family who walks through its doors.

“Each year, the Gala reminds us that when we come together as a community, lives are changed,” said Nicole Woods, Executive Director of WRC. “This evening is not only a celebration of life but also a powerful opportunity to ensure families in our region receive the care, education, and support they need.”

This year’s Gala will feature Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, as keynote speaker. Mr. Clapper is a passionate advocate for protecting life and strengthening families across Louisiana. His message will inspire attendees with a vision of hope and encouragement as we continue to serve women and families in our community.

The evening will also highlight the Louisiana Maternal Wellness Tax Credit, which allows individuals and businesses to receive a 50% state tax credit for donations made to qualified maternal wellness centers such as WRC. This new legislation makes supporting families not only impactful but also financially beneficial for donors.

In addition, a special announcement will be made unveiling an exciting new initiative launching in 2026, further demonstrating WRC’s commitment to expanding education and support for families. Gala guests will be the first to hear about this upcoming program and the expanded opportunities it will provide.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, offering businesses and organizations the chance to visibly support WRC’s mission while receiving recognition throughout the event. Individual tickets are also on sale and may be purchased by contacting the Women’s Resource Center directly at 318-357-8888 or visiting the Center at 107 North Street. 

The evening will feature a keynote address, dinner, and a program highlighting the impact of WRC’s services. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about sponsorships, tickets, or ways to support the Women’s Resource Center, please call the WRC at 318-357-8888

We are in the middle of remodeling our children’s ministry space at Trinity Methodist Church. Part of that project was finding a place for our Mother’s Day Out program and pre-school to meet. We are space sharing, but for this article you need to know the preschool kids are on the floor directly above the church offices. Now I have set the stage.

It’s 7:45 a.m. on a Tuesday, and the church parking lot is already a battleground. Not of spiritual warfare, mind you—but of minivans versus ministry.

On one side: daycare parents, armed with coffee, diaper bags, and toddlers who believe pants are optional. Their mission? Drop off their little cherubs before the morning meltdown begins.

On the other: the church staff, clutching devotionals and half-eaten granola bars, praying for a parking spot close enough to avoid the Louisiana humidity turning their hair into a theological metaphor for chaos.

The moment the daycare opens its doors, a holy stampede begins. Parents circle the lot like Israelites around Jericho, hoping the walls of occupied parking spaces will miraculously fall. Meanwhile, the youth pastor, who arrived early to prep for Bible study, is boxed in by a double-parked SUV with a “Jesus Loves Me” bumper sticker and a rogue juice box under the tire.

The church secretary—who has seen things—keeps a running tally of passive-aggressive notes left on windshields. Last week’s favorite: “Thou shalt not park in the staff spot. Exodus 20:15.”

The senior pastor, ever the peacemaker, suggested a “Parking Lot Reconciliation Ministry.” It lasted one week. After a parent tried to cast out the spirit of tardiness from a staff member’s Honda Civic, the ministry was quietly retired.

Some staff have resorted to spiritual warfare. One youth intern reportedly anointed his parking spot with oil. It was later discovered to be Chick-fil-A sauce.

Despite the chaos, there’s beauty in the madness. Parents and staff share stories, swap prayer requests, and occasionally rescue each other from rogue tricycles. The parking lot, it turns out, is more than asphalt—it’s a place of community, laughter, and the occasional sanctified fender bender.

So next time you find yourself circling the lot, remember blessed are the peacemakers… and those who arrive before 7:30.

Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) officially welcomed 136 new students during its 43rd annual Matriculation Ceremony held on Aug. 29. First-year LSMSA students from Sabine Parish include: Blake Brown and Maliyah Rivers.

After gaining acceptance through a selective application process, these students were invited to attend the tuition-free, state-funded residential school for high-achieving, academically motivated students. Classes began Aug. 20.

The group of new students comprises 74 new sophomores, 56 new juniors, and 6 new seniors, representing 66% of the state’s parishes. Matriculants joined LSMSA leadership onstage to sign the school’s enrollment roster, an annual tradition that officially registers them as members of LSMSA.

Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton formally welcomed students and their families to LSMSA.
“I hope you’re discovering what it means to be part of a community where excellence is the norm, where curiosity is contagious, and where your peers challenge and inspire you to be your best self,” said Dr. Horton.
The keynote address, delivered by LSMSA Associate Lecturer of English Dr. Kristi Pope Key, used the examples of American writers Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson to urge students to be open to inspiration and community.

“Go forward, seek, work, achieve, and persist. Be aware of your influence on others. Be aware of those who influence you,” said Dr. Key. “And be thankful in each case.”

Processional music was performed by the LSMSA Mixed Ensemble, conducted by Instructor of Instrumentals, Composition, and Ensemble Michael Young. The National Anthem was sung by Sophie Lee (’26), of Bossier Parish, and Graci Noel (’26), of Vermilion Parish. The LSMSA alma mater was sung by Sofia Anello (’26), of St. Tammany Parish. The senior class reflection was delivered by Senior Class President Anna Weaver (’26) of Natchitoches Parish. Following the ceremony, students returned home to enjoy the first Extended Weekend of the academic year.

LSMSA is Louisiana’s preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures that the program is accessible to all qualifying students regardless of financial circumstances. For more information, or to apply for admission to LSMSA, visit LSMSA.edu.

In August 1941, four months before the United States entered World War II, a 26-year-old tailor named Shoichi Yokoi was drafted into the Japanese Imperial Army. For about two years, he served with the 29th Infantry Division in northeast China until his superiors promoted him and transferred him to Guam in the Mariana Islands. On July 21, 1944, just over a year after Yokoi’s transfer, U.S. forces stormed the island of Guam. Admiral Chester Nimitz’s plan was to capture the Mariana Islands so the U.S. military would have airfields from which they could bomb the Japanese home islands. Yokoi and the rest of the soldiers in the Imperial Army were under strict orders never to surrender. On August 10, after 20 days of fighting, U.S. soldiers declared Guam secure. Thousands of Japanese soldiers were killed, but less than 1,500 surrendered. Many Japanese soldiers, including Yokoi, fled into the jungle to avoid being captured. Japanese soldiers were trained to fight to the death because becoming a prisoner of war was the greatest shame a soldier could bestow upon his family back home.

Yokoi and other fleeing soldiers hid in caves and foraged for food. As per their orders, they burned their Japanese army uniforms. The only thing that Yokoi kept was a pair of scissors, a waistband his mother had embroidered, and a Japanese flag, all of which he kept hidden in the cave. Finally, Shoichi Yokoi’s luck ran out when two hunters, Jesus Duenas and Manuel Degracia, came upon him just after nightfall as Yokoi was going to set out a homemade shrimp trap on the Talofofo River. Yokoi panicked and tried to attack them, but Jesus and Manuel trained their rifles on the Japanese soldier. Yokoi halted his attack, but he had another plan. As the men neared Yokoi, he grabbed one of the men’s rifles but they quickly overpowered him. Despite his orders to fight to the death, there was little he could do. Yokoi was captured. At gunpoint, the hunters led him out of the dense jungle. Yokoi cried for them to kill him because he thought he would be killed either by his captives or, worse, by the Japanese if they returned him to his home country. According to Japanese teachings, being killed on the battlefield was honorable. Being captured alive was disgraceful. Despite his pleas, the hunters marched him to a local police station.

Yokoi had nothing to fear. No one wanted to harm him. From the police station, Yokoi was taken to Guam Memorial Hospital for treatment for malnourishment and anemia. When Yokoi returned to Japan two months later, he told reporters, “I have returned although I feel shame…I want to report that I am sorry I did not serve his majesty to my satisfaction.” He pounded on a table an insisted that “Japan lost the Pacific war because it lacked arms, warships, and planes, and not because of any lack of fighting spirit.” Rather than being ostracized by his Japanese homeland, he was a media sensation. You see, by the time Jesus and Manuel captured the Japanese soldier, World War II had ended. Shoichi Yokoi had been hiding in the jungles of Guam for 28 years.

Sources:

1. “Battle of Guam” National Park Service, accessed August 31, 2025, https://www.nps.gov/wapa/learn/historyculture/battle-of-guam.htm.

2. Mike Lanchin, “Shoichi Yokoi, the Japanese soldier who held out in Guam,” BBC News, accessed August 31, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-16681636.

3. Evening Herald (Dublin, Ireland), January 25, 1972, p.5.

4. The Morning Press (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania), March 2, 1972, p.22.

High school students and families in central Louisiana will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from some of the nation’s top colleges and universities during the STORY (Small Town Outreach, Recruitment and Yield) Information Session on Sunday, Sept. 14, presented by Yale University’s Admissions Office. The event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches and is free to attend. Organizers encourage students to bring their questions and curiosity as they explore admissions and financial aid opportunities.

“This is an incredible opportunity for area students, but just as important an experience for area college counselors, too, said Katie Summerell, Director of LSMSA’s College Counseling Center. “I hope that ALL students and counselors take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

The program begins with a 40-minute presentation on the college admissions process, including holistic admissions, building a college list, and applying for financial aid. Following the session, an 80-minute college fair will feature admissions representatives from highly selective research universities, flagship public institutions, and liberal arts colleges from across the country.

Colleges and universities scheduled to attend include Barnard College, Brown University, Caltech, Case Western Reserve University, Colby College, College of the Holy Cross, Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard College, Johns Hopkins University, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech, MIT, New York University, Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Northwestern University, Princeton University, Rice University, Smith College, Southern Methodist University, Swarthmore College, Tufts University, Tulane University, University of Chicago, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, University of Notre Dame, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Vanderbilt University, Wellesley College, Williams College, and Yale University.

The STORY initiative was created to expand access to higher education for students from small towns and rural communities. By bringing multiple institutions together, the program provides local students and families with information and connections that might otherwise require traveling long distances.
Registration is required to attend. Students and families can sign up online at https://apps.admissions.yale.edu/register/STORYLA .

ABOUT LSMSA

LSMSA’s commencement began in Prather in 1985 with 172 members of the first graduating class. LSMSA is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families so that no eligible student is denied the school’s 42-year legacy of a college-level living/learning experience. For more information about LSMSA visit LSMSA.edu.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOTD), in partnership with Destination Zero Deaths (DZD), is launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” (BUPD) High School Video and Pledge Contest from September 1 through October 31, encouraging Louisiana teens to promote safe driving through creativity and advocacy.

Louisiana high school students are invited to submit videos highlighting the importance of seat belt use and avoiding phone distractions. A panel of judges will select the top three winners, who will receive cash prizes provided by AAA. Contest rules and entry information can be found here.

In addition to the video contest, all Louisiana residents are encouraged to take the Buckle Up, Phone Down Pledge online to show their commitment to safer roadways. Community members wishing to take the pledge can do so here.

The pledge involves three commitments:

1. No phone usage while driving, including calls, texting, browsing, or social media.
2. Passengers should speak up if they feel unsafe and urge the driver to avoid distractions.
3. Always wear a seatbelt and encourage others to do the same.

“Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to stay safe in a crash,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. “Distracted driving continues to claim lives in Louisiana, and this contest gives students and individuals across the state an opportunity to be the voice for change.”

The call to action is urgent. In 2024, distracted driving contributed to 25% of crash fatalities in Louisiana. From 2019 to 2023, the state averaged 289 fatalities and 406 serious injuries each year from not wearing seat belts.

Launched by the Missouri Department of Transportation in 2017, Buckle Up, Phone Down has grown into a national movement focused on personal responsibility and life saving actions. By pledging to buckle up and put phones down, Louisianans can help boost seat belt use, reduce distracted driving, and move closer to the goal of zero roadway fatalities.

For more information, visit http://www.destinationzerodeaths.com.

September 10 is not an especially famous date on the calendar, but a closer look at history reveals some unusual and curious milestones that unfolded on this day. From the first recorded use of the guillotine in France to a Cold War-era chicken that crossed the wrong border, September 10 has delivered more than its share of oddities.

One of the most bizarre “firsts” tied to September 10 occurred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when the guillotine claimed its earliest political victim. The machine, introduced as a supposedly humane method of execution, was used to behead Nicolas Jacques Pelletier, a convicted criminal. While guillotines would later become symbols of the bloody Reign of Terror, the date marked the beginning of what was touted as a rational, scientific solution to capital punishment. Though macabre, it set the tone for the strange legacy of September 10 as a date linked to the unusual and the grim.

The 19th century added more unusual events to the September 10 timeline. In 1846, American inventor Elias Howe received a patent for the sewing machine, a device that would revolutionize clothing manufacturing and the lives of households worldwide. While not as shocking as the guillotine, the invention’s link to the date highlights a recurring pattern of September 10 delivering transformative—sometimes strange—moments in history.

Fast forward to the early 20th century, and September 10 saw a development that brought both awe and unease. In 1939, just days after the outbreak of World War II in Europe, Canada declared war on Germany. What was unique about the declaration was its timing: Canada became the first nation in the Americas to formally join the conflict, acting independently from Britain for the first time in its history. The decision underscored the shifting dynamics of empire and independence, a move that surprised observers at the time.

But perhaps the quirkiest story linked to the date took place in 1956, in the throes of Cold War tension. On September 10 of that year, a chicken made international headlines when it wandered across the heavily guarded border between East and West Germany. The incident sparked a standoff between border guards, each side refusing to cross into the other’s territory to retrieve the unfortunate bird. Ultimately, the chicken’s fate went unrecorded, but newspapers of the day reported the “feathered fugitive” as an unlikely symbol of the absurdities of the divided world.

In the world of science, September 10 brought another unusual milestone. In 2008, the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) powered up the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) for the first time. The collider, built to smash particles together at nearly the speed of light, immediately sparked wild speculation and conspiracy theories. Some worried it would create a black hole that might swallow the Earth. While those fears proved unfounded, the date went down in history as one that sparked both genuine scientific achievement and some of the strangest doomsday rumors of the 21st century.

Taken together, these events reveal September 10 as a date that repeatedly straddles the line between the transformative and the strange. From the debut of the guillotine to runaway chickens, groundbreaking inventions, and particle colliders, history seems to treat the day as a stage for odd twists of fate.

While September 10 may not carry the same notoriety as dates like July 4 or December 7, its legacy is an unusual one. It reminds us that history is full of surprises, and that even ordinary dates can leave behind extraordinary and sometimes bizarre stories.

Barbara Elaine Pantalion
September 5, 1937 – September 7, 2025
Visitation: Tuesday, September 9at 5:00 PM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home, Zwolle
Services: Wednesday, September 10 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church

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 Louisiana Travel Association (LTA) hosted its annual Travel Summit last week in Lake Charles, bringing together tourism leaders from across the state for networking, professional development, and recognition of excellence in the industry.

Representing the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, Executive Director Georgia Craven attended alongside board members Mary Brocato and Martha Henderson. The summit provided opportunities for attendees to exchange ideas, share updates, and gain new insights into the latest trends in tourism and hospitality.

In a highlight of the event, Craven and the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission were honored with one of the prestigious “Pelican of Distinction” awards, presented by the Louisiana Lieutenant Governor. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the state’s tourism industry and dedication to promoting Louisiana as a premier travel destination.

“We are honored to receive this recognition and proud to represent Sabine Parish at such a meaningful event,” Craven said.

The Louisiana Travel Summit remains one of the most anticipated tourism gatherings of the year, with industry leaders already looking forward to next year’s event..

Paid Editorial Feature – The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sabine Parish Journal.

By Steve Webb, Board Chair, Louisiana Credit Union Association; CEO, Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Recent commentary suggesting that credit unions are “draining” Louisiana communities misses the larger truth: credit unions are not a burden on our state; they are one of Louisiana’s greatest assets.

Credit unions do pay taxes

Contrary to common misconceptions, credit unions are not tax-free. Louisiana’s credit unions collectively paid more than $100 million in state and federal taxes last year alone. We contribute through property taxes, payroll taxes, sales taxes, and more. The only tax credit unions are exempt from is income tax on profits because those “profits” are returned to the people who own us: our members and not distributed to wealthy shareholders.

Banks, by contrast, enjoy their own tax advantages. Many organize as Subchapter S corporations (45 in Louisiana), which allows them to avoid paying corporate income tax at the entity level. To single out credit unions for their long-established tax status while ignoring these bank exemptions presents an incomplete picture. Congress has debated the credit union tax exemption many times (most recently a few months ago) and they have agreed that credit unions should be allowed this tax exemption.

Member-owned means community-focused

Credit unions exist to serve members, not outside investors. Every dollar earned is reinvested in the form of lower fees, higher savings rates, and more affordable loans. Those benefits stay in Louisiana households and small businesses, circulating back into the local economy.

Preserving access where banks leave gaps

The decline in community banks has been stark: nearly half have disappeared nationwide over the last two decades. When banks consolidate or sell to out-of-state institutions, resources often leave the community. Shareholders of a bank have the ultimate decision on which institution they would like to sell to. When a bank sells to a credit union, it’s not a loss; it’s a commitment to ensuring residents continue to have a locally governed institution focused on people, not profits.

Growth doesn’t change our mission

Some critics argue that credit unions have grown too large for their tax status. But size does not change structure. A credit union with 500 members and one with 500,000 members share the same cooperative foundation: not-for-profit, member-owned, and community-driven. Growth simply enables us to provide modern services and compete in a marketplace dominated by trillion-dollar megabanks.

The real bottom line
The real story is simple: when credit unions succeed, Louisiana families succeed. We help people buy homes, send kids to college, start small businesses, and build savings. That is exactly why Congress created credit unions in the first place.

Far from draining our communities, credit unions preserve their strength. We keep financial decision-making local, return millions of dollars in value to members, and invest in the places we call home. That’s not a loss for Louisiana; it’s a win.

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For high school juniors and seniors, transfer students, and parents alike, the journey to choosing the right university often feels overwhelming. Between deadlines, financial questions, and the desire to find a place that feels like home, the process can seem intimidating.

That’s why Northwestern State University is rolling out the purple carpet this fall. On Saturday, October 25, 2025, NSU will host its signature N-Side View Day, a one-of-a-kind open house designed to help future students imagine themselves thriving on campus in Natchitoches.

To reserve your spot, register today at nsu.la/nsideviewday.

“Your future is calling and it begins here,” says Emily Miller, Director of Recruiting. “We want students and families to see not just what Northwestern offers, but how it feels to be part of our community.”

Unlike traditional campus visits, N-Side View Day gives students a true insider’s perspective on university life.

Throughout the day, guests will:

Explore the historic NSU campus on guided tours that showcase everything from residence halls to state-of-the-art classrooms.

Connect directly with faculty and students, hearing firsthand what it’s like to learn and live at Northwestern.

Dive into academics, choosing from more than 100 degree programs tailored to career ambitions.
Get real answers about admissions, scholarships, and financial aid.
Every attendee receives a free ticket to cheer on the NSU Demon Football team.

Vanner Erikson, Director of Enrollment, explains “We’ve designed N-Side View Day to go beyond information. It’s an experience that inspires. Families leave with clarity, confidence, and excitement about the future.”

Set in Louisiana’s oldest city, Northwestern balances tradition with progress. Students engage in hands-on learning, collaborate with faculty, and take part in a campus culture that values creativity and leadership. Combined with the city’s historic charm, NSU’s affordable tuition and strong record of student achievement make it a destination for those who want both opportunity and community.

NSU President James T. Genovese shares, “We are committed to preparing students not just for jobs, but for meaningful lives of impact. N-Side View Day is a chance to experience that mission firsthand.”

Choosing a university is as much a family decision as it is a personal one. NSU understands this, which is why N-Side View Day includes tailored sessions for parents. Financial aid experts will break down scholarship opportunities, housing staff will explain residential life, and faculty will highlight career outcomes for graduates.

Parents often leave with as much excitement as their students. “The greatest relief for families,” says Miller, “is realizing that Northwestern offers the opportunities of a large university while providing the close-knit support of a community that truly cares.”

While many universities host open houses, Northwestern’s event stands apart for its personal touch. Every student who attends N-Side View Day is welcomed as an individual, with their goals and potential taken seriously from the moment they arrive.

“NSU is Louisiana’s best-kept secret,” says Erikson. “Once students step on campus, they feel it. They know this is where they belong.”

And with the event landing in late October, families can enjoy the beauty of Natchitoches in the fall, a season that showcases the city’s Southern charm and vibrant energy.

For prospective students, N-Side View Day transforms an ordinary Saturday into the beginning of something bigger. Whether you’re taking your first steps after high school or seeking a fresh start as a transfer, Northwestern State University invites you to experience a day that can help shape your future.

N-Side View Day
· Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA
· Saturday, October 25, 2025
· Includes free campus tours, sessions, and Demon Football game ticket

Reserve your spot today at nsu.la/nsideviewday.

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The Many Tigers are looking for a lot of new after an 0-10 season in 2024.

Ten is the number of consecutive district titles for a program that also captured three state title before the winless season.

But the Tigers are bringing back a familiar face to patrol the sidelines in new head coach Tyler Hassell.

Hassell served on Jess Curtis’ staff through much of the program’s golden era, including the last few seasons as the defensive coordinator before both coaches left for Natchitoches Central in 2023.

But that lasted just one season, and Hassell found his way back to District 3-2A as a member of district champion Red River’s coaching staff in 2024.

Now Hassell returns to Many with the mission of restoring this proud program back to its traditional place after the sharp decline in 2024.

Many will lean on second-year starting quarterback Kellen Cox and veteran running back Daniel Thomas to produce many more points than the eight games in which the Tigers scored in single digits.

The Hassell era starts Friday when they head north to Logansport, a Class 1A version of what Many has been for the past decade plus.

Logansport has made its home deep in the playoffs, advancing to the Division IV Non-Select semifinals, where they lost to eventual champion South Plaquemines.

The six-point loss is the closest South Plaquemines had all playoffs, which included a 20-7 win over Class 1A power Haynesville in the championship game.

Hassell is bringing renewed energy to the Many sidelines along with a new offense and defense.

The visiting Tigers will be met with a charged Logansport atmosphere, not much different than what awaits opponents headed to Sabine Parish on Friday nights.

More important than the final score in the season opener, Hassell wants to show the Many community that the toughness and hard-nosed play that built the Many dynasty is back.

“We’re going back to hard-nosed football. We have a rich tradition of winning at Many,” said Hassell. “But first and foremost, we want that respect back. That’s what we’re battling for right now.

“We’re not going to compare ourselves to last season, but you never waste a failure, either. We’re going to have a chip on our shoulders. I think we have a dangerous football team. If you expect an 0-10 Many team, you’re going to be disappointed. We’re coming week in, and week out,” he said.

Have you ever wondered how many people there are in the world with the same name as yourself? That thought ran through my head one day and gave me the idea to Google my own name. Don’t ask me why I decided to act on the idea to search my own name because I have no idea! But probably due to boredom and curiosity, I took the time to look myself up on the world wide web.

What would I find? Would I be impressed or disappointed with my findings? Would I be jealous or envious of others with the same name?

If you’re not sure who you are, just Google your name and see not just who you are, but how many of YOU there are! What I found was that there are many Steve Graf’s around the globe, but surprisingly I have yet to run into myself at any point in time. I came across 100 plus people with the same name as myself. But one good thing I did discover, it appears that no one with my name is an inmate anywhere!

Here’s what I did find. Steve Graf is a dentist, a banker, a doctor, vice president of sales, a consultant, and a neuroscientist. He’s also an engineer, retired educator/coach, and a YMCA CEO! Wow, I was very impressed with myself and the “brothers” that carry the same name.

Others with the same name were also a bridge operator, a veterinarian, an athletic director, a senior programmer, a maintenance coordinator and a pilot for Delta Airlines. So, the next time you fly Delta, poke your head into the cockpit and make sure it’s not THIS Steve Graf at the controls.

But surprisingly, I found another Steve Graf that played professional baseball! He played for the Cardinals and Pirates organizations at the same time I was playing in the Montreal Expos minor league system. Small world!

It is amazing that after seeing how many Steve Graf’s there are, I have never come across myself. There are several versions of me that live in California, New Jersey, New England, Kansas, Denver and Wisconsin. There’s more SG’s in Massachusetts, Indiana, Minnesota, South Carolina, South Dakota and Ohio along with one in Oregon, Iowa and Nevada just to name a few.

I was always told as a youngster growing up, that the only thing you have that’s truly your own in this life is your name. Well, I guess that’s not true, but don’t ruin or tarnish your name by doing something stupid. This Steve Graf wants to be remembered for the good things I’ve done in life and not for the bad.

After doing this Google search, I thought how cool it would be to start a Steve Graf Club! Have an annual get together of everyone that shares the same name, or would that be a little weird?

After reviewing a lot of these fine folks, turns out that if you are a Steve Graf, be proud! The one thing we all want in life is to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. We all want to be content with what we do and who we are.

So, no matter how many people there are with the same name as yourself, there’s only one YOU. Be proud of who YOU are and do things that will make people remember YOU as a good person.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

In the tapestry of the Church, we often speak of the “Body of Christ”—a living, breathing community of believers, each with a role, a gift, and a purpose. But what happens when we look at this body through the lens of a quirky little family: the Body family? Meet Some Body, Every Body, and No Body. Their stories might just help us understand our place in God’s Kingdom a little better.

Some Body is always present—at the front of the sanctuary, leading the choir, preaching the sermon, or organizing the potluck. They’re gifted, passionate, and often admired. But sometimes, Some Body forgets that being seen isn’t the same as being surrendered.

Paul reminds us in Romans 12:3, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” Some Body is essential, yes—but only when they remember that their gifts are for service, not status.

Every Body is the heartbeat of the Church. They show up, pray, serve, and love—whether they’re on stage or sweeping the fellowship hall. Every Body understands that the Church isn’t built on personalities, but on participation.

1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” Every Body knows that unity doesn’t mean uniformity. We are different, but we belong to each other.

No Body used to be involved. Maybe they got hurt, felt overlooked, or simply drifted away. Now, No Body is absent—and the Church feels it. Their gifts are missed, their voice is silent, and their seat is empty.
Hebrews 10:25 urges us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” No Body needs healing, restoration, and a reminder that they still matter.

Are you Some Body, needing to refocus your gifts on service?

Are you Every Body, faithfully showing up and building the Church?

Or are you No Body, longing to be seen and welcomed back?

The good news is that in Christ, we are all part of His Body. And whether you’re a hand, a foot, a heart, or a voice—there’s a place for you.

I invite you, to go to church and join the Body family!

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) will host a Hunter Safety Class from Monday, September 8 through Thursday, September 11 at the Sabine Parish Detention Center Range, located at 384 Detention Center Road, Many, LA 71449.

Classes will be held 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on September 8–10 and conclude with a 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. session on September 11.

Participants must be 10 years of age or older and attend all class sessions to receive certification. Registration requires a valid email address, and the course is offered free of charge, courtesy of LDWF.

Hunter safety volunteer instructors Emily Rains (318-332-0515) and Dewayne Rains (318-663-5757) will lead the class.

To register, scan the QR code provided by LDWF or contact the instructors directly for more information.

Donald Roan Dunagan was born in 1934. When Donnie was 19, he was drafted into the Marines where his superiors tested and retested him. Donnie wondered what was wrong, but everything was right. Donnie had an abnormally high IQ. After boot camp, he was sent to drill instructor school and became the youngest drill instructor in Marine history. Then, the Marines trained Donnie to be a spy. For over two decades, Donnie served as an in-the-field counterintelligence agent all over the world. During the Vietnam War, he became a platoon leader. He served three tours in Vietnam, where he was wounded several times. He earned a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. In 1977, he retired with the rank of major. For most of his military career, he kept his life before the Marines a secret.

The secret he kept for all those years was that he had been a child actor. In 1937, four-year-old Donnie entered a talent show in which he sang and danced before a packed theater in Memphis, Tennessee. He won first place. Unbeknownst to Donnie and his family, a movie talent scout from Los Angeles was in the crowd. Within a few weeks, the talent scout tracked Donnie down and offered him a screen test for R.K.O. Studios. At the time, his poor parents, Warren Frederick and Louise Margaret Dunagan, were only bringing in about 25 cents per hour, and lived in a cheap, run down, one room apartment. With little to lose, Donnie and his parents boarded a train for Hollywood. If nothing else, they would have a grand adventure. The screen test went better than anyone expected, and R.K.O. signed Donnie to a contract. With that signed contract, Donnie became the breadwinner of the family and earned $1,000 per week, had a fine automobile, and an impressive home by any standards. After five years of studying scripts, dance practice, music practice, interviews, and promotional tours, the seven-year-old begged his mother, Louise, to allow him to stop working in the film business because he wanted to be a normal child. Donnie’s mother was saddened by her son’s request but agreed. Donnie retired from acting at the young age of seven while on a promotional tour in London.

When Donnie arrived in London, the world was engulfed in the Second World War. London was a major target of Nazi Germany. One day, as Donnie was in the care of his nanny, his parents were killed by a German bomb. Well, that was the story Donnie told the press in 2001 and may have been the story that he believed. In fact, in 1941, Donnie’s parents returned to Los Angeles and divorced. Donnie’s mother, Louise, remarried. She died in 1974. Louise’s second husband, Ralph M. LeMaster, died in 1977. Donnie’s father, Warren, died in 1980. Donnie’s parents and stepfather are all buried a few feet apart in the same cemetery, Grand View Memorial Park and Crematory in Glendale, California.

After his parents’ so-called death, Donnie went to live with his grandfather, Tom Johnson. They lived in poverty in Ireland and England. When his grandfather died in 1945, Donnie was returned to the United States and lived in multiple orphanages. In about 1948, the fourteen-year-old boy ran away. For five years, he worked whatever job he could to survive until he was drafted into the Marines.

The biggest secret that Donnie kept was his most notable film role. He acted in such films as “The Forgotten Woman,” “The Tower of London,” and the title character in “Son of Frankenstein.” His final, and most famous, role was for Walt Disney in 1941 when he provided the voice of Bambi.

Sources:

1. Carlsbad Current-Argus, July 29, 2001, p.38.

2. “Warren F. Dunagan,” Find A Grave, accessed August 25, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28800417/warren-f-dunagan.

3. “Louise D. LeMaster,” Find A Grave, accessed August 24, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28800408/louise-d-lemaster.

4. “Ralph M. LeMaster,” Find A Grave, accessed August 24, 2025, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28800390/ralph-m-lemaster.