BOM is proud to continue our sponsorship of the Many FFA program. Pictured left to right: Darrell Simmons and Kylie Miller.

By Steve Graf    

One of the great pleasures in life is watching our kids grow to achieve their dreams or reach their goals. It’s one of the many things that gives us so much fulfillment in being a parent. From the day our kids are born, we as parents want nothing more than for our kids to be happy. Today, I’ll talk about some of the sacrifices my parents (especially my mother) made for me to have the life I’ve enjoyed so much.

Most of you already know my story from past articles. But in case you haven’t, my aunt and uncle rescued and adopted me at the age of 10 and turned my life completely around and literally saved me from the streets of Houston, Texas. They put me on the path to success with sacrifices and dedication of their own free will.

Again, the good Lord above blessed me with some athletic ability that only He can give. But it was my parents who made sure that my talent did not go to waste. So many days my mother made sure I was at every practice and every game on time.

She sat in a hot car for hours waiting on practice to be over knowing she still had supper to cook, clothes to wash, another child to tend to and a husband to take care of. Getting home after 7 o’clock each evening, she cooked dinner and made sure our homework was complete before ushering me and my brother off to take a bath.

She made sure uniforms were always washed and ready for the next game. She had very little time to herself as she worked full time as a nurse at a local clinic. But not one time did she fail to make sure I was where I needed to be whether it was a baseball or football practice or a Boy Scouts meeting. Mom sacrificed!

You never fully appreciate these sacrifices until the day comes when you have kids of your own and realize the effort it takes to make sure your kids are where they are supposed to be. She did this not just for me but my younger brother Chad, who was about six years younger than me.

All of my years growing up, we never took a vacation as a family. Mom never took one of those much-needed “getaways.” Sure, we made the occasional trip to Six Flags in Dallas or maybe to see the Texas Rangers play, but never a trip to the Caribbean or the mountains of Colorado to enjoy the scenery.

Pretty much every trip we took revolved around me or my brother playing baseball with All-Star playoffs. Even as I got into high school, she followed me to every game (home or away). She made the trip to Austin as we reached the state baseball tournament and won our first state championship in 1978.

Not one time did she ever complain or say “no” to any sport I wanted to play. Her devotion was unlimited, and her sacrifices were intentional. All to make sure I had every opportunity to achieve success!

I think it goes without saying that I was one of the lucky ones who had parents wanting their kids to have the best — the best opportunity to achieve and be successful in life. Sometimes I think we forget just how important those sacrifices are.

But at the time, we just think that’s how it’s supposed to be, but in reality, that’s not true. It takes parents willing to make those sacrifices unselfishly and make their kids a priority and their main focus.

For parents, the reward comes much later in life when they sit back and brag about all the accomplishments their kids have achieved all because of the sacrifices made. In the end, it’s worth every second and hour we set aside to make sure our kids are the priority! 

Without sacrificial parents, kids don’t stand a chance! So, to all you young adults out there looking to have children of your own, make sure they are your top priority. Thank you Mom, for your dedication and commitment to ME! Remember, sacrifice is unspoken love. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms who make sacrifices for the benefit of others.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Doug De Graffenried

If the Bible tells us that “God laughs,” could it be that humor is divine? If so, it would explain why some of us are blessed with the spiritual gift of dad jokes.

The Library of Life, Love, and Laughter has compiled some eye-opening statistics—literally, if you’re laughing hard enough. Did you know…

Studies have pinpointed 18 different kinds of smiles. The most recognizable is the smile of enjoyment. (Who has this job? Can I apply? I imagine their college transcript starts with Upturned Mouth 101 and ends with Advanced Guffawing. Do they have pop quizzes where you must correctly identify a smirk from across the room? I need answers.)

Thirteen muscles are used for smiling, but frowning demands a whopping 50? (Want to preserve your face value? Smile! You need to frown nearly a quarter of a million times to make a single wrinkle. So, in the battle against premature aging, laughter is basically skincare.)

Laughter lowers cortisol levels, which in turn boosts your immune system? (So technically, giggling at cat videos is self-care.)

Laughing stimulates your heart and lungs, elevates blood pressure, and temporarily improves breathing capacity. (In terms of exercise, laughing 100 times a day is like rowing for 10 minutes. Who needs a gym membership when you have a sense of humor?)

Charles Darwin believed that facial expressions influence moods. (Bio-feedback studies back him up. So, if you’re having a bad day, slap on a grin—even if it’s forced. Of course, people might start wondering what you’re up to.)

Laughing for 15 seconds adds two days to your lifespan? (So if you binge-watch stand-up comedy, do you achieve immortality?)

Impressive statistics, right? Laughter is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself—unless, of course, you belong to the Chicken Little League, whose members believe humor is suspicious behavior.

Psychologist Patricia Keith-Spiegel, in The Psychology of Humor, references a researcher who analyzed laughter like a malfunctioning engine. According to him, it involves spasms of the diaphragm, upper-body movements, nostril dilation, bulging eyes, and jaw vibrations. Keith-Spiegel observed, “One gets the feeling that a person engaging in this act must be critically ill rather than enjoying himself.” Ever met this serious person? The one who treats jokes like an unnecessary disruption to the universe? They’re probably a frequent flyer in the Chicken Little League.

Yet, sinners, prostitutes, and children loved hanging out with Jesus. Do you think it had anything to do with His laughter? Maybe He cracked a few legendary jokes, maybe His smile could light up a room.

Either way, His presence was joyful. And if joy is holy, maybe humor is, too.

By Brad Dison

In 2002, Michael and Kelley Flamoe were house hunting in Tacoma, Washington. They saw several houses which were all nice and would have fit their needs, but something held them back each time. They were all nice houses, but none felt like home to them. Then, the realtor took them to a house at 1112 North J Street in Tacoma. The neighborhood was nice. All of the houses on North J Street were at least two stories. The houses were built on a hill about six feet tall, which gave them the appearance of being taller than they actually were. To get from the sidewalk to the front doors of the houses took two flights of stairs sided with wrought iron hand railings which added to the charm of North J Street. Across the road sat a large grey stone Catholic church. It was a picturesque neighborhood. This house had a unique feature in that it was the only house on the block which had numerous groupings of square columns rather than single round columns supporting the porch and roof. Michael and Kelley loved the craftsman style of the home they were considering, and they had not even walked in the front door. After viewing the house’s interior and large backyard, Micheal and Kelley decided their search was over. At first glance, this house felt like home.

Michael and Kelley moved in a short time later. They were in the process of emptying their mountain of moving boxes when they heard a noise coming from the front of their new home. It was a pleasant noise. Michael and Kelley paused to listen more closely. They heard people singing. They remembered the large Catholic church across the street. Perhaps the parishioners were singing, but they were certain they would be unable to hear the singing through the solid stone walls. Michael and Kelley walked to the front room and peered from the picture window. There, at the base of their two flights of stairs, stood a gathering of people who were singing to their new home. Michael and Kelley gave an awkward smile and wave, their singing neighbors returned the gesture. After three or four songs, they ended on a Christmas song, but Christmas was months away. As soon as they finished singing, the crowd began returning to their nearby homes as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do.

To the crowd, it was perfectly normal. They gathered once a week to sing to the house. Michael and Kelley were not bothered by the act, or by the other strange happenings that occasionally happened in front of their home. Carloads, and sometimes busloads, of tourists would stop in front of their home on the normally quiet street, pile out, take pictures of and selfies with the home, some would sing to the house, then they reboarded their mode of transportation and disappeared as quickly as they had come. The weekly singings and the random visits by tourists happened long before Michael and Kelley moved in and it continues to this day. You see, when Michael and Kelley moved into the home, they paid little attention to a bronze plaque embedded into one of the steps leading to the home. It read, “Birthplace of Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby.”

Source: Steve Dunkelberger, “100+ Years Later: A Look Inside Tacoma’s Historic Bing Crosby House,” South Sound Talk, September 3, 2015, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.southsoundtalk.com/2015/09/03/bing-crosby-house-tacoma/.

National Tourism Day, observed annually on May 7, highlights the significant role tourism plays in the economy and cultural exchange. As the world gradually recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence, bringing renewed attention to its importance.

Tourism contributes trillions of dollars to the global economy and supports millions of jobs. In the United States alone, the travel and tourism industry generated over $1.6 trillion in economic output in 2019, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The industry encompasses various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and retail.

Beyond economic benefits, tourism fosters cultural understanding and global awareness. Travelers gain firsthand experiences of different cultures, traditions, and histories, promoting empathy and global citizenship.

However, the industry also faces challenges, such as environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices. Over-tourism can strain local resources, damage ecosystems, and disrupt communities. As a result, there’s a growing emphasis on responsible tourism, encouraging travelers to minimize their environmental footprint and respect local cultures.

On National Tourism Day, stakeholders in the industry, including travel agencies, hospitality businesses, and government agencies, often host events and campaigns to promote travel and highlight its benefits. It’s also a time to reflect on the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the longevity and positive impact of tourism worldwide.

Funeral services for Jesse Hodges Stutts, 81, were held on Monday, April 28 in Many. A burial followed at Aimwell Cemetery in Zwolle. Officiating the service was Brother Dean Johnson.

Jesse was born on April 23, 1944 to Washington Gilbert Stutts and Annie Mary Jacobs Stutts in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana and passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Bossier, Louisiana.

Jesse was an avid hunter and enjoyed being in the woods seeing God’s handiwork. He loved to plant his gardens as long as somebody else took care of it. His greatest treasure in life were his children and the numerous grandkids that he was able to share his legacy with.

Jesse was preceded in death by his wife, Stephany Stutts; parents, Washington and Annie Stutts; sisters, Hattie Mae Brown, Gladis Ballard, Lessie Kirkland, and Dessie Savell; and brothers, Larry Stutts, Chester Stutts, and Earl Stutts. He is survived by his son, William Heilman of Natchitoches, Louisiana; daughters, Teresa Tilley and husband, Thomas, of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Karen Heilman of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Angela Palmer and husband, Roy, of Zwolle, Louisiana; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Honoring Jesse as pall bearers were Chris Anderson, Lloyd Dyess, William Heilman, Walter Moss, Jonah Powell, and Quinn Tilley.

Billy Ray Campbell, Jr.
June 23, 1958 — April 30, 2025
Service held on May 5

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

Zwolle High School held its annual Beta Club Induction Ceremony on April 28, celebrating the accomplishments of graduating seniors and welcoming new members. This year’s Beta Club members collectively served over 400 volunteer hours and raised nearly $1,000 for charitable causes.

The ceremony recognized students for their dedication to academic achievement, leadership, and community service. School leaders praised the group’s efforts and encouraged new members to continue the club’s tradition of excellence.

The National Beta Club promotes leadership, character, and service among students across the country.

The Office of the Governor recently announced that Sabine Parish will receive a $410,000 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant (LCDBG) to fund road improvement projects within the parish.​

The LCDBG program, administered by the Louisiana Office of Community Development, provides financial assistance to local governments for infrastructure and community development projects aimed at benefiting low- to moderate-income residents.​

Sabine Parish officials have expressed their commitment to utilizing the funds to enhance transportation infrastructure, thereby improving safety and accessibility for residents. Specific details regarding the road improvement projects will be announced as plans are finalized.​

This grant is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to support rural communities in addressing critical infrastructure needs and promoting economic development.

The town of Many came together for its annual spring clean-up event on April 26, “Get Off Your Fanny and Go Clean Many.” Organized as part of the Events in Many (EM) series, the community-wide beautification effort drew residents, business owners, students, and civic groups to participate in sprucing up the town’s public spaces.​

Volunteers gathered at City Hall before dispersing to designated clean-up areas, where they engaged in activities such as pulling weeds, picking up litter, and planting flowers. Community leaders were present to provide direction and assistance throughout the morning.​

Organizers emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting that even a few hours of service can have a lasting impact on the town’s appearance and spirit. Participants were encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and bring tools like gloves, rakes, and trash bags to aid in the clean-up efforts.​

As spring blossoms and the weather warms, the event served as an opportunity for residents to connect with neighbors, take pride in their community, and contribute to making Many shine.​

Lieutenant Josh Sandel and Deputy Joseph Rainer visited First United Methodist Church “Sunshine Kids” on April 29.

Lt. Sandel and Deputy Rainer taught the children about fingerprints and how they help to catch the “bad guy” and solve crimes. The kids got to see the emergency blue lights and talk on the portable radio.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell thanks “Sunshine Kids” for the opportunity for his deputies to visit and interact with the children and provide a positive light of law enforcement.

Lt. Sandel and Deputy Rainer work under the direction of Captain Jason Heard who supervises approximately 25 deputies in the Patrol Division.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office has released the list of delinquent real property and movable property taxes for the year 2024. Property owners and interested parties can now access the information through the Sheriff’s Office official website.

To view the listings, visit http://www.sabinesheriff.org/delinquentTaxes, scroll down, and click on the link labeled “2024 Delinquent Taxes.”

In addition to the website, the Sheriff’s Office announced that access to the delinquent tax information will soon be available through the official Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office mobile app under the “Payments” section.

For any questions or concerns regarding the listings or payment process, individuals are encouraged to contact the Tax Department at 318-256-9241 and select option 1.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds residents of the importance of resolving delinquent taxes in a timely manner to avoid further penalties or legal action.

Sabine Parish high schools are preparing to celebrate the Class of 2025 with a series of graduation ceremonies scheduled throughout the second week of May. Families, friends, and community members are invited to honor the achievements of graduating seniors at ceremonies hosted in each school’s gymnasium.

The first commencement ceremony kicks off on Tuesday, May 6, as Zwolle High School (ZHS) honors its graduates at 6:00 p.m. in the school gymnasium.

On Thursday, May 8, both Ebarb High School (EHS) and Florien High School (FHS) will hold their ceremonies. EHS will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by FHS at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 9, will be a busy evening for Sabine Parish schools, with three high schools hosting simultaneous ceremonies. Converse High School (CHS), Many High School (MHS), and Negreet High School (NHS) will all celebrate their graduates at 6:00 p.m.

The final ceremony of the graduation season will be held on Saturday, May 10, when Pleasant Hill High School (PHHS) honors its seniors at 5:00 p.m.

All ceremonies will take place in each school’s gymnasium and will mark the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and perseverance by students across the parish.

The Sabine Parish School District congratulates the Class of 2025 and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.

Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the 51st Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place on Saturday, May 3 from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, May 4 from 10 am to 3 pm. The festival will be held at Melrose on the Cane where attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of unique treasures crafted by talented artisans.

Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased at: https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2025. Attendees will be able to shop for: stunning jewelry, exquisite pottery, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, delectable desserts, flashy fishing lures, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for something special, there’s something for everyone to discover and cherish at the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival.

While exploring the diverse artistic displays, visitors can satisfy their culinary cravings at our carefully curated selection of local food vendors. Savor authentic wood-fired creations from Cane River Pizza Co., indulge in Girline’s beloved regional specialties, or enjoy delicious delights from Morrison Family Farms. These exceptional local purveyors ensure that your artistic journey is complemented by equally inspired flavors.

“Building on our proud legacy of showcasing regional talent, we’re excited to celebrate the 51st Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival,” said Leah Dunn, Executive Director. “We invite everyone to join us for a weekend filled with artistic inspiration, ambient music, and the joy of supporting local artisans who continue our rich tradition of creativity, community, and craftsmanship.”

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence at the 51st Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival. Purchase your tickets today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!

For ticket information and event updates, visit: givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2025

About the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival:

The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival is an annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit. For 51 years, the festival has showcased the talents of local artisans and provided a platform for visitors to discover unique handcrafted treasures. Join us as we celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence and continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.

By Steve Graf    

Tournament bass fishing is sometimes about as predictable as the weather. Every single day is different, even when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate. This is why anglers must be flexible and willing to adjust.

The anglers who can pivot at the right time are usually the guys who win. Just because you caught bass one way on Thursday, does not mean you’ll be able to catch them the same way on Friday. So many factors come in to play when it comes to bass biting. 
 
The weather is probably the biggest factor in how bass react daily. Of course, they bite best during low or falling barometric pressure days and if there’s one thing I’ve learned over my many years of tournament fishing, it’s that timing is everything. No matter what body of water it is, bass are biting somewhere! You just have to be in the right place at the right time.

This is where practice pays off, but you as an angler must pay attention. If you caught fish in a certain area on Friday at 10 a.m., there’s a good chance those same fish will bite about an hour later the next day. 
 
But almost every tournament day, anglers must adjust on the fly. Conditions can change hourly, especially during the spring, as cold fronts come through more often than any other time of the year. During the summer months, bass are more predictable as weather patterns tend to be more consistent and stable for days at a time.
 
There are days, however, when anglers are left scratching their heads and questioning the bait and technique they are using. It’s a running joke with anglers that memos are sent out to all bass on the morning the tournament starts.

It’s like they’ve been notified to be aware that there are bass fishermen on the water today looking to jerk them into a bass boat. Therefore, bass should avoid all artificial lures and be alert for anything that resembles live bait and approach all food sources with caution!

While we all know bass can’t read, there are times when it seems someone has made them aware that anglers are on the water.
 
Sometimes, I think we as anglers give bass way too much intellectual credit, but with so much fishing pressure on our lakes today, bass are becoming more educated and can be difficult to catch. Day after day, hour after hour, bass are seeing so many lures that they have become warry of anything that doesn’t look like natural forage.  
 
This is the challenge that I absolutely love about bass fishing! How can I put together a recipe to catch these little green creatures we call bass. Because the ultimate goal is to put a heavy five-fish limit in the boat that will allow me to either win or cash a check.
 
But so many times, the tournament never goes the way you planned. There comes a point during the day that you must rethink your strategy and approach. This is when the word “adjustment” comes into play.
 
Like so many professional anglers will tell you, bass fishing is all about decision making. Anglers that make the right adjustments at the right time are usually the ones holding up the trophy at the end of the day. 
 
Bass fishing is becoming more and more difficult even with all the great lures and equipment we have as anglers. The days of going out and catching a hundred bass in a day are pretty much gone. Why? I feel it’s all because of one word, “pressure.”
 
Boat ramps that used to be empty Monday through Thursday, are now full seven days a week. The bass never get a break from the pressure with so many anglers on the water every single day. Also, we now have Livescope, a tool that allows anglers to go after every bass. 
 
Today, there’s no longer a safe haven for bass to retreat to and get a break from all the fishing pressure. Daily, bass are chased and pursued all over the lake with no time to recover. 
 
This is why so many tournaments today are won by anglers who make the right decisions and adjustments in order to put themselves in position for the win or cash a check. 

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to wear your life jacket every time your big engine is running.  

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

By Brad Dison

Robert Norman was born in Daytona, Florida, in October 1942. He grew up loving animals and nature. As a child, he raised a baby alligator in the family bathtub. For unknown reasons, he quit school and went to work with his father, Jack, as a carpenter. After an accident with a saw in which he cut off the tip of his left index finger, Robert lost what little desire he had for woodwork.

In late 1960 or early 1961, 18-year-old Robert joined the Air Force. He was initially stationed at a base in Florida, but, at six-foot-two, with flat feet, and an uncompleted high school education, Robert was not eligible to become a pilot. Instead, his superiors assigned him to a desk job as a medical records technician. In 1963, Robert was transferred to Eielson Air Force Base, about 25 miles from Fairbanks, Alaska. Robert had spent all of his life in warm and cozy Florida. The frigid environment in Alaska was in complete contrast to what he had known in Florida. Robert said he was 21 years old when he saw snow for the first time. He said later that Alaska, “has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery that I’d ever seen.”

Through the years, Robert earned numerous promotions. He eventually became a military training instructor, what most of us refer to as a drill instructor. To supplement his Air Force income and as a means to escape, he took a second job as a bartender and spent hours staring at the snow-covered mountains. “I was the guy who makes you scrub the latrine, the guy who makes you make your bed, the guy who screams at you for being late to work,” Robert explained. “The job requires you to be a mean, tough person, and I was fed up with it.” Robert was good at his job and earned the nickname “Bust ‘em up Bobby.” He said later, “I promised myself that if I ever got away from it, I wasn’t going to be that way anymore.” He hated the person he had to be at work, a “mean, tough person.” In 1981, after 20 years of service, Robert, then a master sergeant, decided he had had enough. He retired and was determined to never raise his voice again. He also abandoned the clean-cut hairstyle required by the military.

Based on classes he took while in the Air Force, Robert found a new vocation. He began teaching in 30-minute episodes which were broadcast on public television (PBS). He unexpectedly became a cultural phenomenon. Unlike his years screaming at fresh recruits during boot camp, Robert became known for his voice which was “so soothing that its effect was once compared to Demerol.” Robert taught the world to paint “pretty little mountains,” “happy little clouds,” and “happy little trees.” Thankfully, few people remember “Bust ‘em up Bobby,” but the world remembers Robert Norman “Bob” Ross and his television series entitled “the Joy of Painting.”

Sources:

1. The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts), July 15, 1995, p.49.

2. Blake Stilwell, “Famous Veteran: Bob Ross,” Military.com, May 31, 2013, accessed April 27, 2025, https://www.military.com/veteran-jobs/career-advice/military-transition/famous-veteran-bob-ross.html.

3. Sara Kettler, “How Bob Ross’s Time in the Air Force Inspired His Paintings,” Biography.com, June 4, 2020, accessed April 27, 2025, https://www.biography.com/artists/bob-ross-air-force.

4. “The Bob Ross Story,” Bob Ross, accessed April 27, 2025, https://experience.bobross.com/the-bob-ross-experience/.

By Doug De Graffenried

I enjoy a well-kept lawn. My efforts in the back yard are stymied by the two dogs which own and very loudly protect their backyard turf. It is their kingdom. Both have archaeological projects going on at present. Their holes are immense. The lawn mower does strange things when I hit one of the dog’s holes.

I have no such challenge in the front yard. Mowing the yard is a task that I enjoy. The project happens on a weekly basis. At the end of the project, I can look at the lawn and see that I have finished. So much of my life is incomplete. The joke is that ministers only work on Sunday mornings and then only for a few minutes. The truth is we work all the time, and our job is never finished. I drove to the office before the sun rose this morning and made a list of the calls I didn’t make yesterday or needed to make this afternoon. We live in a state of incompleteness. (Another article for another time.) Mowing the yard is a task that I can complete.

Right now, even when I have completed the task, my lawn leaves something to be desired. Many of the lawns in the Gibsland metroplex have the same problem. You see, in Gibsland we have the Jonquil Jubilee on the first weekend in March. As a participant in the Jubilee, I have planted Jonquils along the sidewalk and in random places in the yard. This year they popped up in several random places.

The thing about Jonquils is that you don’t cut them down until Mother’s Day weekend. They need sunlight to keep the bulb healthy and to help them bloom for the 2026 Jonquil Jubilee. The committee looks unfavorably upon Jonquils that don’t bloom!

If you drive to Gibsland you will see the remainder of the jonquils. The people in town know what these spindly plants are, but visitors to our fair city might think we don’t know how to operate a lawn mower. The good news is that the time to cut them down is getting close. The jonquils are not weeds, but they sure look like it to the untrained eye.

So, my lawn looks messy even though I am mowing it regularly. If you come by after Mother’s Day, you will really see a difference. Also, all the lawn people mowing professionally will be happy that finally the Jonquils can be cut. Until then, don’t judge us if we are helping the plants get ready for the big show in ’26.

I remind you of the words of Jesus, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” It applies to lawns and to human behavior.

April 30 is a day rich with diverse observances. National Raisin Day celebrates the dried grape, a staple in many cuisines and a significant agricultural product, particularly in California’s Central Valley. Raisins are not only a healthy snack but also a key ingredient in numerous recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes.

The day also marks National Bugs Bunny Day, commemorating the debut of the iconic cartoon character in 1938. Bugs Bunny, with his witty catchphrase “What’s up, Doc?” has become a cultural icon, entertaining generations through his clever antics and resilience.

Additionally, April 30 is observed as Honesty Day in the United States. Established in the 1990s, this day encourages honesty in communication, relationships, and politics. It serves as a counterbalance to April Fools’ Day, promoting truthfulness and integrity in daily interactions.

Jesse Hodges Stutts
Funeral services were held on April 28 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Many

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 Sabine Parish Police Jury is proud to recognize Landfill Superintendent Pete Chreene Jr. for his impressive third-place finish in the Louisiana CAT Global Operator Challenge 2025.

Chreene, known for his expertise in heavy equipment operation and leadership at the Sabine Parish Landfill, competed among the state’s most skilled machinery operators in a series of precision-based challenges designed to test speed, safety, and accuracy.

His strong performance earned him a top-three placement in the statewide competition, showcasing the high level of talent and professionalism present within Sabine Parish’s public works team.

The Sabine Parish Police Jury commends Chreene for his hard work, dedication, and outstanding representation of the parish on a statewide stage. His achievement reflects positively on the entire landfill crew and serves as a point of pride for the community.

BOM is a sponsor of the Ebarb High School baseball program. Pictured left to right: David Jordan and BOM’s Ashley Windham.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell and the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office sadly report Deputy Donald Bridges passed away early Sunday morning, April 20. Deputy Bridges bravely battled cancer during the last 3 1/2 years. He was 80 years old.

In December 2022, Sheriff Mitchell and Chief Deputy Brad Walker honored Deputy Bridges for 45 years of service to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office. During Deputy Bridges’ career, he worked in the Patrol Division and the Sabine Parish Detention Center as a Jailer and Transport Deputy.

Sheriff Mitchell and his staff extend thoughts and prayers to Deputy Donald Bridges’ family and friends. Funeral services are pending for later this week.

By Brad Dison

As a teenager, John “Duff” Lowe was a budding pianist. In February 1958, a friend of his from school knew of Duff’s playing ability and asked him to join his band. With little consideration, 15-year-old Duff agreed. Being in the band was tough on Duff. On Sunday afternoons, the band would rehearse for Saturday night gigs which were anything but frequent, and his bandmates lived on the other side of the city. Just to get to rehearsals, Duff, too young to drive himself, had to take two buses. Like the rehearsals, their sporadic bookings were usually across town as well. With his school schedule, Duff was unable to meet up with the band during the week.

On Saturday afternoon, July 12, 1958, five months after joining the band, Duff and his bandmates went to a shop owned by Percy Phillips. Percy sold a variety of consumer goods including electrical appliances, batteries, and bicycles from the front of the shop. In the back of his shop was a soundproof room where Percy had a small and simple recording studio. Bands paid a small fee to make a recording, and each song was recorded in a single take directly onto an acetate disc. On that hot July day, Duff and his bandmates went to Percy Phillips’s back-room studio and recorded two songs: “That’ll Be the Day,” a cover version of Buddy Holley’s 1956 hit song, and an original slow-paced doo-wop song called “In Spite of All the Danger.” Duff and his bandmates were proud of the record, but they could not afford to make duplicates. To solve the dilemma of who would keep the record, they decided that each band member would get to keep the record for a week, then he would pass it to another member. Duff was the last member in the rotation.

The band was, as the expression says, going nowhere fast. Duff tired of the long treks to and from rehearsals. He was also missing out on the camaraderie that the other band members were experiencing during the week. Two years after joining the band, Ricky Tomlinson, leader of another band called “Hobo Rick & the City Slickers,” heard about Duff’s abilities. With the lure of fame and fortune, and more importantly, less bus trips, Ricky convinced Duff to abandon his current band and to join his band. Have you ever heard of “Hobo Rick & the City Slickers?” They failed to become household names and only lasted a short time.

Duff became a successful stockbroker. In 1981, Duff was looking in his sock drawer when he found the old 10-inch acetate record that he and his original band had recorded at Percy Phillips’ studio 23 years earlier. We can only speculate as to Duff’s reaction to finding the recording which everyone thought was lost forever. Duff eventually sold the record to one of his former bandmates, Paul, and it is said to be the most valuable record in the world. That 10-inch acetate disc, recorded with Duff as a member of the Quarrymen, was the first recording of the band that became the Beatles.

Sources:

1. “John Duff Lowe – Piano,” The Original Quarrymen, accessed April 20, 2025, http://www.originalquarrymen.co.uk/html/duff.html.

2. “The Percy Phillips Studio Collection,” International Beatle Week, accessed April 20, 2025, https://www.internationalbeatleweek.com/special-events-percy-phillips/.

3. “The Quarrymen – That’ll Be The Day,” Youtube, accessed April 20, 2025, https://youtu.be/R4_LMMKq8Hw?si=_xdGsglSsFxWO_yf.

4. “In Spite of All the Danger – The Quarrymen,” Youtube.com, accessed April 20, 2025, https://youtu.be/RuuOAA9ekbg?si=qWnhgZc9v5EqIisZ.

5. The Daily Telegraph, August 18, 1981, p.8.

6. The Westmorland Gazette, September 7, 2017, p.M73.