Yesterday, Clerk of Court Eddie Holmes said the jury selections for the remainder of 2022 have been made by the Jury Commission.

Below is the list for GRAND JURY – JULY 6, 2022. This DOES NOT constitute service, which will be mailed to your registered address by the Sheriff’s office. Grand Jury does not get cancelled and the selection process only takes about 45 minutes.

The list provided for your convenience only:

ALLUMS, KISSY LACHA
AMOS, MAVIS S
ANDERSON, DOWAINGNOE D
ANDERSON, MARC MOORE
ANTLEY, JAMES A
BABERS, SHADRIKA MECHEL M
BALDREE, RANDALL T
BATES, JAMES K
BATES, SHELIA Q
BAZAR, ASHLEY MARIE
BEARD, RALPH S
BLACKMON, DAZIAH
BLANCHARD, GAVIN HUBERT H
BOBB, ROSE ELAINE GRA E
BOGAN, NANCY J
BOWEN-BAH, MAURIANNE IRMA I
BOWMAN, SANDRA
BRACKENS, LENA M
BRADLEY, TIA SHARANNE S
BRICE, MILTON LEE L
BROWN, COLIN STACEY S
BROWN, DIANNE
BUTLER, LUCIA ABEGG A
CARTER, SPECIAL SHYNE
CAUSEY, BETTY W
CLOUD, LORI LEE L
COBB, KELSEY S
COLE, JAMAL LAMONT L
COLEMAN, BILLY DAVID D
COLEMAN, BOBBIE ANN A
COLLIER, LORIANNE
COMBS, ANNIE DORIS
COMBS, ELOISE H
COWAN, JEAN C
CRANE, OLA M
CRAWLEY, JR., RODERICK E
CROCHET, WILMA L
DAVIS, REGINALD JERONE J
DRISKILL, TONY M
EASLEY, VINA R
EDWARDS, ERICA R
ELLIS, TRENT L
ESKEW, OWEN MIKE M
FINCHER, TEDDY ARTHUR A
FLOWERS, JANICE L
FRASIER, JESSICA L
FRAZIER, TIMMIE C
FREEMAN, DAVID A
GARRETT, CURTIS B
GIPSON, LERENZO SANTEZ S
GIPSON, MAE F
GIPSON, PATSY M M
GIPSON, QRONTI Q
GOLATT, JAMES A
GRAY, DOROTHY L
GRAY, ROBERT EARL
GREER, BRENDA DAVIDSON
GRIGG, CARROLL G
HADDOX, TERESA
HARP, JAMES DUSTIN D
HARPER, WILLIAM B
HARRIS, SAMUEL M M
HAYS, KATHY GAIL G
HENNIGAN, GLENN WAYMAN W
HERMINGHUYSEN, MATTHEW J
HICKS, KENNETH D
HOLMAN, TRENTON TERRELL T
HOLMES, DIANN J J
HOLOMON, ANN MARGARET WA W
HOLT, BRIANNA M
HUMPHREY, PAUL DOUGLAS D
HURT, DWIGHT EDWARD E
ISREAL, NICOLE
JACKSON, CAMERON M
JACKSON, SHANCHA M
JAMES, MICHAEL D
JOHNSON, GLORIA
JOHNSON, JOSHUA LEE
JOHNSON, RICKIE E
JORDAN, KRISTY N
KELLY, DOMINIQUA K
KENNON, TANIA ZENDREA Z
KEY, CORDARIUS M
KIMBLE, BENTON
KNOTTS, DANIEL WADE W
LARD, SAMANTHA Z
LASITTER, ROBIN MATTHEW M
LAY, HAROLD WILLIAM W
LEE, TERRENCE ALAN A
LEGAN, JOHN
LEONARD, KADANA Y
LEWIS, EDWARD J
LEWIS, LAWANDA M
LILLY, JOYCE S
LINDER, BILLIE WEEMS J J
LITTON, DANNY E E
LLORENSE, PEGGY C
LOUD, MARILYN O O
MADDEN, GLORIA J
MALONE, JERMINI ANNETTE A
MALONE, KENNETH R R
MANUEL, BRADY W
MARTIN, BOBBY JAY J
MARZETT, CAROLYN A
MATCHUM, BRANDON NEAL N
MATHIS, ETHAN NICHOLAS
MAUTHE, RAVEN J
MCCARTY, MARY RACKLEY R
MCELROY, ROBERT N N
MCKINNEY, SHANNON MARIE M
MERRITT, DONNA S
MINCEY, LINDA
MITCHELL, RICHARD ALLEN
MOORE, BETTY J
MOORE, CARLETTE B B
MOORE, KEDERIK M
MOORE, KIMMIE LEE G
MOREAU, GRACIELA D D
MORGAN, BILLE KATHLEEN
MORGAN, DAVIN LANE L
MORGAN, JIMMY RAY R
MORGAN, JOHN R R
MORRIS, ETHEL C
MURPHY, ALLIYAH N
MURPHY, CAMERON D
MYERS, CURTIS EDWARD E
MYERS, RICHARD F
NELSON, ANTOINE DECARLO D
ODOM, TAYLOR A
OWENS, TRAVIS JASON
PAGE, RODNEY ERIC E
PAYNE, RONNIE LEE L
PEARSON, YUKIE T
PEROT, CHADWICK A
PICKETT, ZACHARY R
PLUNKETT, ANDREW N
PLUNKETT, RITA ROBINSON R
PONDER, VICKI LYNN L
PRUITT, JANICE K K
PRUITT, KELVON T
RASBURY, EDWIN MAXWELL M
RASBURY, GEORGE E
RASBURY, KACI LASHELL L
REED, KAYLA DEANN D
REEME, MELISSA M
REMO, KYLE
RIMSKY, MICHAEL J
RIVERS, ALTINO S
ROBERSON, CURTIS LEE L
ROBERSON, JOHNATHAN R
ROBINSON, CORNELIA V V
ROGERS, ANDREA N
ROWE, SUSIE B
RUFFIN, CHADRICK SANTEL S
RYDER, JOSHUA M
SAVAGE, TYANDRE
SCHLOER, NATHAN T
SCOTT, LLOYD L
SCRUGGS, MICHAEL D
SHEPPARD, ELLA W W
SIMPSON, TOMMY H
SMELLEY, RALPH C
SMITH, EDDIE ERNEST E
SMITH, TERRANCE A
SMITH, WANDA M
SNEED, LEE EDWARD E
SNEED, UNDRIA L WILLIA W
STARKS, YOLANDA L L
SUTTON, SUZANNE H H
THOMAS, CECELIA ANN A
TOBIN, CYNTHIA H H
TOMS, JENNIFER LYN L
TOOKES, BERELL K
UNDERWOOD, DONNIE M
UPSHAW, ALINE H
VINING, PAMELA OWENS
VOSS, JOSEPH TAYLOR T
WALKER, CLAUDE H H
WATSON, JAMES MICHAEL M
WEATHERS, JESSIE D
WEATHERS, TYRONE
WEBB, ROBIN MCLEMORE M
WEEMS, GINGER BOYET B
WHITE, GRAILON PAUL P
WHITE, KATHERINE ANN W
WIGGINS, GARY C
WILLIAMS, CHRISTOPHER EVE E
WILLIAMS, DONALD HIRAM H
WILLIAMS, LETONYA A
WILLIAMS, RAYMOND E E
WILLIS, CATRINA M
WILLIS, DELICIA
WILSON, DERWIN DEWAYNE D
WOODARD, BETTYE JEAN J
WOODARD, BRENDA J
YOUNG, CHLOE J
YOUNG, ROSIE M
ZAPATA, BRITTANY

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Gov. Edwards reminds Louisianans that, for the first time, all state offices in Louisiana will be closed this Friday, June 17, in observance of Juneteenth, which became a legal holiday in Louisiana last year.

“Juneteenth honors the day when enslaved Americans learned of their freedom, which is an important moment in American history and an appropriate one to honor with a state holiday,” Gov. Edwards said. “There is much work left to be done to ensure that all of our people are treated equally and fairly by the law, by our institutions and by each other, but it is my hope that Louisianans will take time on this day to reflect about the importance of freedom and equality and learn about the struggles of enslaved people in our country.”

Juneteenth is a day celebrating June 19, 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas bringing the news that the Civil War had ended and the Emancipation Proclamation declared all those enslaved that they had been freed nearly two and a half years earlier.

Act 128, which was signed by the Governor in 2021 and was sponsored by Rep. Larry Selders and co-authored by the entire Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, designates the third Saturday in June as Juneteenth Day throughout the State of Louisiana, in honor of the day African Americans celebrate Emancipation Day. Beginning in 2022, all state offices will be closed the Friday before that Saturday.

Click here to read the Governor’s proclamation.

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On Friday, June 10, Haz-e Fugazi held a ribbon cutting ceremony at their grand opening.  The drive-through daiquiri barn is located at 1088 Hazel Street in Arcadia.

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1215 – King John of England put his seal to Magna Carta.

1502 – Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Martinique on his fourth voyage.

1520 – Pope Leo X threatened to excommunicate Martin Luther in Exsurge Domine.

1607 – Colonists finished building James’s Fort, to defend against Spanish and Indian attacks.

1648 – Margaret Jones was hanged in Boston for witchcraft in the first such execution for the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

1667 – The first human blood transfusion was administered by Dr. Jean-Baptiste Denys.

1752 – Benjamin Franklin proved that lightning is electricity (traditional date, the exact date is unknown).

1776 – Delaware Separation Day: Delaware voted to suspend government under the British Crown and separate officially from Pennsylvania.

1800 – The Provisional Army of the United States was dissolved.

1804 – New Hampshire approved the Twelfth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the procedure for electing the president and vice president, and ratified the document.

1836 – Arkansas was admitted as the 25th U.S. state.

1844 – Charles Goodyear received a patent for vulcanization, a process to strengthen rubber.

1846 – The Oregon Treaty extended the border between the United States and British North America, established by the Treaty of 1818, westward to the Pacific Ocean.

1859 – Ambiguity in the Oregon Treaty led to the “Northwestern Boundary Dispute” between American and British/Canadian settlers.

1864 – American Civil War: The Second Battle of Petersburg began.

1864 – Arlington National Cemetery was established when 200 acres of the Arlington estate (formerly owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee) were officially set aside as a military cemetery by U.S. Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton.

1877 – Henry Ossian Flipper became the first African American cadet to graduate from the United States Military Academy.

1878 – Eadweard Muybridge took a series of photographs to prove that all four feet of a horse leave the ground when it runs; the study became the basis of motion pictures.

1904 – A fire aboard the steamboat SS General Slocum in New York City’s East River killed 1,000 people.

1916 – United States President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill incorporating the Boy Scouts of America, which made them the only American youth organization with a federal charter.

1919 – John Alcock and Arthur Brown completed the first nonstop transatlantic flight when they reached Clifden, County Galway, Ireland.

1921 – Bessie Coleman earned her pilot’s license, and became the first female pilot of African-American descent.

1924 – Ford Motor Company manufactured its 10 millionth automobile.

1924 – J. Edgar Hoover assumed leadership of the FBI.

1934 – The United States Great Smoky Mountains National Park was founded.

1940 – World War II: Operation Aerial began: Allied troops started to evacuate France, following Germany’s takeover of Paris and most of the nation.

1944 – World War II: The United States invaded Saipan, capital of Japan’s South Seas Mandate.

1960 – “The Apartment,” directed by Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, premiered in New York (Academy Awards Best Picture 1961).

1965 – Bob Dylan recorded his single “Like a Rolling Stone” (#1 in Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”).

1967 – “The Dirty Dozen”, based on E. M. Nathanson’s novel, directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, and Charles Bronson, was released in the US.

1968 – “Yummy, Yummy, Yummy” by Ohio Express hit #4.

1969 – “Hee Haw,” with Roy Clark and Buck Owens, premiered on CBS.

1970 – Charles Manson went on trial for the Sharon Tate murders.

1973 – “Let’s Get It On” was released by Marvin Gaye (Billboard R&B Song of the Year, 1973; No. 4 overall).

1974 – Novelty song “The Streak” by Ray Stevens hit #1 on UK pop chart.

1974 – “All the President’s Men” by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, which detailed their Watergate investigation, was published by Simon and Schuster in the US.

1974 – “Back Home Again”, the 8th studio album by John Denver, was released (Billboard Album of the Year, 1975).

1983 – “Black Adder” TV comedy premiered, starring Rowan Atkinson and Tony Robinson and written by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, on BBC1.

1985 – Rembrandt’s painting Danaë was attacked by a man (later judged insane) who threw sulfuric acid on the canvas and cut it twice with a knife.

1990 – “Dick Tracy”, with Warren Beatty and Madonna, premiered.

1991 – In the Philippines, Mount Pinatubo erupted in the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century which killed over 800 people.

1992 – The United States Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Álvarez-Machaín that it is permissible for the United States to forcibly extradite suspects in foreign countries and bring them to the United States for trial, without approval from those other countries.

2012 – Nik Wallenda became the first person to successfully tightrope walk directly over Niagara Falls.

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This month, five planets—and eventually the Moon—will align and form an arc across the early pre-dawn sky. Earlier this month, on the weekend of June 3, 2022, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn fell into alignment. On the morning of Thursday, June 23, the Moon will enter into the alignment.  This alignment will be viewable with the naked eye but binoculars and telescopes may help.

The last time the five planets aligned sequentially was in 2004. The aligned planets will be visible just before dawn in a long arc across the horizon. One planet, Mercury, will continue to become brighter as the month progresses. In the early hours of June 23, the crescent moon will join the lineup between Venus and Mars.  

For best viewing, find a clear view across the eastern horizon.  Begin looking about 30 minutes before sunrise.  Binoculars and telescopes are not necessary but they may enhance your view of the planets.  

In addition to the aligning planets, there are several other objects to view this month including the M13 Globular Star Cluster and the constellation Lyra.  Take a look at the following NASA video for more information on how to spot the aligned planets, M13, and Lyra.

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Yesterday, Louisiana Christian University announced the students from northwest Louisiana  who earned
placement on the Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester.

The Dean’s List includes students who have earned a minimum of 12 hours in the designated semester with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 and no grade below a “C.”

Among the eight students who made the Dean’s List was Arcadia’s Michaela Correy Faye Waits.

“These students are demonstrating the mission and vision of Louisiana Christian University
as they love God with their minds as well as their hearts,” said LCU President Dr. Rick
Brewer. “As both a Great Commandment and Great Commission university LCU’s graduates
are equipped to face an ever-changing world as Christian learners, leaders, and servants.”

Congratulations, Ms. Waits!!!

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Apparently, the government has issued a command or passed a law or sent out a decree that all the world, at least every living person in America, must see the new Tom Cruise movie, Top Gun: Maverick, each in his own city, and not just once but at least two or three times, or else they’ll cut off your … cable?

So, I went to see it.

Wasn’t 100 percent sold on the idea, but if you want to have a decent conversation with anyone these days, you have to have seen Top Gun: Maverick, hereafter referred to as a space-saving Top Gun, the original movie title in 1986.

The current movie is the sequel. In the original, Cruise and his friends were hot-shot fighter pilots in the United States Navy, the best of the best. The cast did an excellent job of portraying what is required from the real pilots defending us as we speak, and let’s take a moment and be grateful they’re on our side.

A couple of things: I haven’t been “to the show” in three years and not to a show on Saturday afternoon, something normal functioning people often do, since—taking a legit guess here—Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968-ish. That show was so bad it kept me out of Saturday afternoon movie houses for decades, even when a good John Wayne or Clint Eastwood was playing.

Became a nighttime guy.

But I went back Saturday, although it was iffy. Online tickets were sold out except for a seat here or there, and this at theaters that were playing Top Gun on several screens.

Somehow, we ended up as fortunate as some of the pilots portrayed in the movie. We got golden tickets. And suddenly there we were, with Tom Cruise onscreen as himself welcoming us to the picture show in what I thought was a nice touch.

Then it started.

If you didn’t see the original, you’ll still “get the picture.” Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, years and years after his graduation from the TOPGUN Naval aviation program — Cruise’s character is basically 718 in pilot years by now — gets called back to instruct elite fliers. One of those youngsters is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late wingman and best friend, Goose.

You’ve noticed these need-for-speed pilots have nicknames. Maverick. Rooster. Goose. The new movie is not lacking in this area: there’s Carburetor and Skeeter, Mud Flaps and Truck Nuts. Eat My Rubber. My favorite is Bob. “Bob.” True story. Apparently, any name’s game as long as it can be stenciled onto the front of a flight helmet.

Another holdover from the original: a bad mustache. Goose, who tragically did not make it through the original, had that special kind of very 1980’s porn star mustache. In any strip club in any country, you still see this kind of mustache worn by most all patrons. And by some of the dancers. Not a good look.

So, in the sequel, to make us know for certain that this was Goose’s offspring, they made the son have that same mustache. I’d have bought in without that hammer over the head, but perhaps it made for a key plot element, subliminal and all: Could Rooster overcome a haunting legacy AND the lame mustache?

Glad I bought a ticket to find out (even though the government made me go). It was worth it. Three different times, I thought the film was over, but Things Kept Happening. It was like three movies in one.

And thank goodness they made this thing a couple of years ago before gas prices soared higher and faster than a F/A-18 Super Hornet. If they’d made it today, a ticket would cost $147.

We rate it VG for Very Good. No sex. No cussing that I recall. And just the right amount of sentiment in paying homage to the original. I almost cried one time — but maybe that was because I really needed to go to the bathroom.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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June 5

• Robert Culver – Bryceland
  • Criminal Trespass – Immovable Structure – Misdemeanor
  • Fugitive
• Mercedez Hendon – Minden
  • Operating Vehicle with Suspended License; No License Issued
• Jimmy Lester – Heflin
  • Possession of Methamphetamine Less Than 28 Grams – Felony
  • Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia – Misdemeanor
  • Operating Vehicle with Suspended License; Other Offenses
  • Fugitive
• Kennulis Abney – Arcadia
  • Fugitive

June 6

• Kino Santee – Hattiesburg, MS
  • Driver Must Be Licensed

June 8

• Hugo Ibarra – Porter, TX
  • • Tail Lamps Required
    • Driver Must Be Licensed
• Bobby Monroe – Ringgold
  • Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia – Misdemeanor
  • Failure to Appear Warrant – Misdemeanor – 2 Counts
  • Failure to Appear Warrant – Misdemeanor
  • Failure to Appear Warrant – Misdemeanor

June 9

• Tiffany Anderson – West, LA
  • Operating Vehicle with Suspended License; No License Issued

June 10

• Trey Moore – Arcadia
  • Distribution/Manufacture of Schedule 1
  • Distribution/Manufacture of Schedule 1
  • Distribution of Methamphetamine – Felony
  • Distribution/Manufacture of Schedule 1
  • Prohibited Acts – Schedule II
  • Prohibited Acts – Schedule II
• Jamaric Wilson – Princeton, LA
  • Cyberstalking – Felony
• Joshua Boykin – Heflin
  • Disturbing the Peace – Offensive, Derisive, Annoying Words to Another – Misdemeanor
  • Simple Criminal Damage to Property – Misdemeanor

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The Bienville Parish Library 2022 Summer Reading Program continues after a brief pause to observe Juneteenth! Then the “Oceans of Possibilities” steams full ahead with a special performance from New Orleans based author, illustrator, visual arts educator, and puppeteer, Karen Konnerth.

Karen Konnerth and the Calliope Puppets arrive mid-week to kick off the third live performance of the Bienville Parish Library’s 2022 Summer Reading Program, “Oceans of Possibilities”. On Wednesday afternoon, the troupe arrives at the Gibsland Branch!

Wednesday, June 22
Gibsland at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday morning the Calliope Puppets travel down river to arrive at Arcadia Main Library and in the afternoon, they head over to the Ringgold Branch to perform.

Thursday, June 23

Arcadia at 10:00 a.m.
Ringgold at 2:00 p.m.

On Friday, Castor welcomes the marionette troupe in the morning and then Ms. Konnerth, Calliope Kate, and the entire cast arrive at the Saline Branch later that afternoon.

Friday, June 24
Castor at 10:00 a.m.
Saline at 2:00 p.m.

FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA!
Ms. Konnerth and her puppets bring to the stage a rollicking, new, tall tale as Calliope Kate tames the Mississippi River, rides a giant catfish, and finds her voice in the raucous steamboat calliope!

The performance is adapted from the new picture book, written and illustrated by Konnerth entitled, Calliope Kate and the Voice of the River. The book tells the story of Kate’s family flatboat adventures downriver to New Orleans. Kate’s Ma fails to tame her to lady-like piano playing, with Kate instead using the ear splitting din of a steamboat calliope to save the city from a hurricane. Illustrations feature hand carved Czech marionettes created by the author.

ABOUT KAREN KONNERTH
Based in New Orleans, Louisiana, Konnerth’s background as a regional and world traveling professional puppeteer became the foundation for her visual storytelling through writing and illustration for children as well as her specialization in arts integrated teaching. She has shared her classroom experience developing and implementing arts integrated projects with educators at the National Art Education Association, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and for the U.S. Embassy English Language Specialist Program in Central America, Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa.

AN ANCIENT ART FORM

Did you know historians can predate some form of puppetry as early as 2000 BC! Puppets or stringed puppets called “Marionettes” were found in Egyptian tombs and were made of clay and ivory. Some puppets were used to display rituals and ceremonies and later stringed and articulated puppets were used as a form of entertainment for the townspeople or villagers. Live performers, scenery, props, musicians and actors were far too expensive to bring to villages and remote towns, so brightly painted wagons with a miniature theatre was set up, bringing operas, morality plays, comedy acts and even religious reenactments during holidays and special religious feasts with Marionettes or hand puppets as the actors and actresses and even animal Marionettes had acting parts!

DON’T FORGET TO SNAG YOUR BRAG TAGS!

Preventing the “summer slide” continues to be the main objective of summer reading programs. This reading incentive gives your reader extra motivation to read and collect all ten tags. It will impress teachers with how many books/pages they read during their summer vacation!

The 2022 Summer Reading Program is designed to help:

• Children be motivated to read.
• Children develop positive attitudes about reading, books, and the library.
• Children maintain their reading skills during summer vacation.
• Children have access to experiences that further their sense of discovery.
• Children have access to experiences through which they can learn to work cooperatively.
• Most of all – HAVE FUN!

See You at the Library!

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By Brad Dison

In the Fall of 1861, Robert Smalls became the pilot of the CSS Planter, “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.” Robert, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, had been piloting vessels in Charleston harbor for several years and knew it well.

The Planter was “a high-pressure, side-wheel steamer, 140 feet in length, and about 50 feet beam, and [drew] about five feet of water.” Before the war, the Charleston-built vessel was used to transport up to 1400 bales of cotton per trip. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Confederate Navy converted the vessel into a gunboat armed with a 32-pound rifle on its forward deck and a 24-pound howitzer on its aft deck.

The boat’s captain, Charles Relyea, along with his first and second mates, had a habit of sleeping in comfortable beds in homes near the wharf. Pilot Robert Smalls, engineers John Smalls and Alfred Gradine, and crew members Abraham Jackson, Gabriel Turno, William Morrison, Samuel Chisholm, Abraham Allston, and David Jones had to sleep in the cramped quarters aboard the boat.

One night in the spring of 1862, after the captain and first and second mates had gone ashore for the night, one of the crew aboard the Planter, unhappy about their situation, joked that they should defect to the north by running the vessel to the sea. Some of the crew members readily agreed. Robert, the senior most crew member, immediately warned the crew not to discuss the defection while onboard the vessel. Robert suggested that if they wanted to discuss the defection “in sober earnestness,” that they meet at his home in Charleston.

During their clandestine meeting, the entire crew, including Robert, decided that they would defect. Knowing that Robert was born and raised in Charleston, and that he had piloted vessels in the Charleston harbor for several years, the crew left the plan entirely up to Robert. They agreed to follow Robert’s orders without question, to be ready at a moment’s notice, and swore to absolute secrecy. All of the men knew that if they were caught trying to defect, or even discussing defection in the prized boat, they would surely be hung.

Robert and the other crewmen waited for the right opportunity to defect. Robert hid provisions for the crew members in the hold of the boat. On the night of May 12, 1862, Captain Relyea and his first and second mates went on shore to spend the night. The Planter was scheduled to leave for Fort Ripley on the following morning with supplies for the fort which included a 7-inch rifled gun, an 8-inch columbiad cannon, an 8-inch howitzer cannon, a long 82-pounder cannon, and about 200 rounds of ammunition. This, Robert decided, was the perfect opportunity.

Robert quickly put his secret plan into motion. He sent for his wife and three children, and John Smalls sent for his wife, child, and sister. The rest of the crew members had no family in Charleston. The men secreted the women and children onto the boat and aroused no suspicion. Leaving them in Charleston was not an option because the captain would have arrested them until the crew members returned to face charges. At about 3:00 a.m., the crew lit the fires under the boilers and waited for the pressure to build. Their hearts beat fast as the minutes felt like hours. Finally, steam had built up enough for them to depart and the vessel paddled away from the harbor.

The crew hoped to pass the batteries of Fort Sumter in the cover of darkness, but the tide was against the Planter and the vessel moved slowly through the water. It was fully daylight when the boat neared Fort Sumter. Robert wore clothing which, at a distance, resembled the hat and uniform of the Planter’s captain. As the boat approached the fort, Robert could see the sentinel. He reached for the whistle cord. If the sentinel suspected anything, Robert’s horn blasts would be answered by cannon fire. Otherwise, the sentinel would motion for the boat to continue. Robert gave the usual signal—two long pulls and a jerk at the whistle cord. He watched the sentinel’s every move. To Robert’s relief, the sentinel motioned for the boat to continue.

Robert steered the Planter away from the Confederacy and toward the American ships he knew would be waiting. As the vessel came within sight of the US Navy’s blockading squadron, the crew hoisted the white flag of surrender. US sailors boarded the Planter, learned of their plan to defect, and allowed them to pass through the blockade. The boat then proceeded to Port Royal, via St. Helena Sound and Broad River, and reached the Wabash, the flagship of the US Navy, at 10:00 p.m. The defection was mutually beneficial for the US Navy and the Planters’ crew and its passengers. The US Navy got what they wanted— “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.” The Planters’ crew and its passengers got what they so desired—their freedom. Robert and the rest of the defectors were slaves.

Source: Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), May 20, 1862, p.2.

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• Martha Louise Wood Thomas
  July 18, 1935 – June 10, 2022
  Funeral services for Martha Louise Wood Thomas, 86, of Castor, LA were held Monday, June 13, 2022 at New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Castor.
• Ricky Wade Cleveland
  April 22, 1953 – June 9, 2022
  Visitation will be held Thursday, June 16, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church of Arcadia at 10:00 a.m. and Services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Reception directly following at the Church event center.

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Between April 26 and May 10, 2022, two jet skis were removed from a storage area located off Highway 71/84 in south Red River Parish. One was a 1998 red Kawasaki and the other was a 2012 blue Yamaha along with a white double trailer that carried both jet skis.

Entrance was gained by cutting the chain to a locked gate. The matter is being investigated by the Red River Parish Sheriffs office.

A reward is being offered to the anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the theft.

REWARD OFFER: $1,000.00
CONTACT: The office of Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards
PHONE: 318-932-6701
* All Callers will remain anonymous.

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On Wednesday, June 8, 2022, during their regular monthly meeting, the Police Jury held a public hearing to discuss reapportioning the voting districts.  Following explanations from Dr. Gary Joiner, owner of Precision Cartographics, the Police Jury adopted the reapportioning ordinance.

Reapportioning happens every 10 years as the Census Bureau recounts the population.  Reapportioning/redistricting is the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, if necessary, based on changes in population.

Dr. Joiner said, “I think the most interesting thing I found, the most surprising thing I found was that within Arcadia, District 2 just contracted.  Your population is very, very close.  It’s a good thing.  One thing, it removes the rural area out of it.”  The population of District 2 was 30 % higher than it was 10 years ago.  Dr. Joiner said new construction and people moving into town from rural areas resulted in the population shift.  District 2 is the small yellow portion in the top right of the attached parish map. 

Another notable change is with Districts 6 and 7 in the area of Mill Creek Reservoir near Saline.  Prior to the reapportionment ordinance, the whole of Mill Creek Reservoir was in District 6.  Following the reapportionment, it is now split between Districts 6 and 7.  (District 6 is represented in purple on the map below, and District 7 is represented in grey)  

Dr. Joiner explained that while there was some population shift within the parish, on the whole the population is stable in comparison to other parishes.  Dr. Joiner said, “Stable is good.  There are other parishes that are just downright hurting.”  

As a comparison, take a look at the previous district map below.

Take a look at the video and minutes for the complete meeting.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries licensing section will be closed to walk-in service from June 20-24 at its Quail Drive headquarters in Baton Rouge while the agency eliminates a backlog of mailed-in and e-mailed applications.

The lobby area will reopen on Monday, June 27 to accept in-person license applications. Licenses may still be purchased online during this period at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/

During the office closure, phone calls will be directed to an operator who can respond to specific hunting, fishing, or enforcement questions. Commercial fishermen, including charter captains, who were planning on receiving their license, can fill out their application and keep it on their person. That application will serve as a temporary privilege until Monday, June 27.

When the office reopens on that Monday, and on every Monday afterward, LDWF will have representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Revenue on-site so that customers can register their vessels, boat trailers or pay any taxes that may be due.

LDWF appreciates the public’s understanding during the temporary closure while dealing with the backlog. LDWF believes the effort will assist in making the licensing process quicker and better for our customers.

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1692 – Salem witch trials: Bridget Bishop was hanged at Gallows Hill near Salem, Massachusetts, for “certaine Detestable Arts called Witchcraft and Sorceries.”

1829 – The first Boat Race between the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge took place on the Thames in London.

1854 – The United States Naval Academy graduated its first class of students.

1861 – American Civil War: Battle of Big Bethel: Confederate troops under John B. Magruder defeated a much larger Union force led by General Ebenezer W. Pierce in Virginia.

1864 – American Civil War: Battle of Brice’s Crossroads: Confederate troops under Nathan Bedford Forrest defeated a much larger Union force led by General Samuel D. Sturgis in Mississippi.

1871 – Sinmiyangyo: Captain McLane Tilton led 109 US Marines in a naval attack on Han River forts on Kanghwa Island, Korea.

1898 – Spanish–American War: In the Battle of Guantánamo Bay, U.S. Marines began the American invasion of Spanish-held Cuba.

1933 – John Dillinger robbed his first bank, in New Carlisle, Ohio. He took $10,600.00.

1933 – Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker flipped their car into a ravine. Parker suffered serious third degree burns from the accident which affected her for the rest of her life.

1935 – Dr. Robert Smith took his last drink, and Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in Akron, Ohio, United States, by him and Bill Wilson.

1940 – World War II: U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt denounced Italy’s actions in his “Stab in the Back” speech at the graduation ceremonies of the University of Virginia.

1940 – World War II: Military resistance to the German occupation of Norway ended.

1942 – World War II: The Lidice massacre was perpetrated as a reprisal for the assassination of Obergruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich.

1943 – Heinrich Himmler ordered the final liquidation of Lodz ghetto in occupied Poland.

1944 – World War II: Six hundred forty-two men, women, and children were massacred at Oradour-sur-Glane, France.

1944 – World War II: In Distomo, Boeotia, Greece, 218 men, women, and children were massacred by German troops.

1944 – In baseball, 15-year-old Joe Nuxhall of the Cincinnati Reds became the youngest player ever in a major-league game.

1947 – Saab produced its first automobile.

1963 – The Equal Pay Act of 1963, aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex, was signed into law by John F. Kennedy as part of his New Frontier Program.

1964 – United States Senate broke a 75-day filibuster against the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which led to the bill’s passage.

1964 – Rolling Stones recorded their “12×5” album at Chess Studios in Chicago, Illinois.

1966 – The Beatles released their single “Paperback Writer” / “Rain” in UK; “Rain” featured experimental studio tricks of slowed down bass and drums tracks, and backwards vocals in the fade out.

1966 – Janis Joplin performed her first live concert (Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco).

1966 – Mamas & Papas won a gold record for “Monday, Monday.”

1972 – Elvis Presley recorded a live album at NYC’s Madison Square Garden.

1972 – Donny Osmond released the single entitled “Too Young.”

1972 – Sammy Davis Jr.’s cover of “The Candy Man” by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse (from the film “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”) went to #1 on the charts – his biggest single.

1977 – James Earl Ray escaped from Brushy Mountain State Prison in Petros, Tennessee. He was recaptured three days later.

1977 – Apple Computer shipped its first Apple II computer.

1985 – Coca-Cola announced they were bringing back their 99-year-old formula.  They called it Coca-Cola Classic.

1989 – “Tales From The Crypt” TV Anthology debuted on HBO.

1990 – British Airways Flight 5390 landed safely at Southampton Airport after a blowout in the cockpit caused the captain to be partially sucked from the cockpit. There were no fatalities.

1991 – Eleven-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard was kidnapped in South Lake Tahoe, California; she remained a captive until 2009.

1991 – David Lynch’s “Twin Peaks” final episode aired on ABC.

1996 – Variety talk show “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” hosted by Rosie O’Donnell, premiered.

2002 – The first direct electronic communication experiment between the nervous systems of two humans was carried out by Kevin Warwick in the United Kingdom.

2003 – The Spirit rover was launched, which began NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover mission.

2007 – “The Sopranos” series finale on HBO (infamous “cut to black” ending).

2009 – James Wenneker von Brunn, who was 88-years-old, opened fire inside the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and fatally shot Museum Special Police Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns. Other security guards returned fire, wounding von Brunn, who was apprehended.

2018 – A planetary dust storm caused NASA’s Opportunity Rover to cease communication from Mars.

2019 – An Agusta A109E Power helicopter crashed onto the AXA Equitable Center on Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, New York City, which sparked a fire on the top of the building. The pilot of the helicopter was killed.

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Haz-E Fugazi Daiquiri Barn will hold their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony today at 1 pm at 1088 Hazel Street in Arcadia.  They will certainly have something cold to drink to get you through these hot days.

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The State Bond Commission will meet at the State Capitol Building on June 16, 2022.  Among the items on the agenda is a 10.91 mills tax renewal for 10 years beginning in 2024 for the Bienville Parish Law Enforcement District (item no. 8).  See below for complete agenda. 

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As part of Bienville Parish Library’s Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading program, the Bienville Parish Library welcomes Mr. Ricky Davis – Traveling musician & storytelling teacher! He will have delightful stories, and fun songs to sing! Mr. Davis is well known in the community so bring the entire family with you!

 See Mr. Davis at the following branches today:

• Castor – 10:00 am
• Saline – 2 pm

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) invites you to take part in its annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12. Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend is an opportunity for residents and visitors to fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license.

“Each year, we designate a weekend of free fishing as an incentive for families and friends to enjoy our beautiful Sportsman’s Paradise,” explained LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet. “Bring a neighbor, a friend, or a family member and let them experience the great fishing Louisiana has to offer.”

While a fishing license is not required, all fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits and gear restrictions will remain in effect during Free Fishing Weekend.

For an added bonus, LDWF has stocked adult sized catfish at 17 ponds across the state as part of the Get Out and Fish! program. No boat? No problem! Go to our website to find locations of ponds, date of stocking, and tips on how to catch and cook your catfish.

LDWF reminds the public that anytime outside of Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 18 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license when fishing in any Louisiana public waters. Anyone who decides to continue fishing for the remainder of the year is invited to purchase a state fishing license by clicking here.

By purchasing a fishing license, you also help provide funding for public fishing and boating access, fishing programs and education, and fisheries management through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund.

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Print this page to work the puzzle.  If you are unable to print this page you can download it by clicking “Download” below.

Instructions:
ZCIRPZCI is EINSTEIN
In Cryptoquotes, one letter stands for another. In the example above, Z is used for two E’s, I for the two N’s, etc. Single letters, double letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of the words are all hints. The code letters change with each puzzle.

TODAY’S CRYPTOQUOTE:

“JNYJGT RDJI SP KSPH EFJE GAMI AYP IDTANMESAP EA TMWWDTT ST KAID SKLAIEJPE EFJP JPG AEFDI APD EFSPU.” ~ JRIJFJK NSPWANP

Previous Cryptoquote solution: “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” ~ John D. Rockefeller

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By Steve Graf

Time is a funny thing…it’s always changing, and it never seems to stop. But like everything, there is a past, present and eventually a future. The sport of bass fishing goes way back, and today we’ll take a hard look into the past and see just how the sport has evolved into what it is today. They say if you want to see what the future may hold, you must first look into its past.

Bass fishing goes as far back as 1791 when Naturalist William Bartram wrote an account of Indians in the American South catching largemouth bass with a “bob” and long pole in 1760. This is apparently the earliest reference, not only to American bass fishing, but also to fishing with hair bugs. Then in 1897 William Shakespeare, Jr. patented a level wind device for baitcasting reels, making their use easier and more popular. This revolutionized the fishing world on all levels for both fresh and saltwater anglers.

It was in 1948 that things really changed for bass fishing with the creation of the first bass boat designed and built by Skeeter Boats, still one of the leading boat manufacturers today. Because of this innovation, now anglers not only had good quality gear, but they had a better means to get around on larger lakes and rivers, opening up America’s waterways. The following year in 1949, fiberglass fishing rods were invented, replacing bamboo rods. Also in 1949, Nick and Cosma Crème of Akron, Ohio, melted plastic on their kitchen stove, poured it into molds, and created the first modern soft-plastic worm….the Creme Wiggle Worm.

Now onto the 1950’s with the first ever organized bass tournament put on by outdoor writer Earl Golding on Lake Whitney, Texas, in 1955. A total of 73 anglers participated in this first ever one-of-a-kind event. Then in 1957, the beginning of the sonar revolution began with Carl Lowrance introducing the first portable sonar capable of detecting both the bottom and individual fish. It was in 1959, when more than 20,000 fingerling bass were stocked in California’s upper Otay Lake, that the United States had its first fish management program. This is also where the first creel limits were set, along with season dates and the establishment of a bass lunker program. Twenty-one of the top twenty-five bass on record were caught from California waters.

I hope you’ve enjoyed a look back into bass fishing history to see how it all began. Next week, we will continue our journey by looking at the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, which had a huge impact on where the sport is today. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf – Owner/Co-host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show
& Tackle Talk Live

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Band Of Montgomery’s Jessica & daughter Morgan Ammons, Lisa Hay, and Ann Caskey attended the Ringgold High School Athletic Banquet. BOM received a certificate of appreciation for supporting the athletic program.

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The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office needs your help in locating two missing men.  

For the past several months, the Sheriff’s Office has been investigating the disappearance of Anthony “Tyrone” Lard and John “MeMe” Combs, Jr. from the Saline area on or about November 26, 2021.

Sheriff John Ballance said family members first thought the men, who he describes as “running buddies,” decided to leave the area, but now they are concerned.  “We don’t have bodies. We don’t have a crime scene,” Sheriff Ballance said.  “We had people in the Saline area saying they saw both of them get in a pickup truck with Mississippi plates. We know where that pickup is. We know where the individual is that drives the truck because he’s in our jail. And we’ve spoken to him and he’s probably gonna be one of them that’s going to be polygraphed if he’ll do it,”

Lard is described as a 55 year old black male, 6′ 1″, 180 lbs. with a tattoo of a spider on his upper left arm and is from the Saline area.

Combs is described as a 48 year old black male, 5′ 11″, 220 lbs. with a tattoo on his right arm in the shape of the state of Louisiana.  Although Combs is from the Chatham area, he frequented the Saline area often.

Investigators have interviewed family and associates of both men but have no solid leads as to the men’s whereabouts. Investigators have been told that both men were in need of money and were wanting to “get out of town” which leads investigators to believe both men possibly owed money to one or more individuals. Lard was due an injury lawsuit settlement and was daily contacting his attorney about the insurance award but has not had contact with the attorney since late November, 2021. Combs who took medications for undisclosed ailments/illnesses has not obtained his medications since the November, 2021 time period.

Although investigators are continuing to obtain leads and following up on them, the investigators are asking for the public’s help with any information that may be of assistance in the disappearance of the men.

If you have any information, please contact Lt. Bell or Lt. Skapura at 318-263-2215 or by email jballance@bienvillesheriff.org.

Please share this article for maximum exposure.

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• Robert Benton Moore
  March 18, 1952 – June 6, 2022
  Funeral services for RB Moore will be Friday, June 10, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. in New Ebenezer Baptist Church, Castor, LA. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery, Castor, LA.

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The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office needs your help in locating two missing men.  

For the past several months, the Sheriff’s Office has been investigating the disappearance of Anthony “Tyrone” Lard and John “MeMe” Combs, Jr. from the Saline area on or about November 26, 2021.

Sheriff John Ballance said family members first thought the men, who he describes as “running buddies,” decided to leave the area, but now they are concerned.  “We don’t have bodies. We don’t have a crime scene,” Sheriff Ballance said.  “We had people in the Saline area saying they saw both of them get in a pickup truck with Mississippi plates. We know where that pickup is. We know where the individual is that drives the truck because he’s in our jail. And we’ve spoken to him and he’s probably gonna be one of them that’s going to be polygraphed if he’ll do it,”

Lard is described as a 55 year old black male, 6′ 1″, 180 lbs. with a tattoo of a spider on his upper left arm and is from the Saline area.

Combs is described as a 48 year old black male, 5′ 11″, 220 lbs. with a tattoo on his right arm in the shape of the state of Louisiana.  Although Combs is from the Chatham area, he frequented the Saline area often.

Investigators have interviewed family and associates of both men but have no solid leads as to the men’s whereabouts. Investigators have been told that both men were in need of money and were wanting to “get out of town” which leads investigators to believe both men possibly owed money to one or more individuals. Lard was due an injury lawsuit settlement and was daily contacting his attorney about the insurance award but has not had contact with the attorney since late November, 2021. Combs who took medications for undisclosed ailments/illnesses has not obtained his medications since the November, 2021 time period.

Although investigators are continuing to obtain leads and following up on them, the investigators are asking for the public’s help with any information that may be of assistance in the disappearance of the men.

If you have any information, please contact Lt. Bell or Lt. Skapura at 318-263-2215 or by email jballance@bienvillesheriff.org.

Please share this article for maximum exposure.

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