84-Year-Old Man Missing After Walking Away from Arcadia Retirement Center

At about 4:30 p.m. on September 24, 84-year-old Ronald Colwort left on foot from Leslie Lakes Retirement Center in Arcadia and walked toward Hazel Street.  Leslie Lakes employees contacted the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office after they searched the area and were unable to locate Mr. Colwort.  Law enforcement officers widened the search to include downtown Arcadia and along I-20 and U.S. 80.  According to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Colwort suffers from memory loss and dementia. 

Colwort is 5′7″ and weighs 160 pounds. He has blue eyes, and has short gray hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a button-up plaid shirt.

Anyone with any information regarding the location of Colwort is urged to contact the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 263-2215.


Meeting someone again for the first time

By Josh Beavers

I graduated high school close to 30 years ago. In that time, I’ve never been to a class reunion or a homecoming. I don’t know why. Just kinda left that world and never thought much about going back.

So, I really don’t have much experience with homecomings. Meeting people for the first time again. What I mean by that is when we go years between seeing someone, talking to them, those people become strangers to us once more.

Even if you were the closest of friends for years, let a decade go by and that bond will wither and likely die. There’s nothing to keep it alive.

I guess that’s why people like reunions. Homecomings. Class gatherings after so many years apart. I saw that this past Friday when I went to a local high school’s homecoming. It wasn’t my school. I was there for the football game and to take pictures for social media.

Before the game, the classes of 1962, 72, 82, 92, 02, and 12 were honored. The further back you went, the fewer returnees there were. Taken by time, or distance, or loss of interest.

Because that’s what life is. A series of gains and then losses. Of highs and then the inevitable lows. Of either going into a crisis, currently enduring one, or living that sweet life where you’re in the blissful bit after coming out of one.

The reunion gives you a glimpse into a good part of your life. Makes you feel warm from the fuzzy memories it kindles. Why would people go if they didn’t get that good feeling?
And while this wasn’t my homecoming, and I’ve not been to my own since graduating back in 97, I still had that happy feeling when I met someone again for the first time.

Out of the crowd came bounding a red-headed memory. It was an old friend and colleague who had gone on to brighter lights and bigger things. She was at the game to cheer on her niece.

When I saw her, so many memories flooded back of long-ago battles in the reporter bullpen, of court cases, of an alcohol referendum and the bitterness it brought out, of lawsuits between political bodies, of especially dirty elections and dirtier politicians who we ended up help put behind bars, of five-alarm fires, of explosions, and interviews with CNN which ended with the quote “it was a big boom.”
And as she told me what the past 10 years had brought to her life, all I could think of was one of my favorite words.

The word “sonder” means having a “Profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one’s own, which they are constantly living despite one’s personal lack of awareness of it.”

Tim McGraw also summed it up in “Where the Green Grass Grows.”

Six lanes, tail lights
Red ants marching into the night
They disappear to the left and right again

Everyone on the field had their own unique lives with hopes and dreams and fears and accomplishments and failures and strengths and weaknesses. They are just as strong and powerful and varied as yours.

From 10 to 50 years apart, the ones gathered for homecoming joined to share in that human bond, the need and desire for belonging and calling others your own.

It wasn’t mine, but it gave me the chance to meet someone again for the first time. I sorta understand now why people go to class and family reunions.

It felt good to meet again. It was a lesson learned and a small bit of growth given to me by God.

I may even mosey on up to Haynesville in the Fall of 2027 when my 30th-anniversary class reunion rolls around.
 
Wow.
 
30 years.
 
Don’t they go by in a blink?

Josh Beavers is a teacher and a writer. He has been honored five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association. 


Know Before You Vote – Clerk of Court Shares Amendment Breakdown on Upcoming Ballots

Before each election, Clerk of Court Eddie Holmes breaks down the amendments so that we can all understand them.  About the upcoming elections, Clerk Holmes said, “This fall Louisiana voters will be asked to vote on 11 constitutional amendments for our state. They can impact many topics from disabled veterans to your water bill.  They are wordy and (sometimes) overly complicated.  In the coming weeks I will attempt to help inform voters on the issues.  These posts are not intended to influence your vote, only to inform and encourage awareness on the issues to be voted on. Everyone should seek multiple sources of information and come to your own conclusion.  The images below are how they will read on your ballot.  Everyone should seek multiple sources of information and come to your own conclusion.  As always, please download and read the excellent guide put out by the Public Affairs Council.”

Click Here to Download.

 


Military Aircraft Flyovers Explained

(Photo Courtesy of Barksdale Air Force Base)

By Brad Dison

During the past few days, there has been a lot of airplane and helicopter movement in our area.  The Journal uses a mobile app called FlightRadar24 to track aircraft.  (It’s a free and fun app.)  In many cases, the app is unable to track military aircraft.  This was the case the past few days.  In the Saline area, multiple people have contacted the Journal about the several helicopters that flew just above the treetops on Tuesday night.  Since then, numerous military aircraft have flown over our parish heading towards and away from Barksdale Air Force Base, most of which are untrackable with the aforementioned app.  

Barksdale Air Force Base has been shifting its military aircraft to other bases and have been housing aircraft fleeing from hurricane Ian in Florida. Officials started moving those planes Tuesday from the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville.  Some of the planes include F35 Lightning II, Navy P-8 Poseidons, and others.  Barksdale Air Force Base has provided safe haven for aircrafts avoiding damaging weather conditions for years, protecting billions of dollars of military assets.

For the next few days, keep watching the skies and you may get an impromptu air show.

In addition to north Louisiana housing military aircraft, Governor John Bel Edwards has sent help to Florida.  “Louisiana knows all too well the chaos and destruction a hurricane as strong as Ian can bring, and we will do everything we can to help our neighbors in Florida and other states impacted by this storm,” said Governor Edwards. “I have spoken with Governor DeSantis and instructed our state agencies to offer resources, personnel and expertise to Florida officials, some of which is already on its way. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and my senior staff will remain in regular contact with their counterparts in Florida. I also ask that you join your prayers to mine for the people of Florida and surrounding areas as they endure this devastating storm.”


DAR Celebrates Constitution Week

Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter DAR met on September 20th at the Webster Parish Library Stewart Center. Jerry Madden, husband of our chapter regent Cindy Madden, presented a program in his Sons of the American Revolution colonial color guard costume. His presentation was called, “The Constitution: Where Would We Be Without It?” Spencer Creech also gave a presentation called “What is C.A.R.?” Spencer is the son of our chapter vice regent Donna Sutton. He is State Registrar of Children of the American Revolution, an organization for youth up to age 22 who are descendants of Revolutionary War patriots. Hostesses for this month’s meeting were Ashln Benamati, Mary Beth Edwards, Cindy Madden, and Libbey Watkins.

The annual Louisiana DAR State Workshop was held on August 5-6, 2022 in Pineville. Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter members in attendance were Mary Beth Edwards, Cindy Madden, Jane Sistrunk, and Donna Sutton.

Cindy is the new Service for Veterans State Chair. She hosted a build-a-bear booth to raise money for veterans’ programs. She also introduced for the first time in DAR history a new program with emphasis on military families and free mental health counseling through Centerstone Health System.

Donna is the new DAR Schools State Chair. At her booth, she distributed folders of information about DAR Schools and handed out souvenir jeweled ink pens to remind members of the national theme, “Schools are the Jewels of DAR.” The National Society DAR supports schools in isolated Appalachian regions. DAR chapters send support through various fundraisers such as the Boxtops Program and the Coca-Cola Program.


Today in History – September 30

1139 – A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Caucasus mountains in the Seljuk Empire which caused mass destruction and killed up to 300,000 people.

1399 – Henry IV was proclaimed king of England.

1541 – Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto and his forces entered Tula territory in present-day western Arkansas and encountered fierce resistance.

1791 – The first performance of Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute took place two months before his death.

1882 – Thomas Edison’s first commercial hydroelectric power plant (later known as Appleton Edison Light Company) began operation.

1888 – Jack the Ripper killed his third and fourth victims, Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes.

1907 – The McKinley National Memorial, the final resting place of assassinated U.S. President William McKinley and his family, was dedicated in Canton, Ohio.

1909 – The Cunard Line’s RMS Mauretania made a record-breaking westbound crossing of the Atlantic, that would not be bettered for 20 years.

1915 – World War I: Radoje Ljutovac became the first soldier in history to shoot down an enemy aircraft with ground-to-air fire.

1933 – The half-hour country music and comedy show National Barn Dance debuted on WLS in Chicago, IL.

1935 – The Hoover Dam, astride the border between the U.S. states of Arizona and Nevada, was dedicated.

1935 – The show Porgy and Bess premiered in Boston, MA. It opened on Broadway on October 10.

1938 – The League of Nations unanimously outlawed the “intentional bombings of civilian populations”.

1939 – NBC broadcast the first televised American football game.

1943 – The United States Merchant Marine Academy was dedicated by President Roosevelt.

1947 – The 1947 World Series began. It was the first to be televised; to include an African-American player; to exceed $2 million in receipts; to see a pinch-hit home run; and to have six umpires on the field.

1954 – The U.S. Navy submarine USS Nautilus was commissioned as the world’s first nuclear-powered vessel.

1954 – Julie Andrews made her first Broadway appearance in The Boy Friend.

1961 – Bob Dylan played harmonica for the recording of Carolyn Hester’s first Columbia album.

1962 – James Meredith entered the University of Mississippi, defying racial segregation rules.

1965 – Donovan made his U.S. television debut on the show Shindig!

1966 – “I Love My Dog” was released by Cat Stevens. It was his first single.

1968 – The Boeing 747 was rolled out and shown to the public for the first time.

1969 – David Crosby’s girlfriend Christine Gail Hinton was killed in a car accident.

1972 – Columbia Records announced that they were closing down four Hollywood studios.

1980 – Ethernet specifications were published by Xerox working with Intel and Digital Equipment Corporation.

1987 – Roy Orbison recorded “A Black And White Night Live” at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles, CA.

1988 – John Lennon received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2016 – Two paintings with a combined value of $100 million were recovered after having been stolen from the Van Gogh Museum in 2002.


Ringgold Will Take On Homer This Evening

The Ringgold Redskins take on Homer in an away game this evening.  Last Friday night, the Redskins made the first win of the season, and hope to continue the winning streak.  Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.

If you are a student, parent, teacher, or coach, you can submit your photos and/or video of sports or other newsworthy events to the Bienville Parish Journal.  Email: BPJNewsLA@gmail.com

Take a look at the schedule below.

Date/TimeOpponentHome/AwayWin/LossFinal Score
Sept. 2 at 7 pmNorthwood-LenaHomeLoss0-38
Sept. 9 at 7 pmLakesideAwayLoss12-46
Sept. 16 at 7 pmTensasAwayLoss14-28
Sept. 23 at 7 pmPlain DealingAwayWin36-34
Sept. 30 at 7 pmHomerAway
Oct. 7 at 7 pmArcadiaAway
Oct. 14 at 7 pmGlenbrook (Homecoming)Home
Oct. 21 at 7 pmBeekman CharterAway
Oct. 28 at 7:30 pmHaynesvilleAway
Nov. 4 at 7 pmMagnolia School of ExcellenceHome

Cryptoquote

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:

“LAEEAEM AUE’H VTVJFHSAEM, XIH LNEHAEM HW LAE AU.” ~ TAEDV CWYXNJQA

Previous Cryptoquote solution: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou


Angler’s Perspective: The Fall Feeding Frenzy

Get ready! It’s the time of year that all anglers look forward to… the fall-feeding frenzy…where bass gorge themselves to the point that it looks like they ate a football! It’s official, the bass buffet is now open for all bass, large and small. October in the south is probably one of the best months of the year to go out and catch a lot of bass as they migrate up the creeks chasing shad. This fiesta occurs each year as the days get shorter, triggering largemouth bass to start fattening up for the long winter months. 

Probably the first question: What baits should be thrown in order to give yourself the best opportunity to catch these hungry bass? Well, that’s a million-dollar question, but today you’ll get an angler’s perspective on the best baits that will put the odds in your favor. First, you have to understand the prey you’re trying to mimic because bass can be a little finicky this time of year. Baitfish, also known as shad, is the main thing they are looking for as the bass head up the creeks. They will travel in small wolf packs rounding up and forcing balls of shad (bait fish) into shallow water where they will ambush them with force. Remember, they won’t bite just any old bait, it must be something that looks similar to what they are eating.

One of the best baits for this style of fishing is a crankbait. Several come to mind like a Bandit 100 or 200 series in a shad pattern they call pearl/black back.  Strike King also makes a great crankbait in what is called the KVD Series (designed by pro angler Kevin Van Dam). Their best colors are a green gizzard shad or what they call sexy shad. Both are great shad imitators and will get the job done. Remember, it’s not complicated, just try to throw something that looks like bait fish or shad. The next great choice would be a spinnerbait, as nothing mimics shad better than a skirted spinnerbait with either double willow blades or a three-bladed spinnerbait. The three-bladed baits are very popular and productive this time of year. 

Now let’s look at two great baits for topwater action. A Heddon Zara Spook or the Zara Puppy in a clear or shad color should be your first choice when it comes to walking-style bait. This is bait that literally walks side to side when being retrieved. It mimics bait fish running across the top of the water and bass just can’t stand it; they have to eat it! The next bait of choice for topwater is a buzz bait. This is a bait that looks similar to a spinner bait but is fished as a topwater with a big propeller-type blade. Most will come with a skirt just like a spinnerbait, but this time of year it’s better if you take the skirt off and replace it with some type of white wide tail grub, a twin tail grub, or a Zoom Horney Toad. Again, you’re just trying to mimic shad or bait fish scurrying across the water in order to trigger bass into biting.

I hope these suggestions will help you this fall as you head for your favorite body of water looking to take advantage of this awesome time of year. Another great thing about fall fishing is the fact that many of our lakes and waterways are bare of anglers since many of them are headed for the woods looking to put meat in their freezer with a deer or two, or maybe a few bushy tails.  Some days, you’ll literally have the lake all to yourself; that’s when the fun begins!  Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Take it from this angler, Melanoma is not something you want to deal with. 

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


Hornets Take On Glenbrook Tonight

The Hornets hope to continue their winning streak this evening as they take on Glenbrook in an away game.  Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. 

Let’s go, Hornets!!!

If you are a student, parent, teacher, or coach, you can submit your photos and/or video of sports or other newsworthy events to the Bienville Parish Journal.  Email: BPJNewsLA@gmail.com

Take a look at the schedule below.

Date/TimeOpponentHome/AwayWin/LossFinal Score
Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.LakesideHomeWin26-12
Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.DelhiHomeWin34-6
Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.Lincoln Prep.HomeWin44-0
Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.BoltonAwayWin34-21
Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.GlenbrookAway
Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.RinggoldHome
Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.HaynesvilleHome
Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.HomerAway
Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.Magnolia School of ExcellenceAway
Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.Plain DealingAway

Notice of Death – September 29, 2022

  • Michael A. Gros
    March 23, 1955 – September 26, 2022
    Funeral services for Michael A. Gros, 67, of Fryeburg, LA will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, September 30, 2022 in Rockett Funeral Home Chapel, Ringgold, LA. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Ringgold, LA. Visitation will be Thursday, September 29, 2022 from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M. in Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold, LA.

Bienville Parish Firefighters Respond to Outdoor Burning Accident Which Killed Heflin Man

According to KTBS, a Webster Parish man died Monday in an outdoor burning accident on his property.

The death of the 67-year-old Heflin man is the fifth this year attributed to an open burning incident.

“This is an unprecedented statistic for our state and it should be alarming to everyone,” said state Fire Marshal Dan Wallis, “These tragedies are preventable and the prevention effort starts with avoiding open burning altogether when weather conditions like dry grass, dry air and high winds come together like they will this week.”

The man’s body was found on the ground outside of his camper on Highway 792. It was fully engulfed in flames when Bienville Parish Fire District #4 and #5 firefighters arrived shortly after 2:30 p.m. Deputies determined the fire started on the exterior of the camper.

The man was known to conduct open burning on his property around the same time on a daily basis. Evidence at the scene indicated that’s likely what he was doing when the fire was reported, according to the state fire marshal’s office.

Today, Wallis is making a plea to all Louisianans to be aware of the high fire danger conditions across the state this week.

The U.S. National Weather Service Office out of New Orleans has issued a “Red Flag Warning” for southeast Louisiana, indicating dangerous wildfire conditions exist where fire can become uncontrolled quickly.

“This alert is the result of a lack of rain, the drop in humidity that occurred overnight, and the expectation of increased winds due to the presence of Hurricane Ian in the Gulf,” said Wallis, “Even though this warning is for a certain portion of the state, we are asking all residents to please avoid any open burning this week, just as a precaution, for your safety and the safety of those who live around you.”


DOTD Reminds Candidates of Guidelines When Posting Campaign Signs

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to remind candidates that as they conduct their campaign for public office, please keep the following in mind:

  1. It is against Louisiana Law to place signs within the right of way of a state highway.
  2. Campaign signs placed in the right of way will be removed and stored at the nearest DOTD parish maintenance unit for 30 days. Contact information for the DOTD Districts can be found below.

A good rule of thumb is to place your sign behind existing utility poles on property where you have received permission from the private property owner. Most utilities are within the DOTD right of way.

For directions about where and how to reclaim any of your signs that have been removed by DOTD personnel, please refer to the list below.  (Bienville Parish is in District 4)

Thank you for your cooperation and your help in keeping our road ways safe for the citizens of Louisiana.

DOTD DISTRICT 02
1440 US 90
Bridge City, LA 70094
Phone: 504-437-3100

DOTD DISTRICT 03
228 Rue des Voyages
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: 337-262-6100

DOTD DISTRICT 04
3339 Industrial Drive
Bossier City, LA 71112
Phone: 318-549-8300

DOTD DISTRICT 05
8010 Desiard Street
Monroe, LA 71203
Phone: 318-342-0100

DOTD DISTRICT 07
5827 US 90 East
Lake Charles, LA 70615
Phone: 337-437-9100

DOTD DISTRICT 08
3300 MacArthur Drive
Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: 318-561-5100

DOTD DISTRICT 58
6217 La. 15 South
Chase, LA 71324-0110
Phone: 318-412-3100

DOTD DISTRICT 61
8100 Airline Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70815
Phone: 225-231-4100

DOTD DISTRICT 62
685 N. Morrison Boulevard
Hammond, LA 70401
Phone: 985-375-0100


Hornets Continue Winning Streak, Video, Schedule Attached

After a win against Bolton Friday evening the Arcadia Hornets remain undefeated.  

In the first quarter, the Hornets scored 14 points and kept Bolton from scoring a single point.

In the second quarter, Arcadia scored 8 points and Bolton scored 14.

In the third quarter, the Hornets scored 6 while Bolton scored 7.

In the fourth quarter, the Hornets scored 6 and kept Bolton scoring.  

The final score was Arcadia 34, Bolton 21.

The Hornets are scheduled to take on Glenbrook in an away game Friday evening at 7 p.m.  Way to go, Hornets!!!

Take a look at the video recap and schedule below.

Date/TimeOpponentHome/AwayWin/LossFinal Score
Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.LakesideHomeWin26-12
Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.DelhiHomeWin34-6
Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.Lincoln Prep.HomeWin44-0
Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.BoltonAwayWin34-21
Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.GlenbrookAway
Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.RinggoldHome
Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.HaynesvilleHome
Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.HomerAway
Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.Magnolia School of ExcellenceAway
Nov. 4 at 7 p.m.Plain DealingAway

Teddy Allen: Letters in the key of life

Yo Brendan! 

Word is you’re headed to church retreat to begin your high school senior year. I’ve been asked to write a letter of encouragement. You’ll get several from friends for you to read this week. Mine is a humble C+ at best, but I’m honored to be asked …  

You were born the day after I coached my final Little League game. For 10-plus years I had that privilege; most fun I’ve ever had. 

The day before you were born, we lost in the semifinals of the state championship, and if I’d have done just a couple things differently — like called time and talked to my pitcher Scarf one batter earlier — I feel certain we’d have been in the finals. And the team that won it all was better than we were but … they might not have been better than us two-out-of-three, not right then. Not on those days.  

So the next day driving up I-49, thinking about nothing other than what I have just told you, coming home after a week in South Louisiana and wishing I could turn back the clock and wishing I’d gotten my lard butt off the bucket and gone to the mound in the top of the ninth — your dad calls. 

Saw his name on the screen and knew what it was about.  

You had arrived on the scene. 

I felt better right then. 

Even though our little team of 14-year-olds didn’t quite get it done, they did as good as they possibly could have. Still, I was sad over the ending. 

And then your beginning made me happy 

Harmony of the universe and all that. God is like that sometimes.  

I would have loved to have seen you more as you grew up into the wonderful young man you’ve become. 

But I’ve gotten to “watch” you a lot through pictures and mostly through stories from your mom and dad. Every time they mention you, their voices are filled with joy and laughter and gratitude. Every time. It’s been fun to listen. And see. 

Seems all the stories have had happy endings. We’ve been blessed. 

I have a picture posted on my wall of you at age 3-ish sucking down a milkshake at a Shreveport burger joint, your eyes bulging and your cheeks working overtime. I have another picture of you running the bases with a batting helmet on, all business. I remember Brad pushing you into the pool and I remember us playing baseball outside your house.  

Since then, you have learned the joy of live theatre. Learned how to do long division. Figured out how to try and not be scared on a first date. Learned a lot—but you’re just beginning. Keep your mind and heart open for all God is teaching you. 

I am proud of you and love you because your mom and dad are proud of you and love you. There is never anything you could do, good or bad, that would make us love you more or less. We accept you right now as you are and are grateful for you being you. 

Maybe you get the point of all this, which is that I have always been a Brendan cheerleader and that will always be the case. It has made me proud when your parents have called me with a “Little Teddy” update. You were almost named that, but it would have been a disservice to you. You are a Brendan, and a really, really good one. 

A wise man once told me: Be kind. Love God and your neighbor. Don’t be too hard on yourself. That’s it. Enjoy this life you’ve been given.   

Your friend always, 
Uncle TA 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu 


Remember This?: A Sitcom Called Sally

By Brad Dison

In 2000, writer/producer Allison Gibson had an idea for a television sitcom which was set in Houston, Texas. The lead character, Sally, was a wisecracking single mother of three children, each of whom had various emotional issues. Sally’s husband had left her for another woman who, because of their connection to the same man, considered Sally to be her best friend, but Sally considered the other woman to be her nemesis. This odd combination of characters and situations produced hilarious comedic mayhem.

The lead character was named Sally because Allison wrote the part with a specific actress in mind. This Sally had won a host of awards for her acting including two Academy Awards. Her career in television began in 1965 with a comedy called Gidget followed by The Flying Nun two years later. She had been in a slew of blockbuster films including Smokey and the Bandit, Steel Magnolias, and Forrest Gump. This Sally, Sally Field, was not interested in the sitcom and turned it down. Allison needed a new Sally.

As luck would have it, Nell was shopping around for a sitcom to star in. Nell began performing as a child in a singing group with her siblings. She had planned to become an elementary school teacher, but the trajectory of her life was forever changed when she sang the Star-Spangled Banner at a rodeo in Kentucky. Her short performance led to a singing and acting career which has lasted four decades so far. Nell played a variety of roles in movies and television from a gun-toting tough woman who helped defend her town from creatures living underground to Colonel Sanders in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial in which she wore the full goatee, white hair, and signature suit.

Nell was set to play “Sally,” the title role in the show. That was the plan until the very last moment. The production crew filmed the pilot twice in front of two different live studio audiences, one in the afternoon and another in the evening. In the afternoon show, Nell’s character’s name was Sally. In the evening show, Sally’s name was replaced with Nell’s real first name. Everyone involved in the creation of the show paid close attention to both audiences to gauge their reactions. After filming both pilots, it was clear that the audience responded more when the name Sally was replaced with Nell’s real first name. Their reaction was such that the name of the show was changed again. The show was a huge success and ran from 2001 to 2007. Based on the audience’s reaction, the show, originally called Sally, then Deep in the Heart, was renamed again with the first name of its star, Reba McEntire.

Sources:
1. “Sally Field.” IMDb. Accessed September 22, 2022. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000398/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1.
2. “Reba McEntire.” IMDb. Accessed September 22, 2022. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005207/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1.
3. “Reba McEntire Spills Secret about Her TV Show Only Few Knew Before….” Classic Country Music. Accessed September 22, 2022. https://classiccountrymusic.com/reba-mcentire-spills-secret-about-her-tv-show-only-few-knew-before/.


Today in History: September 28

1066 – William the Conqueror landed in England and began the Norman conquest.

1106 – King Henry I of England defeated his brother Robert Curthose at the Battle of Tinchebray.

1779 – American Revolution: Samuel Huntington was elected President of the Continental Congress after succeeding John Jay.

1781 – American Revolution: French and American forces backed by a French fleet began the siege of Yorktown.

1787 – The Congress of the Confederation voted to send the newly written United States Constitution to the state legislatures for approval.

1821 – The Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire was drafted. It was made public on 13 October.

1871 – The Brazilian Parliament passed a law that freed all children thereafter born to slaves, and all government-owned slaves.

1889 – The General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) defined the length of a meter.

1892 – The first night game for American football took place in a contest between Wyoming Seminary and Mansfield State Normal.

1901 – Philippine–American War: Filipino guerrillas killed more than forty American soldiers while losing 28 of their own.

1912 – Corporal Frank S. Scott of the United States Army became the first enlisted man to die in an airplane crash.

1919 – Race riots began in Omaha, Nebraska.

1924 – The first aerial circumnavigation was completed by a team from the US Army.

1928 – Alexander Fleming noticed a bacteria-killing mold growing in his laboratory and discovered what later became known as penicillin.

1939 – World War II: Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union agreed on a division of Poland.

1941 – Ted Williams achieved a .406 batting average for the season and became the last major league baseball player to bat .400 or better.

1944 – World War II: Soviet Army troops liberated Klooga concentration camp in Estonia.

1951 – CBS made the first color televisions available for sale to the general public, but the product was discontinued less than a month later.

1958 – “To Know Him Is To Love Him” by the Teddy Bears was released. The song was written and composed by 18-year old Phil Spector.

1963 – “She Loves You” by the Beatles was played on the radio by Murry The K in New York. It is believed that this was the first time a Beatles song was played in the U.S.

1968 – Janis Joplin’s manager announced that she had left Big Brother and the Holding Company.

1972 – David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars made their debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall. It was his first sell out in the U.S.

1973 – The ITT Building in New York City was bombed in protest at ITT’s alleged involvement in the coup d’état in Chile.

1973 – The Rolling Stones appeared on U.S. television for the first time since 1967.

1975 – The Spaghetti House siege, in which nine people were taken hostage, took place in London.

1976 – A&M Records sued George Harrison for failing to deliver his LP “33 1/3” on time.

1987 – Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson were guests on the television show $10,000 Pyramid.

1991 – The Garth Brooks album Ropin’ the Wind became the first country album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart.

1994 – The cruise ferry MS Estonia sank in the Baltic Sea and killed 852 people.


Arrest Report

September 18

  • William Crowder – Clinton, Mississippi
    • Reckless Operation Without Accident – Misdemeanor
    • underage Operating While Intoxicated – Misdemeanor
  • Jermaine Moore – Gibsland
    • Distribution of Marijuana

September 19

  • Marshall Patterson – Simsboro
    • Violation of Probation/Parole
    • Stalking – Misdemeanor
  • Sidney Clearvil – Lallandale, Florida
    • Driver Must Be Licensed
    • Maximum Speed Limit
  • Mark Doyle – Minden
    • Child Support Obligation – Felony

September 20

  • Natasha Sanders – Arcadia
    • Failure to Appear – Execution of Sentence
  • Rodney Baker – Arcadia
    • D.W.I. – 1st Offense (BAC .08 to .15) – Misdemeanor
    • Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles
    • Operating Vehicle with Suspended License; Other Offenses
    • Careless Operation

September 22

  • Adrienne Mitchell – Homer
    • Distribution of Methamphetamine – Felony
    • Distribution of Marijuana
    • Distribution of Marijuana
  • Deshawn Gipson – Gibsland
    • Criminal Trespass – Immovable Structure – Misdemeanor
    • Simple Criminal Damage to Property – Felony
  • Rob Moore, Sr. – Coushatta
    • Fugitive
    • Failure to Appear Warrant – Misdemeanor

September 23

  • Dennis Sneed – Sibley
    • Failure to Appear – Execution of Sentence
  • Antonio Fitzgerald – Arcadia
    • Distribution/Manufacture of Schedule 1 – 3 Counts
  • David Killian, Jr. – Heflin
    • Maximum Speed Limit
    • Operating Vehicle with Suspended License: No License Issued

September 24

  • Andrew Merritt – Homer
    • Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic
    • Operating Vehicle with Suspended License; No LIcense Issued
    • Fugitive
  • Arsenio Know – Tempe, Arizona
    • Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
  • Fabiola Lopez – Dallas, Texas
    • Driver Must Be Licensed
    • Maximum Speed Limit
  • Marquie Lee – Palmdale, California
    • Reckless Operation Without Accident – Misdemeanor
    • Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute

Castor Tigers Cross Country Season Is Here

The Tigers opened varsity cross country season at the Jackson Parish Rec Center by competing in the Quitman Invitational on September 17. Kaylie Shirley was the top finisher for the CHS girls’ team with a Top 15 finish. Brenden Cox was the top finisher for the boys.

On September 24, the teams competed at the Cedar Creek Wallace Martin Invitational where Shirley nabbed a top 25 finish out of more than 100 runners coming in at a time of 22:42 for the 3 mile run. 


Ringgold Redskins Take First Win of Season, Schedule Attached

The Ringgold Redskins took their first win of the season Friday night in a nail-biter of a game against Plain Dealing.  The Redskins won by just two points.  The final score was Ringgold 36, Plain Dealing 34.

The Redskins are scheduled to play Homer in an away game this Friday.

If you are a student, parent, teacher, or coach, you can submit your photos and/or video of sports or other newsworthy events to the Bienville Parish Journal.  Email: BPJNewsLA@gmail.com

Take a look at the schedule and photos below.

Date/TimeOpponentHome/AwayWin/LossFinal Score
Sept. 2 at 7 pmNorthwood-LenaHomeLoss0-38
Sept. 9 at 7 pmLakesideAwayLoss12-46
Sept. 16 at 7 pmTensasAwayLoss14-28
Sept. 23 at 7 pmPlain DealingAwayWin36-34
Sept. 30 at 7 pmHomerAway
Oct. 7 at 7 pmArcadiaAway
Oct. 14 at 7 pmGlenbrook (Homecoming)Home
Oct. 21 at 7 pmBeekman CharterAway
Oct. 28 at 7:30 pmHaynesvilleAway
Nov. 4 at 7 pmMagnolia School of ExcellenceHome

Work Progressing Quickly on Saline’s Dollar General Store

Just a little over two weeks ago, the area where Saline’s new Dollar General store will be was little more than a cleared field covered with red dirt.  Since then, work has progressed rapidly. 

Last week, workers poured the concrete for the building. 

On Tuesday, workers poured more concrete for the new store.  

On Wednesday afternoon, trucks delivered the steal girders for the walls and roof of Saline’s new Dollar General store. 

Yesterday, crews began connecting the building’s girders while workers poured the concrete for the driveway and parking lot.  What a difference a few days of hard work makes.


100 Years Ago in Bienville Parish – Marshal Boddie Receives Black Hand Letter

Black Hand tactics involved sending a letter to a victim threatening bodily harm, kidnapping, arson, or murder. These blackmail letters usually demanded something from the victim such as a specified amount of money or for the victim to perform a specific task.  

On September 19, 1922, Arcadia’s “efficient town marshal” John Boddie checked his mail at the post office as he did every weekday.  In that day’s mail was a letter addressed to the marshal.  The postmark stamped on the letter showed that the letter was mailed that same day in Arcadia.  There was no return address or any other markings on the outside of the letter.  Marshal Boddie opened the letter and found it to be a common piece of notebook paper.  The writing on the notebook paper and address were written with a lead pencil.  He began to read:

“John Boddie, you think you are playing hell around here, and we warn you to hand in your resignation and get out of town, you son—————.  Take heed!  Act now!”

Officers tried to determine who wrote the letter and warned that, if apprehended, he or she would face two serious charges; sending obscene material through the mail and for writing a threatening letter.  

As the news got out about the letter, the marshal slyly reassured the public that he would continue to receive his mail at the Arcadia post office.  The marshal was unmoved by the threatening letter and, despite the threatening letter, remained in Arcadia for the rest of his life.  He died thirty years later, on November 22, 1952, and is buried in the Arcadia cemetery.

Source: The Bienville Democrat, September 28, 1922, p.1.


Angler’s Perspective: Remembering a True Fishing Legend

On November 4th of 2021, the bass fishing world lost one of its greatest ambassadors in Aaron Martens. After a long 19-month battle with Glioblastoma, Aaron loaded his boat for the last time and headed into Heavenly waters. Aaron was a proud husband and father of two who cherished the time he shared with his family. The life of a professional bass fisherman is tough especially when it comes to missing a lot of quality time with family. But Aaron never took that time for granted. He loved them so much that he and his wife Lesley took their home and family on the road and lived the gypsy life of the Bass Pro Tour.

All anglers want to make an impact and leave a legacy. Aaron Martens did just that by sharing his knowledge of what we call finesse fishing. This style of fishing really did not exist when Aaron first arrived on the Bass Pro Tour. A former California resident, Aaron was an expert in how to fish light tackle. He brought with him the western style of finesse fishing that consists of light line, spinning reels, and small baits. He was well versed in techniques like the shakey head, drop shotting, Neko rigs, and small finesse jigs. Aaron thought outside the box and used his finesse techniques to take the tour by storm. He had immediate success and gained a reputation as a super tough competitor.

Just how good was he? Well, he was a three-time Angler of the Year, a four-time Bassmaster Classic runner-up (The Super Bowl of bass fishing), and had over $3.8 million in winnings with 11 pro tour victories, 82 Top 10’s, and 114 Top 20 finishes. To say he was one of the best to ever wet a hook, is an understatement. This guy was one of the Top 5 all-time anglers ever. He was an angler that others feared as they backed their boats in the water. His ability was truly God-given and Aaron acknowledged that. Some guys are born to be scientists, some to be doctors or lawyers but Aaron was born to be a professional bass angler. Aaron was also a fitness guru as he enjoyed running, mountain biking, hiking, and camping; a true outdoorsman.

But Aaron had a softer side, he really enjoyed sharing his knowledge and helping any and all anglers he came in contact with. He, unlike so many other anglers, was always willing to share his knowledge. Guess you could say he had an open-door policy and enjoyed teaching. I personally got to know Aaron through my radio show Hook’N Up & Track’N Down. He was a guest on the show several times and never turned me down to do an interview. He was a very personable guy who had a unique and quirky personality. But his IQ was off the chart and all you had to do was spend five minutes with him and you knew immediately, that this guy is highly intelligent.

One memorable encounter I had with Aaron was at the ICAST Show in Orlando. ICAST is the international fishing show that displays anything and everything associated with the bass fishing world. Each year the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show would do a live show from ICAST and after arriving early one morning to set up for the radio broadcast, Aaron saw me and asked if he could sit in with me. Of course, I’m not turning down a chance to sit with Aaron Martens and talk bass fishing! But what was amazing about this interview as we kicked off the show, a crowd of 25 to 30 people began to gather in front of my broadcast. Aaron had their full attention as they hung and took notes on every word he said as we talked about finesse-style fishing. Aaron is the kind of interview that all you have to do is point him in the direction you want him to go, and he’ll take it from there. It’s an interview that will be filed away in my memory forever.

Again, on November 4th of 2021, we lost a true legend of the bass fishing world. Aaron is a person that will always be remembered for his intelligence and abilities to catch bass but more importantly, as a genuine and courteous person who cared more about others than he did for himself. Aaron, the bass fishing world loves and appreciates all you did and we will never forget you. We wish you a lot of Heavenly hook sets my friend. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Take the time to take care of your body by applying sunscreen and wearing the proper clothing. Remember, Melanoma does not discriminate.

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