In a groundbreaking initiative, community leaders have come together to launch a comprehensive program aimed at addressing the pressing issues faced by at-risk youth in a 6-parish area (Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Union, and Webster). The program, aptly named “WestTown Truce”, the brainchild of Calvin R. Young, a local public health professional and visionary; seeks to provide support, education, and resources to young individuals grappling with bad decision making, gun violence, drug addiction, delinquency, mental and behavioral challenges, and we additionally provide programs and services for their parents and guardians.

The WestTown Truce Program: A Beacon and Ray of Hope

1. Community-wide & Holistic Approach

The WESTTOWN TRUCE program takes a holistic approach, recognizing that these challenges are interconnected. By addressing them collectively, we can create a stronger safety net for our youth. Here are the key components:

• Mentoring and Counseling Referral: We will refer to experienced mentors and counselors that will work closely with participants, providing emotional support, guidance, and practical advice. These trusted relationships will help at-risk youth navigate their struggles and build resilience.
• Education and Skill-Building: The WESTTOWN TRUCE program offers workshops
  on conflict resolution, anger management, and decision-making. Participants will also
  receive vocational skill sets, equipping them with valuable skills for future
  employment.
• Community Engagement: Engaging with the community is crucial. WESTTOWN TRUCE will organize neighborhood events, recreational, edutainment activities, and cultural programs to foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

2. Gun Violence Prevention

Given the alarming rise in gun-related incidents, the WESTTOWN TRUCE program places a strong emphasis on preventing gun violence:

• Education: Workshops will educate participants about the consequences of gun violence,
  emphasizing non-violent conflict resolution and responsible gun ownership.
• Community Policing: Collaborating with local law enforcement, WESTTOWN TRUCE
  aims to build trust between officers and youth. Officers will participate in community
  events and engage in open dialogues.
• WestTown Truce Conflict Resolution App: A confidential computer App that will be
  developed, and modeled after a peer reviewed and filed tested program in the city of
  Philadelphia, PA. will allow at-risk youth and community members to get information
  and advice on how to de-escalate threats and to get youth to make better decisions on
  the fly.
• Drug Addiction and Delinquency
• Early Intervention: The WESTTOWN TRUCE program identifies at-risk youth early on
  and provides targeted interventions. Substance abuse. rehabilitation, and prevention
  referrals.
• Alternative Activities: To divert youth from negative influences, WESTTOWN TRUCE
  will organize summer camps, in-school detention programs, creative classes in art and
  music, and recreational activities.
• Parental Involvement: Parents and guardians play a crucial role. WESTTOWN TRUCE
  will offer parenting workshops to strengthen family bonds and communication. We
  will have a strong referral base to assist the parents with all types of social issues and
  challenges.

The WESTTOWN TRUCE program aims to be that safe haven for our youth, empowering them to overcome adversity and build brighter futures. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that investing in our youth today ensures a safer and more resilient community tomorrow. Please let’s be Truce Seekers in our communities.

For more information about the WESTTOWN TRUCE program visit our social media pages, Facebook, Instagram and to contact our Outreach Director/Street Boss and to get more detailed information or to sign your child up so that can take advantage of this great program call: 318- 243-3546.

To donate: CashApp: $westtowntruce

To donate by check: Make Check payable to: WestTown Truce and mail check to: 1732 Marsalis St. Arcadia, LA. 71001

Donate today, so that we can help an at-risk youth tomorrow!!!

Daniel W. Newell, District Attorney for the Second Judicial District in and for the Parish of Bienville, makes the following announcement relative to disposition of cases in Bienville Parish on the dates indicated:

01-08-24

Cottingham, Michael Tucker of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Simple Burglary. He was sentenced to 10 years hard labor, which all but 5 years was suspended. He will be placed on 3 years supervised probation once he is released. He also pled guilty to Creation or Operation of a Clandestine Lab. He was sentenced to serve 5 years hard labor, which will run concurrently with his other charges. He is required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

01-10-24

Jacobee Dijohn Adams of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Aggravated Assault with a Firearm. He was sentenced to 5 years hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 5 years supervised probation and required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office. He also pled guilty to Violation of a Protective Order. He was sentenced to 6 months.

Buck, Janie Marie of Jamestown, LA—Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 3 years at hard labor.

Cobb, Douglas Lane of Athens, LA—Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor.

Harris, Clifton Lekeith of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 2 years unsupervised probation and required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Jackson, Stephen of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Aggravated Battery. He was sentenced to 1 year in the parish jail.

Lee, Phillip N. of Coushatta, LA—Pled guilty to Battery of a Dating Partner and Violation of a Protective Order. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail for each charge. These sentences will run concurrently.

Paddie, Jackson Paul of Natchitoches, LA—Pled guilty to Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile. He was sentenced to 3 years at hard labor and is required to register as a sex offender.

Richardson, Tra’Voris of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Possession With Intent to Distribute Schedule I CDS-Marijuana and Possession With Intent Distribute Schedule II CDS-Cocaine. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor for each charge. The sentences were suspended. These charges will run concurrently. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation.

Sampson, Shirley Wilson Hewitt of Gibsland, LA—Pled guilty to Bank Fraud. She was sentenced to 1 year in the parish jail.

Shelton, Soniah of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Accessory After the Fact. She was sentenced to 1 year at hard labor, which was suspended. She was placed on 3 years supervised probation.

Soileau, Sharon E. of Coushatta, LA—Pled guilty to Criminal Trespass. She was sentenced to 30 days in parish jail, which was suspended. She was placed on 6 months unsupervised probation and required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Spruell, Damon of Winnfield, LA—Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery With Strangulation. He was sentenced to 3 years at hard labor, which all but the time served in jail was suspended. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation.

Thompson, Terrance Terell of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 1 year at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 1 year supervised probation and required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Lalisan, Brenda M. of Saline, LA—Pled guilty to Aggravated Assault. She was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail, which was suspended. She was placed on 1 year supervised probation and required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

02-06-24

Brown, Darius Lamarcus of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Second Degree Rape. He was sentenced to 25 years at hard labor.

Lewis, Caterrious Deonta of Homer, LA—Pled guilty to Second Degree Battery. He was sentenced to 7 years at hard labor.

Myers, Gary Curtis of Castor, LA—Pled guilty to two counts of Distribution of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 10 at years hard labor for each charge. These sentences will run concurrently.

02-14-24

Cooper, Carnellious M. of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail.

Sims, III, Lamarcus of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Resisting An Officer By Flight. He was sentenced to 87 days in the parish jail.

02-27-24

Allen, Dennis Earl of Gibland, LA—Pled guilty to two counts of Distribution of Schedule IV CDS-Tramadol Hydrochloride. He was sentenced to 4 years at hard labor for each charge. These sentences will run concurrently.

03-05-24

Miller, Zane Ethan of Minden, LA— Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 2 years supervised probation.

03-06-24

Boyd, Kimberly T. of Saline, LA—Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery. She was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail, which was suspended. She was placed on 2 years supervised probation.

Harrell, Curtis Ray of Castor, LA—Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery Second Offense. He was sentenced to 1 year at hard labor. He also pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 1 year at hard labor. These sentences will run concurrently.

Howell, Thomas Colby of Castor, LA—Pled guilty to Theft Less Than $1,000. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail, which was suspended. He was placed on 1 year supervised probation. He is required to pay restitution to the victim.

Layfield, Kevin D. of Jamestown, LA—Pled guilty to Cruelty to Juveniles. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation and required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

McKinney, Demarcus Joe of Ruston, LA—Pled guilty to Resisting An Officer By Flight. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail, which was suspended. He was placed on 1 year unsupervised probation and required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Shephard, Jeremy Sherrod of Dubberly, LA—Pled guilty to Theft Over $1,000 Less Than $5,000. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 2 years supervised probation.

03-12-24

Mangham, Randy Donell of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Manslaughter. He was sentenced to 30 years at hard labor.

Because we are in the middle of high school and college baseball season and because desperate times call for desperate measures, I am having to name myself Infield Fly Rule Sheriff for north Louisiana and maybe even for east Texas.

This is effective immediately. No time to waste …

The Infield Fly Rule can make you look crazier than a road lizard, more foolish than the guy who botched the one-car funeral procession. Not knowing this rule has caused more Walk of Shames than beer.

We’ve witnessed it mangled twice last week.

Once, a defender’s mistake cost his team a run. The other time, a baserunner ran his team out of an inning.

This happens more often than you’d think. And when it does, it looks like a prison break.

“An infield fly is a fair ball — not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt — which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out.”

Once the umpire declares “Infield Fly!” and/or points to the sky, the batter is out and all force plays are removed, regardless of whether the ball is caught.

This is to protect defenseless runners: an infielder in this situation could drop the ball on purpose and then turn an easy double play.

The rule sounds tricky but it’s not once you ponder it for a moment. And the moment to ponder is not when the Infield Fly Rule has been declared. It’s now, while no bullets are flying and all is quiet on the western front. 

So, the examples from last week:

Runners first and second, one out, fly to infield’s right side. Infield Fly is declared. Fielder misses the ball, and the runner on second, safe as grandma’s banana pudding secret recipe, semi-panics and takes off for third. The throw from the second baseman, who’s recovered the ball, is in plenty of time — BUT the third baseman doesn’t tag the runner. Steps on the bag thinking there was a force. But the force is off once Infield Fly is declared. The runner, who was surprised as anyone by his good fortune, then scored on a two-out base hit.

In the other example, runners were on first and second, one out, their team trailing by a run, eighth inning. Big Moment. Infield Fly is declared on a very high pop behind first; it hits the fielder’s glove and drops maybe three feet from him and — the runner on second bolted toward third as if propelled from a cannon. Easy throw to the third baseman, who makes the tag, end of that half inning and end of threat.

Makes your heart hurt.

So it is my suggestion that each team designate an Infield Fly Rule Captain. Or it could be Infield Fly Rule Sergeant-at-Arms or Infield Fly Rule Flavor of the Day/Ringmaster/Man About Town. Whatev. The point is, when the Infield Fly Rule is in effect as noted above, that appointed Infield Fly Rule Specialist is yelling to the baserunners, “HOLD YOUR BASE, FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING DECENT AND GOOD, DO NOT MOVE!”

Whether the fielder catches the fly or not, you are safe. Batter up.

Now if you are a fielder — this will take some practice and communication and work and your coach will have to agree — you almost always “have” to let the ball drop. The batter will be out anyway, the runners probably won’t know the rule or will panic, and you can double one up. If the runners don’t move and the ball doesn’t drop and take a wild bounce, no problem. Ball back to pitcher. Batter up.

And if you forget all that, it’s OK. The important thing is that you find and read “Mitch and the Infield Fly Rule,” an essay by the master of the art, the late and great Mississippian Willie Morris.

In it, when Morris taught a class in the American Novel as writer-in-residence at Ole Miss in the 1980s, a “willowy, full-breasted blond Chi Omega” called Mitch, 21 and a straight-A student, “tall and slender and lithesome, wry and irreverent and whimsical,” stands in class one day, recites the Infield Fly Rule in its entirety and finishes by saying, to her wide-eyed classmates in the cataclysmic quietness of the large amphitheater classroom and with a throaty Bacall voice, “I always thought it a fine rule.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Historian and professor Dr. Sally Roesch Wagner has spent decades researching the Gage family in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  Decades earlier, she met and befriended the last living member of the family, Matilda Jewell Gage (1886-1986).  Dr. Wagner learned much about the Gage family from Matilda that would have been unattainable otherwise.  Matilda was the first of three children born to Thomas and Sophia Gage.  Alice Eliza Gage, the second child, was born and died on the same date, December 12, 1891.  The cause of her death is unknown.  Although no headstone is known to exist for Alice, she is believed to have been buried in Riverside Memorial Park in Aberdeen along with many other members of the Gage family.  Matilda’s youngest sister, Dorothy Louise Gage, was born on June 11, 1898, shortly after the Gage family moved to Bloomington, Illinois.  Five months later, November 11, 1898, Dorothy died from what was then called congestion of the brain. 

Members of the Gage family from near and far gathered for little Dorothy’s funeral including little Dorothy’s Aunt Maud who had taken a train to get to Bloomington.  For reasons that remain unclear, little Dorothy’s Uncle Frank did not attend the funeral.  The death and funeral were terribly sad, as you would expect.  Maud hid her grief as much as she could while she was with her family in Bloomington.  None of the other passengers on her return train trip home were aware of her grief.  When Uncle Frank picked her up at the train station, she seemed to crumble.  For days Aunt Maud was in a terrible state.  Uncle Frank wanted to ease Aunt Maud’s suffering but there was nothing he could do.  Or was there?

During one of Dr. Wagner and Matilda’s many conversations, Matilda mentioned little Dorothy’s grave.  Did little Dorothy’s headstone still exist?  Dr. Wagner visited the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery to search for little Dorothy’s grave.  What seemed like a simple task at first turned out to be a formidable undertaking.  The cemetery consisted of over 20,000 marked graves and there was an unknown number of unmarked graves.  Finally, Dr. Wagner found seven headstones with the last name Gage, but little Dorothy’s grave was not among them.  Was her grave unmarked?  Was Dr. Wagner looking in the right cemetery?  Undeterred, Dr. Wagner continued the search.  At last, Dr. Wagner found a small headstone with the following inscription:  Dorothy Louise, Dau. Of Mr. & Mrs. T.C. Gage, June 11, 1898, Nov. 11, 1898. 

Little Dorothy’s tiny headstone was lost in a sea of over 20,000 headstones.  Something more was needed.  In 1997, people gathered at the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery for a ceremony to open the Dorothy L. Gage Memorial Garden which included a new, larger headstone in memory of the almost forgotten child.  Still, it seemed that something more was needed, but what?  Twenty years later, in 2017, officials at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery decided that an old oak tree near little Dorothy’s grave had to be removed.  The tree was around 200 years old.  Cemetery officials saw this as a unique opportunity.  Could this oak tree somehow memorialize little Dorothy?  In June 2018, officials at the cemetery hired Bill Baker of Top Notch Chainsaw Carving to carve the tree stump into the figure of a little girl with a dog at her feet standing on a road.  Since then, thousands of people have visited little Dorothy’s grave. 

Shortly after little Dorothy’s death, Uncle Frank struggled to find a way to ease Aunt Maud’s sadness.  Two years later, he found a way.  Under any other circumstances, little Dorothy, the child who died at just five months old, would have been forgotten just as her grave had been lost.  Uncle Frank found a way to immortalize his niece when he named the lead character in a children’s story after her.  You see, Dr. Wagner’s research of the Gage family was because of little Dorothy’s connection to Uncle Frank, L. Frank Baum, the author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”

Sources:

1.     The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois), June 26, 2018, p.A3.

2.      “Dorothy Louise Gage (1898-1898), Find a Grave,” www.findagrave.com, Accessed March 17, 2024. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/4083/dorothy_louise_gage.

Mushroom Pork Chops are a perfect week night or Sunday dinner choice.  I am always looking for a new pork chop recipe as we love them so much.  This one is one of our favorites!  I love the twist of using chicken broth and beef bouillon in this one.  The flavor is absolutely spot on.  I hope you love it!

Mushrooms:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• Splash of olive oil
• 1 flat mushrooms

Pork Chops:

• 4 pork chops
• ¼ cup flour
• Salt & pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Gravy:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
• 1/3 cup half & half
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ cup white wine
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons flour

Directions

Pound pork chops with meat tenderizer.  Sprinkle with salt. 

Assemble gravy:  In a bowl with a spout combine broth, bouillon, Worcestershire, half & half, and seasonings for the gravy.  Set aside. 

In cast iron skillet heat butter and oil for the mushrooms.  Cook mushrooms 3-4 minutes.  Remove to plate.

Dredge pork chops in flour.  Het oil and butter in cast iron skillet.  Sear chops 3 minutes each side.  Remove pork chops to a plate.  Add wine and garlic to same skillet over medium heat.  Use a wooden spoon to scrape stuck bits.  Add butter and flour.  Stir 2 minutes.  Add gravy mixture in small splashes whisking continuously.  Bring to gentle bubble then reduce to low simmer.  Stir in mushrooms and add pork chops back.  Cover and let cook until gravy thickens. 

(Ashley Madden Rowton is a wife, mom and published cookbook author who lives in Minden, La.)

Please send all non-profit calendar events to bpjnewsla@gmail.com

March 22-24

Louisiana Region Sankofa Ecumenical Confrence – Arcadia Event Center

Friday: 6:30 p.m.    Saturday: 8:30 a.m.     Sunday: 2 p.m.

March 23 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Annual Arcadia-Bienville NAACP Fish Fry

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Outreach Center

$12 per plate

March 24 (11 a.m.)

Mt. Calvary Baptist Church hosts “Power of a Praying Woman” with guest speaker, Sister Lynda Henderson

March 30 

Locked & Loaded Bonnie & Clyde Paranormal Investigation – Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum

Vendors: 5 p.m.     Investigation: 7 – 11 p.m.

April 5 (9 a.m.)

Ringgold High School’s Class of 2025 Ring Ceremony

April 10 – 12

Bienville Parish Preschool Pre-K 3 Round- Up

April 11 (6 p.m.)

Parade of Champions honoring the Arcadia Lady Hornets

Parade line-up will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the parade at 6 p.m. and a banquet at 7 p.m. at the Arcadia Event Center. 

April 20

Year of the Iris Annual Spring Picnic – Briarwood Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve

May 25

The Authentic Bonnie & Clyde Festival – Downtown Gibsland

July 11 – 12

Saline Watermelon Festival Pageant – Saline High School Gymnasium

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies. 

03/11/24

Britney Austin of Choudrant was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued. 

03/12/24

Lorenzo Franklin of Grambling was arrested for failure to appear. 

Dasha Burks of Ruston was arrested for aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon and aggravated assault with a firearm. 

03/13/24

Jamarcus Abbott of Arcadia was arrested for illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities (weapons law violation), resisting an officer, illegal possession of a stole firearm and illegal carrying of weapons. 

Carlos Garcia was Dallas, Texas was arrested for exceeding the maximum speed limit and no driver’s license. 

Tanija Davis of Gibsland was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued. 

Cedric Martin of Ringgold was arrested for failure to appear. 

Arzie Jones of Heflin was arrested for two counts of failure to appear. 

03/14/24

Antonio Harris of Arcadia was arrested for two counts of illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities (weapons law violation).

Jaden Cook of Ringgold was arrested as a fugitive.

Melvin Pete of Arcadia was arrested for two counts domestic abuse battery with child endangerment. 

Amy Lykins of Arcadia was arrested for criminal mischief (filing a false police report) and possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia.

03/15/24

Garry Andrews (no address listed) was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued. 

Alex Adams of Castor was arrested for failure to appear. 

03/16/24

Jyquez Mayfield of Coushatta was arrested for violation of probation/parole. 

Jessie Carpenter of Vickburg, Mississippi was arrested for first offense D.W.I. with child endangerment, operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued and exceeding the maximum speed limit. 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Notice of Death – March 19, 2024

Alonzo Webb II

April 14, 1989 – March 13, 2024

Homer, La. 

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024, Memorial Funeral Home, Homer, La.

Interment will immediately follow the service at White Oak Cemetery, Homer, La. 

Loyd Champion

Jan. 31, 1934 – March 14, 2024

Arcadia, La. 

Visitation: 1 – 6 p.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, Memorial Funeral Home, Arcadia, La. 

Funeral service: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024, Saline Ridge BC, Arcadia, La. 

Interment to follow at Saline Ridge BC.

Bienville Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or bpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

A recent traffic stop has led to the arrest of a Bienville Parish woman on an outstanding warrant and felony drug charges according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday, March 8, 2024, at approximately 3:13pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Operations Bureau were patrolling in Campti when they stopped a Chevrolet Tahoe at the intersections of Lebrum and Bass Streets for a traffic violation.

Deputies observed suspicious activity in the vehicle just prior to the stop leading them to believe criminal activity existed.

A back-up unit was contacted to assist.

Deputies asked the operator of the vehicle for a driver’s license in which they were informed by the violator they did not possess one.

Deputies learned the operator’s driver license was suspended.  That person is not being identified at this time due to no criminal charges.

Deputies then observed a female identified as 26-year-old Hailey A. Taylor of Castor lying on the rear seat of the vehicle.

A local warrants check revealed that Taylor was wanted in Bienville Parish on an outstanding warrant.

Taylor was placed under arrest without incident.

During a search of Taylor, incidental to the arrest, deputies discovered and seized approximately 11.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine and 2 glass pipes commonly used to smoke illegal narcotics concealed on her person.

Hailey A. Taylor, 26, of Castor, La. was transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule II Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Bienville Parish Warrant.

The seized evidence will be submitted to the crime lab for analysis.

The driver was cited for Driving under Suspension and released at the scene.

Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents assisted.

Deputies S. Dieter and K. Padilla made the arrest.

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Dear Residents of Arcadia,

We are reaching out to you on behalf of the Mayor and Town Council of Arcadia regarding an important initiative to improve the roads within our town not state- owned roads.

Ensuring that our constituents have safe and well-maintained roads to travel on is a top priority for us. As part of this effort, we are seeking your input to identify roads in need of improvement within your respective districts.

We kindly request that you collaborate with your council member to recommend roads that require attention. Your local knowledge and insight will be invaluable in identifying areas that need immediate improvement.

It is important to note that we plan to collaborate with the Bienville Parish Police Jury on this initiative.

The town of Arcadia will complete three miles of road per district for the next three years. Once they complete their road projects this summer in July, we will coordinate efforts to maximize the impact of our road improvement projects.

Your participation in this process is crucial, as it will help us prioritize and address the most pressing road maintenance needs in our community. Together, we can work towards enhancing the safety and accessibility of our town’s roads for all residents.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in this important endeavor.

Sincerely,

Town of Arcadia

Early Voting for the March 23rd Presidential Preference Primary will begin Saturday, March 9th and run through Saturday, March 16th (excluding Sunday).  Early voting hours will be from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm at the Bienville Parish Registrar of Voters Office, 100 Courthouse Dr., Suite 1400 (200 Gap Farm Rd for GPS guidance) Arcadia, LA.  Please remember to bring your current Louisiana drivers License or Louisiana ID.

To view your sample ballot prior to arriving at the polls visit http://www.geauxvote.com, come by my office to view a posted copy or pick one up to take with you.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at 318-263-7407 or email at bienvillerov@sos.la.gov.

Thank you,
Nickie Warren
Bienville Parish Registrar

The Bienville Parish Library – Arcadia is proud to host an educational presentation on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am in the Arcadia Event Room. This program is free and open to the public.

POVERTY POINT WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Louisiana’s Poverty Point World Heritage Site and museum stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry woven through its landscapes. Situated near the Poverty Point World Heritage Site, this museum serves as a gateway to understanding one of North America’s most intriguing archaeological sites and the people who once thrived there.

The Poverty Point Heritage Museum plays a vital role in education and outreach. Through workshops, lectures, and guided tours, it seeks to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s cultural heritage among visitors of all ages.

TOPIC HIGHLIGHTS
The ranger will transport attendees through time on a journey that spans over 3,000 years of human history. Discuss artifacts unearthed from the ancient mounds of Poverty Point, and offer insights into the lives of the Native American civilizations that once flourished in this region.

Among the highlights to be covered will be a comprehensive look at the diverse cultures that left their mark on Louisiana’s landscape. From intricately crafted pottery to tools fashioned from stone and bone. Each artifact tells a story of innovation, resilience, and adaptation. There will be a demonstration of the Atlatl, a hunting weapon used by many indigenous people around the world, and the pump drill used to drill holes in bone, wood, and stone to fashion tools and jewelry.

For more information or directions to the Arcadia Main Library, contact the Bienville Parish Library Arcadia Circulation at 318-263-7410. 

State of Purpose:
The Executive Director serves as the chief administrator, providing leadership to staff and directing the CVB operation in order to develop maximum potential of convention and visitor business, thereby bringing the greatest possible economic benefit to the Natchitoches area.

Reports to:  Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission board members.

Degree of Supervision:  Monthly review by NPTC Board

Supervision Exercised: Supervises all NPTC employees

Location of Job: Natchitoches Visitors Center, 780 Front Street, Ste 100.

Qualifications:
Graduate of an accredited four year college in the field of Business, Marketing and Public Relations, Hospitality Management or any combination of education and experience to equal five years related experience.

Special Knowledge:
Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices in convention and tourism planning  services. Considerable knowledge in the fields of advertising, marketing, public relations, business administration, which includes but not limited to, personnel management, principles of accounting, and excellent communication skills. Must possess the ability to exercise initiative, judgment, tact, and diplomacy in a wide variety of public situations. Position requires frequent travel.

Submit to:  Arlene Gould director@natchitoches.com

780 Front Street, Suite 100
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Telephone: 1-800-259-1714
Fax: 1-318-352-2415

DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

• Provide administrative and professional assistance to the Chairman and Commissioners along with the staff of the Tourist Commission and ensure that the board complies with all local, parish, state and/or federal laws and regulations
• Responsible for hiring, termination and training all staff and volunteers.
• Preparation of the annual budget and management of Commission business within the budget.
• Preparation of annual marketing/advertising plan with all advertising potentials outlined in plan.
• Track and prepare all financial data for annual audit or Compilation of Finances by Accounting Firm.
• Represent Natchitoches Parish to national and international audiences by attending consumer and trade shows along with Groups & Tourism Sales Manager.
• Oversee press releases and press packets for local, regional and national media regarding activities along with Marketing & Communications Manager.
• Advise tourism partners with launching festivals, new events and ongoing events with consulting, publicity and advertising.
• Host local, national and international travel writers along with familiarization tours for group tour leaders along with Marketing & Communications Manager.
• Create publicity materials and brochures for distribution to guests, group tour leaders, retirees and newcomer inquiries.
• Work closely with advertising agencies to create ads for regional publications in a timely manner.
• Assist Marketing & Communications Manager with creating story ideas and articles for both regional and national publications.
• Attend meetings of city/parish stakeholders such as City, Chamber of Commerce, Parish Council, HDBA, NHDDC, CRNHA, Christmas Festival and several others including statewide, LTA and LACVB, and regional tourism associations, El Camino Real, No Man’s Land, Holiday Trail of Lights, councils and committees and others.
• Maintain a working relationship with the NSU hospitality program and university students for internships and other assistance to the Commission.
• Assist Groups & Tourism Sales Manager to consult and advise conference meeting holders and large groups visiting Natchitoches.
• Responsible for overseeing meeting notices, recording of minutes, transcribing and typing monthly board minutes, filing, letter writing and other necessary items for a small business office and Executive Director.
• Oversee that all inquiries from potential visitors and tour groups are acknowledged immediately.
• Assist Marketing & Communications Manager with updating websites, social media information with current events and festivals.
• Assist with daily operations as necessary supervising the Travel Counselors and Visitor Center.
• Follow the directions and seek counsel of the Chairman of the Board of Natchitoches Parish Tourism Commission, as the immediate supervisor, between Board Meetings.
• Ensure no employees, nor the Executive Director; conduct any personal business on Tourist Commission property, during working hours or with Tourist Commission assets.

I have something that needs to be said. A statement on the human condition and all the ugliness contained therein. In a sentence: it’s ok if other people are jealous of your success.

That being said, heed well this adage if you find yourself in the theater of triumph: watch for those who do not applaud when fortunes smile upon you.

This is no mere observation of absence, but a recognition of the undercurrents swirling within the human heart. Within your circle, there may well be those who begrudge your arrival at the summit before them. Their quiet is fraught with significance. It is not the absence of sound, but a broadcast charged with the dark energies of envy and jealousy. Emotions primordial as the earth itself, as innate to our condition as the very act of breathing.

These shadows can creep upon one unawares, cast by the gleaming success of another, illuminating the void of one’s own unrealized aspirations. Yet, here lies the crux: you must not let these silent broadcasts trouble you. They can wreak havoc upon the mind and the spirit if given purchase.

Remember first that your victories are sovereign. They are the recompense for your own labors, the toil and strife you have borne. To seek the approval of those who withhold their applause is to hand over the reins of your contentment to them.

Rather, seek out your true comrades, those whose cheers are heartfelt and whose presence is steadfast. Moreover, fixating on the unclapping hands will only serve to distract. Your path is defined by the horizon you aim for, not by those who choose not to accompany you.

Yet there is value, too, in noting who fails to clap. It serves as a sort of assay of fellowship, revealing who may falter when the path grows steep and treacherous. And in dismissing the sting of jealousy, you elect to step out of that corrosive game. You become the greater, recognizing that envy is a battle each must wage within themselves, not upon others. 

So, when next you stand in the light of achievement, take a moment to survey the landscape.

Acknowledge the quiet ones, but do not let their silence dim the luster of your success. Your feats lose no grandeur due to the muted few among the throng. Rather, they may testify to your singular ascent—you forge ahead, heedless of the applause or its absence. Keep your eyes fixed upon your own prize, and simply press on. Once more into the fray.

(Josh Beavers is a teacher and writer. He was named as a semifinalist for Louisiana Teacher of the Year in 2020. He has been recognized five times for excellence in opinion writing by the Louisiana Press Association.)

In previous articles I’ve talked about how anglers question themselves after a bass tournament. Bass fishermen are their own worse critics when it comes to how they performed. While I still go into every tournament wanting to win, the reality is I probably won’t. But I do feel I’m still good enough to make the Top 10! My effort and heart are still there, and I’ll do my homework before each event, but I’m continuously reminded that this is a young man’s sport. Today is my perspective on what happened after my recent ABA Solo 150 15^th place finish at Lake of the Pines in East Texas.

Today’s tournament anglers are very good at catching bass. It all starts with the equipment they are using today. Fishing reels are so much more advanced today than when I first started tournament fishing back in 1990. Reels that we used to consider high speed with a 7:1:1 gear ratio have been replaced by super high-speed reels with a gear ratio of 10:1. The fishing rods also are state of the art with so many different designs for every type of fishing known to man. Many rods today are so sensitive you can actually feel every single pebble on the bottom of the lake.

So, with all this great equipment, why is it that everyone is not a great angler? In my opinion, it’s just like any other sport. Some anglers are just naturally better and more talented than others. The days of someone getting lucky to win a tournament are long gone! Anglers still must do their homework, spend time on the water and pre-fish before each event.

For this Lake of the Pines ABA Solo 150 Tour event, I made several trips to the Pines to scout weeks before the tournament. Of my first three previous trips leading up to the week of the event, I was catching not just a lot of fish, but quality as well. I was feeling pretty good about being able to have a Top 10 finish. Then tournament week rolled around and all the time and effort I had put in was all for naught, or was it?

One thing about early spring bass fishing is conditions can change almost daily. It might be the hardest time of year to pattern fish since conditions are constantly changing with passing cold fronts. This time of year, bass are constantly on the move looking to head for shallow water to spawn. For this event, I had what I thought was a good area where I felt bass would stage before coming in for the spawn. These spots can be a true honey hole and can put an angler in great position to do very well.

But that did not happen for me on this event, and I had to adjust my game plan and go to plan B early on day 1. But that’s what tournament bass fishing is all about….making adjustments. Long story short, I managed to bang out a 5-fish limit just shy of 17 lbs. on day one. Now for 80% of most events, this would be considered a great start. I felt confident I would be in the Top 10 for sure or maybe the Top 7.  

Wrong!!! After all anglers weighed in on day 1, I was sitting in 12^th place. Now that’s nothing to be ashamed of, but two of my competitors caught over 25 lbs., with one over 27. After the shock was over, I asked myself, “What the heck am I doing wrong?” I knew that the anglers who were leading were really good anglers, but I was heading into final day with a 10-pound deficit. I knew that there was no way I could make up that kind of ground on this group of anglers.

But day 2 for me was not very good as I struggled to get a limit of about 11 lbs. in the boat before 11:30 that morning. It was a small limit, but I continued to put my head down and fish hard hoping to get two or three quality bites (four or five pounders) that might put me in range to maybe get a check. As day two came to a close, I ended this event in 15^th place overall.    

Over my 34 years of tournament fishing, I have logged in thousands of hours on the water looking for those little green fish we call bass. While I still have the desire to compete and win an event, I’m a realist as well. These young anglers today are good, and I mean really good, especially with today’s advanced electronics. They are just better than me and that’s hard for me to say!

But one thing I have come to terms with is that at the age of 62, and a melanoma diagnosis that so far I have overcome. I’m happy to be able to wet a hook and continue to fish on a competitive level. It’s funny how your perspective changes when life throws you a curve ball and reminds you how precious it is to have our health. Winning is no longer that important. What is important is that I still enjoy the camaraderie we anglers share as a group. It’s the friends I’ve made because of bass fishing that makes it all worthwhile.

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and make sure to check out Tackle Talk Live podcast, as well as the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show on You Tube. 

Steve Graf                                                                                                                                    

Angler’s Perspective

MADRID— The motto of the Boy Scouts of America is to be prepared. That’s all well and good, except I got kicked out of scouting as a Webelo (the stage between Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts). I was never awarded a preparedness merit badge, and don’t even know if there is such a thing. Though I feel as if I have armored up for all potential setbacks while hosting over 40 groups of more than 1,200 people, through lots of European countries over a six-year period. In all those travels, I have never had a transportation problem. 

Until yesterday.

Transportation is one of the primary factors in hosting a successful tour group. It is key to be where you need to be at the time you need to be there. It’s just as important to be picked up at the agreed upon spot at the time that was agreed upon. Any deviation in the plan leads to unhappy guests. Transportation is so important it costs almost as much as lodging, sometimes more.

On the second day of this Spring 2024 RSJ Yonderlust Tour through Spain we encountered an issue that I have never had to deal with— the bus carrying my guests from Madrid to Toledo broke down in the middle of the Spanish countryside. Something that had to do with the electronics had failed. Our bus driver, Oscar, seemed competent, and one of our guests is an electrician, though no one could figure out a fix. We were stranded and running late for our lunch reservation. 

A travel host is as happy as his least happy guest, and there was growing potential for a busload of unhappy guests. This was uncharted territory for me.  I have been blessed with six years of trouble-free transportation on my tours. That’s an impressive feat as I have hosted tours in Venice, Bologna, Milan, Rome, Amalfi, Naples, a majority of the coastline of Sicily, most of Spain, England, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, and almost every inch of Tuscany. Our guests have travelled by van, bus, horse-drawn carriage, tuk tuks, golf carts, boats, planes, four-wheelers (on an active volcano) electric mini bikes, bicycles, and by foot, all without incident. Yesterday, it looked as if my luck had run out. 

My boots-on-the-ground travel expert, Jessie Marinus, and I immediately started looking for solutions while keeping a positive attitude with the guests. To their credit, my guests seemed fine. My ego would like to think it’s because all but three of them have traveled with me before— for a few it was their fourth or fifth trip with me— but the group’s overall positive manner and optimistic outlook on life and travel was probably a more accurate explanation. 

The first key in these situations is to not look worried or stressed on the outside, no matter how one feels on the inside. The second key is to live in the solution. I’m sure there is an early version of myself that would have panicked and been visibly angry at the situation. Though being blessed with a little clarity and having a small grasp on the concept of acceptance, I chose to acknowledge the situation for what it was and to do my best to fix it as quickly as possible. All attempts to repair the bus were failing. The only answer was to have the transportation company deliver a new bus to us as soon as possible. We were halfway between Madrid and Toledo at an abandoned roundabout with only a small convenience store in sight. 

There was a possibility that a bus wouldn’t be available. Then what if there was a bus, but no available driver? How far away would they be? We could be in for a three or four hour wait with nothing to do except to waste away an entire day on this 10-day tour. 

The other key in a situation such as this is maintaining constant communication with guests, keeping them in the loop and not guessing as to what is going on. To their credit the entire group remained happy and upbeat. Within an hour a new bus arrived, and we were on our way to Toledo. 

There is so much of this travel-hosting gig that is like the restaurant business. In the end, it’s all about hospitality. I tell the leadership team at our restaurants, “Business is problems, and a successful business is problems well handled.” Problems are going to arise. It’s inevitable. The key to happy guests, whether they are sitting in a dining room in Hattiesburg, Mississippi or on a broke down bus in Spain, is to live in the solution.

 The restaurant business really isn’t a food business, it’s a people business. The travel business is that, in reverse. It’s about people, but not the team members one works with, it’s all about the people who pay to travel. I have been blessed to host so many wonderful people over the years. When this new leg of my career began, I knew I would enjoy hosting Americans in Europe and turning them on to the people, places, food, art, architecture, and culture I had discovered on my travels. Though I never knew I would make such good and meaningful friendships.

We travel in groups of 25. There is nothing specific about that number other than that is what the two original villas we used in Tuscany could hold. My wife and I aren’t group travel people. Not at all. I have turned down free trips from food suppliers to all sorts of locations because I didn’t want to travel with a group. For some reason these trips don’t seem like group travel. I have never been able to figure out why it doesn’t seem like group travel, but it never has. The guests who travel with me say the same. It’s like a collection of friends who have gotten together in a foreign land to discover and have fun. In the end, I believe it’s the quality of people who join me on these excursions. We almost all become new friends. This group might be the best, yet.

Ultimately, if the Boy Scouts would have had a travel hosting or hospitality merit badge in scouting, I might would have stuck with it. 

Onward.

Minestrone Soup

I created a version of this in the early days of the Purple Parrot Café in the late 1980s. When we opened Tabella, I revised it and it’s a regular menu item.

¼ c.     Pure olive oil
1 ½ c.  Onion, diced
1 ½ c. Carrot, diced
1 c.      Celery, diced
½ c.     Garlic, minced
¼ c.     Kosher salt
1 tsp    Dried basil
1 tsp    Dried oregano
½ tsp   Dried thyme
2 tsp    Fresh ground black pepper
¼ tsp   Crushed red pepper
2 ea.    Bay leaf
2 TB    Balsamic vinegar
½ c.     White wine
¼ c.     Tomato paste
2 ea.    28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes, chopped
1 gal.   Vegetable Stock 
2 c.      Zucchini, medium dice
2 c.      Yellow squash, medium dice
1 ea     10 oz. package frozen spinach, thawed, drained
2 ea     15 oz. can kidney or cannelloni beans, drained
¼ c.     Pesto 
1 TB    Worcestershire sauce

Heat olive oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat.

Add onions, carrots, celery, salt, peppers, basil, oregano, thyme and bay leaves. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add wine and balsamic vinegar.  Continue cooking for 3 minutes.

Add tomato paste and cook 6-8 minutes, stirring constantly, being careful not to let it burn.

Add canned tomatoes and chicken stock. Simmer for 1 hour.

Add zucchini, squash, spinach and kidney beans and cook for 8 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in pesto and Worcestershire.

Yield: 1 gallon

(Robert St. John is a chef, restaurateur and published cookbook author who lives in Hattiesburg, Miss.)

Graveside services for Billy Rex Harper, JR., 76, of Ringgold, Louisiana will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Ringgold, Louisiana.  Visitation will be at Rockett Funeral Home 2438 Military Road Ringgold, LA from 10:00 A.M. until service time, Saturday, March 16, 2024.

Billy Rex was born June 9, 1947 in Fort Jackson, South Carolina while his dad was serving in the United States Army.  He passed away at his home in Ringgold, Louisiana on March 8, 2024.  He lived with his family in California for a short stent before they all moved back to the family farm in Ringgold, Louisiana.

Billy Rex was a 1965 graduate of Ringgold High School, attended Centenary College for one and a half years and was a 1973 graduate of Louisiana Tech University.  In between the two colleges, he worked as a bookkeeper for Arkla Gas Company.  After graduating Louisiana Tech, he taught at Gibsland Coleman High School and Ringgold High School.  Billy Rex decided to go back to school and become an attorney after teaching. He was a 1987 graduate of Louisiana State University Law School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Billy Rex practiced law in Arcadia, Louisiana for over twenty years before moving back to the family home place in Ringgold, Louisiana. He went back to teaching for a few years before deciding to enjoy life on the farm.

He was a member of Jamestown Primitive Baptist Church and had a special connection to Ringgold First United Pentecostal Church.  He spent his last years enjoying life and spending time with his brother, other family and friends before his health started to decline.

Billy Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Rex Harper, SR and Beatrice Castor Harper.

Left to cherish his memories include his daughters, Lisa Villalobos of San Marcos, Texas, Sheri Harper of Orlando, Florida and Rebecca Castillo and her husband, Miguel of Schertz, Texas; brother, Dr. Robert (Gene) Harper and his wife, Mary A. Harper of Ringgold, LA; grandchildren, Malik Elosta, Sakeenah Elosta, Muhammad Elosta, Ahmed Elosta, Rhianne Elosta, Alayna Harper, Miles MacAbee and Sophie Castillo; nephews, John A Harper and wife, Amberly of Princeton, Texas and Benjamin Lee Harper of Byron, Michigan; special friends, Lamar Rowell and Jimmy Evans and a number of other relatives and friends and his beloved dog, FieFie.

Please send all non-profit calendar events to bpjnewsla@gmail.com

March 15 (5:30 p.m.)

Bienville Beard Busters Chapter Hunting Heritage – Non-profit Banquet

630 Factory Outlet Drive, Arcadia.

March 16 

Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days “Come Eggsplore”

Face painting, bounce houses, obstacle course, pony rides, petting zoo, raffles, food and timed Easter egg hunts.

March 16 (9 – noon)

District 2 Star of Hope O.E.S. 30th Annual Gala, “Star Struck” Welcome to Old Hollywood.

630 Factory Outlet Dr. Arcadia.

Attire: Sunday’s best with “fascinators and fedoras.”

Entertainment, food, drawings. Public is welcome to attend with a $5 donation at the door. 

March 17 (3 p.m.)

Retirement Celebration for Pastor Emeritus Isadore Millican – Saline Ridge Baptist Church

March 22-24

Louisiana Region Sankofa Ecumenical Confrence – Arcadia Event Center

Friday: 6:30 p.m.    Saturday: 8:30 a.m.     Sunday: 2 p.m.

March 30 

Locked & Loaded Bonnie & Clyde Paranormal Investigation – Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum

Vendors: 5 p.m.     Investigation: 7 – 11 p.m.

April 5 (9 a.m.)

Ringgold High School’s Class of 2025 Ring Ceremony

April 10 – 12

Bienville Parish Preschool Pre-K 3 Round- Up

April 20

Year of the Iris Annual Spring Picnic – Briarwood Caroline Dorman Nature Preserve

May 25

The Authentic Bonnie & Clyde Festival – Downtown Gibsland

Notice of Death – March 14, 2024

Ora Nell “Teddy” Merritt

Homer, La.

Feb. 11, 1944 – March 07, 2024

Visitation: 1 – 6 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, Memorial Funeral Home, Homer, La. 

Funeral service: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, Springlake of God in Christ, Homer, La. 

Interment: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, St. John Cemetery, Homer, La. 

Billy Rex Harper, Jr. 

Ringgold, La. 

June 09, 1947 – March 08, 2024

Visitation: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, Rockett Funeral Home, Ringgold, La.

Funeral service: immediately following the service. 

Brenda Janice Mitchell 

Homer, La. 

July 16, 1964 – March 11, 2024

Visitation: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La.

Graveside Service: immediately following visitation at Arlington Cemetery, Homer, La. 

Bienville Parish Journal publishes paid complete obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $80. Contact your funeral provider or bpjnewsla@gmail.com . Must be paid in advance of publication. (Above death notices are no charge.)

By Paige Gurgainers

Mr. Eric Carter, Transportation Director, gave a brief overview on the PCAL Bus Driver of the Year Program.

Ms. Naomi Walker, bus driver for Gibsland Coleman High School, was recognized as the 2023-2024 PCAL Parish Bus Driver of the Year. On behalf of PCAL, Ms. Lauren Young was present and recognized Ms. Walker also as being named the 2023-2024 Regional Bus Driver of the Year. Ms. Walker was presented with a special certificate, plaque and a monetary award for $100.00. School bus drivers play a very important role in the education of our students at Bienville Parish School Board. 

They help set the tone for our student’s daily experiences. Typically, our bus drivers are the first person that our students see in the morning and the last they see in the afternoon. Each day, school bus drivers are entrusted with safely transporting our children to and from school. No matter the weather conditions or the traffic, their performance on the road must always be A+. Ms. Walker has 34 years of driving experience, all accident free!

Thank you Ms. Walker for your dedication and passion for our students. We salute you on a job well done!