By Paige Nash (KTBS 3 News)

A Bienville Parish native has been hailed a hero following his death while rescuing passengers on a sinking yacht in Lake Michigan last week.

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:
07-15-24

Eddie J. Crawley of Gibsland, LA—Pled guilty to Battery of a Dating Partner. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail, which was suspended. He was placed on 1 year supervised probation.

Jamarcus Terrell Abbott of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Illegal Use of Weapons or Dangerous Instrumentalities. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor. He also pled guilty to Resisting An Officer. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail. These sentences will run concurrently.

Lewis Clifford Abney of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Theft Over $1,000 Less Than $5,000. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor with all but 2 years suspended. Once he is released, he will be placed on 3 years supervised probation. He is required to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of $2,100.

Jason E. Adams of Coushatta, LA—Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor.

Jessica Cason of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery. She was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail, which was suspended. She was placed on 1 year supervised probation. She is required to pay $738 in fines and costs.

Lamarcus Jaquez Clark of Castor, LA— Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail. He also pled guilty to Battery of a Dating Partner with Child Endangerment. He was sentenced to 3 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation.

Lorenzo Cordell Clarkson of Castor, LA— Pled guilty to 2 counts of Distribution of Schedule I CDS-Synthetic Cannabinoid. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor. These sentences will run concurrently.

Robert Shayne Culver of Bienville, LA— Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor. He also pled guilty to Resisting An Officer By Flight. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail. These sentences will run consecutively.

Christian Sullivan Graham of Gibsland, LA— Pled guilty to Distribution of Schedule I CDS-Marijuana. He was sentenced to 3 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation. He is required to pay $1,000 fines plus court cost.

Chadwick K. Jones of Ruston, LA— Pled guilty to 2 counts of Distribution of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 9 years at hard labor on each count. These sentences will run concurrently and will run consecutively with Lincoln Parish sentence.

Raekwon Demone Lockhart of Killeen, TX— Pled guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute CDS-Marijuana Less Than 2 ½ lbs. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on unsupervised probation. He is required to pay $3,122 in fines and costs to the Bienville Parish
Sheriff’s Office.

Tevin A. Love of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS- Cocaine. He was sentenced to 1 year at hard labor.

Edtreum Desha Loyd of Jonesboro, LA—Pled guilty to Negligent Homicide. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor.

Jeffery Allen McCoy of Jamestown, LA—Pled guilty to Aggravated Burglary. He was sentenced to 10 years at hard labor.

Lucian Magal Mitchell of Homer, LA—Pled guilty to Theft Over $1,000 Less Than $5,000. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor. He is required to pay $2,100 in restitution to the victim.

Antonyia Marshae Monroe of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Theft Over $1,000. She was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor, which was suspended. She was placed on 2 years supervised probation. She is required to pay $2,500 in restitution to the victim.

Timothy Moore of Shreveport, LA—Pled guilty to Theft Over $25,000. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation. He is required to pay $5,000 in restitution to the victim.

Eddie Ray Myles of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Possession of Marijuana Over 14 Grams. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail, which was suspended. He was placed on 1 year supervised probation.

Daniel Patterson of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery. He was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail.

Jeanea Latrece Patterson of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Aggravated Assault. She was sentenced to 6 months in the parish jail.

Michael Shane Stutz of Bargersville, IN—Pled guilty to 2 counts of Residential Contract Fraud. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor for each count, which was suspended. He was placed on 2 years supervised probation. He is required to pay restitution in the amount of $2,300 and $2,280 to the victims. He is also required to pay $2,027.50 to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office for transportation expenses.

Joshua Everette Uzzle, Sr. of Jamestown, LA—Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery-Second Offense. He was sentenced to 1 year at hard labor.

Broderick Williams of Haughton, LA—Pled guilty to Theft Over $25,000. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation. He is required to pay $5,000 in restitution to the victim.

Amber Lynn Young of Coushatta, LA—Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor.

The 2024 Summer Reading Program was a tremendous success, culminating in lively celebrations and awards ceremonies across the Bienville Parish Library system. From July 24 through July 26, each library branch hosted its event, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of all participants. 

Highlights of the Awards Ceremony

Each library branch selected its top readers in various age categories, with the overall parish-wide reading champions chosen from these standout participants. The Top Readers were honored with trophies, prizes, and certificates of achievement, celebrating their exceptional commitment to reading over the summer months.

Reading Requirements

To qualify as a top reader, participants had to meet specific reading goals tailored to their age groups:

Independent Readers:  An independent reader is someone who can read on their own, with little to no help from adults.

• Children aged 3 to 8: The requirement was to read at least 30 books.
• Children aged 9 to 13: The challenge was reading at least 2,000 pages.
• For children aged 14 to 17: The challenge was to read at least 3,000 pages.

Family Shared Reading:  Designed for children ages 3-PreK/K.  This is a fun way to strengthen parent/child relationships while developing the love of reading. Family Shared Reading also reinforces social-emotional skills for school success.  Additionally, children with special needs can enjoy being read to and have a fun and interactive activity with parents and siblings. 

• Family Reader: The challenge was to have at least 30 books read to children younger than three years or a child with special needs.

Celebrating Every Reader

Every child who completed the program was celebrated and rewarded for their efforts. They received brag tags, a reading certificate, and a prize, ensuring all participants felt recognized and encouraged in their reading journeys. This inclusive approach underscored the program’s commitment to fostering a love of reading in children of all ages.

Top Readers Across the Parish

Each library in the Bienville Parish system proudly selected its Top Readers of the 2024 Summer Reading Program. These young achievers were acknowledged for their outstanding efforts, inspiring their peers and community. Here is a list of the top readers by age group from each library branch:

Arcadia Library

• Ages 3-8: Lily Domangue, 213 books [READING CHAMPION]
• Ages 9-13: Mackenzie Dodge, 2,750 pages
• Family Reader: Denver Smith, 137 books [READING CHAMPION]

Ringgold Library

• Ages 3-8: Libby Bates, 53 books
• Ages 9-13: Lane Coats, 1,494 pages
• Ages 14-17: Sydney Bates, [NA]pages
• Family Reader: J.P. Coats, 34 books

Saline Library

• Ages 3-8: Norah Burns, 70 books
• Ages 9-13: Braydon Ponder, 3,297 pages
• Ages 14-17: Brayden Robinson, 3,024 pages
• Family Reader: Jasper Dison, 34 books

Castor Library

• Ages 3-8: Bindi Nelson, 57 books
• Ages 9-13: Maggie Guin, 2,010 pages
• Family Reader: Kinsley Meylian, 73 books

Gibsland Library

• Ages 3-8: Alaysia Bailey, 31 books
• Ages 9-13:  Raelynn Flournoy, 5,118 pages [READING CHAMPION]
• Family Reader: Makhia Williams, 30 books

2024 SRP Reading Champions
Bienville Parish Library System

Lily Domangue
Independent Reader
Denver Smith
Family Shared Reader
Arcadia Main

Raelynn Flournoy
Independent Reader
Gibsland Branch

A Community Effort

The success of the 2024 Summer Reading Program was a collective effort, reflecting the dedication of not just the children but also their parents, grandparents, and caregivers. The program’s theme, “Adventure Begins at Your Library!” truly came to life, thanks to the support of families who encouraged reading and participated in library activities.

Conclusion

Congratulations to all the children, their families, and the entire Bienville Parish Library staff for fostering a lifelong love of reading in every child, and making this year’s program a phenomenal success! SEE YOU AT THE LIBRARY!

Frédéric “Auguste” Bartholdi was born in Comar, France in 1791 to parents Jean Charles Bartholdi and Augusta Charlotte Bartholdi.  When Auguste was just two years old, his father died.  Soon thereafter, Auguste, along with his mother and older brother, moved to Paris to be closer to another branch of the Bartholdi family. 

Auguste was a student of the arts.  He studied drawing, painting, sculpting, and architecture.  He was most impressed with and often visited the workshops of noted sculptors Antoine Etex and Jean-François Soitoux.  Auguste’s interests were in the creation of monuments to historical figures and patriotic celebrations.  In 1854, Auguste began drawing what became his first real monument to honor a French Army officer during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.  He completed the bronze statue of General Rapp in 1855 and presented it at the Universal Exhibition of Parish.  In the following year, it was placed atop a pedestal in Auguste and General Rapp’s hometown of Colmar.  Auguste created a handful of other bronze sculptures of notable French patriots.

The viceroy of Egypt learned of Auguste’s talent and hired him to design a statue of a robed female Saeid Misr or “Upper Egyptian,” to be built at the entryway of the Suez Canal in Port Said, Egypt.  It was to be called Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia.  Auguste got to work right away.  He took inspiration from the giant ancient Egyptian statues at Abu Simbel, Egypt.  He researched the Colossus of Rhodes which was built at the entrance to the island’s main port in 280 B.C.  The Colossus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and stood for almost a thousand years until, according to some sources, an Arab force conquered Rhodes and completely destroyed the statue. 

Auguste complete sketches and even a watercolor painting of Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia.  He designed the 86-foot-tall female statue to sit atop a 48-foot-tall pedestal.  Auguste knew that this statue on such a grand scale would certainly be his masterpiece.  Auguste met with the viceroy and displayed his sketches, paintings, and architectural drawings of the statue.  The viceroy was certainly impressed, but the cost to construct the statue was just too great.  The viceroy had no choice but to discontinue work on Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia.  In 1869, the Port Said Lighthouse was built where Auguste’s statue would have stood.  Auguste was understandably disappointed.

In the following year, 1870, France was embroiled in the Franco-Prussian War.  Auguste served as a squadron leader of the National Guard and liaison officer during the war.  He took part in the unsuccessful defense of Colmar from Germany.  When the war ended in 1871, Auguste began constructing numerous monuments in honor of French heroism in the region.  All the while, he kept thinking about the statue that would have been his masterpiece.  He was determined to build it, but who would pay the enormous price to construct it?  He ultimately convinced the French government to help in the form of public fees.  They held various forms of fundraisers such as theatrical events, art exhibits, auctions, and a lottery.  In 1883, poet Emma Lazarus wrote her famous sonnet entitled “The New Colossus” to be auctioned for the statue’s construction. 

Finally, Auguste had the funds to build his masterpiece.  He recycled and modified his original female “Upper Egyptian” design along with the statue’s original title Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia to better fit the statue’s intended placement.  In July 1884, Auguste completed his 151-foot masterpiece, and the statue stood tall above the rooftops of Paris for two years.  Then, the statue was disassembled, packed up, shipped to what was then called Bedloe’s Island, and reassembled where it remains to this day.  Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi recycled the look of Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia and renamed the statue Liberty Enlightening the World.  You and I know Auguste’s recycled masterpiece as the Statue of Liberty.  

Sources:

1.     The Statue of Liberty: Overview + History, Ellis Island Foundation, https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/overview-history/

2.     Auguste Bertholdi – Father of the Statue of Liberty, Colmar et sa region, L’Alsace essentielle, https://www.tourisme-colmar.com/en/visit/presentation/history/famous-people-from-colmar/176-auguste-bartholdi-father-of-the-statue-of-liberty#:~:text=Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric%20Auguste%20Bartholdi%2C%20the%20most,to%20go%20live%20in%20Paris.

3.     Gabriela Hammond, “The Woman Behind the Statue of Liberty: Who is Lady Liberty,” February 15, 2021, https://www.statueoflibertytour.com/blog/the-woman-behind-the-statue-of-liberty-who-is-lady-liberty/

Tomorrow, August 1, will mark a change of ownership but not a change of convenient downtown service of Pharmacy Services when Steve Shelton, a pharmacist here for 47 years who has operated out of his 100 W. Main Street location for nearly a quarter century, turns the keys over to not-for-profit Trinity Community Health Center of Louisiana.

“The board at Trinity wasn’t looking at getting into the retail pharmacy business,” said CEO Deano Thornton. “Steve approached us as he looked to step back from the full responsibilities of the business at Pharmacy Services. We didn’t want to see the doors closed on another business with 20 employees on Main Street.”

Shelton has certainly witnessed that trend in hometown pharmacies. When he took over his father Leo Shelton’s pharmacy opposite the post office in January 1978, pharmacies abounded: Flurry’s Pharmacy, New Winnfield Drugs, Winn Pharmacy, Courthouse Pharmacy, Emerson’s Pharmacy, Shirley’s Pharmacy, Medicine Shoppe, Scott’s Pharmacy.

Shelton told the Journal that he worked in his dad’s pharmacy beginning in 1971 as he attended Louisiana Tech and was attracted to the profession. After receiving his pre-pharmacy degree at Tech, he went on to study and received his degree at NLU in Monroe. “I guess the word I’d use is ‘service’ to describe my work through these years,” he said. “I’m proud of serving the people, being available, talking and visiting individually with them.”

Thornton expressed the same desire by Trinity in maintaining their service level to customers. “I go back to my days as a student, maybe eighth grade, when Leo Shelton, a longtime coach and educator at Atlanta, opened his first pharmacy near the Baptist Church. They have a rich tradition of taking care of people here in Winnfield, a tradition we plan to maintain.”

The CEO explained that Pharmacy Services as a division of Trinity CHC will keep on as many of the present staff as possible as well as additional pharmacists and staff to fill scripts in a timely fashion. Upgraded pharmacy equipment and software is upcoming. They’ve signed contracts with two local pharmacists, April Boyett who will be pharmacist in charge and Yasmeen Davis. Familiar faces such as pharmacist Sharon Barnett, pharmacy technician Tiffany Hemphill and yes, even Steve Shelton will continue at Pharmacy Service.

“We’re happy that Steve wants to continue working as a pharmacist but only with the reduced hours that he wants to work,” said Thornton. “He’ll be able to do the work he enjoys without the pressures of the day to day business. After all these years, he’s earned that. In his tradition, we’ll have expanded hours and home deliveries as folks need.”

Shelton said that since the COVID years when peoples’ attitudes altered, he’s been eyeing the possibility of stepping back. “I’ve been talking and visiting with Trinity for some time and am happy with the arrangement. I’d like to thank God for giving me this ability to serve people, thank my family for their patience and support and thank the people of Winnfield and Winn Parish for their confidence and respect.”

On April 1, the ownership may change but Trinity aims to preserve the warm, customer-friendly atmosphere that folks have come to expect.

Est. in 1992

THE HENDRIX TRIO has reached a significant milestone as they celebrate 30+ years in the ministry of music. Hailing from Texarkana, TX, this dynamic Southern/Country Gospel trio has made their mark as a group that ministers through song in the genre. Traveling in their trusty motorcoach, THE HENDRIX TRIO frequently performs in the vibrant four states area during weekends, captivating audiences with their soul-stirring music.

Throughout their illustrious ministry, they have had the esteemed privilege of sharing the stage with numerous national recording artists, including renowned acts such as THE HOPPERS, GOLD CITY, MIKE BOWLING FAMILY, THE NELONS, JEFF & SHERRI EASTER, GREATER VISION, KAREN PECK AND NEW RIVER, THE STAMPS QUARTET, RUSS TAFF, 11th HOUR, LEFEVRE QUARTET, TRIBUTE QUARTET, and many others. This impressive roster of collaborations speaks volumes about the respect and admiration they have garnered through the years with Southern Gospel’s National Industry Leaders.

THE HENDRIX TRIO not only embarks on captivating musical journeys, but they also take on the noble task of promoting gospel music in the Texarkana region. Their unwavering dedication to the genre has solidified their status as ‘promotors’ of gospel music.

With a discography boasting 12 outstanding recordings, including their latest release, “TELL IT LIKE IT WAS,” THE HENDRIX TRIO consistently delivers exceptional music that resonates with their devoted fan base. Furthermore, their personal expertise as event organizers is evident in the success of the 8 Gospel Music Cruises they have hosted. They are also esteemed founding members of RDH PROMOTIONS, a testament to their influential role in shaping the gospel music landscape in the 4 States and surrounding areas.

As THE HENDRIX TRIO commemorates their three-decade journey, their legacy as a harmonious force in Southern/Country Gospel remains unshakable. Their timeless melodies and tireless dedication continue to encourage, pray for and uplift audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of southern gospel music.

Gimme an “E!” for “excitement!”

Go team!

It’s ‘that’ time of year, and the password is “excited!”

We can talk volleyball or soccer, and “certainly there is reason for excitement!” as most any coach would say, about the upcoming prospects on the court and on the pitch.

But the Kingpin of Autumn is football, so …

Pigskin Excitement!

Of all your excitements, the best and most contagious kind has got to be Pigskin Excitement! Optimism is rampant, hyperbole is free and easy.

And so — here we are. With August and the first days of (legal) practice knocking at the door, the only way to get in is to say you’re “excited,” or one of its cousins.

You can be “Eager!” or “Fired up!” or “Stoked!” or “Juiced!” or even, if you are light-headed due to excitement, “in a tizzy!”

It does not matter if you’re a Rhodes Scholar pulling guard or a quarterback with a rocket arm and chicken lo mein for brains, if you are not “EXCITED!” then buddy you’d better GET excited or get your butt OUT of this locker room and OFF this field!

These are exciting times!

But … what about the teams that SAY they’re excited but are NOT excited? What about the teams that are just flat-out depressed? Don’t they deserve some love too? 

We’ve been around and can testify: there’s not always a lot of exciting joy in Mudville.

There is what you will read in the newspapers and hear on film clips — “After an inspired offseason, we’re excited about getting on the field and sending these seniors out as champions!” — and there is what you will hear when the depressed coach walks back to the training room and pours his soul out, sweaty hat in hand, to the equipment manager. 

“We’re not worth donating to the homeless store. It depresses me to think that State U. is going to come in here in about eight weeks, right about the time we’re 2-5, and beat us like a rented mule.

“And ol’ Frankie Junior, he could be the best tight end in the league but I swear, if he was any dumber, we’d have to water that boy twice a day.

“We tried to put in a new system in the off-season and, Moses and Enoch themselves as my witness, it’s not going to be any better than the OLD system because we have the SAME players! We don’t need a new system; we need new players. Preferably ones with IQ’s higher than their shoe sizes. 

“On top of that, our mascot is getting neutered Tuesday. Did you know that? Doesn’t even have a vote. We’ve got more problems than a little bit. 

“And jock itch has infected the whole team. I’m telling you I’m so unlucky, I could reach in a barrel of silver dollars and pull out a penny.

“Only thing that can save us now is the NC Double A fining us and putting us on permanent suspension so we don’t have to play, but we’re too poor to have broken any rules. We couldn’t buy the toot off a whistle if they were selling for a nickel a pop. Boy if heartaches were commercials, I’d be all over everybody’s television sets…

“Meanwhile I’m having to tell the press and fans we’re ‘excited!’ Yesterday I even threw out a ‘SUPER-excited!’ Think they bought it?

“You know what excites me? That the season won’t last forever. 

“But it’s sure gonna seem that way.”

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Funeral services for Apryl Dawn Driskill Betteridge will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia, with burial to follow at Driskill Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Apryl was born on December 14, 1973, to Tony Driskill and Sulyn Prince, in Minden, Louisiana. She passed away on July 27, 2024, in East Liverpool, Ohio. Apryl was a graduate of Arcadia High School. After graduation, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where she proudly served for 4 years. Apryl was a devoted mother to her two daughters. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed by those that knew her.

Apryl is preceded in death by her mother, Sulyn Prince. Left to cherish her memories are her daughters; Ally Betteridge and Maddie Betteridge, father Tony Driskill, siblings; Robyn Kelley and husband Ernest, Amanda Driskill, and Jami Hearne and husband Jim, uncles; Danny Driskill and wife Donna and Omar Driskill, special friends; Kenny and Lisa Pepper, Ashley Eulate, Glen Flemming, and Kim Rigdon, and by many other loving family and friends.

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

August 1 (10 – 12:30 p.m.)

Summer Lunch & Learn hosted by the Circle of Bienville Medical Center

The Arcadia Event Center

RSVP to Sharla McClusky at 318-572-0274 or sharla.mcclusky@ahmgt.com

August 4 (5 – 7 p.m.)

Gibsland Community – Back to School Supply Pick-up – Gibsland Pavilion 

August 5 (3 – 5 p.m.)

Back to School Haircuts – Ringgold High School Gym

First 100 will receive haircuts and line-ups for $10

August 5 (5:30 – 7 p.m.)

Saline High School Open House 

August 24 (8 – 11 a.m.)

Art in the Park – Henderson- Jordan Park

For ages 18 and under. All canvases and paint will be supplied at no cost to participants. 

September 6 & 7 

The Riley Jinks Memorial Rodeo, Ringgold

September 7 (9 – 1 p.m.)

2nd Annual Artists and Authors Expo

October 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Car Show with Prizes, Raffles, Cake Auction and Food Trucks benefiting CASA

1952 N. Railroad Ave, Arcadia, La.

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies.

07/21/24

Christopher Taylor of Ringgold was arrested for simple criminal damage to property.

07/23/24

Seth Spillers of Ruston was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended license; other offenses.

Mitchell Ray of Ringgold was arrested for second degree kidnapping and domestic abuse battery.

07/26/24

Audriana Woods of Arcadia was arrested for possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia, possession of hydrocodone, possession of methamphetamine, exceeding the maximum speed limit and operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued.

Billy Lafield of Ringgold was arrested for sale, distribution or possession of legend drugs with a prescription or order prohibited, possession of methamphetamine, prohibited acts – Schedule IV and operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued.

07/27/24

Dontae Stringfellow was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued.

Michael Lester, Jr. of Robbinsdale, Ms. was arrested for exceeding the maximum speed limit and no driver’s license.

Antonia March of Lancaster, Tx. was arrested for two counts of violation of stop sign with no injury, aggravated flight from an officer and obstruction of justice.

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 – July 30, 2024

James Reginald Blewer

Visitation: Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 5 – 7 p.m., Edmonds Funeral Home, Jonesboro, La.

Funeral service: Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 2 p.m., Southern-Edmonds F.W. Chapel, Jonesboro, La. 

Burial to follow at Friendship Cemetery, Bienville, La. 

Apryl Diskill Betteridge

Visitation: Friday, August 02, 2024, 5 – 7 p.m., Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La. 

Funeral service: Saturday, August 03, 2024, 10 – 11 a.m., Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La.

Burial to follow at Driskill Cemetery, Arcadia, La. 

Nelda Thomas Dean

Visitation: Saturday, August 03, 2024, 2 – 3 p.m., Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La. 

Memorial service will be held following visitation from 3 – 4 p.m.

Joyce Moreland Rawls

Visitation: Saturday, August 10, 2024, 2 – 3 p.m., Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La. 

Memorial service will be held following visitation from 3 – 4 p.m.

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

Greg Lawson of Ringgold finally had his day in court on Thursday, July 18, after District Judge Rick Warren denied a motion for a new trial the previous Monday. Lawson has now been sentenced to 45 years in prison without the possibility of parole for attempted second-degree murder. 

Lawson spent more than 30 years on the run facing charges of second-degree murder following an altercation that turned violent outside of a Ringgold grocery store in 1990. The victim, Seth Garlington, suffered four gunshot wounds, including one to the hand and two other superficial wounds. He was transported to Schumpert Medical Center’s intensive-care unit and later released. 

Lawson was booked on a charge of attempted second-degree murder, but was soon released on a bond of $50,000. He was later indicted on 12 charges in 1990 by a Bienville Parish Grand Jury, including aggravated assault, aggravated criminal damage, attempted second-degree murder, criminal damage to motor vehicles, attempted manslaughter, battery with a dangerous weapon, illegal use of a firearm and disturbing the peace. Lawson pleaded innocent and was released on a bond of $175,000. 

The trial was moved to Claiborne District Court in Homer due to pretrial publicity in Bienville Parish.

It only took the 12-person jury half an hour to find Greg Max Lawson guilty, but Lawson was nowhere to be found. According to reports, while the jury was deliberating, Lawson who was free on bond simply walked out of the courtroom.

In September 2023 a tip received by the FBI – New Orleans division eventually led to the arrest of Lawson in Mexico. Deputies with the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office traveled to Houston, Texas to pick him up and book him into the Claiborne Parish Detention Center.

Garlington, the victim, was present at Thursday’s hearing. He provided a written statement but chose not to read it himself. In this statement he mentioned that he did forgive Lawson. 

Lawson also made a statement, as well as his brother, both urging for leniency. 

The judge only considered the charge of second-degree murder while sentencing and made the decision not to include Lawson’s 3 decades as a wanted fugitive as a factor. 

At this time Lawson will remain at the Claiborne Parish Detention Center and will be transferred at a later date. 

By Pat Culverhouse

A Castor man is currently facing serious domestic abuse charges as the result of a weekend incident at a Minden apartment complex.

Bruce Dandre Rushing, 30, has been booked for domestic abuse battery with strangulation and domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, Minden Chief of Police Jared McIver said.

According to McIver, officers responded to a report of a fight in progress around 6:30 p.m. Saturday at apartments in the 1300 block of Lee St. Upon arrival, officers found a female crying outside the building, then observed the suspect exit an apartment in what was described as “an aggravated state.”

“The female told our officers that Rushing grabbed her wrists and when she attempted to get away, he reportedly choked her from behind,” McIver said. “We learned the victim’s two children were present during the incident.”

Multiple witnesses at the scene reportedly told officers they observed Rushing choking the victim and beating her while she was on the ground.

Rushing is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Bond has not been set.

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.

On July 30, 2024, The Bienville Parish Library – ARCADIA MAIN will host a free legal presentation on housing legal issues presented by the Acadiana Legal Service Corporation. This community event aims to provide valuable information and guidance to individuals facing housing-related legal challenges.

Event Details

• Date: July 30, 2024
• Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Location: Bienville Parish Library- Arcadia – Main, 2768 Maple Street, Arcadia LA 71001

Topics Covered

During the presentation, experienced legal professionals from ALSC will cover a range of topics, including:

• Tenant rights and responsibilities
• Landlord obligations
• Eviction procedures
• Rent control regulations
• Fair housing laws

How to Participate

The presentation is free and open to the public, but space may be limited. To ensure your spot, you can register in advance by calling 318-263-7410 or stopping by the Arcadia Main circulation desk to register for this free event.

Additional Support

The ALSC Housing Team Staff, well-versed in various civil matters, will be available to answer other types of civil legal questions and help you determine if you have a legal issue. If further legal evaluation on a housing issue is necessary, you may need to apply to schedule a consultation before receiving legal services.

Don’t miss this opportunity to understand housing legal issues better and protect your rights. Please mark your calendar for July 30, 2024, and join us for this informative and empowering event. SEE YOU AT THE LIBRARY!

The Town of Arcadia is searching for volunteers to participate in at least three committees formed by town council members.

They are Public Safety, Recreation and Town Beautification. On those committees are Michael Stephenson (Public Safety); Mario Jefferson, Brenda Dupree and Sylvia Dupree (Recreation); and Mario Jefferson and Sheryl Townsend (Town Beautification).

Productive committees help municipal councils function better. A committee’s role is primarily advisory. They are created to provide insight, information and recommendations to the council, but the council is not obligated to follow the committee’s recommendations.

These committees will serve for only a yearly basis and be re-nominated each year for council approval.

“We thank your council members for their recommendations of constituents to serve and appreciate our citizens for their willingness to serve,” Mayor O’Landis Millican said.

For more information or to join a committee, contact Edwin Mason at 318-243- 9708.

Deadline to join is Aug. 13, at the next town council meeting.

Leonard Franklin Slye was born on November 5, 1911, in a tenement building on 2^nd Street in Cincinnati, Ohio.  His family and friends called him Len.  Eventually, the tenement building where Len was born was torn down and the Riverfront baseball stadium was built on the location.  Len always said that he was born at second base.

Within months of Len’s birth, Len’s father Andy, and his brother Will tired of their jobs and built a houseboat from salvaged lumber.  In July 1912, Andy, his wife Mattie, and their three children, Mary, Cleda, and Len, along with Will, his wife Elizabeth, and their son Raymond, sailed east along the Ohio River from Cincinnati towards Portsmouth in the homemade 12-foot by 50-foot houseboat.  The Slye families jointly purchased land near Portsmouth where they planned to disassemble their houseboat and build a house from the lumber, but mother nature altered their plans. 

On March 23, 1913, heavy rain began to fall which continued for at least four days.  Flooding from the rain killed an estimated 650 people in at least 13 states.  Damages to property exceeded $330 million.  This became known as the Great Flood of 1913.  The majority of the deaths—somewhere between 422 and 470—happened in Ohio.  In Dayton, Ohio, downtown streets were covered with water 10 feet deep.  Fourteen square miles of the city were flooded.  An estimated 123 people were killed in Dayton alone.  In Hamilton, 35 miles downstream from Dayton, about 100 people were killed when water from 10 to 18 feet deep flowed through its residential districts.  93 people died from flooding in Columbus, Ohio.

As the waters rose near Portsmouth, the Slye families used the high water to their advantage and moved their houseboat onto the water which covered their property.  They carefully positioned the houseboat and tied it off.  As the water slowly receded, they placed foundation piers under the houseboat.  The houseboat eventually rested perfectly on their land.  There was another benefit in keeping the houseboat river worthy.  If the river flooded again, their home would be protected from the water because it would float. 

In 1915, Len’s sister Kathleen was born in the former houseboat.  In 1919, Andy purchased farmland near Lucasville, Ohio, about 12 miles north of Portsmouth, where he built a six-room house.  Despite his best efforts, Andy was unable to earn enough income from the farm for his family to survive.  He took a job at a shoe factory in Portsmouth.  During the work week, Andy stayed in Portsmouth.  On weekends, he returned to the farm.  While Andy was away, the rest of the family was pretty much isolated from the outside world.  To communicate over long distances on the farm, Len and his mother used different yodels.  The varying pitch of their voices carried much farther than yelling.  Yodeling was a skill that helped Len later on.

In the days before electronic devices, television, or radio, the Slye family found ways to entertain themselves.  Saturday night square dances were common on the Slye family farm.  Len would often play the mandolin and call the square dances or sing.  This began before Len was a teenager.  By the time he turned 18, Len’s musical abilities were like a finely tuned machine.  In 1929, Andy, Mattie, Len, and Kathleen drove in their 1923 Dodge to Lawndale, California to visit Len’s older sister Mary and her husband.  In the spring of 1930, the Slye family moved to Lawndale permanently.  Soon thereafter, Mary suggested that Len audition for a radio show called the Midnight Frolic.  Producers of the show were surprised by Len’s talents.  A few nights later, Len, dressed in his best western attire, played guitar, sang, and yodeled on the program. 

Len was in demand from then on, and became part of several western musical groups.  The most successful was the Pioneers Trio, which became the Sons of the Pioneers when a radio station announcer changed their name because he thought they were too young to be seen as pioneers.  In 1934, the Sons of the Pioneers signed a recording contract and began recording material in August of that year.  One of the songs to come out of that session was the western standard “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.”  Their 1934 recording was selected by the Library of Congress as a 2010 addition to the National Recording Registry, which selects recordings annually that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. 

In 1935, Len began working in western films using his real name Leonard Slye.  Gene Autry was the king of western films, but he kept demanding more money for his work as the singing cowboy.  Studios began looking for another singing cowboy that they could get for less money.  Len fit the part perfectly… well, almost.  Republic Pictures, who hired Len, thought Lenoard Slye was not a suitable name for a western star.  The film company finally settled on a stage name for Len. 

While working in Hollywood, Len’s alter ego taught lessons in fairness and gentleness.  He was always on the right side of the law and respected the law.  His was a positive character with unwavering principles.  This was more than just a Hollywood-created persona, this was Leonard Slye.  He was a positive role model, something that we could use more of in our modern times. 

Republic Pictures chose Len’s stage name carefully.  They thought Roy had a good western ring to it.  At the time, Will Rogers was a popular western comic entertainer, and they wanted to take advantage of the name recognition.  From that point on, the world knew Leonard “Len” Slye, the King of Cowboys, as Roy Rogers.

Sources:

1.     Chicago Tribune, July 7, 1998, p.97.

2.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, July 7, 1998, p.28.

3.     Desert Dispatch, July 7, 1998, p.1.

President Trump could have easily died last week.  The bullet whizzed by his head close enough to injure his ear.  Had his head been turning in a different direction, or at a different angle, he would likely have been killed.   

How did we get here?

In a way it’s not surprising; recall the deranged supporter of leftist Sen. Bernie Sanders who almost succeeded in killing U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise a few years ago.  In this instance the verbal political attacks morphed from rhetoric to rage and last week we witnessed the violence that is its natural conclusion. 

When an individual is demonized for years on end as a genuine “threat,” he is unavoidably made a target of violence.  That’s what we have with President Trump.  For years he has endured the hateful invective that he will be a “dictator”, or that he is a “Nazi”—an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs” or that he is inherently “evil” or that he represents “an existential threat” to the continuation of our country.  It’s all demonstrably untrue but to the mentally or emotionally imbalanced, it can have a dangerous effect.  My point is that these attacks on Pres. Trump are based upon him as a man, an individual.

Since he came down the escalator in 2016, there have been numerous threats of violence from Democrats in Congress, the music industry, and Hollywood.  Here, I cite only a few:  

Democrat Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer threatened the life of Trump Supreme Court Nominees Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch by screaming at a rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court: “I want to tell you, Gorsuch, I want to tell you, Kavanaugh, you have released the decisions and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.” 

Schumer’s rhetoric bled directly into an attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh, with an attempted murderer, arrested outside of Kavanaugh’s home, who said that he would be “shooting for 3” justices, according to the FBI’s search warrant application.

I note that “these awful decisions” which prompted Schumer’s violent rhetoric were decisions that sought to provide some additional legal protections to innocent, unborn Americans, like fundamental due process and equal protection of our laws.

Further, shortly after President Trump’s inauguration, Madonna said at a rally with 600,000 like-minded lunatics who cheered enthusiastically at her threat at the Women’s March: ‘I have thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House.’  Democrat Lunatic Left Rep. Maxine Waters from California exhorted “Let’s make sure we show up wherever we have to show up.  And if you see anybody from that Cabinet in a restaurant, in a department store, at a gasoline station, you get out and you create a crowd.  And you push back on them. And you tell them they’re not welcome anymore, anywhere.”  Comedian Kathy Griffin elevated a bloodied and detached head of Donald Trump reminiscent of a terrorist assassination.

I recognize that the rage-filled rhetoric to which I refer is not one sided.  It certainly has been spewed by Trump supporters at Pres. Biden and his candidacy but the invective hurled at Biden tends to be policy based: that he is “purposely letting millions of illegals—including violent criminals, terrorists and child traffickers—into our country so the Democrats can turn them into voters”; or that Biden seeks “unlimited abortion” or that he wants to “take away our guns” or that he has “weakened our nation in the eyes of the world with debacles like Afghanistan”, or that due to his “mental and physical deterioration that he is not even running the country.”  Obviously, excepting the last one these attacks are policy-based.  

Not so with Trump.  It’s all personal. 

My point is that elected officials, the press, and political commentators have driven the rage-filled rhetoric that Trump would “kill democracy” and “unleash death squads.”  Remember, Biden himself previously denounced Trump and his “MAGA” supporters as “enemies of the people.”  In fact, just this week Biden told a group of supporters on a phone call that he now needed to “put a bullseye” on Trump.  

But now the Left tells us we need to “condemn political violence” in the U.S.  That’s rich!

We should thank God that we have been sent a warrior to save our nation, and Nov. 5 can’t come soon enough for its safety and healing.

(Shreveport attorney, Royal Alexander, worked in D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly 8 years for two different Members of Congress from Louisiana.  He has witnessed up close several Speaker races.)

Olympics News hot of the press: 

There was a danger that our world-class American athletes competing in the 2024 Summer Games from Paris might not have air-conditioning.

No one loves the “good ol’ days” more than me. AM radio and Tammy Wynette. Screen doors. Front porches. Movies with dialogue. The only travel ball was in the major leagues.

Old days were the best — EXCEPT for automatic banking, streaming channels, and air-conditioning. And the leadoff hitter of those three is AC.

Has to be. Game-changer. 

So why no AC in Paris at the Olympics?

If you are an American who enjoys, even celebrates, seeing our country win at anything, and if you are an American who is spoiled rotten when it comes to air-conditioning, this less-than-thrilling and less-than-chilling news that our athletes might have to sleep in a France toaster is enough to make you break out in a cold sweat. 

Or a hot sweat. (Sometimes I get my sweats confused.)

The Games open today with football (we call it soccer), rugby sevens (no idea), handball (some idea but not really), archery (some idea: cowboy movies when I was little), shooting (pretty good idea, unfortunately, since I can read a newspaper), and Friday, FINALLY, the Opening Ceremony and badminton (some idea: church camp) and rowing (some idea: fishing).

If you miss the start, not an issue. We still have two wonderful weeks of swimming, diving, fencing, gymnasticsing, boxing, taekwondoing, cycling, weightlifting, pentathloning, “modern” pentathloning, basketballing, canoe sprinting (what the …?), sport climbing, running, jumping, and watching Coca-Cola and Visa commercials.

And, if the Americans are lucky, sleeping between winning golds.

Sleeping during a period of competition is no side chick or fling. Sleeping is part of who brought you to the party. Sleeping is your Main Thang. Gotta sleep.

This notion escaped the French.

They’d decided years ago that these Games would be the most eco-friendly and “greenest” ever, which is fine. Their plan to cut in half the carbon footprint of a “normal” Olympics was admirable — right up until the architects insisted that their non-AC, “energy-efficient geothermal cooling system” of water and pipes and wishes would keep the athletes’ rooms no warmer than 26 Celsius — which is a sultry 79 Fahrenheit in Indoor America.

To which the American coaches and athletes said, “NEG!”

The high temp in Paris during July and August averages 78. Child’s play for the American southerner, for sure. BUT …

We are a habit-driven people. I grew up in a two-story that had a window unit downstairs and a window that opened upstairs. Slept great. But once the world introduced us to central air, nighttime became a different ballgame. 

In rural America, we got used to AC. Really fast.

Expand that rationale for the world-class athlete who has slept at a certain temperature nearly their whole lives in preparation for the Olympics, the most important “athletic days” of their lives. The “optimal bedroom sleep micro-environment” for the Team USA competitor, one of our team physiologists told yahoo!/sports, is 61-65 degrees.

So when the Paris mayor insisted Olympic Village athletes would be “very comfortable” at “no warmer than 79,” athletes from the USA, Canada, Italy, Brazil, Greece, Japan, Australia and the like said, “Comfortable compared to WHAT?”

So those countries have either brought their own portable air-conditioners or are renting ones the French organizers have made available. No one wanted to come off as a spoiled or ungrateful visitor: they just didn’t want to be sweating in their PJs on the eve of running the 100. 

Many countries — Germany, Tonga, Samoa, plus the Swiss and French come to mind — don’t need or aren’t used to AC. They’re chill without it.

To each his own.

And that’s the point. We really are creatures of habit. Hey, the French gave us chocolate and perfume and the beret and fries. They meant no harm with the AC thing. But if the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were in Kansas or Richmond or Shreveport, you can bet your last shred of Brie or Roquefort that they’d be air-conditioned. Set around 68, at the highest.

Have a great (and cool) Olympics!

(PS — the diff between the “pentathlon” and the “modern pentathlon”?; the modern one is air-conditioned.)

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Now in the latter years of my life, I’ve developed a hatred for summers and the high temperatures that come with it. No longer do I look forward those hot summer days the same way I did as a youth.

But today we’re going to turn back the clock on what was one of the  best time periods of my life.

Growing up in my house, there was no such thing as “sleeping in.” Pretty much every day of my life the light switch was turned on in my room no later than 6:30 in the morning. Growing up on a ranch in East Texas was a great privilege of mine and it taught me so much about hard work and responsibility. 

But it was also my playground for hunting and fishing and is where my passion for the outdoors started. I literally spent hours and days transversing the woods and stock ponds of our ranch. This is where I learned to hunt squirrels and deer while our stock ponds were loaded with bass and catfish and was my training ground for fishing.   

But directly across the street from our house a few miles out of town, was the property of Mr. Rayford Jones who was a cattle rancher with a couple of really good catfish ponds. This is where a good friend of mine (Malcolm Jones, Rayford’s grandson) and I spent the majority of those hot summer days fishing for catfish.

Since we did not have cell phones back in those days, we would make arrangements the night before to meet at the one of those catfish ponds just after daylight. We tried to beat the heat by getting out there early but most often we were there until around noon or until we got tired of catching fish. 

Now the worst part about catching catfish was that someone had to clean them, and it didn’t take long for us to make the decision to just enjoy catching and releasing the catfish back into the pond so we could catch them again on another day or you could say, we were just lazy.

One thing about fishing for catfish, it requires much patience but is a fun way to fish. In order to catch catfish, you need bait. Now bait can be in the form of several different things as catfish will eat just about anything including the kitchen sink…. but that’s hard to get on a hook. Some people use what is known as blood bait, which is not only nasty, but stinks to high heaven as well. Frozen shrimp also make great catfish bait along with hotdogs and earthworms. 

But we liked to double our fun by using what is known as cut bait. This is where you first catch a few small bream with crickets or earthworms and then cut the tails off and use that for bait. Every now and then, we had so much fun catching the bream, we would just forget about the catfish. 

I’ve often wondered is it hotter today than when were kids? Probably not but we were just acclimated to the heat better since we spent every waking hour outdoors and not inside an airconditioned house. Our parents insisted you stay outside even if you were thirsty. Thank the Lord for whoever invented the garden hose because this was a survival tool for kids of my generation. 

Shade trees were not just a part of our front yard, they were a gathering spot to get some relief from the summer sun. The only thing better than a shade tree, was a fruit tree. There were several pear and apple trees in the area along with a couple of fig trees that were all used for survival. A lot of people back during the 60’s and 70’s planted fruit trees; something you don’t see much anymore.  

I miss these days and really enjoyed growing up the way I did. If we weren’t fishing, we were playing baseball on a sandlot or any backyard we could find. Yes, there were a few broken windows, but our sandlot games were fun and a great training ground for developing our baseball skills. If was too hot to play baseball, we went to the local swimming pool in order to beat the heat. 

I know it was a different time, but back then we had freedom and the ability to go wherever our bikes could takes us. We did not need or have much favor towards babysitters. We also never complained about it being too hot, we beat it with a Wham-O Water Wiggle or a Slip-N-Slide. 

Till next time, good luck, good fishing and make sure to wear your sunscreen. Melanoma is the number one killer of all cancers so take the time to protect yourself.

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective

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

July 25 (4 p.m.)

Crafty Skills & Skillz Unlimited Ribbon Cutting, 1996 N Railroad Ave in Arcadia

July 26 -27 (8 p.m. nightly)

Mt. Olive Christian School Rodeo 

August 1 (10 – 12:30 p.m.)

Summer Lunch & Learn hosted by the Circle of Bienville Medical Center

The Arcadia Event Center

RSVP to Sharla McClusky at 318-572-0274 or sharla.mcclusky@ahmgt.com

August 4 (5 – 7 p.m.)

Gibsland Community – Back to School Supply Pick-up – Gibsland Pavilion 

August 5 (5:30 – 7 p.m.)

Saline High School Open House 

August 24 (8 – 11 a.m.)

Art in the Park – Henderson- Jordan Park

For ages 18 and under. All canvases and paint will be supplied at no cost to participants. 

September 6 & 7 

The Riley Jinks Memorial Rodeo, Ringgold

September 7 (9 – 1 p.m.)

2nd Annual Artists and Authors Expo

October 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Car Show with Prizes, Raffles, Cake Auction and Food Trucks benefiting CASA

1952 N. Railroad Ave, Arcadia, La.

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies.

07/14/24

Douglas Rabun was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued.

Cleon Warren, Jr. of Bossier City was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued.

Carla Landeros of Jonesboro was arrested for simple burglary on an immovable structure.

07/15/24

Allen Maylian of Jamestown was arrested for aggravated cruelty to animals.

Gerardo Reyes of Lufkin, Tx. was arrested as a fugitive for exceeding the maximum speed limit and no driver’s license.

Tychristopher Harris of Minden was arrested for exceeding the maximum speed limit and no driver’s license.

07/16/24

Deshandia Drayton of Dallas, Tx. was arrested for failure to appear – Execution of Sentence.

Candy Ramsey of Arcadia was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.

07/18/24

Krystal Hicks of Fort Wayne, In. was arrested for no driver’s license.

Alphonso Fleming of Ridgeland, Ms. was arrested for failure to appear.

Jules Gilcrease of Heflin was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued and failure to appear.

07/19/24

Tracy Windham of Ringgold was arrested for failure to appear.

Christopher Williams was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued.

07/20/24

Markevia Lampkins of Monroe was arrested for exceeding the maximum speed limit and operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued.

Jeffery Fine of Castor was arrested as a fugitive.

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.