Sports Shock of the Day No. 1: Notre Dame has suspended its men’s swimming program for at least one academic year because investigations “both internal and external” (which we think are the only kinds of investigations?) have revealed a widespread gambling issue that violated NCAA rules.

Sports Shock of the Day No. 2: Notre Dame has a men’s swimming program?

Before any fans of Irish Swimming panic, know that the Notre Dame women’s team and both diving teams are not affected by the disciplinary action. 

Sports Shock of the Day No. 3. Notre Dave has a women’s swim team and TWO diving teams?!

What is NOT shocking is that the NCAA has picked on a swimming team. And in a big way.

The NCAA didn’t tell the student-athletes to just quit running on the concrete, as our moms did back in the day at the community cement pond.

The NCAA didn’t tell the student-athletes just to rest for 30 minutes after eating that Rice Krispie Treat to safeguard against cramps. 

The NCAA didn’t tell the student-athletes to powder dry after showers to hold down the possibility of a nasty itch problem in a delicate area.

Neg. Instead, the NCAA drained the program’s pool for a whole year.

A couple of things here: 

Competitive swimming is not football or baseball or hoops in terms of fanatical popularity. BUT … it’s as hard as any other sport and much harder than some, and fans who love it REALLY love it. (Remember how, just a couple weeks ago, we couldn’t wait to see what Katie Ledecky would do next? Anyone remember Michael Phelps? Mark Spitz? Uhh … YES.)

And that’s just the swimming. We haven’t even talked yet about diving, in which the student-athlete is required to do tricks in the air BEFORE hitting the water and swimming.

When you’re talking competitive swimming and diving, you’re not talking about dogpaddling in the kiddie pool.

But what swimming IS is an easy target for the NCAA if the organization — and we use that term loosely — wants to pretend it has more than only a couple of disciplinary teeth. 

In 2021, the transfer regulations were changed to allow students in some Division I sports to transfer schools without having to sit out a year. Those rules have been altered since, most significantly this past spring when it was ruled that athletes could transfer as many times as they wished, without penalty.

In other words, the NCAA didn’t think things through thoroughly, or at all, in 2021.

Same with NIL. No guardrails. Pitch ’til you win. “Yeah, we guess that’s OK, sure…”

So college sports have totally gotten out of the NCAA’s greedy little hands. Except … 

… except when it comes to Notre Dame’s men’s swimming program, which, after a long dry spell, surfaced with its first Top-10 finish at the NCAA championships in March, a first in program history.

And here is why the NCAA stepped in: the men’s team bet on each other’s swimming performances. Over/under lines and all that. 

ND swimmer No. 1 before practice: “I bet Ricky swims the 1000m freestyle in less than 49 seconds today. Five bucks.”

Other ND swimmer, (heretofore to be called ‘ND swimmer No. 2’: “No way!”

ND swimmer No 1: “Way.”

ND swimmer No. 2: “I’ll take it!”

ND swimmer named Ricky: “That’s a lot of pressure but … here goes!”

ND swimmer No. 1: “Anybody else want some of this?…”

So stupid.

I have never been around a swim team, but I have been around golf teams and, while the great unwashed might be blissfully unaware of this, I have never seen a college golf team that didn’t “bet” before practice. Usually on the first tee. Always very casually. Like as casually as breathing. Often with carryovers from the day before and the day before that. 

Now and then a bit of money might change hands, and sometimes a payoff might be in burger or Icee form, but “bets” are all part of the game in these semi-individual contests.

There is no official sports book for swimming. Or for golf practice. Same goes, as far as I know, for college bowling or archery. And there is no danger, as far as I can see, in wagering a buck to see how fast Ricky might swim on any ordinary Tuesday or whether or not I can get it closest to the pin on a par 3 to, you know, perk up a boring day.

That’s called fun. Makes perfect sense.

But when it comes to rhyme or reason concerning the NCAA, all bets are off.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

For decades there has basically been one professional bass fishing organization called B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) founded by Ray Scott. Then during the 1990’s another organization appeared under the name of FLW, named after the late Forest L. Wood the founder of Ranger Boats. But in 2011 MLF (Major League Fishing) bought out FLW and created major dissention as a huge portion of anglers left B.A.S.S for what they thought would be bluer water.

Both organizations have set a high bar for professional bass fishing over the years and allowed more anglers to pursue their dream of fishing for a living. But now there’s a new kid on the block making a lot of noise. 

Introducing the NPFL (National Professional Fishing League) an organization offering anglers another avenue to possibly fish for a living by offering top level money of $100,000 for first place. Anglers are scrambling and sending in resumes applying for a spot in this new circuit. As of the writing of this article, there are at least 18 B.A.S.S professional anglers doubling their tournament commitments by fishing the NPFL.   

Now what does this mean for anglers looking to fish at the highest level? Is this another avenue for young anglers on the rise to have the opportunity to make a living fishing professionally? Is NPFL in it for the long term and are they ready to challenge B.A.S.S. and MLF? 

While only time will answer some of these questions, the one complaint professional bass fishermen had several years ago and was the number one reason for 80 anglers jumping over to the MLF from B.A.S.S., was the fact the anglers had no say on specific issues like where and when B.A.S.S. held a tournament. Anglers wanted their voices to be heard and as of today, it appears B.A.S.S. is still not listening. 

One thing different about the NPFL is the process anglers get accepted into their league. You must have established yourself as a credible angler with good sponsorship support and you must have had success on a high level. Just because you have the money to enter an event ($5000), does not guarantee you a spot in the NPFL. 

So, what we are seeing now is that several pros (18) have decided to double up on their fishing schedule by fishing the new NPFL. One thing I’m seeing now is that more and more anglers are trying to stay independent and not wanting to commit to just one tournament organization. Probably a very smart move from an angler’s standpoint which offers them a better opportunity to provide for their families. 

Is the NPFL going to be just another failed attempt like so many organizations that have come before? Is there room for another professional bass fishing circuit? I say yes, but at some point, It’s similar to Louisiana High School Football playoffs where just about everybody gets in. At some point it’s just too watered down and not good for the sport. 

Till next time good luck, good fishing and I want to say thank you for all of those who have reached out with comments about the articles I’ve written. Your feedback and input is greatly appreciated!

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective

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

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 1 – 7 

The Riley Jinks Memorial Rodeo, Ringgold

September 7 (9 – 1 p.m.)

2nd Annual Artists and Authors Expo

September 13 (10 – 1 p.m.)

17th Annual Community Health Fair hosted by the Bienville Parish Library

Arcadia Events Center

September 19 (6 – 8 p.m.)

2nd Annual Sippin Soiree

Historic Downtown Arcadia

$20 per glass with 100 glasses being sold

*Must be 21 to purchase

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.

08/12/24

Tony Smith, Jr. of Bienville was arrested for illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities – Weapons Law Violation, and domestic abuse aggravated assault.

Brittany Reyna of Arcadia was arrested for resisting an officer and disturbing the peace.

08/13/24

Hunter Webb of Pitkin was arrested for theft.

Caleb Hatfield of Eros was arrested for operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued and exceeding the maximum speed limit.

Byron Walker of Ringgold was arrested for domestic abuse battery with child endangerment.

08/14/24

Denilson Hernandez of Tool, Texas was arrested for exceeding the maximum speed limit and operating a vehicle with a suspended license; no license issued.

Jackie Reynolds of Oak Grove was arrested for simple criminal damage to property, theft and failure to appear – Execution of Sentence.

Timothy Anderson of Castor was arrested for exceeding the maximum speed limit.

08/15/24

Joseph Crawford, Jr. of Jamestown was arrested as a fugitive.

08/17/24

Jose Nambo of Birmingham, Alabama was arrested for exceeding the maximum speed limit and no driver’s license.

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 – August 20, 2024

John L. Kensey

May 14, 1944 – August 16, 2024

Homer, La. 

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, First Baptist Church, Plain Dealing, La.

Interment: 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, Caldwell Cemetery, Plain Dealing, La. 

James Dale Bates

August 1, 1930 – August 15, 2024

Homer, La.

Visitation: 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Lake Claiborne, Homer, La.

Memorial service: 2 p.m., immediately following visitation.

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.)

Longtime District 1-1A member Ringgold will not compete for a league title in 2024 and 2025, and will sit out the LHSAA playoffs both seasons should the team qualify.

“The schedule was made before I got here,” first-year coach Desmond Lenard said. “Principal (Marchello Gates) said it was a numbers thing.”

For full story: https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2024/08/12/heres-why-ringgold-football-wont-compete-in-district-1-1a-or-lhsaa-postseason-in-2024-or-2025/74765640007/

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces its plans for $67.5 million in supplemental funding to support the preservation and maintenance of existing roads, highways and infrastructure statewide.

State legislators approved the additional money during the 2024 regular session. Each of DOTD’s nine districts will receive $7.5 million of the supplemental funding appropriated by the Legislature for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

The districts have identified tentative plans on how the additional funds will be spent. Activities being considered for spending include guardrail repairs, bridge maintenance, traffic signs and signals, striping, additional mowing, tree trimming and drainage system repairs.

“Having secured these additional resources allows our districts statewide to focus on long-standing transportation-related needs that must be addressed,” said DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue. “Keeping Louisiana’s existing roads and highways in a state of good repair is just as important as building new infrastructure to accommodate continued growth.”

A document showing how each DOTD district plans to spend the supplemental funding is available here.

Downtown Arcadia got a small facelift with new banners on North Railroad Avenue.

The Historic Downtown Arcadia Association purchased new banners to help bring a more historic feel to the downtown area in Arcadia.

Thanks goes to Bienville Parish Clerk of Court Eddie Holmes, District 5 Councilman Timothy Williams, Mario Jefferson Sr., Mayor O’Landis Millican and the Town of Arcadia. Thanks also goes to all those who helped with donations and fundraisers to make the purchase.

The Gibsland Lions Club recognized Sophie Spillers as one of its 2024 scholarship recipients.

Sophie and her family attended the Lions Club meeting to accept the scholarship and thank the organization. Sophie will attend Louisiana Tech University, beginning the fall quarter, majoring in kinesiology, focusing on the field of pediatrics.

Lions Club President Shirley Payne presented Spillers with the scholarship.

Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Police Jury of the Parish of Bienville, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of Bienville, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), on August 14, 2024, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the Parish on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2024, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the Parish qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:

PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall the Parish of Bienville, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), continue to levy a special tax of 1.02 mills on all the property subject to taxation within the Parish (an estimated $434,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2027 and ending with the year 2036, to acquire, improve, maintain and operate Parish Senior Citizens’ Centers and to provide funding for Parish Senior Citizens’ Programs operated by the Bienville Parish Council on Aging, said millage to represent a .02 mills increase (due to reappraisal) over the 1 mill tax authorized to be levied through the year 2026 pursuant to an election held on April 9, 2016.

Said special election will be held at each and every polling place in the Parish of Bienville, which polls will open at seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541.

The polling places at the precincts in the Parish are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.

The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $5,000.

Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law.

The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the Police Jury Meeting Room, 100 Courthouse Drive, Suite 2100, Arcadia, Louisiana, on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2025, at NINE O’CLOCK (9:00) A.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election. All registered voters of the Parish are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used.

Buying a sprayer every year is what a lot of people do.  Sprayers come in lots of sizes.  1 gallon, 2 gallon, 3 gallon, and and 4 or 5 gallon backpack type.  These are the most common used in the lawn or garden.  I suggest that you first pickup the sprayer to see that you can handle the weight.  A 2 gallon sprayer usually is to heavy when it is filled for women. 

Years ago I was asked by my husband to bring his sprayer to Shongaloo for him to use since he forgot it.  It was a 4 gallon backpack sprayer that was too heavy for me to pickup, so I dumped it out so that I could put it in my car.  Well that was wrong and you can imagine what Randy said about it being empty.  Lesson learned and never forgotten.  Most people do like a 1 gallon sprayer for the convenience in mixing chemicals and for the weight.  Most chemicals tell you how much to mix in a gallon water on the directions.  

You can get these sprayers in so many different qualities as well.  A $20 sprayer will not be nearly as good as a $50 one of course.  Look for the differences.  They have different wands and seals.  I like a plastic wand the best but many prefer the metal handle.  It’s good to have a tip that is adjustable so you can use as a stream or fan spray.  Industrial sprayers are made to spray degreasers and sometime acid.  They are plastic and and have viton seals that don’t deteriorate.   

There are lots of brands you can get.  We sell mostly Chapin and Solo Sprayers.  Both are well known and are easy to get replacement parts.  We do sell cheaper sprayers that are sometimes called throwaways.  They would last longer with rinsing after each use.

Cleaning after every use is a must.  You need to flush the chemical and use some kind of tank cleaner or vinegar mix to clean and rinse with.  

Let’s don’t forget the sprayers that are made to fit on ATVs.  The most important thing to remember when purchasing these are the pumps.  You need to notice the gallon per minute that the pumps put out.  If the pump is at the bottom of the sprayer, it won’t be strong enough to put out the chemical.  A 12 volt is a good one that will usually do a good job for a homeowner.  6 or 8 gallons per minute is the size that works well.  Remember also that the weight counts on these sprayers also.  A 15 gallon sprayer is the best size for a 4 wheeler as a 25 gallon would be too heavy once both you and the filled sprayer are riding.  These sprayer sometimes are equiped with  a boom.  The booms make for better coverage and faster to get through with the job.  Don’t forget to rinse them after every use.  

(Mitzi Thomas owns Minden Farm & Garden LLC. Watch for her column on Fridays in Webster Parish Journal.)

I read an interesting article this past week entitled “America Isn’t Sacred, Only God Is.”  The article was written by Brian A. Graebe, a Catholic priest. The article makes the point that the frequent use by our elected leaders of godly language in civil or governmental matters is misplaced. 

For example, Fr. Graebe states that President Biden used the word “sacred” four times in a recent speech, referring to the “sacred” task of “perfecting our nation,” the equally “sacred,” in Biden’s view, “cause of our country” and the “sacred” ideals of our founding documents.  Graebe responded that while “the aforementioned may be important, praiseworthy and deserving of respect. None are sacred.” (Wall Street Journal, 08-02-24).

The article offers an additional, similarly erroneous example.  After Jan 6th, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi referred to the U.S Capitol as a “temple of democracy.”  Fr. Graebe points out that “a temple is a place to worship God … and while the U.S. Capitol is famous, iconic and worthy of protection and respect, it isn’t a temple and democracy isn’t a religion.” (WSJ).  

The gist of his article is that “an increasingly irreligious culture seeks to appropriate the words of faith” and that is what I found interesting.

Pres. Reagan’s famous “Shining City on a Hill” remains a powerful illustration of what he believed America was, is, and could be.  But the reason the illustration is such an inspiring and enduring image is not because the lofty and beautiful city was “shining … or tall, proud and built on rocks stronger than oceans,” but because God had ordained it.  That is what imbued it with hope and promise. 

We used to know that.  We used to designate as sacred only those rarities in life that truly are.

I think of the language of George Washington’s Farewell Address to the nation:

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. …  And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

I think of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence: he states that America takes its separate and equal station in the world, to which it is entitled by “the laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.”  He also emphasized our being endowed “by our Creator with certain unalienable rights.”  He powerfully closes the Declaration by “appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the rectitude of our intentions” and does so “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.”

I think of John Adams, in his explication of public and private virtue, stating that “our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

I think of Benjamin Franklin who stated: “I have lived a long time, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth—that God governs in the affairs of men.  And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?”

Throughout American history, these principles have resonated with us because we know the source from which they flow, God Almighty.  If that has changed because we have drifted from these principles—and replaced them with secularism and atheism—we should recognize that drift and return to them.  In fact, we must.  America is unique, not sacred but we remain blessed, strong, and prosperous when we remember that God is.

As our increasingly irreligious—even anti-religious—culture mis-appropriates the symbols and the vocabulary of religion in an effort to demonstrate an alliance with a God of their own construction, which is then used to “sanctify” their political agenda by suggesting that ‘God is on their side,’ I think it’s worth remembering President Reagan’s admonition that ‘the question isn’t whether or not God is on our side. The question is whether or not we are on God’s side?

(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.)

Young boys dream. In my early years, while friends fantasized about being astronauts, soldiers, and firemen. I wanted to be Darren Stevens on the television show, Bewitched. The prospect of being married to a beautiful witch who could conjure up Benjamin Franklin in the middle of her living room with a twinkle of her nose was appealing to me as a six-year old boy. Though what truly intrigued me about that show was Darren Stevens’ job as an advertising executive. Even at that early age, the prospect of coming up with creative ideas and pitching them to a client appealed to me.

As the decade of the sixties ended, my television crushes moved to Marsha Brady and Laurie Partridge, but my career dreams leaned towards Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant. No longer was I enthralled by Madison Avenue pitches in a 32^ndfloor office but being on the road with the world’s greatest rock-and-roll band and all that a job such as that seemed to bring with it— the groupies, the lifestyle, and the music.

By the mid-seventies my goals had switched from the desire to be on the stage at a rock concert to being the guy backstage writing about those concerts. I subscribed to Rolling Stone magazine for three decades beginning in the seventies. Writer Cameron Crowe— who was just a little older than me— was constantly on the road with the bands I loved. That became my dream job all throughout high school.

When it was time to go to college, those former dreams had waned, and I felt aimless. Since I had been working as a radio station disc jockey I majored in communications. Though my primary focus was partying. Since there was no job availability for a full-time partier, the lifestyle caught up with me and I flunked out of college. 

Flunking out turned out to be one of the best things that ever happened to me because it forced me back into the workplace. I found a job managing a deli and fell in love with the restaurant business. 

I fell quickly and I fell hard.

It was truly love at first sight. I became all-consumed with restaurants, food, and the hospitality business. My dreams became more focused, more reasonable, and more attainable. I managed the deli during the day and took another job waiting tables at night. I went back to college and got a degree in Hospitality Management. I studied restaurant books in the library between classes and stayed up late after my server job designing menus and future restaurant concepts.

My original goal was just to own one restaurant so I could wear shorts and t-shirts to work every day. Though, as with most things in my life, plans changed. I didn’t open one restaurant to start, I opened two, side-by-side, on the same day. 

Since then, I have opened 24 concepts. As of today, we have seven up and running. Over the years I have sold several of those former concepts, closed a few when the lease ran out, sold the property on one, sold out to partners in others, and re-concepted almost a dozen times. If one is going to stay alive in this business for almost four decades one must be willing to change, evolve, and keep moving forward. I’ve never bankrupted a concept, but I’ve closed a couple making sure to take care of all the team and vendors.

As a restaurateur, my greatest talent is in concept development. We have a New Orleans-themed casual restaurant that is our flagship, a neighborhood bar with four manned bars and six bar spaces spread indoors and out, two Italian restaurants, a burger joint, and a breakfast/lunch community café. We’ve opened several concepts that are in the various notebooks of restaurant concepts and ideas I’ve dreamed up over the years. But there was no bakery.

I dreamed of a bakery for almost a decade before I opened one. I fell in love with bakeries while traveling overseas in Europe and felt a strong connection in the mornings while dining on freshly baked croissants. I was four decades into this restaurant journey when I finally got around to making a bakery a reality. 

I am often asked which of our concepts I like most? This isn’t a copout answer, but there is no correct reply to that question. I love them all like I love my children, equally. Though, just like my children, one might be a problem child in the moment, but I have always believed, “Business is problems, a successful business is problems well handled.” The alternative is to get out of business, and I never plan to do that. I love them all, and I love them all for different reasons.

But opening a bakery had been a singular dream for a long time. After a couple of dozen openings, and in an area of the industry that I was unfamiliar with as an owner, I knew that we should slow-roll the offerings at the bakery. We rolled out breads first. The team nailed those from the start. We focused on King Cakes next and, in my opinion, came up with one of the best I have ever eaten. After Mardi Gras we began to focus on the pastry case. We nailed half of the items, but others we continued to tweak. 

It wasn’t until a month ago when I brought a pastry chef up from New Orleans that we began perfecting our croissants. This was a sea change for our small bakery. Not only are croissants my favorite pastry in a bakery— and my morning go-to in bakeries around the world— but the croissant dough is a workhorse. If the croissants aren’t right neither are the almond croissants, chocolate croissants, ham and cheese croissants, chocolate-almond croissants, Danish, and a few other items. 

After a few weeks working with our team, the croissants began tasting like my favorites in bakeries across the country, and even in France. It took a year, but, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the restaurant business over the years, it’s that one must keep pushing forward to continually get better every day. Now that the croissants are where I want them to be we will focus on other items in the pastry case before rolling out cakes, pies, take-home goodies from our coolers and freezers.

I love bakeries. I love being a bakery owner. I love the early morning beehive of activity that occurs in the hours before opening. The wonderful aromas that come from the freshly baked breads out of the deck oven and the beautiful, sweet fragrances that escape throughout the building every time they open the doors to the rack oven. I love that people eat and meet in the morning over croissants and coffee and gather in the afternoon for cookies and cappuccino. I especially appreciate that we are able to use the bakery as a commissary which can supply our other restaurants with freshly baked products on a daily basis.

Lasting success in the restaurant business rarely comes overnight. One must be willing to stick things out, change, evolve, admit mistakes, and keep moving forward, relentlessly. But one also must keep dreaming. Stay tuned.

Onward.

Homemade Boursin Cheese and Cucumber Sandwiches

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 Tbl salted butter, softened

1 /2 tsp Creole Seasoning

1 /4 tsp Minced garlic

1 /8 tsp thyme, oregano rosemary, chives, basil, dill, sage

1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped fine

2 Tbl half and half

1 tsp sherry vinegar

1 /4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 /3 cup sour cream

To make the cheese:

Place all ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment, beat on high speed until all ingredients are well incorporated, scraping sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure all ingredients are combined.

1 cucumber, peeled and sliced into very thin rounds

1/2 cup shaved red onion

12 pieces wheat bread

Spread the boursin cheese mixture evenly over six slices of the bread. Arrange the cucmber slices on each piece of bread, making sure to cover the entire surface of the bread. Spread divide the red onions evenly atop the cucumber slices and top with the remaining slices of the bread. Cut the crusts from the sandwiches and cut each sandwich into 3 rectangles. Cover well and refrigerate until needed.

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

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

August 19 (Every other Monday)

Relax and Color 

9:30 – 11:30, 4:30 – 6:30

Arcadia Housing Authority

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 1 – 7 

The Riley Jinks Memorial Rodeo, Ringgold

September 7 (9 – 1 p.m.)

2nd Annual Artists and Authors Expo

September 19 (6 – 8 p.m.)

2nd Annual Sippin Soiree

Historic Downtown Arcadia

$20 per glass with 100 glasses being sold

*Must be 21 to purchase

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.

Kathy Deloris Harris

Dec. 2, 1964 – Aug. 2, 2024

Homer, La. 

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, Friendship Baptist Church, Haynesville, La. 

Burial will follow at Colquitt Cemetery.

Dennis Keith Terral

April 12, 1950 – August 11, 2024

Minden, La.

Burial: Farmerville, La.

Memorial service at a later date.

John Dawson Carlisle

March 14, 1968 – August 8, 2024

Richards, Texas/Minden, La.

Visitation: 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden.

Burial: Gardens of Memory, Minden.

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.)

CHRISTUS Health is opening a new children’s clinic at CHRISTUS Coushatta Health Care Center to serve local patients and those in surrounding communities.

A blessing, dedication and grand opening for the new CHRISTUS Kids Clinic – Coushatta is Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. at 1633 Marvel St., in Coushatta. The clinic is funded by CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier with community donations made to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH).

“This is truly a part of our mission, especially in a rural community,” said Brandon Hillman, CHRISTUS Coushatta Health Care Center administrator. “We see our role as a health care provider in a rural community as bringing as many services to our community as possible.”

Florence Bethard, CHRISTUS Foundation board member, said the community plays a pivotal role in helping ensure that patients and families receive the best possible health care.

“Each dollar donated helps provide treatments and support that pediatric patients desperately need today, so they can fulfill their potential for tomorrow,” she said.

The clinic will serve patients from newborn to age 21, providing physical, occupational and speech therapy two days a week initially, expanding as demand grows.

“We decided to open in Coushatta because there is a large population in those rural towns that do not have care or services for the pediatric population besides what they receive in the school system,” said Lisa Hooper, outpatient clinical supervisor of physical medicine and rehabilitation with CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System. “We recognized the need and we wanted to support that need and support the community.”

Coushatta resident Raylie Hardy has been a major advocate for a CHRISTUS Kids Clinic in Coushatta. Her 12-year-old daughter, McKenna, has been a patient at CHRISTUS Kids Clinic – Shreveport-Bossier for several years.

“Having a clinic in Coushatta is something we have been trying to get for many, many years now,” Hardy said. “I have been the mama pushing for it, not just for me, but for all the other moms and kids in Coushatta who are going to benefit from this.”

Local donations raised as a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital benefit CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier, which matches those funds with projects that impact patients and families.

“We’re excited that the CHRISTUS Kids Clinic is going to have such a presence,” said Amy Heron, executive director of philanthropy for CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier. “This is an exciting time and there is a need for such services. We want to keep the clinic innovative and with the latest in technology, and to do that we rely on those donations.”

For online donations, please visit http://www.christusfoundationsb.org.

By Paige Gurgainers

A Heflin man has been arrested on multiple charges in Bienville and Webster parishes. 

Wade Bryan, 37, of the 3000 block of Franklin Road has been charged with criminal trespass of a movable structure, manufacture/possession of a delayed action incendiary device, attempted second degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated burglary, simple criminal damage to property and intimidating, impeding or injuring witnesses/officers.  

According to Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance, on August 6 deputies responded to a call that led them to 113 Rambo Road in Heflin.  

“The original call-in was that someone had attempted to break into a residence,” said Ballance. “The owner ran out the back door when he saw the guy was armed with a shotgun.” 

According to reports, Bryan then pulled the A/C unit out and ignited it causing a chair to catch fire.

“He then kicked the door in and discovered there was a woman remaining in the residence,” said Ballance. “He threatened her, telling her not to call the police and if she did, he would be back and he would kill her.” 

Deputies were able to identify him and issued a warrant through the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office (WPSO) and State Fire Marshal agents. WPSO located Bryan at his residence on Franklin Road where he was arrested and booked him into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center as a fugitive from Bienville Parish. 

Bryan was later transported to the Bienville Parish Jail.  

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.

In 2022 the Bienville Parish School Board received a grant from the United States Department of Energy Clean Bus Program which included four fully electric buses along with all of the charging infrastructure needed to support them.  The total value of this grant was over 1.5 million dollars.   This week the first of these new buses was delivered to Arcadia. 

On Thursday selected Bienville Parish drivers met to train on how to operate and charge these new equipment. Included in the training were drivers (left to right) Angela Adams, Monica Brice, and Lydia Harris from the Arcadia School Complex along with Marilyn Jason and Carlette Moore from the Ringgold School Complex.  These drivers were chosen because the length of their routes will accommodate the limited range of these 71 passenger Blue Bird electric buses.  Also pictured are trainers Garrett Ross and Brad Deglandon  from Ross Bus Sales in Alexandria. The rest of the buses are expected in the next couple of weeks and should be seen rolling the streets of Bienville Parish soon.

The Bienville Parish Police Jury will be holding their August regular meeting today, August 14, at the Bienville Parish Courthouse located at 100 Courthouse Dr., Arcadia. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and will be live streamed on the Bienville Parish Journal Facebook page.

AGENDA:

Beginning on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 13, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) will conduct a major training event spanning various locations in Mississippi and Louisiana.

This exercise is designed to assess the division’s ability to conduct large-scale, long-range air assault operations in conjunction with training scenarios that will test their communication, logistical resupply and tactical abilities. All military training will take place on military installations or local airfields, but residents may see or hear an increased helicopter presence.

Our Combat Aviation Brigade and supporting sustainment elements will establish various Forward Arming and Refueling Points for aircraft flying between Fort Campbell, KY, and Fort Johnson, LA. Military helicopters will be refueled and resupplied at these FARPs before returning to Fort Campbell.

Residents living in and around the below areas may hear, see and experience increased aircraft traffic and noise during this time:

• Oxford, MS – Aug. 13-15
• Tunica, MS – Aug. 13-15
• Minden, LA – Aug. 13-18
• Monroe, LA – Aug. 13-15
• Alexandria, LA – Aug. 13-18

“We’re alerting the public to prepare nearby communities of an increase in noise as a result of rotary wing aircraft conducting training flights over the course of the next few days,” said Lt. Col. Martin Meiners, spokesman for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “Our priority is the safety of our Soldiers and families, as well as those of the nearby communities. We hope this notification will allow the affected communities to plan ahead in anticipation of this.”

Do you qualify for these Exemptions? 

1. Homestead 
a. Must own and occupy the residence applying for homestead.

2. Senior Freeze

a. Must be 65 years of age or older.
b. Must have an adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less on your most current Federal Tax Return.

3. Disability Freeze 
a. 100% disabled and provide a copy of your Social Security Disability Award Letter.

4. Veteran Disability 
a. Must provide VA Benefit Letter.
b. ONLY 50%, 70%, or 100% qualify for this exemption.

For complete details, call our office before September 4, 2024.  
These forms can be mailed, emailed, or picked up in the office. 

THE SENIOR FREEZE AND DISABILITY FREEZE APPLY TO VALUE ONLY.

IT DOES NOT APPLY TO THE TAX AMOUNT. 

Please call 318-263-2214 for more information.

While most Clean Out Your Freezer Day drop-off locations will be open on August 18, some start as early as August 12 or run as late as August 24. Please visit cleanoutyourfreezer.com to find your closest drop-off times and dates.

Any properly packaged, labeled, and dated game, fish, or other protein – as well as other frozen foods – are accepted for this special occasion!

Following World War II, a large number of Idaho farmers began complaining that beavers were ruining their land.  They argued that overeager beavers were building dams in their much-needed irrigation canals.  Once beavers built dams in their irrigation canals, water could not get to their crops.  Farmers wanted to exterminate the beavers.  This led to a years-long dispute because fur trappers liked the beavers for their monetary value.  They made a considerable amount of money by selling beaver pelts.  Also, conservationists wanted to protect the beavers because, as The Idaho Statesman reported, “Idaho is one of the few places where [beavers] still can be found outside a zoo.”  For years, farmers, fur trappers, and conservationists argued as to whether beavers “are worth a dam—their own dams, specifically.”   

To quell the dispute, Idaho’s fish and game department decided to transport the beavers into the Chamberlain Basin in the Sawtooth Mountain Range in central Idaho where they could build dams and not hurt productive fields.  The beavers would also help with erosion in the mountainous region.  The task was daunting for the agents of the fish and game department as well as the beavers themselves.  Agents, farmers, and fur trappers set out live traps to capture beavers without harming them.  They put each beaver in its own cage, loaded the cages onto trucks, and carried them in this manner until they ran out of roads.  Then, agents used horses to deliver the beavers deep into the woods.  The trip took several days and was taxing on the agents and the beavers.  Many beavers died before they could be released.  Several of the beavers which survived the trip overheated and were in such poor condition that they refused to eat and died soon after being released.  Conservationists needed a better way.

Ivol Sies, district conservation supervisor at Boise, Vernon Rich, federal aid coordinator for Idaho, and Elmo Meyer, conservation officer at McCall, came up with a two-part plan.  They devised a new cage for delivering the beavers.  Their cage was a simple spring-loaded box which was hinged at the bottom.  Each box held a single beaver.  The weight of the beaver kept the box closed.  To be sure the cages remained closed until it was time to release the beavers, two inner tubes were pulled around the box and tied together at the top with a string.  As soon as the box carrying the beaver touched the ground, the tension on the string released, the spring-loaded box opened, and the beaver crawled out.  That was just the first part of their plan.  They needed a way to reduce the transportation time.

Conservationists wanted to capture and release beavers back into the primitive areas of central Idaho in a timelier manner.  Trucks and horses just took too long.  Building roads into the Chamberlain Basin was too expensive.  They had considered transporting the beavers by airplane and having agents release the beavers once they arrived, but there was no suitable place to land amongst the dense foliage.  The answer came with World War II military surplus items.             

On August 14, 1948, the second part of their plan to transport the beavers into the primitive areas of Idaho began.  Conservationists loaded their vehicle with eight of the new hinged cases each of which contained a single beaver.  Whereas all previous trips had taken several conservation agents, the new plan only required two people, one agent and a pilot.  The vehicle they used was a twin-engine Beechcraft airplane.  Remember, there was no place to land in the dense foliage.  The pilot flew the airplane at an altitude of between 500 and 800 feet above Chamberlain Basin and the conservation agent simply pushed the cages out.  Of the first 76 beavers they released into Chamberlain Basin during that operation, only one beaver died when he fought his way out of the new cage and fell to his death.  The other beavers landed safely because their fall was slowed… by parachutes left over from World War II.  Hundreds of beavers were safely relocated in what has become known as the beaver drop.          

Sources:

1.     The Idaho Statesman, August 24, 1948, p.11.

2.     San Angelo Standard-Times, August 25, 1948, p.6.

3.     The Spokesman-Review, September 13, 1948, p.5.