Monday evening the Arcadia Parks and Recreation 7/8 yr old flag football team started the season in Ruston. It’s was a great game and both teams fought until the end. The opposing team scored in the second half making the score 6-0 with two minutes left. Lamont Hatter Jr (MJ) broke for a 35 yd touchdown and time expired tieing the game at 6-6. In overtime our defense held them at the one yard line. Colton Walker dropped back to pass and the blitz forced him out of the pocket and he went down the sideline for a 25 yd touchdown to seal the victory.

Jace Richardson , Raymond Taylor and Kayden McDonald lead the defense along with pressure in the inside from Keylen Hamilton,Josiah Stephens, Elijah Pritchett, Liam Patel and Dylan Henderson. Keylen Hamilton passed 2-3 for 15 yds.

What the sigma?

Does anyone happen to know what that means? I have no clue. Apparently my kid doesn’t know either although she walks around saying it all day every day.

In an effort to try to help other parents with younger kids who have apparently decided to make up their own language, I have compiled a list of the newest slang terms that are hip and happening these days (sidenote: don’t try to say that anything is “hip” or “happening” in front of your pre-teens/teenagers…you will be grilled.)

Ate can be used to express respect or admiration mostly when referring to fashion, music or a performance.

Aura describes a person’s vibes or energy in a positive manner. (Apparently you can earn points for this, but I have no clue who keeps track of them or what you win.)

Bet can be used in a few different ways like expressing agreement, confidence or to confirm a statement.

Bruh is an informal way to say bro or brother, but for some reason can also be used when addressing your mother.

Bussin’ describes something that is good, amazing or fantastic, but can ONLY be used when talking about food.

Cap/Cappin’ basically means you’re lying or exaggerating.

Drip is used to describe someone or something that is cool, stylish or fashionable.

Ohio is used to describe someone who is weird or cringey. (I get called this one a lot.)

Rizzler is what us millennials would have called a player. Rizz is short for charisma, so someone who is flirtatious.

Sigma …. still no clue on this one! Somebody help me out.

Sus can be used when referring to someone or something that is suspicious or untrustworthy. According to Emerson, me even writing this column right now is sus.

So anyways, I hope this helps you better communicate with your child for the next week until they come up with some other weird slang words that I will also have to look up in Urban Dictionary.

(Paige Gurgainers is a mother of three, digital journalist for Webster Parish Journal and publisher for Bienville and Claiborne Parish Journal.)

This week, I would like to go back in time and reflect on a group of guys who shared a championship season and were the first team in school history to win a state title. Not only were we teammates, but this group was truly something special. This group was the complete package of talent, attitude and commitment. We were players/friends who would forever be linked together.

Last week, I had the opportunity to reunite with this group of guys that would do something very special in 1978 by winning the Texas Class 3A State Baseball Title, the second highest level at that time. As an athlete who has played on all levels, high school, college and professionally, I’ve been blessed to be a part of several championships. 

But the one common thread for every team I’ve played on, was the personal connection to the players. The 1978 team was different and will always have special meaning for me personally. This was a group of guys who grew up together in the small East Texas town of Mt. Pleasant, Texas. 

During the 1970’s, MP was a prideful community that was very athletic minded. The mindset here was about winning and anything short of that was not acceptable. But before the early 70’s, MP was just another small town that had minimal athletic team success. Then a coach by the name of Donnie Laurence showed up and began to develop not just a great football power, but a solid all-around high school athletic program.

Along with Coach Laurence, several high-quality coaches arrived including two baseball coaches, Marion Giesecke and Steve Rippee. These coaches help build MP into the second winningest all-around program of the 70’s, only behind “Friday Night Lights” Odessa Permian. It was a very special time in MP Tiger history. 

Then in 1978, MP Tiger baseball would be the first team sport to ever win a state title. This was accomplished by a special group of guys who played loose and confident and never walked on a baseball diamond expecting anything less than a victory. These guys played with heart and determination and no matter how bleak a moment was, they never wavered or faltered. 

To understand how good they became, you first must look at where they came from. These young men grew up with great success coming up through the Mt. Pleasant Dixie Youth Program. They had great coaching early in their young careers from a handful of special men like James Stansell, P.A. Thomas, Pat Sisk, Joe Traylor and many others. These men knew the game and taught this group how to play the game the right way.

The 1978 Tiger baseball team was built around six seniors, eight juniors, and two sophomores. This was not an average group of players, but guys with an immense level of talent. The skills included great pitching, defense and the ability to hit the baseball. To illustrate the level of talent, this group had three players drafted: two by Major League Baseball and one by the NFL and several that went on to play collegiately. 

What made this group so special? Most of the guys on this team were members of the previous 1977 Tiger baseball team. A team that had great talent but underachieved mainly due to the amount of internal pressure that was placed on the shoulders of each player. From my perspective looking back, it seemed like we had a team meeting every other week talking about what we must do in order to make it to State. 

As the ‘77 season progressed, the pressure continued to build to the point that the team played tight and did not even win district, therefore being left out of the playoffs. The only year of my four years at MPHS that we did not make the playoffs. Again, this was a team with as much talent as any team I ever played on. 

But the 1978 team, guided by great senior leadership, made a group decision that there would be only ONE team meeting before the season started. We committed to play loose and have fun! We knew we had plenty of talent, we just had to relax and let our talent take us to where we wanted to go……. and that it did!

This MP team made it to the regional finals, having to play a best of three series against Fort Worth Boswell. MP hosted the first game of the series, and the mighty Tigers came up short. With the odds stacked against us, the remaining two games were to be played in Fort Worth. We had our work cut out for us; either sweep a double header or go home like so many other MP Tiger baseball teams had done in the past. 

But ’78 Tigers made it happen with great pitching, defense (zero errors in the last 4 games) and timely hitting and defeated Boswell twice and advanced to the State Tournament in Austin! As they say, the rest is history as we shut out top ranked Brazosport 10-0 in five innings in the semi-finals and defeated Burkburnett 5-2 in the title game and finished with a record of 26-4. 

I cannot describe the bond athletes have that get the opportunity to win a state championship. It’s a connection that forever links you as players. I remember Coach Giesecke’s locker room speech after our huge win. “Fellows, this is a victory you will cherish more later in life, than you do now. You will forever be remembered with this win.” Truer words have never been spoken! He was spot on with his statement! 

Steve Graf

Angler’s Perspective

I’ve written about the dreaded fire ant before, but with these few rains that we’ve had the ants are out again. It seems that when it rains, it rains fire ants. There is nothing that completely get rid of those nasty creatures. All we can do is try.

New chemicals are coming out every year. My mother was old school, she put diesel on the mounds. It killed the ants but left a lot of dead spots around the yard. If you like to use organics, Fertilome has “Come and Get It.” It is very easy to use, just sprinkle on top of the mound. It is a bait that attracts fire ants and is readily taken back into the nest as food for the colony. Spinsad makes the ants, including the queen, lethargic and sick. I can just see the drunk fire ants running through the mound and passing out dead on top. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural contact insecticide that works by causing abrasions on the ants as they come in contact with the product, resulting in loss of fluids , then dehydration. 

The old favorite, easy to apply, is surrender. The chemical name is Acephate. Acephate is very easy to use, just sprinkle from the can. The worst thing about Acephate is the smell. If the chemical doesn’t kill the ants, the smell will. Bayer makes a fire ant killer that contains B-cyfluthrin. It starts working immediately and not only kills the colony, but the queen also. Bifen is also a good insecticide. Bifen comes in a granule and a liquid. Use one ounce per gallon and spray or drench the mound. Bifen is also great to spray all over the yard for any type of insect. Bifen is labeled to kill termites and a lot of other insects around and in the house. Almost every company makes its own bifen, as it is one of the best insecticides around. 

The main thing about fire ants is to stay out of their way and that they are fairly easy to kill. Their is not a chemical yet that will completely get rid of them for good, but you can experiment with what we’ve got and see what is best for you. I like the Acephate best because it is so easy to use.  

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

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

September 29 (5 p.m.)

The Louvenia Gipson Chapter of GCAA Meeting – All members are asked to attend 

October 5 (6:30 p.m.)

Costumes for a Cause – Arcadia Event Center

This event is a benefit party for CASA (Bienville, Claiborne, and Jackson parishes) and Wiggin’ Out. 

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.

October 31 (6 – 8 p.m.)

Fall Fest hosted by Citizens for a Better Arcadia 

Festival games on Memorial Drive

Truck or Treat on N. Railroad Avenue

November 9 (10 – 3 p.m.)

Mt. Lebanon’s Fall Festival – Mt. Lebanon Stagecoach Trail Museum 

December 9 – 14

2024 Town of Gibsland Christmas Festival and Parade 

Notice of Death – September 26, 2024

Angela Harris 

March 06, 1967 – Sept. 14, 2024

Cullen, La. 

Visitation: 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, Memorial Funeral Home, Cullen, La.

Funeral service: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, First Baptist Church, Cullen, La. 

Interment to follow at Garden of Memory, Cullen, La. 

Bobby ‘Bob’ Wayne Parish

June 26, 1944 – Sept. 22, 2024

Weimar, Texas

Visitation: 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 Weldon Baptist Church.

Funeral service: 11 a.m., immediately following visitation, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, La.

Beverly Hollan Brunson

Jan. 19, 1946 – Sept. 20, 2024

Haynesville, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, Haynesville Community Church.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, Haynesville Community Church

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 (KTBS 3 News)

A Bienville Parish 17-year-old is currently being held at the Jackson Parish Detention Center facing four felony charges. 

According to Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance, on September 20 around noon, Jeremiah Tousant of Bienville, was allegedly riding a bicycle before deciding to make a pit stop at a gentleman’s home near Lucky. Allegedly, Tousant claimed to be thirsty and asked the man if he had any water. The homeowner had been mowing grass, but stopped to drive into town and get gas to refill his mower. Reportedly, when he returned home he found Tousant propped against his truck claiming that his bicycle was stolen and asked the gentleman if he could give him a ride. 

“The victim drove Tousant to where he claimed his home was in another location near Lucky,” said Ballance. “The gentleman took him as far as he was comfortable and asked Tousant to exit the vehicle.”

The victim alleges this upset Tousant and when he exited the victim’s vehicle, Tousant sprayed him twice in the face with mace. The gentleman reportedly then remembered he had a gun in the vehicle and went to retrieve it. That is when Tousant allegedly took the gun from the owner and turned it towards him before attempting to fire a shot. 

“There was not a shell in the barrel, so it just clicked,” said Ballance. “The man said he heard the audible sound of the trigger when it clicked.”

According to Ballance, while there was no shell in the barrel there were two in the magazine. 

Tousant had a backpack with him and left it in the vehicle before fleeing the scene. The victim went to the sheriff’s office with the backpack allowing deputies to identify him. They were able to locate Tousant at his residence where he was arrested and charged with armed robbery with use of a firearm (felony), aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon (felony), theft of a firearm (felony) and attempted second-degree murder (felony).

Tousant’s bicycle was later discovered hidden in the woods near the victim’s home.

Tousant is currently being held at the Jackson Parish Detention Center. His bond was set at $425K.

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.

By Shawn White

Under the Radar NWLA

Week 3 of the LHSAA High School football season saw both Bienville Parish teams head east on I-20 to face opponents. Ringgold Redskins (2-1) took their second consecutive win with a 52-10 thrashing of the Tensas Panthers. Arcadia (1-2) headed over to Monroe to take on 3A Carroll Bulldogs in a non-district matchup.

Ringgold 50, Tensas 12

The Redskins had a big night from quarterback Keonce Moore who was 10 for 22 throwing for 302 yards and five touchdowns for the win. The top target of Moore’s passes was LaDaunte McCoy who had 4 receptions for 201 yards and four touchdowns. Jordyn Wilson and Jaxon Page both reached the end zone. Wilson also snagged an interception for the Redskins on defense. Dustin Davis, Rondarius Shorty, and Kendrick McGee each had 4 tackles each.   

Carroll 38, Arcadia 0

The Carroll Bulldogs weren’t generous hosts to the Arcadia Hornets as they sent them back home on a shutout.  Rodtravious Jackson was 14 for 28 tossing 152 yards and an interception. The Arcadia rushing game was stalled at minus-8 yards. Ian Fitzgerald was the top rusher with 5 carries for 10 yards. Kylon Clark was the top target for the passing game with 7 receptions for 75 yards. On defense, Joseph Salvaterra and Tayshun Johnson each collected 7 tackles. Salvaterra added a sack also. Tekiyirian Abney added 6 tackles. Ryheem Abney and Bryce Gates each had 5 tackles. Gates also grabbed an interception. 

The Bienville Parish Superbowl will take place as the two parish rivals will duke it out in Ringgold. 

By Timothy Williams

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Coach Sherman Simon, a true legend in the Ringgold School Complex and throughout our entire community. Coach Simon has been an incredible blessing to us all, leaving a lasting impact on both the school and those fortunate enough to have known him.

Coach Simon was more than a coach. While he devoted his time to coaching multiple sports at Ringgold High School, he also kept the clock for basketball games, and drove the school bus for field trips, athletic events, and any other reason we needed him.

His commitment and willingness to go above and beyond will never be forgotten. More than anything, Coach Simon was a great friend to everyone he met. He had a heart of gold, always ready with a kind word and a helping hand.

His presence will be dearly missed. Our deepest prayers go out to his family during this difficult time—his beloved wife, Doris, and his children, Shernorra and Daylanna. Please join us in keeping them in your thoughts as we remember and celebrate the life of an extraordinary man.

Rest in peace, Coach Simon. You will forever be part of Ringgold’s legacy.

Bienville Parish Registrar of Voters

By Michelle Bates

By Michelle Bates

The Lions Club met in the regular program meeting on September 18 at the Gibsland Grill.  President Lion Shirley Payne presided over the meeting. Two new members were inducted in to the Club. The induction ceremony was led by Lion Tommy Youngblood. New member Brian Fleming received his membership pen. Not present was Lion Jack Slade. The Gibsland Lions are proud and excited to welcome these into our service organization.

Program Chairman Robert Anglin introduced the guest speaker Mr Richie LaBlanc of Bienville Lumber and Hunt Forestry. Mr LaBlanc shared positive news about the plant at Taylor. He gave news of production, employees and economic impact in our area. The members and guests enjoyed his presentation.  

The Gibsland Lions Club meets bi-monthly at the Gibsland Grill at noon. 

Chester, Illinois, is a city on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River about 70 miles south of St. Louis, Missouri.  What began as a ferry town on the Mississippi eventually became a major supplier of castor oil which was used as a lubricant.  Chester had the advantage over other towns because of its location on the river.  Wood-burning steamboats filled with castor oil delivered the lubricant to St. Louis, New Orleans, and even as far away as England.     

When Elzie Crisler Segar was born in 1894 in Chester, the city had an iron foundry, machine shops, several mills, a few taverns, an opera house, and a number of stores.  Elzie and his family often shopped at a general store on Pine Street in Chester which was owned and operated by Frank and Dora Paskel.  When Elzie was growing up, Dora made an impression on him.  Dora was a taller-than-average woman who wore long, black, fitted dresses which covered everything from her neck to her wrists and ankles.  Dora usually wore her hair in a tight bun.  Elzie remembered that she was strong-willed and feisty.    

As a teenager, Elzie went to work in the Chester Opera House which was operated by J. William Schuchert.  Elzie was such a good worker that William promoted him to projectionist of the opera house.  William and Elzie’s relationship evolved from boss and employee to true friendship.  When Elzie showed an interest in art, William paid for Elzie’s art correspondence courses.  William often sent Elzie to the nearby Wiebusch tavern with enough money to get them hamburgers.    

At the Wiebusch tavern in Chester, Elzie befriended a former Polish sailor who had emigrated to the United States named Frank Fiegel.  Frank kept the tavern clean when the place was quiet, but his real job was to maintain order.  Frank was a bouncer.  Frank was known for his fighting skills and although he never looked for a fight, he never shied away from one.  During one brawl, Frank received a blow that permanently disfigured one of his eyes.  While waiting on hamburgers, Elzie often listened as Frank told stories about his adventures out of one side of his mouth while the other side held his pipe. 

When he was about 20 years old, Elzie moved to Chicago to continue building his career as an artist.  He never forgot Dora, William, Frank, or the lubricant that Chester was so well known for, including them in his art which became popular around the world.  Sadly, 43-year-old Elzie Crisler Segar died of leukemia on October 13, 1938, cutting short his career.  Luckily, other artists have continued his cartoon work that we all know.  J. William Schuchert, Elzie’s boss who loved hamburgers, was the inspiration for a character named J. Wellington Wimpy.  Elzie named a character after Chester’s lubricant called Castor Oyl.  Dora Paskel, the operator of the general store in Chester, was the inspiration for Castor Oyl’s daughter, Olive Oyl.  Frank Fiegel, the scrappy brawler from the tavern who had a deformed or “pop-eye” was the inspiration for… Popeye.

Sources:

1.      “History of Chester,” City of Chester, IL, accessed September 20, 2024, https://www.chesterill.com/about/history-of-chester/.

2.     “Elzie Crisler Segar,” FindaGrave.com, accessed September 19, 2024, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/3546/elzie-crisler-segar.

3.     ‌“Dora Schrader Paskel,” FindaaGrave.com, accessed September 19, 2024, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7846018/dora-paskel.

4.     “John William Schuchert,” FindaGrave.com, accessed September 19, 2024, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/7846022/john-william-schuchert.

5.     “Frank ‘Rocky’ Fiegel,” FindaGrave.com, accessed September 19, 2024, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31875462/frank-fiegel.

I had previously read Miracle at Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen.  I recently read The American Miracle by Michael Medved. I was blown away by their recounting of our nation’s founding.  The fact that both books include the word “miracle” in their titles is no coincidence.  You cannot accurately describe our nation’s founding in any other way.

Bowen takes us back to the Constitutional Convention from May to September of 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  It reminded me again that while technology, science, health and medicine may make drastic leaps, human nature never changes.  The 55 delegates who participated could be just as noble, or petty and sarcastic; just as cool-headed or given to anger and disagreement as any of us today. 

Prior to the Convention, George Washington, who already had doubts about what was going to transpire, “was attacked by rheumatism so severe he could scarcely move in bed.  But he recovered, made his journey by carriage, and on his arrival at Philadelphia was at once seized upon by the ladies of the city and invited out.”  Washington’s diary reflects that he drank tea “in a very large circle of ladies at Mrs. Bingham’s in great splendor.” The author notes that “Mrs. Bingham was young, pretty and vivacious.  She had lived abroad and liked to entertain lavishly.”  I couldn’t determine whether Mrs. Bingham was simply being a gracious hostess to General Washington or flirting with him.  Perhaps both. 

Bowen reflects that when the venerable Washington arrived in Philadelphia “bells chimed and artillery boomed.” Bowen also describes how Washington’s first stop upon his arrival in Philadelphia was to call upon Dr. Benjamin Franklin.  Franklin planned to entertain the delegates and had “laid in a cask of porter against the occasion.”  It seems that regardless of whether the convention was successful, they were going to drink and enjoy it!

When a quorum was finally obtained, “Washington was unanimously elected president of the Convention and escorted to the chair.”  From that raised dais “he made a little speech of acceptance, depreciating his ability to give satisfaction in a scene so novel.”  What humility.  Washington stated that “as he never had been in such a situation he felt himself embarrassed, that he hoped his errors, as they would be unintentional, would be excused. He lamented his want of qualifications.”  

To his colleagues, Bowen writes, this “must have been reassuring as Washington was everywhere known as “the greatest character in America”—a man of prestige, with a landed estate and a magnificent physical appearance.”  Bowen explains that Washington would “sit silent in the Convention … He showed himself firm, courteous, inflexible.  In his silence lay his strength.  His presence kept the Federal Convention together, kept it going, just as his presence had kept a straggling, ill-conditioned army together throughout the terrible years of the war.”

Bowen powerfully captures the challenges, including the heat. “Over Philadelphia the air lay hot and humid; old people said it was the worst summer since 1750.  French visitors wrote home that they could not breathe. The slightest movement is painful.”  She describes the scene inside the convention hall itself. “Delegates sat at tables covered in green baize—sat and sweated, once the summer sun was up.  By noon the air was lifeless, with windows shut for privacy, or intolerable with flies when they were open. New Englandmen—’the Eastern gentlemen’—suffered in their woolen suits.  Only the Southerners were suitably dressed in light camlet coats and breeches.”

With some of the most famous names in America present—including Washington, Franklin, Madison, and Hamilton—Thomas Jefferson, who was in Paris serving as finance minister, deemed it “an assembly of demigods.”

In a riveting moment, Medved writes, with the Convention dragging, Franklin rose to acknowledge the “small progress we have made” and then implored the delegates to begin each morning in prayer.  “I have lived, 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?”

It’s inspiring to reflect upon America’s profound but improbable beginning.

As November 5th approaches, it’s important to remember that the Democrat Left are seemingly unconcerned with the miraculous founding and divine purpose of America—this miracle in self-government.  We should strongly oppose the destruction of our way of life.  

(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.)

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies.

September 15

Miguel Hidalgo Lizil, 22, of Brooklyn, New York, was charged with driver must be licensed and maximum speed limit (interstate or controlled access highway).

September 16

Daniel Cornett, 27, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear (felony) and charged as a fugitive.

September 17

Devian Wilson, 21, of Simsboro, was charged with simple burglary (motor vehicle) (felony) and a violation of probation/parole.

Kelvin Kinsey Jr., 24, of Shreveport, was arrested on a warrant for failure to appear (misdemeanor).

September 18

Christopher Brown, 35, of Ringgold, was charged with a violation of probation/parole and possession of methamphetamine less than 28 grams (felony).

John Messberger, 54, of Gibsland, was charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass.

Tiffany Benton, 37, of Arcadia, was charged with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine (felony), obtaining a legend drug by misrepresentation or fraud (misdemeanor), possession or distribution of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor) and possession of crack cocaine less than 28 grams (felony).

Shondace Kemp, 31, of Ringgold, was charged with two counts of monetary instrument abuse (both felonies), two counts of felony theft and bank fraud (felony).

Bryan Allen, 40, of Grambling, was charged with criminal trespass (misdemeanor) and simple burglary (immovable structure) (felony).

Curtis Richardson, 37, of Arcadia, was charged with a violation of probation/parole, criminal trespass (misdemeanor) and two counts of simple burglary (immovable structure) (both felonies).

September 19

Amanda Hearns, 41, of Ringgold, was charged with simple battery (misdemeanor).

September 20

Jeremiah Tousant, 17, of Bienville, was charged with armed robbery with use of a firearm (felony), aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon (felony), theft of a firearm (felony) and attempted second-degree murder (felony).

George Pruett, 41, of Logansport, was charged with residential contractor fraud (felony).

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 – September 24, 2024

Rhonda Gayle Grigsby

Oct. 18, 1958 – Sept. 19, 2024

Homer, La. 

Service dates will be announced at a later date.

Patsy Ann Wilson Westerburg

March 17, 1936 – Sept. 24, 2024

Ruston, La. 

Graveside service: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2025, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Ringgold, La. 

Angela Harris 

March 06, 1967 – Sept. 14, 2024

Cullen, La. 

Visitation: 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, Memorial Funeral Home, Cullen, La.

Funeral service: 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, First Baptist Church, Cullen, La. 

Interment to follow at Garden of Memory, Cullen, La. 

Beverly Hollan Brunson

Jan. 19, 1946 – Sept. 20, 2024

Haynesville, La.

Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, October 4, 2024, Haynesville Community Church.

Memorial service: 10 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, Haynesville Community Church

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 Pat Culverhouse

Louisiana State Police (LSP) arrested a Jackson, Mississippi man on three felony charges following a traffic stop Wednesday in Dixie Inn at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 371 and U.S. 80.

According to arrest reports, Spencer Chamber Robinson, 37, was booked for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, illegal possession of CDS Sch. I (marijuana) greater than 14grams, illegal possession of a firearm w/CDS and operating a vehicle with suspended license.

He is currently being held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center on a total bond of $9,500.

Troop G reportedly was contacted by the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office for assistance with a vehicle, which had been reported stolen by a car rental agency, travelling west on Interstate 20.

A Bienville deputy reportedly followed the vehicle into Webster Parish where the traffic stop was initiated when additional units arrived.

After the driver was placed under arrest for possession of a stolen vehicle, officers reportedly detected the odor of marijuana and observed a “blunt” in plain view inside.

A search of the suspect’s vehicle reportedly uncovered approximately 35 grams of marijuana, including packaging. A 9MM handgun was also located inside the vehicle.

Under the leadership of Mayor O’Landis Millican, the Town of Arcadia has taken a proactive approach to improving its local infrastructure. Recognizing the need for immediate road repairs, Mayor Millican requested that each town council member (Debbie Harris – District 1, Melanie Monroe – District 2, Joseph Pruitt – District 3, Edwin Mason – District 4, and Timothy Williams – District 5) compile a list of streets within their respective districts that required attention. The collaboration between the town council, the Bienville Parish Police Jury, and the Town of Arcadia culminated in the successful chip-sealing of three miles of roads within the town limits.

“This project was a joint effort aimed at addressing some of the longstanding infrastructure concerns in our community,” said Mayor Millican. “The partnership with the Parish Police Jury has been invaluable, and we are committed to improving the conditions of our streets.”

In addition to the local road improvements, the town has also set its sights on addressing state-maintained roads that need urgent repairs. One of the primary areas of concern is Hazel Street, a key route that has faced increasing wear and tear. Mayor Millican and the town council have reached out to Louisiana State Representative Rashid Young for assistance in securing funding and state resources to repair Hazel Street and other critical state roads.

“While we’ve made significant progress on our local streets, we understand that the condition of state roads, like Hazel Street, also impacts our residents and businesses,” Mayor Millican noted. “We are hopeful that with Representative Young’s support, we can ensure these state roads receive the attention they deserve.”

The effort to improve Hazel Street is particularly important, as it serves as a major thoroughfare for local traffic, linking residential areas with key commercial and industrial zones. The deteriorating condition of the road has been a growing concern for both drivers and businesses that rely on smooth transportation for their daily operations.

The town’s outreach to Representative Young underscores Arcadia’s commitment to seeking all available resources to enhance the quality of its roadways. With local repairs already underway and future state road improvements on the horizon, Arcadia is on a path toward stronger infrastructure and better connectivity.

As Arcadia continues to address infrastructure needs, residents can expect more updates and potential future projects aimed at sustaining the town’s growth and improving the quality of life. The town’s leadership remains dedicated to ensuring that both local and state roads are maintained to the highest standards, ensuring safe and accessible travel for all.