Trooper Scott Gill was awarded the Top Shot award from his recent Louisiana State Police Academy graduation. While employed with the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office he received the Top Gun award in 2022. The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office commented that “Troop G got a good young man in Scott Gill!”
SALINE – The 11th annual Dylan Dingler Memorial Wild Hog Roundup will be Friday, Feb. 7 and Saturday, Feb. 8.
The roundup is in memory of Dylan Dingler, a 10-year-old boy who passed away from an ATV accident in 2009.
“The money raised goes towards up keeping the Dylan Dingler Memorial Park (Mill Creek Memorial Park),” said Randy Dingler, Dylan’s father.
The hog hunt, to be held at 788 Fourth St., in Saline, will begin at 6 a.m., Feb. 7, with weigh-in at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8.
There will be prize belt buckles for first, second and third place.
There will be plenty of activities including a pig chase for children of all ages with prizes for the winners and a tough man competition for adults putting a t-shirt on a hog. There will be food, a silent auction and door prizes (raffles).
Entry fee is $400 for a 4-man team, three-hog stringer (helper limit 2) 25 each. No dead hogs allowed. No more than one bar in stringer. All hogs must be caught alive by dogs in Louisiana. The hog must weigh 50 pounds to count.
The deadline to enter is by 10 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6. Hunters will be assigned a number the morning of the hunt, and hunters must take a picture of each hog caught with their number and text it to 318-554-9763.
Winning teams will be subject to a polygraph test. All local and state laws apply.
For more information, follow the 11th Annual Dylan Dingler Memorial Wild Hog Round Up on Facebook.
The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.
01/20/25
Bryan Fischer of Tool, TX, was arrested for Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic and DWI – 1st Offense (BAC .08 to .15; Misdemeanor).
01/21/25
Tammy Friday of Bienville was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine Less Than 28 Grams (Felony), Possession or Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor), Illegal Carrying of Weapon in Presence of CDS (Felony), and Prohibited Acts – Schedule III.
01/22/25
Jessica Bolyer of Castor was arrested for Simple Burglary of Inhabited Dwelling (Felony).
Cleo Allen Jr. of Arcadia for Operating Vehicle with Suspended License; No License Issued.
Jose Pena Garcia of Hialeah, FL, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit.
Brandon Cheatwood of Castor was arrested for Simple Burglary of Inhabited Dwelling (Felony).
01/23/25
Blake Duncan of Choudrant was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with Suspended License; No License Issued.
01/24/25
Jacorra Hamilton of Homer was arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (Felony).
01/25/25
Richman Hughes Jr. was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with a Suspended License; No License Issued.
Johnny Cooper was arrested for Operating a Vehicle with a Suspended License; No License Issued.
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.
Ringgold High School and Gibsland-Coleman High School had a unique opportunity to participate in a special event called the “Court of Dreams” held at the Smoothie King Center, home of the New Orleans Pelicans.
This event allowed both girls’ and boys’ teams to showcase their skills on a professional stage. Throughout the games players displayed excellent sportsmanship and teamwork making the experience memorable for everyone involved.
The Bienville Parish School Board extended its congratulations to both teams for their hard work and dedication.
This year’s Jonquil Jubilee poster was created by Beth Fontenot. The posters are $10 each and can be purchased at the ticket booth on festival day, March 1.
The festival is held in Gibsland, which is considered the Daffodil Capital of Louisiana.
Last week, a polar vortex blew through the region and New Orleans got eight inches of snow. I think that’s a record. We had a couple of inches in Hattiesburg—just enough to shut everything down and turn the South into a snow day for grown-ups. The night before the freeze seemed like perfect weather for chili, the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug on a cold night. My wife thought so, too. She suggested we invite some friends out to the lake house for chili dinner and, as she put it, “it would be fun to have some s’mores” for dessert.
There is nothing fun about s’mores.
I love chili. Chili is dependable. Chili makes sense. But s’mores? Nope. I’ve never liked them and never will. “No one really likes s’mores. They only like the thought of s’mores,” I said. She gave me that look that says, “Here we go,” and then called me a name I can’t repeat in this space. And maybe she’s right, but has anyone ever finished a s’more and thought, You know, I could go for another one of those sticky disasters?
It’s not that I hate the idea of s’mores. In theory, it all sounds good: chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers, and a bonfire. What’s not to like? But when you actually break it down, it’s a mess. Based on my research (read: two minutes Googling), s’mores got their start in the 1920s, when the Girl Scouts included a recipe for “some mores” in one of their guidebooks. Back then, they probably made sense. It was the Great Depression. Dessert options were probably slim. And if you had a campfire and some leftover marshmallows, that was about as fancy as life got.
But it’s 2025. We live in a world with cookies, brownies, and oatmeal cream pies. Yet somehow, s’mores have managed to stick around—probably because they’ve been romanticized to the point of absurdity. Again, people don’t love s’mores; they love the idea of s’mores. They picture a campfire under the stars, laughter, good times, out of tune guitars, and crusty old singalongs. What they conveniently forget is the reality: graham cracker crumbs everywhere, molten marshmallow burning the roof of your mouth, and a piece of chocolate that refuses to melt.
Let’s start with the marshmallow roasting process, which is where s’mores begin their slow descent into stupidity. Supposedly, the goal is to toast your marshmallow to a golden-brown perfection. But let’s be honest—when does that ever happen? You’re either standing too close to the fire and choking on smoke while turning your marshmallow into a crusty black flaming comet. Or you’re too far back, warming it just enough to make it sticky without actually cooking it. Either way, you’re left holding something that you cooked on a deconstructed coat hanger that looks like it’s been through a nuclear holocaust.
Then comes the assembly. You’re supposed to take your sticky, half-burnt marshmallow and try to sandwich it between two graham crackers and a chocolate bar. The graham crackers, brittle as they are, break the second you apply pressure. Meanwhile, the chocolate stubbornly refuses to melt, no matter how hot your marshmallow is. You’re left with a lopsided mess that’s impossible to eat without getting marshmallow glue on your shirt and graham cracker shards in your lap.
Then there’s the name, “s’mores.” It’s supposed to mean “some more,” as if one isn’t enough. Let me just say this: they should’ve been called “s’neveragains.” By the time you’ve finished one, you’re sticky, frustrated, and wondering why you didn’t just eat the chocolate by itself. Actually, that might be the one dessert in which the ingredients are all better eaten separately than as the recipe instructs.
I’ve had my fair share of desserts that didn’t make sense. My grandmother was a wonderful woman—warm, generous, and an incredible cook. Her fried chicken and leg of lamb was legendary, and she had a knack for making every meal feel special. But she had a soft spot for Jell-O molds, and I could never get behind those. Lime-green Jell-O with shredded carrots floating inside? It looked like it belonged in a science experiment, not on the dinner table. But I didn’t eat them. Not once. I loved my grandmother, but there are limits, even for family. Nostalgia can make people put up with a lot—lime Jell-O molds, bad casseroles, fruitcake—but s’mores don’t hold that kind of sway for me. There’s no emotional attachment, no warm memory to lean on. It’s just a sticky, frustrating mess that leaves me annoyed and still hungry. Nostalgia might excuse a lot of things, but it can’t save a bad dessert.
Thankfully, the chili night never happened, which spared me from having to endure the s’mores disaster. I imagine it would’ve gone something like this: a group of adults pretending to enjoy themselves while wrestling with flaming marshmallows and crumbling crackers, brittle, unmelted chocolate bars falling to the ground, and sticky marshmallows flying across the room. My wife would’ve been silent, knowing full well I was biting my tongue to keep from saying, “Told you so.”
I get why people cling to s’mores. It’s not about the dessert; it’s about the memory. The campfire, the laughter, the off-key singing of “Kumbaya,” and the shared experience. But the reality of s’mores doesn’t live up to the hype. There are way better desserts out there, ones that don’t involve sticky fingers, burnt marshmallows, and shattered graham crackers.
S’mores had their moment in the 1920s. It’s time to leave them there.
Now get off my lawn!
Onward.
Chili
1 Tbl olive oil
1 Tbl bacon Fat
2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
1 Tbl Fresh ground black pepper
3 cups yellow onion, medium dice
1 cup carrot, finely shredded
2 Tbl Ground Cumin
2 tsp Ground Coriander
1 tsp Oregano
2 Tbl Chili powder
1/4 cup fresh garlic minced
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
2 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes
1 quart V-8 juice
1 quart hot chicken broth
2 Bay leaves
2 14-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tbl Corn flour/masa
1/2 cup water
1 Tbl fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Hot sauce to taste
Heat the oil and bacon fat in an 8- quart, heavy duty sauce pot over high heat. Sprinkle the meat with salt and black pepper. Place half of the meat in the very hot oil. DO NOT MOVE THE MEAT FOR 3-4 MINUTES, you want to achieve a nice golden brown sear. Turn the meat over and brown the other side the best you can. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain. Repeat this process with the remaining meat.
Turn the heat to medium and add the onion, carrot and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the spices and tomato paste. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step is very important, caramelizing the sugars in the tomato paste and vegetables with really make a difference in the outcome of the chili.
Return the meat to the pot and add in the canned tomatoes, V-8 juice, chicken broth and bay leaves. Simmer VERY slowly, covered, for 2-3 hours. Stir often to prevent sticking. Add the beans and simmer for 15 more minutes.
Combine the corn flour with the water to make a paste. Turn up the heat up so that the chili reaches a slow boil and stir in the corn flour mixture. Allow the chili to cook for 2-3 more minutes. Add hot sauce to desired heat. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice and cilantro.
Yield: 1 gallon
(Robert St. John is a chef, restauranteur and published cookbook author who lives in Hattiesburg, Miss.)
By Royal Alexander
President Trump’s Inauguration Signals Re-Birth of U.S. Greatness
In the whirl of President Trump’s first few days back in office he is securing our borders, fully freeing the oil and gas industry to explode with growth and ridding our public institutions of the poisonous Diversity, Inclusion and Equity (DIE) doctrine to name just a few. He has also done something that only a distracted First World nation like ours would need to have done—he has again declared that there are only two genders, male and female.
The “golden age of America begins now,” Trump said again last week. What does he mean by that and how does his hope for our country tie into our American Exceptionalism?
American Exceptionalism includes a strong economy, a strong national defense, secure borders, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and guaranteeing each of us the opportunity to fully utilize our lives and God-given abilities in an environment in which every American has the opportunity to excel. I believe it also includes being proud of our national character and our extraordinary history. However, American Exceptionalism can be reduced to the most granular level.
We recall instances after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in which the owner/driver of an 18-wheeler in Oregon said he had awakened one morning and felt powerfully moved to drive a truck load of bananas to Louisiana to help with the food problems. FEMA wouldn’t accept them; finally, a group of churches did. Same story for an enormous number of donated McDonald hamburgers and over one hundred Lea’s pies. These kinds of examples are too numerous to count.
What about the flooding of New Orleans? What about the hundreds of Louisiana sportsmen who drove to the outskirts of New Orleans planning to help rescue as many stranded people as they could but were told by government agencies to turn around and go back home. American exceptionalism? Who filled many of these great needs after those hurricanes and other natural disasters? Churches, families, and private businesses virtually all of whom donated their time and resources because they wanted to help their fellow Louisianans and Americans.
American exceptionalism? Internationally, how about the billions of dollars the United States has spent through American international health programs designed to fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, which have saved the lives of over sixty million human beings.
After WWII, America was the world’s lone superpower and could have become an imperial one and essentially governed the world. Not only did we not seek global dominance, we did the opposite. Through the Marshall Plan and tremendous American aid and resources we helped other countries rebuild. Why? because unless provoked or endangered, the American spirit has never sought to subjugate other countries.
How about the miracle of our U.S. Constitution which gives rise to our Rule of Law; how about our shared belief that we are endowed by our Creator with certain rights that cannot be taken—all of which gave rise to a government instituted for the preservation of liberty? Our Bill of Rights which ensures our many freedoms including the guarantee that we cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law? Our 2nd Amendment?
That we cannot have our doors kicked in at 2:00 am without probable cause and a warrant? That we are guaranteed, every one of us, equal protection of the laws? Do we remember how rare all of this is?
No nation is perfect because nations are ruled by governments and governments are comprised of flawed human beings. Yet, throughout our history, we have always sought to correct our flaws as we strove for The Good, and, however imperfectly, the good was attained.
The American spirit is sterling as are the foundational ideals of liberty and equality to which we aspire. American kindness and generosity are unbounded. De Tocqueville observed that “the position of the Americans is therefore quite exceptional,” in Democracy in America, “and it may be believed that no democratic people will ever be placed in a similar one.” Why would he draw this conclusion?
Because he recognized the American spirit and the moral and religious character that anchored it. President Reagan noted many times that America is the greatest country in the world. Again, it’s not perfect but it is, and remains, the last best hope of Earth. This exceptionalism is the basis of the new golden age to which Trump refers and aspires.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) began selling hard collector’s license cards last year. These optional collectible cards allow license-holders to carry all of their active annual licenses on one long-lasting card that fits right in a wallet. These collector cards will feature new artwork each year from the state’s very own outdoor enthusiasts.
LDWF is looking for amateur or professional artists or photographers who love the Louisiana outdoors to submit iconic Louisiana outdoor artwork and photographs to be featured on this year’s hard license cards. They are looking for user-submitted, original artwork or photographs falling into the following categories Wildlife/Hunting, Fish/Fishing, and Scenic/Other to be featured. Photographs or artwork may be submitted in digital format.
To participate, simply click the link below, enter contact information, and upload image(s) by February 15.
https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/ldwf-durable-hard-license-artwork-contest
Rules:
Winners will be notified by email, will have their artwork featured on the hard license cards, and will be featured on the LDWF’s website and social media channels throughout the year.
The hard license cards will go on sale this year and will be available for an additional $5.00 fee.
The proceeds from the card sales help fund LDWF’s mission to manage, conserve, and promote wise utilization of Louisiana’s renewable fish and wildlife resources and their supporting habitats.
LDWF will announce the winners and the date that these hard cards may be purchased on June 1 before the end of the year.
LDWF will continue to accept paper licenses and digital licenses. To learn more about license and tagging requirements, visit the website at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/.
The washing machine at the Gibsland house is one of those front-loading types. The dryer is also. The dryer is stacked on top of the washer. I can stand in the laundry room and watch the laundry wash and dry. Sometimes that is better than what is on television. I have entered the phase of watching old football games to get through to the NFL-pre-season in August. I am rapidly running out of football season. I have tried to watch the new spring pro football games, but they have not caught my football fancy completely.
I remember the old-fashioned load it from the top type washing machines. I owned one that had a clear lid so I could stand there and watch the laundry do its thing too. I was a newer model that was missing something, more on that soon. If you have never seen laundry in the machines, you might try it. It is hypnotic. You can play games timing how long it takes the sweater to move from the front to the back and return. I know that none of you kill time like that. There are apps for killing time!
What both washing machines were missing was that thingy in the middle of the washing drum.
That thingy is called the agitator.
The internet, keeper of all knowledge, reads:
“In top loading washing machines, the agitator is responsible for moving the clothes through the water and detergent and is driven by the output shaft of the transmission. The output shaft is normally splined, and the center of the plastic agitator will have a matching spline to ensure a tight fit.”
The new washers have an agitation feature, but it is done in different ways. The thingy in the middle is not there. You want your laundry agitated!
Read again the definition for agitator in washing machines. They move clothes through the process. They are necessary for the washing process.
I think I am going to follow God’s call to be an agitator. My goal is to move people through the process of knowing Christ. If someone knows Christ, I want to agitate in such a way they will know Him better. I will agitate for the church to be a better place. I will agitate myself so that my life and faith are in alignment.
The thing about agitators, they are moving the process toward a better outcome. They not only point out what is wrong, they offer solutions and suggestions to make improvements.
Sunday, I invite you to a gathering of agitators at your local church. They are agitating for change, to transform the world in the name of Jesus.
Since Louisiana has experienced a historic winter storm event, which closed many roads in most areas of the state and prevented many hunters from engaging in recreational hunting opportunities for several days during the open season. Because maximizing hunting opportunities for sportsmen and women of the state is a priority for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, the Secretary of LDWF, Madison Sheahan, has extended the following resident game hunting seasons.
Quail season is extended from the last day in February to close on March 2. This extension includes all Wildlife Management Areas where quail hunting is not closed or otherwise restricted.
Rabbit and squirrel season is extended from the last day in February to close on March 2. This extension includes all Wildlife Management Areas where small game hunting is not closed or otherwise restricted.
Nutria season is extended from the last day in February to close on March 2. This extension includes all Wildlife Management Areas where nutria hunting is allowed, except nutria may be taken on Atchafalaya Delta, Salvador/Timken, Pointe-Aux-Chenes and Pass-a-Loutre through March 31.
Archery season for deer is extended from the last day in January to close on Feb. 2 for Deer Areas 1, 2 and 4, and on the following Wildlife Management Areas: Alexander State Forest, Atchafalaya Delta, Bayou Macon, Bayou Pierre, Big Colewa Bayou, Big Lake, Biloxi, Bodcau, Boeuf, Buckhorn, Dewey W. Wills, Esler Field, Hutchinson Creek, J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert, John Franks, Lake Boeuf, Lake Ramsay, Little River, Loggy Bayou, Marsh Bayou, Pearl River, Richard K. Yancey, Russell Sage, Sabine, Salvador/Timken, Sandy Hollow, Soda Lake, and Tangipahoa Parish School Board.
Archery season for deer is extended from Feb. 15 to close on Feb. 17 in Deer Areas 5, 6 and 9, and on the following Wildlife Management Areas: Acadiana Conservation Corridor, Attakapas Island, Elm Hall, Grassy Lake, Joyce, Manchac, Maurepas Swamp, Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes, Pomme de Terre, Sherburne, Spring Bayou, Thistlethwaite, and Tunica Hills.
Primitive firearms season for deer is extended from the last day in January to close on Feb. 2 in Deer Areas 1, 4, 5, 6 and 9, and on Tangipahoa Parish School Board Wildlife Management Area. Deer Areas 5 and 9 remain BUCKS ONLY harvest. An additional primitive firearms deer season shall be open on Joyce Wildlife Management Area and Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area for the weekend of Feb. 1-2.
Feral hog season on the following Wildlife Management Areas is extended from the last day of February to close March 2: Atchafalaya Delta, Fort Johnson (North and Vernon), Pass-a-Loutre, Pointe-aux-Chenes, and Salvador/Timken.
Deer season for properties enrolled in Tier 1 Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) in Deer Areas 1, 4, 5, 6, and 9 is extended from Feb. 15 to close on Feb. 17.
Nightime raccoon season on the following Wildlife Management Areas is extended from the last day of February to close on March 2: Attakapas, Bayou Macon, Bayou Pierre, Big Lake, Bodcau, Boeuf, Buckhorn, Clear Creek, Dewey Wills, Esler Field, Grassy Lake, Hutchinson Creek, J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert, Joyce, Little River, Loggy Bayou, Manchac, Marsh Bayou, Maurepas Swamp, Pearl River, Pomme de Terre, Richard K. Yancy, Russell Sage, Sabine Island, Sabine, Sandy Hollow, Sherburne, Spring Bayou, Tangipahoa Parish School Board, Tunica Hills, Walnut Hill, and West Bay.
For a detailed list of the season extensions by game type, WMA, and Deer Area, click here.
The season extension shall only apply to season dates and does not increase or otherwise affect the annual bag limit.
When it comes to bass tournament anglers and sponsors, the winds are changing, and the opportunities are diminishing. Today we’ll take a look at what many young anglers are facing with regards to landing sponsors while trying to compete on one of the professional bass tournament trails. If you’re looking to fish for a living, pay close attention to what I’m about to tell you.
First, let’s address why sponsors are necessary; without them the decision to fish professionally can be next to impossible unless you have parents or grandparents willing to foot the bill. To fish at the highest level requires lots of money up front even before you ever wet a hook. Without great sponsors, it’s almost impossible to make the dream of becoming a professional bass fisherman a reality.
In today’s professional bass fishing world, there are only so many sponsors available as anglers are constantly competing for what few there are. Not all sponsors are created equal, as some are willing to pay the angler a salary, while others just give product such as a bass boat, fishing tackle, or possibly a truck in exchange for the angler’s promotion of these items.
But before an angler needs to worry about sponsors, he or she needs to learn how to find fish. The one mistake I see with many young anglers on the rise is that they are too worried about how to obtain sponsors rather than learning how to find and catch fish.
Kids today are star struck by the fancy sublimation shirts that really do turn heads. But it goes without saying that unless you can catch fish, you won’t have to worry about landing sponsors. Tournament success is still important!
Another thing young anglers don’t understand in today’s professional bass fishing world, it’s not just about catching bass, it’s also about an angler’s ability to promote a product. Most sponsors could care less if you can catch bass. They’re more concerned with your ability to communicate and sell product for them.
They want an angler who will represent their brand in a professional manner by attending boat shows, fishing seminars and doing a great job with social media promotions. My first advice to any angler looking to fish professionally is to take speech and learn how to sell yourself and communicate with people.
Here’s the truth…once you sign with sponsors, you’re now obligated to them and must respond to their beckoning call. They’re not paying you to fish, but rather to represent their brand and promote product.
Here’s where the love hate relationship comes into play. Every angler will tell you that when it comes to sponsors, it is a double edge sword. With success comes more responsibility and commitment to the sponsors you’re connected with.
This means more time off the water and less time practicing, which can interfere with your ability to compete at the highest level due to the fact that your sponsors are pulling you away from what you really want to do the most….go bass fishing!
But sponsors are a necessity for a fulltime professional angler, and they hold all the cards in an angler’s ability to make a living. Every angler will tell you there’s no way an angler can make a living just off tournament winnings. Anglers must draw a salary and get help with expensive tournament entry fees in order to make a living for their families.
So, the next time you see a professional bass fisherman wearing one of those great looking sublimation shirts with all the different company logos, understand that each logo comes with a high level of commitment and dedication, not just to the companies he represents, but his family as well.
Till next time, good luck, good fishing and always believe that the fish are going bite tomorrow. The power of positive thinking is the most important ingredient an angler can have in order to achieve success.
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.
January 29 marks National Puzzle Day, a celebration of one of humanity’s oldest and most engaging pastimes. From ancient riddles to modern jigsaw puzzles, the act of solving challenges has captivated minds for centuries. Beyond their entertainment value, puzzles offer significant cognitive and emotional benefits, making them a valuable tool for people of all ages.
The origins of puzzles date back thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples being labyrinths and mazes. Jigsaw puzzles, as we know them today, were invented in the 1760s when British cartographer John Spilsbury mounted a map on wood and cut it into pieces to teach geography. Since then, puzzles have evolved into a diverse array of formats, including crosswords, Sudoku, and escape room challenges.
Puzzles are more than just a source of entertainment—they’re a workout for the brain. Solving puzzles helps improve memory, problem-solving skills, and spatial reasoning. For children, puzzles aid in the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. For adults, they offer a way to keep the mind sharp and reduce stress. Studies have even shown that engaging in puzzles regularly can delay the onset of cognitive decline in older adults.
The joy of puzzles lies in their universality. Whether you’re a beginner tackling a simple crossword or a seasoned puzzler working on a 5,000-piece jigsaw, there’s something for everyone. Families can use puzzles as a way to bond, while individuals can enjoy them as a solitary escape.
Celebrate National Puzzle Day by exploring a new type of puzzle or revisiting an old favorite. Consider challenging friends to a puzzle race or working together to complete a complex jigsaw. Libraries and online platforms often offer free puzzle resources, making it easy to join the fun.
By incorporating puzzles into your routine, you can experience the joy of problem-solving while reaping the cognitive benefits. So, grab a puzzle and get solving—you’ll be doing your brain a favor.
By Brad Dison
In 1873, Julius Wettstein, a German cheese maker, opened a cheese factory in Monroe, New York. He named it Monroe Cheese Company. The company was so successful that Wettstein sold the company five years later for $16,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over half a million dollars in today’s money. The cheese company was bought and sold twice, each time making a profit, until Adolphe Tode and a partner bought it in 1884 for $25,000. In 1888, they hired 21-year-old Swiss immigrant Emil Frey to work in the factory.
In 1889, Adolphe challenged his cheese makers to produce a popular cheese called Bismarck. Bismarck cheese imported from Europe spoiled before it reached American grocers. After two years of failed attempts on his own time, Emil developed a new spreadable cheese that was so popular that the company discontinued their efforts to create Bismarck cheese. They named Emil’s creation Liederkranz after a famous New York Singing Society. iederkranze cheese became popular across America, but Adolphe had made enough bad business decisions that he lost everything.
In 1891, New York wholesale grocer Jacob Weisl bought the Monroe Cheese Company from the Goshen Savings Bank. Under Jacob’s leadership, the Monroe Cheese Company grew and expanded. They opened a second factory in Covington, Pennsylvania where they focused mainly on producing Swiss cheese. Sales of Swiss cheese were spectacular, but there were some issues with producing and distributing wheels of hard Swiss cheese. It often came out misshapen or was broken during the manufacturing or distribution processes. Jacob deemed the misshapen or broken cheese unsalable, but what could they do with all the “waste cheese?”
In 1916, Jacob challenged his employees to find a way to turn the “waste cheese” into a profitable product. Luckily, Emil Frey was still working for Monroe Cheese Company. In his spare time in his home kitchen, Emil mixed and measured various ingredients. After two years of trial and error, he came up with a concoction which used only three ingredients; the waste cheese, whey, which was the leftover liquid from milk curds, and an emulsifier used to blend and stabilize the product. Emil patented the process, named his new cheese, and shared his discovery with his boss. The new cheese could easily hold its shape, required no refrigeration, had a long shelf life, and turned into a silky sauce when melted.
The Monroe Cheese Company quickly put the “waste cheese” into production. Like Emil’s Liederkranze cheese, his new creation became popular in homes, hotels, and restaurants. It was so popular that on Valentine’s Day 1923, Jacob created and incorporated a new independent company to produce this one product. In 1927, Kraft Foods bought the “waste cheese” company.
Researchers at Kraft quickly began tinkering with Emil’s formula and process. Remember that Emil patented the process for making his “waste cheese.” Rather than three ingredients, the new formula had a paragraph’s worth of chemical ingredients. Kraft advertised the “waste cheese” as a health food and diet aid, though it was neither. With clever marketing campaigns, Kraft’s version of Emil’s “waste cheese” remains one of the most popular cheese products in the world. Kraft’s version still tastes and melts pretty much the same as the Emil’s “waste cheese,” and still uses the name Emil gave it because of its velvety smoothness when melted. You know Emil’s “waste cheese” as Velveeta. What you may not know is that Kraft’s version of Velveeta cheese does not contain any cheese.
Sources:
1. David Levine, “Where Does Velveeta (and Liederkranz) Cheese Come From? Monroe, NY, Of Course!” Hudson Valley Magazine, March 18, 2013, https://hvmag.com/food/where-does-velveeta-and-liederkranz-cheese-come-from-monroe-ny-of-course/.
2. David Levine, “Who Emil Frey whipped up a smooth dairy sensation,” Smithsonian, January-February 2025, p.35.
3. “The History of Cheese Making in Monroe,” Monroe Historical Society, https://www.monroehistoryny.org/cheese-in-monroe.
A Hope for Lydia fundraiser will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Ashland Fire Department located at 719 Highway 153 in Ashland starting at 11:00 am.
They will be selling Bar-B-Que sandwich plates for $10 each. Preorders are welcome and deliveries will be made if local. Willing to travel further if 10 or more plates are ordered for one location.
A Charbroil electric smoker donated by Fire District 2 in Goldonna will be raffled off as well. (Winner does not need to be present to win) Tickets are $1.00 each. Please contact an Ashland Fire Department member if you would like to purchase tickets.
There will be auction items to bid on that day as well.
Please follow Ashland Fire District 8’s Facebook page for updates.
All proceeds will go to Hope for Lydia. Lydia is the 2 year old daughter of Kirk and Morgan Weaver Rachal who has been diagnosed with Sanfilippo, a disease known as Alzheimer’s in children.
If you would like to donate to Hope for Lydia direct, their GoFundMe link is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/savelydia
Bienville Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com
By Misty Watson, Bienville Parish Journal Staff
SAVANNAH, Georgia – The remains of a man found in the Savannah River have been identified as that of Ron Hagar.
Hagar, 73, of Saline, was last seen near Dubberly on Dec. 21. Chatham County Police Department Public Information Officer Betsy Nolen said Hagar’s remains were found in the river on Sunday, Jan. 5, near Ursula Island around 10:30 a.m.
Nolen said autopsy results are still pending, and no cause of death or whether foul play is suspected is known at this time.
“As soon as we can release more information, we will do so on our social media,” she said.
Hagar was once instrumental in the cleanup of millions of pounds of munitions at Camp Minden, belonging to the Camp Minden Citizens Advisory Group. He worked with local leaders and others overseeing the cleanup. He was also vocal against a pipeline proposed to cross state wetlands, belonging to an environmental activist group protesting its construction.
By Misty Watson, Bienville Parish Journal Staff
The Arcadia Town Council passed a resolution and presented it to Mayor O’Landis Millican in honor of the late Isadore “Papa” Millican, a beloved community member and the mayor’s grandfather.
“Papa” Millican was 94 years of age, and served as pastor of Saline Ridge Baptist Church.
“Alongside his late wife, Mrs. Faye Millican, he touched the hearts and minds of many with his sermons, his counsel, and his selfless devotion to God’s work,” according to the resolution.
The resolution went on to offer condolences to Mayor Millican from the town council and community.
“We honor the memory of Reverend Isadore Millican for his extraordinary life of faith, service and dedication. While we grieve his passing, we celebrate his remarkable legacy and the countless lives he touched. May his example of compassion and selflessness inspire us all to live with purpose and love,” the resolution concludes.
Millican died Christmas Eve 2024, and was buried at Saline Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pictured from left are: Police Chief Ciera Murphy, Town Attorney Sean Crain, Debra Harris (District 1), Joseph Pruitt Jr. (District 3), Melanie Monroe (District 2), Mayor Millican, Edwin Mason (District 4) and Town Clerk Shamika Garner. Not pictured is Timothy Williams (District 5).
The Bienville Parish School Board is proud to recognize and honor Castor High School, Crawford Elementary, and Saline High School for their outstanding achievements.
Castor High School, Crawford Elementary School, and Saline High School have been designated as a “Top Gains” school for the 2023 -2024 school year. Crawford Elementary and Saline High School have also received the title of “Opportunity Honoree.”
Saline High School has earned an impressive “A” letter grade and has ranked second in the state for growth by the Louisiana Department of Education in the 2023-2024 school year.
These recognitions highlight the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers and staff at these schools and they serve as an inspiration for continued excellence in education.
Understanding Letters to the Editor: A Voice for Public Opinion
Letters to the editor are a longstanding tradition in journalism, providing a platform for readers to share their opinions, perspectives, and concerns on a wide range of issues. These letters, published by newspapers and other media outlets, represent the voices of the public rather than the editorial stance of the publication.
By design, letters to the editor are opinion pieces. They allow individuals to express their thoughts on current events, policies, or community matters, often sparking meaningful discussions. News outlets retain the right to decide which letters to publish, ensuring submissions align with their guidelines while maintaining a respectful and constructive dialogue.
The practice of publishing letters to the editor reflects a fundamental principle of democracy: free speech. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees individuals the right to express their opinions without fear of censorship or reprisal. This principle is essential to a free press and open society.
Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s Founding Fathers and a staunch advocate for free expression, once remarked, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” His words underscore the importance of fostering spaces for diverse viewpoints, even those that challenge prevailing norms.
For newspapers and readers alike, letters to the editor serve as a testament to the power of open dialogue and civic engagement. By encouraging public participation, these letters strengthen the democratic fabric of society, reminding us of the vital role free speech plays in shaping informed communities.
To participate in this tradition, readers are encouraged to submit their letters following the publication’s guidelines. Your voice matters, and letters to the editor provide an opportunity to make it heard.
Submit a Letter to the Editor via email to: bpjnewsla@gmail.com
September 7, 1931 – January 19, 2025
Graveside services for Jo Ann Conly Carson, 93, of Ringgold, LA will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in Providence Cemetery, Ringgold, LA with Bro. Louie Foerster officiating.
Jo Ann was born September 7, 1931 and died January 19, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Etoyle and Shirley Conly, and her husband, Thomas Gordon Carson.
She is survived by her brother, Stan Conly (Susan); her children, Donna Dalme (John Richard) and Scott Carson; grandchildren, Carson Thomas (Jenni) and Melinda Adams (Bill); and her great grandchildren, Jake Thomas, Maddox Thomas, Will Adams, Grace Thomas, and Brooke Adams.
Jo Ann’s early life was filled with frequent relocations due to her father’s work in the petroleum industry. The family lived in states from Georgia to California, and in Mexico City where Jo Ann started high school. She graduated from Ringgold High School,and went on to graduate from Louisiana College. She taught school in Terrebone Parish, Ringgold, and later at the American School in Manila, Philippines. In her adult years she lived in Trinidad, Cuba, The Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia, and she traveled extensively in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Wherever she was Jo Ann remained that small but formidable girl from Ringgold; proud of her family, proud of her Irish ancestry, and trusting her Lord and Savior. “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.” –Lamentations 3:22-23.
Pallbearers will be Scott Carson, Carson Thomas, Jake Thomas, Maddox Thomas, Bill Adams, Will Adams, Christian Conly and Rhett Edwards. Honorary pallbearers will be Colin Conly, Reagan Edwards, Roy Edwards, Tony Lawson, Lee Baggett and Bill Dabb.
The family would like to thank Passages Hospice in Minden, LA for their compassionate care and support.
Graveside Service:
Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11am.
The Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) announced the introduction of a new area code, 457, to provide relief for the 318 area code region. This overlay ensures sufficient telephone numbers are available to meet future demand while minimizing disruption for customers.
What is an overlay? An overlay introduces a new area code to the same geographic region currently served by an existing area code. Customers with 318 area code numbers will retain their current numbers, but new phone lines or services activated after Sept. 25 may receive the 457 area code. Importantly, customers will need to use a 10-digit dialing procedure—the area code plus the seven-digit phone number—to make local calls.
Key dates for the transition are as follows:
Feb. 24: Begin using 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) for all local calls. Calls made with 7 digits will still be completed during this period.
Aug. 25.: 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory. Calls dialed with only 7 digits will not go through and will receive a recorded message to redial with the area code.
Sept. 25: New numbers in the 457 area code may be assigned.
Why is this change necessary? The North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) forecasts that the 318 area code will run out of new numbers by early 2026. The LPSC reviewed NANPA’s recommendations, sought public and industry input, and approved the overlay to address the shortage.
The 318 area code serves the parishes of: Allen, Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Caldwell, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, La Salle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Tensas, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.
If you already have a 318 number, it will not change. All local calls within the 318 and 457 areas will require 10 digits. Local calls will remain local, even with the added area code.
For more information, visit the Louisiana Public Service Commission website or contact the telephone service provider. The LPSC remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and reliable communication services for all residents and businesses in northern Louisiana.
Daniel W. Newell, District Attorney for the Second Judicial District in and for the Parish of
Bienville, makes the following announcements relative to disposition of cases in Bienville Parish
on the dates indicated, for the period of Oct. 2024 through Dec. 2024.
10-30-24
Shawn Quinlan Hubbard of Ringgold, LA—Pled guilty to Obstruction of Justice. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor, with all but 1 year suspended. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation.
Cameron Michael Kelly of Ringgold, LA— Pled guilty to Obstruction of Justice. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor, with all but 1 year suspended. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation.
Gerald P. Miller, Jr. of Bossier City, LA— Pled guilty to Obstruction of Justice. He was sentenced to 5 years at hard labor, with all but 1 year suspended. He was placed on 3 years supervised probation.
11-27-24
Tommie L. Green of Ringgold, LA — Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine Less Than 2 grams. He was sentenced to 2 years, which was suspended. He was placed on 2 years supervised probation.
12-03-24
Dashawn Coliston of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Attempted Armed Robbery. He was sentenced to 4 years at hard labor, with all but 2 years suspended. He was placed on 2 years supervised probation.
Rodney Jenkins of Arcadia, LA— Pled guilty to Criminal Trespass. He was sentenced to 6 months in parish jail. He also pled guilty to Possession of Schedule I CDS-Marijuana (14 grams or less). He was sentenced to 30 days in parish jail.
12-04-24
Joseph Powell Poindexter of Ringgold, LA— Pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II CDS-Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on 2 years supervised probation.
12-17-24
Steven Duane Raymond of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery. He was sentenced to 6 months in parish jail, which was suspended. He was placed on 1 year supervised probation. He is required to pay $738 in fines and costs.
Eric D. Bazar of Castor, LA—Pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery-Second Offense. He was sentenced to 1 year in parish jail, which all but 14 days were suspended. He was placed on 2 years supervised probation. He is required to pay $750 fine.
Rondarius J. Bell of Shreveport, LA—Pled guilty to Battery of a Dating Partner. He was sentenced to 6 months in parish jail.
Christopher Rashard Ellis of Dubach, LA—Pled guilty to Aggravated Flight from an Officer. He was sentenced to 1 year in parish jail.
Shormarkuez Ji’keveun Fielding of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Introduction of Contraband in Penal Facility. He was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor.
Cassalis Lard, Jr. of Castor, LA—Pled guilty to First Degree Robbery. He was sentenced to 3 years at hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
Brandi M. Miller of Arcadia, LA—Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Simple Escape. She was sentenced to 2 years at hard labor.
Laderrick D. Randle of Shreveport, LA—Pled guilty to Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon. He was sentenced to 10 years at hard labor without the benefit of probation, parole or suspension of sentence.
Jaron Redding of Bossier City, LA—Pled guilty to Simple Burglary. He was sentenced to 1 year in parish jail.