Month: May 2025

Parish Clerk of Court shares unsolved mystery

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment
Following a mysterious caller contacting the Bienville Parish Clerk of Court inquiring about the location of a specific grave, so the caller could have flowers put on it, the clerk shared the unsolved mystery regarding the person buried in that plot. 
 
History lies all around, waiting to be discovered. Every person, place, and thing has a story to tell. Some times not a happy one. In the far back corner of Arcadia cemetery lies the grave of Deborah Ann Wolfe.
 
Deborah died under mysterious circumstance in Fayetteville, NC, on December 26, 1985. Often referred to as “the woman in the barrel,” her disappearance and death was featured in two episodes of the television show Unsolved Mysteries.
 
While the official report rules her death an accident, and the records long since purged from police archives, the case remains in question to this day.
 
How did she come to be buried in the quiet, back corner of our local cemetery?
 
Her mother, after demanding Deborah be exhumed for a 2nd autopsy, was so distraught over the handling of the case, moved to Bienville Parish and laid her daughter in her final resting place.
 

Trinity CHC Three-Story Center to Open by Year’s End, Retired Teachers Hear

/ NPJ / Leave a comment
Trinity CEO Deano Thornton and TBA Studio lead architect Lisa Frontaura sit in front of the artist’s rendition of Trinity’s three-story complex rising in Winnfield. Standing with them are some of the many retired teachers who filled the library’s meeting room.

The three-story medical complex rising along Winnfield’s five-lane should be open by year’s end, Winn’s retired teachers heard during their monthly session May 19.

What launched as Winn Community Health Center with 5 employees in 2009 has grown into a healthcare operation covering seven parishes with nearly 500 employees, explained CEO Deano Thornton.  Asked about the name “Trinity,” he replied that as the coverage area grew, an overall name of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana was adopted, although each clinic retains the name of its specific parish.

With Thornton was Lisa Peddy Frontaura, a 2000 graduate of WSHS who was described in introduction as “the principal architect who oversees everything from the beginning of design to the end of construction and everything in between.”  She is vice president of operations for TBA Studio.

The CEO and former Winnfield mayor told the retired teachers that his dream is to leave something lasting here in the community.  Inspired by a saying by longtime educator Etoy Ashley, he noted, “Make your community better because you were part of it.”

When asked, he said cost of the project from the ground up is about $30 million, including $1 million in furniture.  “I called Lisa and said I wanted to build this clinic.  She is a Winn graduate and proud to be involved with this construction.  She is young enough to do the IT work whereas I’m too old, more traditional.”

Frontaura confirmed, telling the gathering that she is happy to be here and part of this project.  “When I was approached, I was glad to be giving back to this community.”  Having worked on projects big and small over the 20 years of her career, she called this “the height of my activity.”  In its design, she sought a façade that reflects the region’s forestry rather than simply a “white medical building.”

The audience seemed to enjoy descriptions of each of the three floors.  Thornton continues to be proud of the escalators from the ground to second floor as well as the elevators, although if a patient ends up on the third, administrative floor, it’s only because they got lost, he said.  First floor will contain primary care, clinic pharmacy, behavioral health, nurses’ station and x-ray.

Second floor will house optometry, dental care, physical therapy as well as a visual space to “look down” on the first floor plus an outdoor balcony.  The third floor will have administration for the multi-parish clinics, billing, medical records, finance, IT, a kitchen and conference room large enough to seat 100 banquet-style.

The three-story was designed not just for patients but also employees so every floor has a break room for staff.  About 125 people will work in the building daily.  “My mission is to create jobs, not to farm things out.”  Parking and access to the building with be ample, the visuals showed.

Since Trinity’s new center interfaces with the varied aspects of its services—clinic patients, school-based clients, pharmacy—he said the move could be in phases including school holidays to minimize service disruptions.  He anticipates that move should be complete by the end of the year.

  • August 5 2024
  • October 1 2024
  • November 23 2024
  • January 22 2025
  • May 12 2024

Gibsland man arrested on several charges including attempted murder

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment
Droxius Javante Dewhart

 A Gibsland man was arrested on numerous charges from Texas and Louisiana, including attempted second-degree murder.

Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance said Droxius Javante Dewhart is behind bars and isn’t leaving jail anytime soon. The 31-year-old was charged with possession of methamphetamine less than 28 grams (felony), violation of probation/parole, carrying of a weapon in the presence of a CDS (felony), sale, distribution or possession of a legend drug without prescription or order prohibited (misdemeanor), resisting an officer (misdemeanor), possession of a firearm/carry concealed weapon by a convicted felon, fugitive, aggravated criminal damage to property (felony), illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities (felony) and attempted second-degree murder.

Ballance said the arrest came when deputies Sgt. Steven Smith and Lt. Starcorius Dyes arrested Dewhart around 4pm, in the area of School and Fifth streets.

“As he was walking the streets that day, he ran from them,” Ballance said. “He was armed with a handgun at the time of his arrest. When he ran, deputies tased him and took him into custody without further incident.”

Bond is set at $465,000 and no bond for the two warrants in Texas and Louisiana has a probation/parole hold on him, Ballance said.

Three of the charges (illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, aggravated criminal damage to property and attempted second-degree murder) all came from warrants from the Arcadia Police Department. Another charge, fugitive, is from two warrants from Shelby County, TX.

Annual Free Fishing Weekend to be held June 7-8

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) invites the public to take part in its annual Free Fishing Weekend on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8. Louisiana’s Free Fishing Weekend allows residents and visitors to fish Louisiana waters without an otherwise required fishing license.

“Each year, we designate a weekend of fishing with no need to purchase a fishing license as an incentive for families and friends to enjoy one of our state’s most beloved pastimes,” explained LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth. “Please take this opportunity to make memories with your loved ones and introduce them to the great sport of fishing.”

While a fishing license is not required, all fishing regulations, including size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions, will remain in effect during Free Fishing Weekend. 

For an added bonus, LDWF will hold the following events to teach the skills necessary to give anglers the best opportunity to catch fish. From lessons on bait choice, tackle setup, casting, and knot tying to fishing techniques, landing, handling and taking the fish off the hook, LDWF has anglers covered.

In addition, a free Recreational Offshore Landing Permit (ROLP) is still needed during Free Fishing weekend when possessing tunas, billfish, swordfish, amberjacks, groupers, snappers, hinds, cobia, wahoo, dolphinfish, and gray triggerfish. Registration for the Free Fishing Weekend ROLP begins June 2.  Anglers should choose the “Free Fishing Weekend” option for the license type. Anglers can skip the “LDWF Fishing License Number” field. A Free Fishing Weekend ROLP will only be valid Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.  An annual ROLP is still needed if possessing offshore species outside of Free Fishing Weekend.

To register for a ROLP, go to https://ldwf.wlf.la.gov/rolp/login.

LDWF reminds the public that, at any time outside of Free Fishing Weekend, anglers 18 and older must possess a Louisiana fishing license to fish in any Louisiana public waters. Anyone who decides to continue fishing for the remainder of the year must purchase a state fishing license at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/.

BPSB announces several available positions

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Bienville Parish School Board has announced that it has several vacant positions for which it is seeking applicants. The positions are as follows. 

Crawford Elementary School is looking for an Assistant Principal. The application process will begin today, May 28, 8am and end on Tuesday, June 10, at 3pm. 

Gibsland-Coleman High School is seeking an Assistant Principal.  The application process began May 27 and will end on Monday, June 9, at 3pm.

Arcadia High School is in need of a custodian. The application process began May 27 and will end on Monday, June 9, at 3pm.

More information on each position and details of the application process can be found on the BPSB Job Postings website.

Unrestrained driver killed, two injured in single-vehicle Bienville Parish crash

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 80 near Louisiana Highway 9 on May 21 at approximately 10:50pm. The crash claimed the life of 32-year-old David Gardner of Lucky.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2002 Honda Accord, driven by Gardner, was traveling east on U.S. Highway 80. For reasons still under investigation, Gardner’s vehicle exited the roadway and collided with a culvert.

Gardner, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Two passengers in the Honda, both unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Impairment on the part of Gardner is suspected. Toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions while in motor vehicles. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every person inside a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can mean the difference between life and death.

Louisiana BLUE to host Medicare 101 at BPL

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Louisiana BLUE will be on site at the Bienville Parish Library in Arcadia on June 3 at 11am. Depending on the availability in one’s area, the MEDICARE 101 presentation will cover topics like the fundamentals of the Medicare program, including eligibility, enrollment, and the different parts (Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D). It also may address Medigap policies, Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug coverage.

The presentation will also address changes or updates relevant to 2025, such as eliminating the “donut hole” in Part D prescription drug coverage. This presentation is free and open to the public. If anyone has questions regarding specifics of the presentation, contact Mary Frances Landry, Direct Marketing Specialist, Louisiana Blue 318-998-3909 or visit online at www.lablue.com/social

The old man’s place revisited

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

(Following is a chapter in my new book, “Fathers, Sons and Old Guns”. The book, containing
50 of the columns I have written over the years, is available from Amazon.com)

I met the old fellow once way back in the woods as he ground his pick-up to a rattling halt and
stopped to chat when he noticed me walking along the woods road, shotgun over my shoulder on
my way home from hunting squirrels.

He told me he lived in Texas but that he owned a little piece of land back there in the woods and
that he had planned to dam up the little creek on his place and build a pond.

“I’ve got an old camping trailer I’m going to bring over here so I can have a quiet little place to
come on weekends,” the old man said.

The next year as I hunted these woods, I came across the little camper and an old dozer and it
was evident that the old guy was true to his word. Dirt had been pushed up along the creek and
the dam was indeed taking shape. Having found the site, I’d occasionally swing by the place at
the end of my hunting trips to check on the old gentleman’s progress.

Better hunting territory beckoned me elsewhere and I soon forgot the old man and his special
little spot back in the woods. It was not until some five years later that I recognized his name in
the obituary column. Even though I only saw him that one time, I was saddened by the news of
his death, regretting that I hadn’t gotten to know him better.

Awhile back, I returned to the old man’s woods to hunt when I remembered the camper and the
pond. Picking my way along the road, now choked with briars and brush, I stepped into a little
clearing at the base of the dam. Relieved that the earthen levee had withstood recent floods, I
threaded my way through the thicket that had grown up on the dam. My vision was obscured ty
the brush and I didn’t see the little trailer until I was almost on it.

I stopped and remembered – it had been at least five years ago that the old man had parked the
camper under the big beech across the dam. It was still there just has he had left it when he
returned to Texas for the last time, not knowing he’d never again sit under the beech in the cool
of the evening to drink in the wild sounds of an uncluttered forest a mile from civilization.

Peering through the window of the trailer, the scene I saw told a story in itself. Although spider
webs and dust had created a lacy veil over everything, I had the eerie feeling that the old man
had just stepped out back for a moment and would be coming down the trail at any minute. I
resisted the strange urge to knock and call out to him.

There was an open jar of mustard on the cabinet, spider webs clinging to a skillet on the stove, a
plate on the dining table. To the rear was a bed with a crumpled quilt let in disarray when he
crawled out for the last time one morning five years ago.

I walked away with the feeling of reverence; a sense of peace. The old man’s hideaway had
become as much a part of the wild woodlands as the silvery beech beneath which it sits in decay.

Sir, may you rest in peace….

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com.

My Opinion: The Biden Health Coverup is Unnerving and Dangerous

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

By Royal Alexander

I didn’t intend to address this topic until “reporter” Jake Tapper came out with the promotion of his new book. Not only is what he says transparently hypocritical but the truth he previously attempted to obscure sets a dangerous precedent for America.

Let me recap: any one of us who observed President Biden for much of the last 4 years could recognize he was suffering from some form of mental and physical deficit. We saw him falling up the stairs, walking off from other world leaders in a group photo—requiring one of those leaders to gently grab him by the arm and lead him back to the group, struggling to merely exit a stage from which he had just spoken although there were frequently 3 or 4 well marked exits from which to do so, and regularly and awkwardly losing his train of thought—slurring and stammering in such a way he was simply not able to be understood. We saw it clearly but were attacked and then subjected to world class gaslighting by Biden supporters and the Leftist national “media” when we pointed it out.

Then came the June 2024 debate between President Trump and President Biden and the wheels came off; the lies were completely unmasked when Biden was unable to stand at his podium and speak coherently. However, what is astounding is how the Left is incapable of seeing itself in its true light. How it is so often wrapped up in its own fabrication and virtue-signaling that it simply cannot comprehend what average Americans see clearly—that the emperor has no clothes.

The Wall Street Journal makes this point well: “The Biden senility coverup is also a media reckoning. Whenever someone dared to point out that Mr. Biden wasn’t up to the job, a praetorian media guard assembled to deny it. We could quote chapter and verse from many media sources, but one example worth citing is none other than Mr. Tapper” with “the CNN host casting doubt on those who cast doubt on Mr. Biden’s mental fitness.” (WSJ, May 18, 2025).

WSJ concluded its blistering critique of Tapper and major media by stating, “the coverup of Mr. Biden’s mental decline will go down as one of the great scandals of modern politics. By refusing to admit what voters could so clearly see, Democrats denied their party an open primary. Democrats and the press are now appalled by Mr. Trump’s second term. They would do better to think upon, and seek contrition for, their own role in making it possible.” Ouch.

Tapper has responded as anyone would whose tail feathers were being burned, stating he had found “tremendous humility about my coverage.” I laughed out loud. If he had any humility he would never have been so smug and dishonest in the first place.

Broadly though, it makes you wonder who was making presidential decisions.

The presidential autopen scandal is being looked into now. I also recount a story Speaker Mike Johnson has related publicly, and with me privately. It involves a conservation he had with President Biden when Speaker Johnson was at the White House on a different matter. Speaker Johnson pulled President Biden aside and stated something to the effect “Mr. President, may I ask why you imposed the ban on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) exports … it’s really hurting my state of Louisiana.” To which Biden replied, “I didn’t do that.” Speaker Johnson respectfully but firmly pushed back, “Sir, it’s happening in my own state. I assure you that you did impose the ban.” To which Biden again stated, “I didn’t do that.” Speaker Johnson was truly taken aback. How could Biden not know he had imposed the ban and how many other things did Biden supposedly do that he had no idea he had done, or did not do himself at all?

This is all disturbing but what is truly worrisome is that an incapacitated Biden could have been called upon to make life and death decisions, perhaps in a crisis involving an Iranian nuclear strike on Israel, for example, or the need to send American troops to war. There are countless grave and dangerous situations with which a president must contend. To think Biden would have been faced with one or more of them in his fragile mental and physical health is alarming.

This coverup needs to be fully exposed and memorialized in hopes this kind of treachery never occurs again.

Ponderings: Nostalgic Opinion Quiz

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

By Doug de Grafffenried

This is a nostalgic opinion quiz for you.

In the 1960’s, who was the worst law enforcement officer depicted by television? 

That is an easy one, right? I’m wondering how many of you thought that must be Barney Fife. Barney was the deputy to the wise and calm Andy Taylor, the sheriff of Mayberry. If trouble could happen, it would happen to Barney. Barney was allowed only one bullet for his gun. The bullet was kept in this shirt pocket, not in his service revolver. One of the recurrent gags was Barney accidentally firing his revolver. If an episode had mayhem, somehow Barney was in the middle of the mess. Most of the mess-ups in Mayberry were resolved in the thirty minutes of the sit-com. Barney would learn his lesson and we would tune in next week.

But my candidate for worst law enforcement officer in the television world of the 1960’s was Lt. Tragg, the foil of Perry Mason. Because Perry never lost a case, we knew that the person Lt. Tragg arrested was innocent. This detective of the Los Angeles police department was proven wrong every week. There were times that I felt sympathy for Lt. Tragg. He was depicted as a decent, moral, hard-working detective. His deductions were always spot on. The Perry Mason episodes were produced before the advent of forensic investigations. If there were fingerprints on a weapon, that was the guilty party. Or if the gun was registered to someone, they were certainly a prime suspect. Lt. Tragg never won! He was a loser each week! Although, he always held is on as a witness for the prosecution!

I get that Barney and Lt. Tragg are fictional characters. I understand the formulas that are a part of successful television shows. But sometimes an idea pops out of the strangest place. A clown character (Barney) or a perpetual loser (Lt. Tragg) can become examples of exemplary attributes.

I think both characters illustrate for me the Biblical concept of perseverance. Barney and Lt. Tragg go to work every day. They do their jobs. They show up. (Yes, I know they are fictional characters.)

One of the overlooked dynamics of our faith journey is the idea of perseverance. We are called to stick it out and to stick with it. We are called to follow Jesus with our last step. That is never giving in or never giving out.

Jesus said, “By your perseverance you will gain your souls.” (Luke 21:19) That means keeping on! So, get out there and keep on living for Jesus.

BPL to host “Dino”-mite movie at Arcadia Main Branch

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Now that the chicks have hatched and are headed to their new home, Bienville Parish Library is gearing up to show how it all got started – using the dinosaur DNA implanted into a modern ostrich egg, Jurassic Park was born. Make plans to come and see Michael Crichton’s sci-fi thriller on the HUGE screen and in surround sound. It’s like being in the jungle with T-Rex. The movie will be shown on Thursday, May 29, starting at 1pm.

Remember This? “Little Nonnie”

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

By Brad Dison

Louise Ciccone was born in 1958 in Bay City, Michigan to Tony and Louise Ciccone.  Because she shared the same name as her mother, her five siblings called her Little Nonnie.  Little Nonnie was five years old when her mother died from breast cancer.  Her father was a hard worker but struggled to provide for his large family.  When one of the kids wanted something, Tony replied, “Get a job.  I’m not paying for it.”  Tony could barely afford the necessities.

In high school, Little Nonnie was intelligent, got straight A’s in school, but struggled to fit in.  Little Nonnie felt like a country bumpkin around her rich classmates.  They wore the finest and most fashionable clothing while she often wore the same inexpensive clothing for several days in a row.  Little Nonnie’s home life was difficult.  As the eldest daughter in a family without a mother, she was responsible for doing the laundry, cleaning the house, fixing meals, taking care of her younger siblings, and a myriad of other tasks required to keep a household running while her father was working.  For these reasons, Little Nonnie did not associate with her classmates. 

Little Nonnie graduated from high school early and attended the University of Michigan for a year as a dance major.  She planned to become a professional dancer to escape from Michigan, and she was a natural.  With the encouragement of one of her teachers, Little Nonnie decided to move to New York to fulfill her dream despite her father’s objections.  Her first time in an airplane was her flight from Michigan to New York.  From the airport, she took her first taxi ride.  With no idea where to go, Little Nonnie told the taxi driver to take her to the center of the city.  He dropped her off in Times Square.  Little Nonnie immediately experienced the culture shock of coming from the suburbs of the Midwest into the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.  She knew no one, had no place to stay, had about $35 in cash, and wore all of the clothing she brought with her.  She quickly made friends with someone who asked why she was wearing a winter jacket in the middle of summer.  He allowed her to sleep on his couch until she found a place to stay.

Little Nonnie began going to auditions.  She knew her dancing career waited just around the corner, but getting around that corner proved harder than she had expected.  In the meantime, Little Nonnie worked at whatever job she could find including a short stint as a hat check girl at the Russian Tea Room, a job she was fired from for wearing fishnet stockings although she was only visible from the waist up, and an even shorter stint at Dunkin’ Donuts, a job she was fired from for playfully squirting jelly on customers.  While waiting for her big break, Little Nonnie’s apartment was burglarized repeatedly.  She was mugged.  She was raped.   

Despite all the obstacles, Little Nonnie never gave up.  She eventually became a dancer, but her talents led her to a blend of world renown and controversy.  The highest selling musical artists of all time in order are Elvis, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and then Little Nonnie.   Although some members of her family still refer to her as Little Nonnie, the rest of the world knows Louise Ciccone by her first name, Madonna.

Source: “The Howard Stern Show 2015 Madonna,” Vincenzo Depalma, June 20, 2024, YouTube video, 1:15:35,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El0crjdU2Nw

Savoring the South—National Hamburger Day Highlights Louisiana’s Unique Take on the Classic Burger

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

On May 28, National Hamburger Day invites Americans to celebrate the iconic sandwich that has become a culinary canvas. In Louisiana, this day takes on a flavorful twist, showcasing the state’s unique spin on the classic burger.

While the traditional hamburger consists of a beef patty between two buns, Louisiana chefs infuse it with local flair. Think burgers topped with crawfish étouffée, fried green tomatoes, or spicy remoulade sauce. These creations reflect the state’s rich culinary heritage, blending Cajun and Creole influences.

Restaurants across the state are known for their inventive burgers. In Baton Rouge, “Bayou Burgers” offers patties infused with andouille sausage, while New Orleans’ “Creole Buns” serves up burgers with a side of jazz. These establishments not only provide delicious meals but also celebrate the state’s diverse culture.

To mark the occasion, many towns host burger cook-offs, inviting locals to showcase their grilling prowess. These events foster community spirit and friendly competition, with proceeds often supporting local charities.

National Hamburger Day in Louisiana is more than a nod to a beloved food—it’s a celebration of the state’s ability to take a classic and make it uniquely its own. It’s a day to indulge, innovate, and appreciate the flavors that define the region.

Notice of Death – May 27, 2025

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment
Mic Master David Gardner, Jr.
December 23, 1992 – May 21, 2025
Service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10am at New Prosperity Missionary Baptist Church ~ Lucky, Castor.
 
Wanda Giddings Welch
August 7, 1947 – May 19, 2025
Service: Sunday, June 1, 2025, 2:30pm at Thomas-Wren Cemetery, Martin.
 
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.)

Ringgold High School students tour David Wade Correctional Facility

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

Ringgold High School 9th-grade students participated in an impactful educational tour of David Wade Correctional Facility this week, thanks to Warden Dauzat, the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Department, and Officer Micah Crawford.

Students had the opportunity to hear directly from inmates about the life-altering consequences of their choices, sparking meaningful conversations around decision-making and personal responsibility.

The experience provided valuable insight and encouraged deep reflection among the students.

Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum named April Business of the Month

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

The Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce named the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum as its Business of the Month for April.

Located in Gibsland, the museum draws visitors from across the country eager to learn about the infamous duo’s final moments. Open daily until 5 p.m., the museum offers a captivating look into one of America’s most notorious crime stories.

The Chamber thanked Perry Carver and his family for their dedication and for being a valuable asset to the parish.

Arcadia continues beautification efforts with native flower plantings

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

The Town of Arcadia is blooming with pride as native Louisiana flowers have been added around the recently installed welcome signs, marking another step forward in the town’s beautification efforts.

Thanks to the continued work of the Town of Arcadia and the guidance of Mr. Charlie Kennon, the project is helping to create a more vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors.

Citizens for a Better Arcadia shared their excitement, noting that this is just the beginning of the town’s ongoing beautification journey.

Gibsland to Host 32nd Annual Bonnie & Clyde Festival this Saturday

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience this Saturday as the 32nd Annual Bonnie & Clyde Festival returns to downtown Gibsland. Hosted by the Authentic Bonnie & Clyde Festival Committee, the event promises a full day of live music, historical tributes, exciting reenactments, vendors, and family fun in historic Bienville Parish.

The festival kicks off Friday, May 23, at 6 p.m. with the Lorraine Joyner Historians’ Meeting at The Gibsland Grill & GBT Annex. For $15 per person, attendees will enjoy jambalaya, salad, dessert, and drinks while learning more about the infamous outlaw couple’s history.

Saturday, May 24 Highlights Include:

8:00–10:00 a.m. Lions Club Pancake Breakfast — $5.00 per person
9:00–10:00 a.m. Live Entertainment — Ricky Lee
10:00 a.m. Shoot-Out Downtown — By Public Enemy (Each one is different!)
10:15–12:00 p.m. Bingo — Inside Gibsland Bank Annex ($0.50 per card)
10:15–12:00 p.m. Cake Walk — Outside City Hall ($0.50 per walk)
10:15 a.m. Bonnie & Clyde Look-A-Like Contest — Outside City Hall ($25 prizes)
11:15–12:00 p.m. Live Entertainment
12:00 p.m. Parade with Antique Cars
12:30–1:00 p.m. Live Entertainment — Ricky Lee
1:00 p.m. Shoot-Out Downtown — By Public Enemy
1:15–2:00 p.m. Live Entertainment — Hype (Neville High School Dance Group)
1:00–Until Out of Prizes Bingo — Inside Bank Annex ($0.50 per card)
1:15–2:00 p.m. Cake Walk — Outside City Hall ($0.50 per walk)
2:00 p.m. Shoot-Out Downtown — By Public Enemy
2:30–3:00 p.m. Live Entertainment — Ricky Lee
3:00 p.m. Shoot-Out Downtown — By Public Enemy
3:30–4:00 p.m. Live Entertainment — Open Mic
4:30 p.m. Final Ambush Reenactment at Ambush Site Marker — By Public Enemy

Festivalgoers can also explore the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum and shop for keepsakes at both the museum and vendor spaces. Proceeds from sales and donations help fund the festival’s annual return.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, the Bonnie & Clyde Festival offers a truly unique slice of Louisiana culture.

Get Ready for the 2025 Bienville Parish Library Summer Reading Program Kick-Off

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

Mark your calendars! The Bienville Parish Library System is launching its 2025 Summer Reading Program on June 4, starting at the Gibsland Branch at 2 p.m. — you won’t want to miss it! This year’s theme is: “All the COLORS of the World are Inside Books!” It’s a celebration of imagination, diversity, and adventure — all waiting for you inside the pages of a book.

Kick Off Performer, Mitch the Magician
Back by popular demand, Mitch the Magician, who is magical and always entertaining, will kick things off with his crowd-pleasing performance. Gather the family and come early — it will be a magical summer!

Weekly Performance Schedule: Never miss a moment of fun!

Wednesdays
Gibsland – 2:00 p.m.

Thursdays
Arcadia – 10:00 a.m.
Ringgold – 2:00 p.m.

Fridays
Castor – 10:00 a.m.
Saline – 2:00 p.m.

Why Summer Reading is Important
The dreaded “summer slide” is real — but the good news? Reading during summer keeps young minds sharp and engaged. Research shows that kids who read over the summer can maintain or even improve their literacy skills. Without it, students can fall behind by up to two years by middle school!

Here’s how our program helps:

· Sparks a love for reading
· Encourages lifelong library habits
· Maintains academic skills during break
· Inspires discovery and creativity
· Promotes teamwork and FUN!

Brag Tags Are Back!

It’s not just about reading — it’s about showing off your success! On registration day, you’ll receive your starter kit and your first Brag Tag. Collect all 10 unique tags throughout the summer and impress your teachers with how many books and pages you’ve conquered!

Level Up by Reading!

Reading isn’t just an escape — it’s a powerful tool that helps students start the next school year strong. Whether your child is reading for fun or future success, our program is here to help them grow.

Adults – Join the Fun Too!

Summer reading isn’t just for kids! Adults can grab an Activity Punch Card Bookmark and join in the excitement.

How it works:

· Register and pick up your punch card
· Get a punch for each event or activity you attend
· Collect as many punches as you can by July 16–18
· On Awards Day, celebrate with a prize, certificate, and a photo op!

Because why should kids have all the fun?

Need More Info?

Pick up the Pull & Post Fridge Flyer in the Bienville Parish Library Event Guide for a full list of performers and times. Or swing by your local library — we’ve got all the details, brochures, and helpful staff ready to get you started. You can also visit us online at http://www.bienvillelibrary.org.

SEE YOU AT THE LIBRARY!

Outdoor magazines turning digital

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

It started for me long ago. My daddy always had a copy or two of the Big Three in outdoor magazines – Field and Stream, Sports Afield or Outdoor Life lying around and one of my early childhood pleasures was picking one up, flipping through the pages and reading articles written by guys that became my heroes.

My favorite was Grits Gresham. I thought of him as a local guy since his hometown, Natchitoches, was only 40 miles or so from where I grew up. Grits would transport me in fantasy to far distant lands as he wrote about hunting wild game animals all the way from Colorado to the Congo.

Other favorite writers were those who majored in humor writing. Ed Zern, Charlie Dickey and Pat McManus et al would find me flipping to the back pages to chuckle at the brilliant way they handled humor.

Today, you’ll be hard-pressed to find actual print copies of these favorite magazines of mine. Take Outdoor Life, for instance. I checked on-line to see how this magazine is offered to readers today. Here’s what I read…”Outdoor Life is a digital-only magazine covering hunting, fishing camping, survival and outdoor gear.”

Sports Afield? “Please click the link below to access your copy of the digital version.”

Field and Stream? They are giving it a shot at bringing back the print version of this popular magazine. “That’s right – print! We’re bringing back the magazine!” Good luck with that.

My interest has been drawn to a couple of on-line magazines that have emerged from the pack in recent years. Both Catfish NOW! and Crappie NOW! are edited by outdoor writer friends of mine. Keith “Catfish” Sutton heads the one on catfish while Richard Simms is editor of the one targeting crappie anglers.

About Catfish NOW!, in checking the web site, I read the following. “…is a user-friendly web-based magazine and social media platform. Our goal is to entertain and educate catfish anglers at all skill levels and outdoors enthusiasts from all walks of life. Catfish NOW! is FREE. A new issue is released around the 15th of each month. Readers can subscribe by using our subscribe button on the home page.”

Here’s what I learned about Crappie NOW! “An unequaled online-only crappie fishing magazine aimed at passionate crappie anglers from all skill levels. It is presented on a platform where readers can search for information on new crappie fishing tips, techniques destinations, equipment, tackle, tournament and the latest news from industry-leading professionals.” This publication is also free and can be accessed by using the subscribe button on the home page.

You can subscribe to Outdoor Life and Sports Afield online but you pay for the privilege. On the other hand, both the catfish and crappie magazines are entirely free and are financed by magazine sponsors.

I enjoy reading both these free ones and I can take them with me wherever I go; all I have to do is click a button and find out all I need to know about how to catch catfish and crappie. However, I have to admit that I miss sitting down and flipping through the pages of a magazine you can hold in your hands.

The times, folks, they are a-changing, aren’t they?

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@aol.com

My Opinion: Trump’s Precedent-Shattering Trip to Middle East

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

By Royal Alexander

I don’t know that there has been a more significant trip to the Middle East by an American president. The Middle East, with its eternal hatreds, is a perpetual tinderbox from which conflict and war may, at any time, spring.

Yet, there President Trump was.

His speech in Riyadh at the Saudi U.S. Investment Forum highlighted a very promising and optimistic vision for a more stable Middle East. Trump stated that “before our eyes, a new generation of leaders is transcending the ancient conflicts and tired divisions of the past and forging a future where the Middle East is defined by commerce, not chaos, where it exports technology, not terrorism, and where people of different nations, religions and creeds are building cities together, not bombing each other out of existence.”

Trump again spoke directly to Iran stating that while he wanted to avoid a harsh conflict with that country it simply “may not ever possess a nuclear weapon.” However, he also offered Iran a great future if that nation chooses the right and peaceful course.

Further, I wasn’t anticipating but am not surprised by Trump’s criticism of past American presidents and their foreign policy. Trump declared that “the gleaming marvels of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi were not created by the so-called nation builders, neocons or liberal nonprofits like those who spent trillions and trillions of dollars failing to develop Kabul, Baghdad, and so many other cities. Instead, the birth of a modern Middle East has been brought by the people of the region themselves, the people that are right here, the people that have lived here all their lives, developing your own sovereign countries, pursuing your own unique visions, and charting your own destinies in your own way. It’s really incredible what you’ve done. In the end, the so-called nation builders wrecked far more nations than they built.”

Wow. That’s a blistering denunciation of several former presidential administrations but none more than that of President George W. Bush and the Iraq War that has cost America trillions of dollars and many lost American lives—based upon the assertion that Iraq and Saddam Hussein were somehow tied to 9-11 and also possessed “weapons of mass destruction.” All false and profoundly damaging to our nation. The really unforgivable part of the Iraq War is that President George W. Bush never even completed the war against Afghanistan, the nation that actually served as a base for al-Qaeda and its leader, Osama bin Laden, before the attacks.

Some described President Trump’s criticisms of George W. Bush and other past presidents to be in “poor form” and that it “undermines” us. I strongly disagree. The Iraq War has been a traumatic event in American history from the standpoint of the blood and treasure it cost us, and Trump needed to call it out as unequivocally as he did in the hopes no future American president will ever undertake a similar course.

I also find Trump’s approach to Syria interesting. While in Saudi Arabia, he met with the new leader of Syria, Ahmed al-Shara. Trump stated, “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness.” Note, al-Shara, Syria’s new leader, is a former jihadist. However, he is also the enemy of Iran and pushed out Syria’s brutal dictator, Bashar al-Assad. While Trump has indicated he will make sanctions relief contingent upon certain conditions being met by Syria, the removal of U.S. sanctions against the country actually makes sense from the standpoint that al-Shara may end up feeling a stronger alliance with the U.S. than with China or Russia.

I also heard reports recently that Trump had somehow “sidelined” Israel during his trip to the Middle East. I disagree. Trump took the trip to make deals and strengthen alliances and if there was any chance that an interaction with, or perceived deference to, Israel might somehow make that effort more difficult, Trump was not going to allow it. Israel is the strongest U.S. ally in the region, if not the world, and its bond with us has not been diminished here.

I don’t know how this Trump effort in the Middle East will ultimately work out but right now there is more strength, energy and focus being projected in that region than, perhaps, ever before and that is a dramatic improvement from even 6 months ago. Trump is bestriding the world stage and the impact it is having is historic.

Guide to 75th Annual Peach Festival Weekend

/ NPJ / Leave a comment

Your Guide to Peach Festival Weekend

The 75th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival will take place on June 7, 2025, but the peach celebrations will be going all week long in Ruston, LA!  If you’re planning to spend a full weekend soaking in the sweet peachy charm of Ruston, let this guide help you make the most out of your adventure.

Friday, June 6

Eat:

From June 2-7, enjoy Peach Culinary Crawl, a weeklong tasting tour featuring over 20 local restaurants. Each participating location will offer special peach-inspired items. From peach BBQ and burgers to peach toast, cocktails, and desserts. There’s something to satisfy every craving. The full Culinary Crawl menu is available in late May on the Peach Fest website. 

See:

In celebration of the festival’s 75th anniversary, The Louisiana Peach Festival is collaborating with the Lincoln Parish Museum to present Peach Fest Through the Decades. This special exhibit will showcase memorabilia from the very first Peach Festival all the way through present day.

  • Peach fest hack: After visiting the exhibit, explore downtown Ruston to scope out the festival grounds and snap a picture at one of the colorful murals!

Experience: There’s plenty to experience Friday before the festival. 

  • Take a stroll through Downtown Ruston and browse the Peach Sidewalk Sale. Participating downtown shops will be offering peachy deals and special promotions from June 2-6. 
    • Peach Fest Hack: Grab a Peach Fest fit at the sidewalk sale to wear at the festival!
  • The Peach Parade is a long loved and cherished tradition by festival attendees. The parade will take place in Downtown Ruston on Friday, June 6, at 6PM.
  • After the parade, you can head over to the 36th Annual Peach Festival Rodeo for family entertainment, trick riders, and more. The rodeo starts at 8PM.

Saturday, June 7 – Festival Day

Festival activities start at 9:00AM and there’s plenty to eat, see, and experience—all located on the festival grounds.

Eat:
This year, enjoy bites from a variety of food vendors, offering everything from burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, to classic festival treats, refreshing drinks, and tasty snacks. You’ll also want to pay a visit to the Historic Fire Station for a scoop of frosty peach ice cream from the ladies of Beta Sigma Phi. 

  • Peach Fest Hack: Ask vendors what their special peach item is! All food vendors create and offer a peachy item just for the Peach Festival.

The festival is also conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Ruston, so there’s plenty of local restaurants you can walk to. 

See:

  • Festival Art Displays: Discover art boards and interactive displays by local artists that will be showcased throughout festival grounds.
  • Ruston Antique Classic Car Show: Head over to Cadence Bank from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM for the Car Show. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love vintage charm, this show is sure to impress with its lineup of beautifully restored classic vehicles.
  • Drone Show: Stick around till the headliner performance for the Peach Festival’s first ever drone show at 8:45 PM! This transforming sky display will take place before the headlining act to kick off the grand finale to the festival.

Experience: 

  • Live Music: Enjoy more than 12 hours of live performances at the Railroad Park stage. With an exciting lineup of artists, the festival’s musical energy will keep you dancing all day long. Don’t miss the headliner, The Band of Heathens, taking the stage after the drone show.
  • Kids Alley: A family-friendly zone packed with interactive activities and entertainment to keep the little ones smiling.
  • Curated market: The festival will have over 70 vendors, all selling their handmade arts, jewelry, clothing, mugs, decorations, candles, and lots more. Additionally, you can stop by the Peach Fest Sticker Wall in the market—perfect for a fun and unique photo op. 
    • Peach Fest Hack: arrive early to the Curated Market before your favorite vendor sells out. Visit www.lapeachfest.com/vendors to get a sneak peek at what vendors are offering. 

Sunday, June 8

After a Saturday full of adventures, take it slow on Sunday. Sleep in, relax, and savor your last day in town before heading home.

Eat: 

Start your day with a delicious Sunday brunch at Trio’s. Whether you choose a cozy table indoors or enjoy the sunshine on their patio, you’re in for a wonderful dining experience. Looking for a spot closer to downtown? Try Board & Bottle’s Sunday brunch and specialty brunch cocktails.

See: 

While you’re at the festival Saturday, you will likely spot a few of Ruston’s unique bulldog statues scattered throughout downtown. In total, there are 22 bulldogs placed around the city—each with its own charm. Stretch your visit a little longer and turn your Sunday into a scavenger hunt to track down the ones you missed.

Experience: 

Wind down with a peaceful visit to Lincoln Parish Park. This park offers mountain biking and walking trails, kayaking, fishing, and a playground for the kids. It’s the perfect way to soak in the natural beauty of Ruston and cap off your Peach Festival weekend.

From peachy treats to live tunes and everything in between, the Louisiana Peach Festival is the perfect way to kick off your summer. Soak up the fun, explore Ruston, and celebrate 75 years of sweet traditions and unforgettable memories! 

To learn the insider tips and tricks all seasoned festival goers know, read up on our How to Peach Fest blog.

Ponderings: Preacher Secret

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

I am about to tell you a preacher secret. You must promise me that you will keep this secret between you and me. If this stuff ever got out it might change the face of Christianity as we know it.

Here is the big secret. It is ok when you say, “No.”

I’m not talking about saying “no” to sins and stuff, this is a radical use of the word “no.” You can say “no” to good stuff. We do stuff we really don’t want to do because it is the “right thing” to do. Or because we need to be seen doing this thing. When the preacher asks if you want to serve on the widget committee, no longer will you have to say, “Let me pray about it.” I give you permission to use the word “no” freely and without guilt or shame.

“No” is an underutilized word in our culture. Since we are politically correct, we find ourselves looking for “win-win” solutions in which we avoid using the word “no.” I know that we are to “Just say no to drugs.” I want you to keep going with that, there are good things out there that need a resounding “no” when asked.

I was reminded of this when I was changing my air conditioning filters. I went to my friendly discount store to purchase filters, since they are the only ones who carry my size. I was taking the wrap off the filters.

Just a minute, I need to digress. Why do we need to wrap everything in plastic? Wrapping an air conditioning filter, come on people; that is just dumb. Why do you need to put safety wrap on my chewing gum? See, we are surrounded by people who can’t say, “NO, wrapping an air conditioning filter in plastic is a dumb idea!”

Back to my story, as I unwrapped my filter, I noticed it contained paper over the filter, which was filled with information. Ah, the plastic wrap was holding the useless information papers to the filter! The back of the filter had a page entitled, “Getting to know your filter.” I’m sorry; I don’t want a personal relationship with my filter. I don’t want to read about what my filter filters. I don’t need to know about how many microns it filters. If you do, all I can say is “Get a life!” Someone right now is wasting precious time, “getting to know their filter.”

I said, “No!” I was not going to waste my time “getting to know my filter.”

How much better would your life be if you used the word, “No?” “No” creates margin and gives space to your life. We are all too busy, because we don’t understand the power of “no.” Jesus used it, why shouldn’t you?

You are hereby empowered to do so!