Month: May 2025

Memorial Day Nears: A Time for Louisiana to Honor and Remember

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

As Memorial Day approaches, communities across Louisiana are preparing to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday—a solemn day to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

While for many it marks the unofficial start of summer, with long weekends and backyard barbecues, Memorial Day is first and foremost a time to remember the fallen. From the battlefields of World War II and Korea to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, Louisiana sons and daughters have long served with courage, and many have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Louisiana has a proud and deep-rooted military history. The state is home to Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), the Louisiana National Guard, and thousands of veterans and active-duty service members. Families throughout the state can trace their heritage to generations of military service, with stories of sacrifice stretching from the Civil War to modern-day deployments overseas.

Memorial Day is our chance to honor those heroes who didn’t make it home—and to support the families they left behind.

Across parishes large and small, Memorial Day is a chance to pause and remember. Some will visit cemeteries, place flags on graves, or share stories of lost loved ones. Others may simply take a quiet moment to reflect on what it means to live in a country where others have laid down their lives for our freedom.

Whether your connection is personal or patriotic, the meaning of Memorial Day resonates in every corner of Louisiana.

In the hustle of modern life, it’s easy to let the deeper significance of Memorial Day fade into the background. But even if there are no formal ceremonies on your schedule, consider ways to honor the day in your own way:

Pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day as part of the National Moment of Remembrance.

Fly an American flag at half-staff until noon.

Teach younger generations about the meaning of the holiday through stories, books, or a visit to a veteran’s memorial.

These small acts carry a powerful message: that we remember, and that we’re grateful.

Here in Louisiana, where tradition and community run deep, Memorial Day holds a special place. It’s a time to reflect not only on the nation’s loss, but on the individual lives and legacies that shaped our neighborhoods, schools, and parishes.

As Monday approaches, may we all take time to honor the fallen, support their families, and renew our commitment to the values they died defending.

Let this Memorial Day be one not just of rest, but of remembrance.

Remember This: William’s Joke

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

By Brad Dison

Flying commercially in 1970 was a much more relaxed experience than it is today. The period from the 1950s to the 1970s is fondly considered “the golden age of travel.” Flying was more glamorous and luxurious. Many people dressed up to fly. Men often wore suits and women wore dresses. Their children were also dressed to impress. Smoking tobacco during flights was perfectly acceptable. Cocktails and other alcoholic beverages were often complimentary to passengers during flight. The food was comparable to that served in fine restaurants, often with multiple courses. The distance between the seats, the legroom, was normally between 36 to 40 inches. Today, legroom averages about 28 inches. There were no electronic devices, so airlines provided all sorts of entertainment to help passengers pass the time. At one point, American Airlines held in-flight fashion shows down the aisles. Airport security at the time was almost non-existent when compared to what it is today. There were no metal detectors, no scanners, and no drug-sniffing or bomb-sniffing dogs.

On Monday, September 21, 1970, William James drove to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on what was his 20th birthday. He bought a ticket to fly to Denver, Colorado, and waited to board his plane. He passed the time by chatting with another passenger. William was jovial because he had left his teenage years behind and had entered his twenties. While William was waiting to board the airplane, he jokingly told another traveler that he had two bombs in his luggage. Even in the relaxed atmosphere of commercial flying in 1970, claiming to have a bomb on an airplane was nothing to joke about. The other passenger passed the information to the ticket agent who immediately called a nearby United States marshal.

Shortly thereafter, a marshal pulled William aside for questioning. William tried to explain that he was just joking, but the marshal found no humor in his claim. About that time, Chicago vice detectives stepped in though the airline had not called for outside police assistance. The detectives had been waiting to arrest William based on a different tip they had received about his luggage. The marshal and Chicago detectives carefully searched William’s luggage. The marshal was relieved that they found no bombs, but the detectives were delighted because they found what they were looking for. Inside William’s luggage, they found five bricks of marijuana which weighed two pounds each and had a street value of about $20,000. Adjusted for inflation, that would be just over $163,000 in today’s money. The detectives arrested William and transported him to jail.

On the following day, the judge in Chicago’s narcotics court saw no humor in William’s bomb claim but was lenient in his sentencing. Rather than jail time, William was sentenced to probation. In this incident, many people surely told William that he was not funny and to take life seriously. Luckily for us, William did not listen because he is known around the world for his humor. The man who was arrested for carrying 10 pounds of marijuana in his luggage after he jokingly claimed that he had two bombs on an airplane appeared in many films including “Caddyshack,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Groundhog Day.” The world knows William James Murray as Bill Murray.

Sources:

1. Jacopo Prisco, “What the ‘golden age’ of flying was really like,” CNN, August 5, 2022, accessed May 18, 2025, https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/golden-age-flying-really-like.

2. Chicago Tribune, September 22, 1970, p.3.

Clara Barton founds American Red Cross

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment

On May 21, 1881, Clara Barton established the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., laying the foundation for one of the nation’s most vital humanitarian organizations. Inspired by her experiences during the Civil War and the International Red Cross movement, Barton aimed to provide emergency assistance and disaster relief.

The organization has since played a crucial role in responding to natural disasters, wars, and health crises, embodying Barton’s legacy of compassion and service.

Other significant events on this date include:

1927: Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight, landing in Paris after departing New York.

1932: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Northern Ireland.

1955: Chuck Berry recorded his debut single “Maybellene,” influencing the future of rock and roll.

1979: The “White Night Riots” erupted in San Francisco following the lenient sentencing of Dan White for the killings of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.

1991: Former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber during an election campaign.

Notice of Death – May 20, 2025

/ Corey Poole / Leave a comment
Faye Basinger
Service: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10 am  in Providence Cemetery, Ringgold

Lane Knotts
Service: Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2 pm in Ebenezer Cemetery, Castor
 
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

Salute the Badge event recognizes local retired coroner

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

Retired Coroner Don Smith was among several Bienville Parish public servants honored at 9th Annual KTAL “Salute The Badge” Awards Banquet at Bally’s in Shreveport, held on Tuesday, May 6. 

Sgt. Colton Bryant and Deputy Braeden Robinson of the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office were also recognized at the event. The deputies received awards for their life-saving efforts performed on a drug overdose victim in early April of this year. The BPSO is proud of these two young men who are deserving of the recognition they received.

Arrest Reports

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

5/04/25

Isidro Sanchez of Fredericksburg, TX, was arrested for Driver Must Be Licensed; Driving on Roadway Laned for Traffic; and Fugitive.

Adam Grillette of Castor was arrested for Simple Criminal Damage to Property (Misdemeanor).

Joshua Isaaic of Texarkana, TX, was arrested for Careless Operation and D.W.I. – 1st Offense (BAC .20 or Greater; Misdemeanor). 

Jeremy Abney of Arcadia was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine Less than 28 Grams (Felony) and Illegal Carrying of Weapon in Presence of CDS (Felony). 

5/05/25

Christopher Sanders of Ringgold was arrested for Child Support Obligation (Misdemeanor).

Katena Paul of Ruston was arrested for Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles; Resisting an Office (Misdemeanor); D.W.I. – 1st Offense (BAC .08 to .15); and Improper Lighting. 

Stephen Martin of Bienville was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrant (Felony).

5/06/25

Dejuan Marshall of Arcadia was arrested for Bank Fraud (Felony).

5/07/25

Robert Swain of Choudrant was arrested for Fugitive.

Michelle Trevino of San Jose, CA was arrested for Driver Must Be Licensed and Maximum Speed Limit (Interstate or Controlled Access Highway). 

Sharline Martindale of Ruston was arrested for Fugitive.

Haley Murray of Homer was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

Jermaine Moore of Arcadia was arrested for Operating Vehicle with Suspended License; No License Issued. 

Heven Smith of Minden was arrested for Theft (Felony).

Travyca Rushing of Grambling arrested for Driver Must Be Licensed and Fugitive.

Sean Sears of Bernice was arrested for Child Support Obligation (Misdemeanor).

Frank Gipson of Arcadia was arrested for Operating Vehicle with Suspended License; No License Issued. 

5/08/25

Tony Burns of Minden was arrested for Fugitive.

Jamieon Cooper of Ringgold was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

Garrett Boston of Grambling was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

5/09/25

Cedric Taylor of Heflin was arrested for Fugitive.

Ernest Redding of Saline was arrested for Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault (Felony). 

Terry Lafield IV of Castor was arrested for Disturbing the Peace – Appearing in an Intoxicated Condition (Misdemeanor) and Criminal Trespass (Misdemeanor). 

5/10/25

Martez King of Lancaster, TX, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit (Interstate or Controlled Access Highway) and Driver Must Be Licensed. 

Kadarius White of Jackson, MS, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit (Interstate or Controlled Access Highway) and Driver Must Be Licensed. 

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.

Water, sewer rates increase, effective May 1, in Castor

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CASTOR – Residents of the Village of Castor will have seen an increase in their water and sewer bills this month, as the village increased the base rates of each.

Mayor Vicki Pickett said with the costs of everything increasing, the rate increase had to be done.

“Our rates have not gone up since 2009, and costs have gone up on everything,” she said. “Chemicals, maintenance, and utilities, to name a few. These increases will help us maintain safe drinking water and provide a reliable sewer system to the residents of Castor.”

According to ordinances adopted in April, the residential base rate for the first 2,000 gallons of water usage will increase each year until 2030. This year, the base rate increased to $17; in 2026, it will increase to $22. In 2027, the rate will increase to $30; in 2028 it will go up to $33 and in 2030, it will increase to $35.

Water meter deposits on all meters will be $100.

The commercial/business rate for the first 10,000 gallons will be $55 this year, $60 in 2026, $80 in 2027, $85 in 2028, and no change for 2029 or 2030.

The water base rate for government/state will be $55 this year, $60 in 2026, $80 in 2027, $85 in 2028 and no change in 2029 or 2030.

The water base rate for the school for the first 10,000 gallons will be $55 this year, $60 in 2026, $80 in 2027, $85 in 2028 with no change in 2029 or 2030.

The sewer rate will also increase. For residential customers, for the first 2,000 gallons of metered water usage per month will be $12 this year, no change in 2026 or 2027, and increase to $12.50 in 2028, 2029 and 2030.

Commercial/business sewer base rate will increase to $50 this year, with the same in 2026 through 2030.

For government/state, the sewer base rate will be $150 through 2030. For the school, the sewer base rate will be $150 through 2030 as well.

BPSO Special Response Team participates in LTPO competition

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Last week, members of the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team participated in a two-day team competition sanctioned by the Louisiana Tactical Police Officers Association. BPSO team members who participated were Deputies Steve Wilsek, Savannah Rojas, Jordan Richard, Dustin Mills, Tanner Madden, Joseph Pesnell and SRT Commander Mason Jones.

The competition consisted of a physical fitness course, firearm proficiency, close quarters battle, and building breaching among other exercises. BPSO was one of seven teams throughout the state who participated in the event which Sheriff Ballance stated was “no walk in the park!” Thanks to SRT Commander Jones and his team for their commitment and dedication.

BPSB, BPSO reach agreement on SROs

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The Bienville Parish School Board approved the school resource officer (SRO) cooperative endeavor agreement for the next school year.

The BPSB will pay the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office $300,000 for five SROs to cover each school in the parish with the exception of Bienville School.

The agreement was approved by the school board, with the exception of the name change from Dr. Byron Lyons to Acting Superintendent Leroy Hamilton. Hamilton said he is pleased with the agreement and that it is for the safety of the students, faculty and staff.

“I had a great meeting with Sheriff (John) Ballance,” he said. “I shared my thoughts and received answers to my questions. I’m glad we (the school board members and the sheriff’s office) agreed to protect our campuses and keep our students, faculty and staff safe.”

Ballance said with the training, equipment, salaries, health insurance and retirement, it’s expensive to make sure school campuses are safe.

He said the amount he asked for is not just about salaries, but about the equipment and other things as well. The sheriff’s office is replacing four units, and fully rigged out will cost approximately $77,000 each.

The agreement covers the next school year, from Aug. 8 until June 30, 2026. The duties and responsibilities cover a myriad of things that include patrolling campuses, “intervene in activities that may result in injury and encourage students to not participate in such conduct; serve as a role model for students’ behavior, attire and professional grooming; monitor the transition between classes and ensure a smooth flow of traffic through the hallways” and other duties listed in the agreement.

The agreement was tabled in April citing more time for discussion as their reason for moving it to the May meeting. At the time, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Byron Lyons was placed on leave with pay for up to 90 days, with Acting Superintendent of Schools Leroy Hamilton appointed to the position in the interim.

No information about what prompted the investigation was disclosed.

AHS students recognized who received Associate’s degrees from SUSLA

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Citizens for a Better Arcadia proudly celebrate a major milestone for several outstanding Arcadia High School seniors who are graduating with their Associate Degrees in General Studies from Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA)—with honors. These trailblazers not only earned college degrees Tuesday, May 13, night, but will also walk the stage at their high school graduation this Friday.
 
Rihanna Adams
Mariah Dunn
Layla Ferrell
Tikera Fields
Simone Glover
Alana Jackson
Jayla Mendenhall
 
The drive, discipline, and determination of these students are truly inspiring. They represent the best of what the community stands for—resilience, excellence, and a commitment to greatness.
 
“Success doesn’t come from age or stage—it comes from ambition. These students dared to dream bigger, and now they stand as proof that greatness starts right here in Arcadia,” said Citizens for a Better Arcadia. “We salute you and look forward to the bright future ahead!”

Setting the woods on fire the right way

/ NPJ / Leave a comment

Y’all may not be old enough to remember it but I still do. Hank Williams had a bunch of hits back in the day as his twangy voice sang all sorts of sad love songs, such as ‘I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry,” “Lovesick Blues,” “Mansion on the Hill.” But he had one that was a jumpy little ditty about taking his girlfriend out for a date where they’d be, in the title of the song, “Settin’ the Woods on Fire.”

I saw on the news last week about a wildfire in New Jersey where a young man was arrested for doing just that to the forests in his state. He was guilty of “setting the woods on fire,” and I don’t think it was the same sort of fire that old Hank was singing about.

For someone to deliberately set fire to the woods because he has a grudge against a property owner or just has a screw loose and likes to see things burn, that’s some seriously bad stuff. However, there are some who set fire to the woods for a good cause; they’re professional foresters who know how to set a controlled or prescribed fire for the purpose of improving the habitat by removing dead underbrush and duff from the forest floor to allow tender plants that are desirable to grow in place of the no-good stuff.

Retired wildlife official David Moreland wrote an article on controlled fire in a recent edition of LA Sportsman magazine that piqued my interest, so I read it to get more information on the subject of prescribed fire.

Moreland wrote that Native Americans learned how to use fire for clearing underbrush, opening pasture lands, and providing nutrition-rich forage for deer, elk and bison.

Historians today refer to this as “cultural burning.” They knew that fire would clear the grass and brush for villages and camp areas. They also knew that burning to open clearings in the forests would regenerate new plant growth that would attract animals they depended on for food and skins.

Prescribed burning is a tool regularly used by foresters and wildlife managers today. Referred to as “dormant season fires,” these fires can occur in fall and winter, a time when much of the vegetation is in a dormant condition. Prescribed fires done in spring are known as “growing season fires.”       

Burning during the growing season comes with more challenges as this time of year is when deer fawns and turkey poults are being born.

Can just any property owner decide on his own to use controlled fire on his property? They can,  but should fire spread to adjoining property, the landowner may be liable for expenses should he be responsible for damage to timber on a neighbor’s land.

This is why, Moreland writes, “most forest landowners have a consulting forester to help them with their timber management needs.” The state has a program designed so individuals can become “certified prescribed burners.” This certification is done through the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, a certification that must be renewed every five years.

Certified prescribed burners know when conditions are best for fire and when a particular stand of timber needs to be controlled burned. Watching for weather conditions, wind speed and direction, humidity and ground moisture all figure into deciding the best time for a fire. 

Should you have land that you are considering for a controlled fire, be sure to contact experts before you proceed so that you won’t be “setting the woods on fire” like Hank — or do anything  like that kid in New Jersey.

Contact Glynn at glynnharris37@gmail.com

U.S. Supreme Court to hear religious liberty case involving religious charter schools

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By Royal Alexander

It is interesting when cases of this kind come before the U.S. Supreme Court. This case involves the collision of free exercise of religion and the prohibition of government establishment of religion. The case I am referring to is Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond. I think it will become a landmark case.

Firstly, the friction that perpetually exists between the two religion clauses in the First Amendment is to be expected. On the one hand, we have our cherished right to religious liberty and the free exercise of religion. On the other, how far does our right to free exercise extend before it collides with the prohibition of government establishment or advancement of a particular religion?

Second, previous U.S. Supreme Court cases involving the public funding of religious activity were based on a tedious and complicated legal framework. However, I am delighted to share that, in 2022, in the Supreme Court case of Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, the Court broadly abandoned that analysis. Instead, the Court held that Establishment Clause challenges should be evaluated by lower courts by referencing America’s “historical practices and understandings,” looking to “original meaning and history.”

That is completely in keeping with the view of Thomas Jefferson who’s “wall of separation between church and state” was designed to protect religious freedom from government. Jefferson believed the federal government should never intrude upon or restrict the activities or beliefs of the faithful, or provide any special favors to any particular sect. Thus, no religion would be favored or disfavored. All religions would have an equal opportunity to flourish in the public square.

Jefferson, an enlightened Deist, also believed that no nation could be governed without religion, and he believed as most of the Founding fathers did that ‘Religious belief –‘freely chosen and given wide public space–nurtured morality and thus supported a free society.’

Now to this case.

This Oklahoma Statewide Charter case concerns St. Isidore, an online school proposed by two Catholic dioceses in Oklahoma. The issue before the U.S. Supreme Court is this: does a church have a First Amendment right to open a taxpayer funded charter school?

The current Supreme Court has been receptive to free exercise of religion and those precedents include the Trinity Lutheran case (2017) wherein the Court held that the state of Missouri could not deny grant money for playground resurfacing to a church-run preschool. In the Espinoza (2020) and Carson cases (2022) the Court held that families given state money to attend private schools may pick religious schools.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in Carson that “we have repeatedly held that a State violates the Free Exercise Clause when it excludes religious observers from otherwise available public benefits.” The issue here is whether this principle also applies to an entity seeking direct taxpayer funding to run a religious charter under a state contract.

St. Isidore describes itself as a private nonprofit but argues that no students will be forced to attend St. Isidore and public funding for it would be based upon enrollment—the dollars would follow the student. St. Isidore also argues that while it is a private contractor, it will nevertheless comply with the requirements of the state charter school law and, like regular public schools, will be free of charge and accept students regardless of their faith.

The Wall Street Journal characterizes St. Isidore’s argument in this way: “the real First Amendment violation is excluding the faithful: Oklahoma’s charter options include schools ‘focused on science, engineering, math, fine arts, language immersion, tribal identity, and more’ but the state has forbidden one type of private entity—religious institutions—from participating.” (WSJ, 4-28-25).

That’s right, of course. What the Framers of our Constitution were concerned about was the establishment of a state religion of the kind they fled when the Pilgrims came to America in the first place. That is also why the Framers would not recognize the hostility to religion that is so common in America today.

The Supreme Court should rule that a church has as much of a First Amendment right to open a taxpayer funded charter school as any other entity. Based upon the Court’s new legal standard of looking to “historical practices and understandings” and “original meaning and history,” (i.e. Thomas Jefferson) allowing public dollars to flow to charter schools that are privately run and freely chosen cannot fairly be construed to constitute an establishment of religion.

Daybreak Health to host webinar “Social Media, Technology, and Cyber-Bullying”

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Daybreak Health is hosting a free parent webinar on Wednesday, May 21 (in English), and Thursday, May 22 (en Español), to help families navigate the digital world. Learn about the impact of social media, strategies to set healthy limits, and how to protect kids from cyber-bullying. Includes expert guidance and a live Q&A with a licensed clinician.
 
Explore how social media affects youth mental health, learn ways to set healthy screen time limits, and get tips to prevent cyber-bullying. Through Bienville Parish School Board’s partnership with Daybreak Health, students can access one-on-one mental health support from licensed professionals — in most cases with costs fully covered.
 
School staff & parents can refer students for support:
 
Class in English:
Wednesday, May 21st 5:00 PM PST I 8:00 PM EST
 
Clase en Español:
Jueves, 22 de mayo 5:00 PM PST I 8:00 PM EST

Ponderings: A Dog Story

/ Megan Lowe / Leave a comment

How is your perspective? The word is defined as, “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.”

There is a dog owner in the Gibsland metroplex that is very frustrated. The dog owner is in part-time possession of what is a very large juvenile dog. If I were a guessing individual, I would guess the dog is a Catahoula Curr. She is going to be a monster when she fills out. I know the other part-time owner of the dog is being frustrated by this dog. She is an escape artist.

She has a collar, and I have seen and removed several items that were a lame attempt at keeping the dog in her yard. I say lame, because she comes to the house with various objects attached to her collar. She is stronger than the attempts to keep her in the yard. She is at the same time causing frustration and bringing joy. She is living her life as a dog!

I have a bowl of dog food out for her. She shows up once in the morning and once in the evening to empty the bowl of dog food. She will follow me around the yard as I do my chores. I am in hopes to teaching her how to weed the garden. She has met my other two canine denizens, and they have barked at each other in a hearty manner. I’m not sure of the emotions behind the barking, but I’ve decided to keep her away from them.

She does have an adorable habit. She is a leaner. The first time she walked up she leaned against me while I gave her a little petting. She has continued leaning and the petting sessions have lengthened.

I’m glad to see her every day. But up the street there is a dog lover likely saying bad words about the dog who has yet again escaped. The same dog is viewed with two perspectives.

We call it walking a mile in another person’s shoes. Whether saint or sinner, we are all in need of expanding our perspective, of trying to understand the other person’s perspective. Take a deep breath and try to “get where I’m coming from,” it might help you with something that happens today.

Jesus’ words about perspective are gracious. We are to go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, settle disputes quickly and seek reconciliation when relationships are broken. Remember, for one guy it is an escaped dog, for another guy it is a daily visitor that leans in to receiving the human touch.

 
 

BPL Arcadia main branch to host Victorian paper quilling workshop

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The Arcadia Branch of the Bienville Parish Libraries will be hosting a Victorian paper quilling workshop on Thursday, May 22, 1-2pm. Attendees will learn ‘quilling’ basics, and take home a finished card to share or keep. Everything needed to create flowers, leaves, and curls is provided.

It’s fun and not as complicated as one may think. This workshop is limited to 10 participants. Call 318-263-7410 to reserve a spot or sign up at the Bienville Parish Library – Arcadia.

Remember This? “Overdue Books”

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By Brad Dison

Public libraries are important to our communities because they provide free access to all the world’s recorded knowledge. Public libraries promote education and literacy in safe and welcoming environments to people of all ages, backgrounds, and social class. We, as citizens, have a responsibility to return the books we borrow by a set date, or we will face the shame of returning an overdue book.

In April 2010, Mark Bartlett, head librarian at the New York Society Library, noticed that two books checked out by the same person had not been returned. According to the library records, George checked out two books on October 5, and the books were due back on November 2. On October 15, ten days after checking out the books, George had to travel for work. He was a salesman of sorts who was trying to rally support for an idea rather than a tangible product. He referred to it as a promotional tour. He left New York City and, over the next two weeks, visited factories and farms in nearly 60 towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. George, then 57 years old, hoped the trip would improve his health. He had gotten sick during the summer and was not recovering as quickly as he had expected.

The fines on George’s overdue books began accruing on November 3. When George returned to New York on November 13, he failed to return the books. Perhaps his health did not improve as he had hoped. Perhaps he was exhausted by the whirlwind trip. Maybe he simply forgot. When the head librarian learned of the overdue books, he sent a letter to George’s home address about the overdue books. But there was a problem. By the time the library learned of the overdue books, George had died. In their correspondence with James Rees, representative of George’s estate, Mark asked if they could try to locate the overdue books. Mark explained, “We’re not actively pursuing the overdue fines, but we would be very happy if we were able to get the books back.”

Despite his best efforts, James was unable to locate the books. As a last resort to rectify the situation, James decided to replace the books. But there was another problem. The books had become rare. In May 2010, James found a copy of one of the overdue books, The Law of Nations, on a rare books website, made the purchase, and gave it to the library. The price of replacing just that one overdue library book was $12,000. James is still searching for a copy of the other overdue book. $12,000 is a huge sum to pay to replace a library book, but the representative of George’s estate got off light. Had the library not been so forgiving, the fines would have totaled around $300,000.

You see, in April 2010, the librarian learned that the books were overdue by 221 years. They had been checked out on October 5 and were due back on November 2, 1789. George, the salesman who traveled throughout New England, was rallying support for the United States Constitution. On the ledger which recorded the name of the person who checked out the books was written by quill and ink, not George, but “President.” George Washington had been President of the United States for less than six months when he checked the books out.

Sources:

1. Ed Pilkington, “Fine owed by George Washington for overdue library books now $300,000,” The Guardian, April 18, 2010, accessed May 11, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/18/george-washington-library-new-york.

2. Catherine Treesh, “New England Tour,” MountVernon.org, accessed May 11, 2025, https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/new-england-tour#:~:text=George%20Washington%20went%20on%20his,%2C%20Massachusetts%2C%20and%20New%20Hampshire..

3. “George Washington’s 221-year overdue library book: A timeline,” The Week, updated January 8, 2015, accessed May 11, 2025, https://theweek.com/articles/494173/george-washingtons-221year-overdue-library-book-timeline.

Israel Declares Independence in 1948, Establishing a New Nation

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On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel in Tel Aviv, marking the end of British rule in Palestine and the birth of a new nation.

The declaration came hours before the British Mandate’s expiration and was immediately recognized by the United States and the Soviet Union. The establishment of Israel followed decades of Zionist efforts to create a Jewish homeland and was influenced by the horrors of the Holocaust.

However, the declaration led to immediate conflict. Neighboring Arab states, opposing the creation of Israel, launched a military intervention, initiating the first Arab-Israeli war. The conflict resulted in significant casualties and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

Israel’s independence has had lasting geopolitical implications, leading to ongoing conflicts and complex diplomatic relations in the Middle East. The day is celebrated annually in Israel as Independence Day, while Palestinians observe Nakba Day, mourning the displacement resulting from the state’s creation.

Notice of Death – May 13, 2025

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James William Wright Sr.
January 19, 1933 – May 11, 2025
Service: Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 11am at Church of Christ, Jonesboro. 
 
Felton Lee Buggs
June 4, 1947 – May 10, 2025
Service: Friday, May 16, 2025, 11am at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Summerfield.
 
Ruby Nell Cook
March 7, 1947 – May 9, 2025
Service: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 2pm at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Farmerville. 
 
May Nell Machen
November 27, 1934 – April 28, 2025
Service: Saturday, May 17, 2025, 3pm at Fellowship Baptist Church, Quitman. 
 
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

Chekelah Weaver named new Principal of Arcadia High School

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Chekelah Weaver
Citizens for a Better Arcadia proudly congratulates Mrs. Chekelah Weaver on her selection as the new Principal of Arcadia High School.
 
Mrs. Weaver has served as a dedicated teacher, counselor, and proud member of the community. Her roots run deep—her children are proud AHS graduates, and her husband is an alumnus of the Class of 1986.
 
Citizens salutes Mrs. Weaver for this remarkable achievement and wish her continued success and wisdom as she leads Arcadia High School into its next chapter of excellence.

Tischa Mays named new Principal of Crawford Elementary School

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Tischa Mays
Ms. Tischa Mays has been selected as the new Principal of Crawford Elementary School.
 
Citizens for a Better Arcadia proudly celebrates this full-circle moment as Ms. Mays returns to lead the very school she once attended. Her commitment to the students, the community, and the legacy of Crawford Elementary is inspiring.
 
“Leadership rooted in love for your hometown creates a ripple effect of growth and hope. Ms. Mays is proof that when you rise, you lift others with you,” stated a representative for Citizens.
 
Citizens looks forward to the bright future ahead under her leadership.

Citizens for a Better Arcadia welcomes Solar Development, STEM Partnership with Silicon Ranch, Clearloop

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Citizens for a Better Arcadia is proud to share that construction has officially begun on the SRCL Arcadia South Solar Farm, a major project being led by Silicon Ranch in partnership with Clearloop, right here in Bienville Parish.
 
Earlier this week, Citizens had the opportunity to meet with two representatives spearheading community engagement efforts for this project: Tyler Hoel, Associate of Community Partnerships with Clearloop, and Hanna Nordin, Economic & Community Development with Silicon Ranch. Together, they toured the construction site and shared updates on the exciting developments ahead.
 
Silicon Ranch is deeply committed to being a good neighbor throughout both the construction phase and the long-term operation of the solar farm. Crews will be present at the site daily, managing day-to-day operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and minimal disruption to surrounding areas. Construction is expected to continue through the fall of 2025.
 
Community members with questions or concerns about the construction process or those simply wanting to learn more about the solar farm are encouraged to reach out directly to Hanna Nordin at hanna.nordin@siliconranch.com or by phone at 615-707-9190.
 
In addition to renewable energy development, Silicon Ranch is actively engaging with the Bienville Parish School Board to expand educational opportunities for local students. Their flagship initiative, Energize STEM, is designed to support 4th–9th grade STEM teachers through free resources, professional training, and classroom materials tailored to energy education. This initiative reflects Silicon Ranch’s commitment not only to clean energy but to empowering the next generation of innovators in rural communities.
 
At Citizens for a Better Arcadia, they believe in progress that uplifts their people and protects the environment. They are excited to welcome Silicon Ranch and Clearloop as valued partners and look forward to continued collaboration that benefits Arcadia and all of Bienville Parish.

Statewide initiative launches to assess needs of LA’s military veterans, families

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BATON ROUGE, La.—A statewide initiative to better understand the challenges faced by Louisiana’s military veterans and their families is set to launch in 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation (LCHI), a center under the Informatics Research Institute at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA), aims to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment survey to identify gaps in resources and services, guiding future support efforts for the state’s veteran community.

The survey will focus on key areas such as mental health, housing, employment, health care access and family support, providing a clear picture of the current realities faced by Louisiana’s veteran population. The findings will be used to improve existing services and inform strategic initiatives aimed at creating stronger, more resilient veteran communities across the state.

With a deep understanding of veteran experiences, the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs will use the survey as an impactful tool to improve the resources provided to Louisiana’s veterans and their families.

Secretary Charlton Meginley of LDVA stated, “The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs supports the research study conducted by the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. We believe the information that could be gathered through this study will enhance the services that we and our partners can provide to all veterans who call Louisiana home.”

The Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, leveraging its research expertise in health innovation, informatics and community-based public health, is leading the development of the assessment tools and evaluation framework in close collaboration with LDVA and veteran-serving organizations.

“As a top-tier research university, UL Lafayette is proud to lead this initiative through the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation, delivering data-driven insights that will have a profound impact on Louisiana’s veterans and their families,” said Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, vice president for Research, Innovation and Economic Development at UL Lafayette. “We believe this to be the most meaningful way for us to honor our veterans for their service.”

Dr. Gabriela Wilson, Director of the Louisiana Center for Health Innovation and principal investigator of the study, added, “At LCHI, we are deeply committed to transforming data into action that serves our communities. This initiative is about more than identifying service gaps—it’s about listening to veterans, elevating their voices and designing solutions that reflect their real needs. Our goal is to ensure that every veteran and their family in Louisiana is seen, heard and supported.”

The success of this initiative relies on participation from Louisiana’s veterans, service members and families. Those eligible are encouraged to participate in the 2025 survey to share their experiences and help shape the future of veteran support in the state.

For more information about the initiative and how to get involved, please visit https://lchi.louisiana.edu/. For inquiries in English, contact Dr. Gabriela Wilson, Director of LCHI, at gabriela.wilson@louisiana.edu or 337-482-0197. For inquiries in Spanish, contact Dr. Angie V. Sanchez, Health Innovation Officer at LCHI, at angie.sanchez@louisiana.edu or 337-482-0694.

Arrest Reports

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The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.

4/29/25

Heven Smith of Minden was arrested for Theft (Felony).

Jaravion Johnson of Shreveport was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

Stacy Norman of Ruston was arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Movable (Misdemeanor) and Criminal Trespass (Misdemeanor).

4/30/25

Tommy Branch of Saline was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery (Misdemeanor).

Chance Shyne of Homer was arrested for Stalking (Misdemeanor); Simple Assault (Misdemeanor); Battery  of a Dating Partner (Misdemeanor); Identification with Number or Other Mark, Obliteration of Alteration of Number Mark (Felony); and Fugitive.

Shadericka Richardson of Arcadia was arrested for Reckless Operation Without Accident (Misdemeanor). 

5/01/25

Kristayvion Johnson of Ruston was arrested for Theft of a Firearm (Felony).

5/02/25

Jimmy Bailey of West was arrested for Possession of Alcoholic Beverages in Motor Vehicles and Prohibited Acts – Schedule II.

Jordan Walker of Taylor was arrested for Expired Motor Vehicle Inspection; View Outward or Inward Through Windshield or Windows, Obscuring Prohibited; and Possession of Schedule I with Intent to Distribute.

Kristie Warren of Ashland was arrested for Child Support Obligation (Misdemeanor).

William Carter Jr. of Ruston was arrested for Turning Movements and Required Signals; No Seat Belt (1st Offense); Aggravated Flight from an Officer (Felony); Maximum Speed (Interstate or Controlled Access Highway); Reckless Operation with Accident (Misdemeanor); and Security Required. 

Jatavious Graham of Arcadia was arrested for Violation of Probation/Parole.

5/03/25

Kendrick Gray of Arcadia was arrested for Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment (Felony) and Resisting an Officer (Misdemeanor). 

Corey Allen Jr. of Conway, AR, was arrested for Maximum Speed Limit and Possession of Marijuana Over 14 Gams/1st Offense (Misdemeanor). 

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.

My Opinion: The First 100 Days

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By Royal Alexander

“The Golden Age of America begins right now, during every single day of the Trump administration, I will very simply put America first … And our top priority will be to create a nation that is proud, prosperous, and free.”  Trump Inaugural Address

I would be remiss not to observe the first 100 days of the second Trump Administration.  They have been outstanding, one of the most consequential starts to a presidential term in our history.  We may not fully recognize for years the fundamental restructuring that is occurring in our country, and the world.

While there is simply not space to list all the Trump 2.0 accomplishments, let me attempt to list the major ones.   

He has secured the border—there are virtually no illegals coming in; he has pushed back forcefully against China, with both rhetoric and onerous tariffs, and he has completely unleashed American domestic energy production.

Regarding illegals, Trump has not only dramatically curbed the flow on both our southern and northern borders, he is also fighting back hard against the drug trade (including enormous amounts of fentanyl), human trafficking, and terrorists, as well. He declared a national emergency to stem the illegal invasion, directed military troops to the border, reinstated the highly effective Remain-in-Mexico policy, completely ended “catch-and-release,” revved border wall construction back up, designated criminal drug cartels as “foreign terrorist organizations,” and ended birthright citizenship.

However, although a stunning amount of progress, illegal immigration, China and unleashing American energy barely scratch the surface.

Trump has also broadly imposed a tariff regime that will, finally, stop America from being taken advantage of by every other country that trades with us.  He also engaged Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to uncover more corruption and fraud than we could have ever imagined was occurring with American taxpayer dollars.  All these actions taken together are driving down the inflation rate after four years of the highest inflation in 45 years, if not our nation’s history. (See the price of eggs and the cost of a gallon of gasoline.)

Still further, President Trump has attacked the transgender delusion by blocking males from competing against women in sports. (See the state of Maine). He has simultaneously attacked so-called Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the federal government and in any American institution that receives federal funds, by threatening to block those federal funds.

In addition, he is dismantling the Department of Education which has done less to teach—and more to indoctrinate—students than can be imagined.  Those education funds will now be—in a fashion that is both targeted and smart—block-granted to the states who know far more about their specific education needs than the federal bureaucracy in D.C.

Trump has also directly attacked antisemitism on college campuses by, again, demanding that if college campuses don’t reform their blatant bigotry and viewpoint discrimination, they won’t receive federal funds.  (See Harvard).

Trump is also vastly improving the morale of our military men and women, see the dramatic increase in military enlistments and individuals wanting to serve in border enforcement.  He has returned our military to its one core and critical mission: lethality.

Globally, Trump has our enemies back on their heels.  China has halted for now its imperialist designs and Iran is back at the negotiating table, well aware of Trump’s demand that Iran will “never possess a nuclear weapon.”  I do believe Trump will end the Russia-Ukraine war.  I also believe he will do everything he can to extract valuable commodities from Ukraine to offset the $350 billion (stupidly unsecured by the Biden Administration) America has given Ukraine.

Perhaps most importantly, Trump is bringing to a head out-of-control federal judges.  Who tells the Judicial Branch—nothing more than a co-equal branch—that it has exceeded its authority? Constitutional law expert, Jonathan Turley, asserts that “federal judges have overextended themselves, they have intruded into areas of Article II, which is presidential authority …”  Trump has now forced the U.S. Supreme Court to address these rogue judges and, in particular, the nationwide injunctions blocking the president from exercising his core powers.

With this dizzying number and pace of accomplishments, the nation waits with great hope and promise for the next 100 days.  All patriotic Americans should continue to support and pray for President Trump–for his success and physical safety from additional assassination attempts—as he leads our nation and the world away from the brink of economic and military disaster.