Beginning today, June 25, at 2 pm at the Gibsland Branch, Morgan Tarpley, author and imagineer, will present an exciting interactive program that the whole audience can get involved in. Imagine what would happen if a priceless work of art were taken, and you were the only detective who could solve the mystery.
Additional performances will be held at other branches on Thursday, June 26 at 10 am at Arcadia and 2 pm at Ringgold – and Friday, June 27 – 10 am at Castor and 2 pm at Saline.
The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.
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.
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley, Col (Ret), USAF has announced the department’s success from the 2025 Regular Session of Legislature. Legislation includes protection for military families against discrimination and expands the financial assistance that can be provided to veterans through the Military Family Assistance Fund.
“Governor Landry and the LDVA team is committed to making Louisiana the most veteran-friendly state in our nation, and we couldn’t do it without the help of our state legislative delegation,” said Secretary Meginley. “It is vital that we are able to work with our legislators to continue fulfilling the mission of serving those who served, and I thank them for their support of the veteran community.”
Sen. Franklin Foil authored Act 100 (Senate Bill 66), which prohibits discrimination against service members on the basis of their service in the areas of housing, education and more. Secretary Meginley noted, “This legislation is as much for the military spouse as it is for the service member. Military spouses are the backbone of the Department of Defense, most of whom have given up their own opportunities and career to ensure their service member can continue to serve. After hearing the story of a military spouse who was denied admission into an education program because she was an active duty military spouse, I knew we had to address this. Make no mistake, taking care of our military spouses is a national security issue; if we don’t take care of the military family, we won’t have a military. We are grateful to Sen. Foil and all members of the Legislature for this groundbreaking legislation.”
Act 241 (House Bill 116) by Rep. Peter Egan provides for the Military Family Assistance Board to be able to pay for the burials of indigent veterans; pay up to $1,000 of educational benefits for children of certain disabled veterans; and issue grants of up to $10,000 to organizations dedicated to helping veterans. The MFA Fund has awarded more than $2 million to veterans in need of financial assistance.
Additional department legislation includes:
· Act 130 (House Bill 54) by Rep. Dodie Horton provides for colleges and universities in the state to be designated as a “Purple Star Campus” if they meet the necessary requirements. These schools will have demonstrated their commitment to helping veteran and active military students.
· Act 132 (House Bill 60) by Rep. Jay Galle provides for Louisiana National Guard veterans and retirees that did not deploy under federal orders to be eligible for residency in the state’s veterans homes.
· Act 137 (House Bill 96) by Rep. Alonzo Knox provides for the United States Space Force to be included in the definition of Armed Forces under Louisiana law.
· Act 191 (House Bill 387) by Rep. Kellee Hennessy Dickerson provides for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to adjust any applicable fees for the care and maintenance of spouses and Gold Star families that reside in state veterans homes.
· Act 197 (House Bill 468) by Rep. Roy Daryl Adams provides for the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to begin issuing, at the discretion of the Secretary, a Civilian Honor Medal to those Louisiana non-veteran citizens that have demonstrated a commitment to caring for and supporting the veterans and military members of the state.
Other veteran legislation includes:
· Act 242 (House Bill 120) by Rep. Jeff Wiley provides for the members of the Louisiana State Guard to be eligible for death and disability benefits.
· Act 12 (House Bill 167) by Rep. Sylvia Elaine Taylor provides for a portion of Louisiana Highway 3188 to now be known as the “Veterans Memorial Highway.”
· Act 86 (House Bill 508) by Rep. Ed Larvadain provides for only Louisiana resident disabled veterans to be eligible for free parking at the New Orleans cruise terminal.
· House Resolution 258 by Rep. Chuck Owen provides for the Louisiana Legislature to urge the Trump Administration to support and sign the Major Richard Star Act currently pending in Congress, which would grant combat disabled veterans both any retirement pay and any disability pay they are entitled to, without offset or reduction.
· Act 23 (Senate Bill 9) by Sen. Adam Bass provides for drones and other unmanned aerial devices to now be prohibited from flying over Louisiana military installations.
· Act 321 (Senate Bill 69) by Sen. Brach Myers provides for honorably discharged veterans to now be eligible for an 80% discount on hunting and fishing licenses.
All acts are effective Aug. 1, 2025. For the full text of all legislation, visit https://legis.la.gov/Legis/BillSearch.aspx?sid=current. For more information about the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, call 225-219-5000 or email veteran@la.gov.
Bienville Parish School Board will be accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant position at Arcadia High School from Tuesday, June 24, until 3pm on Tuesday, July 1.
Requirement: Applicant must hold a valid Louisiana teaching certificate.
Completed applications should be submitted to:
Mrs. Chekelah Weaver, Principal
Arcadia High School
967 Daniel Street
Arcadia, Louisiana 71001
Email: cweaver@bpsb.us
318-263-2264/Fax: 318-263-9703
Doug McGuire was the Senior Minister of Trinity Methodist Church through the 1960’s. He was a great guy. In his retirement he acquired his private pilot’s license. Years ago, I was known to spend hours in the air with Doug. Doug has gone on to his reward. He was filled with preacher aphorisms. His advice was wise. He encouraged, “Always enter the pulpit with a full heart and an empty bladder. And don’t get them reversed!” He also said, “If a sermon is worth preaching once it is worth preaching again.” I wonder if that holds true for these articles.
To wit.
A dog was on a safari with this master, but he got lost chasing butterflies. He then noticed out of his peripheral vision that a lion was slowly sneaking up to attack him. He saw a pile of bones nearby. Pretending not to see the lion, the dog started chomping on a bone. He hollered, “Boy, the lion sure tasted good!” The lion decided that this must be a very ferocious dog, so he left.
But a monkey watched all of this. He chased down the lion and told him the truth. Furious, the lion turned around to go eat the dog. The monkey jumped on the lion’s back intending to watch the whole thing unfold before him. Realizing what had happened, the quick-thinking dog grabbed another bone and hollered, “Where is that stupid monkey? He should have brought me another lion by now!”
It is a great story. Don’t you wish you could be like that dog and be that quick witted? Sure you do! When someone zings you at work, you stew about it all that night and you finally figure out what you could have said to that person. Or after an argument you stew until you finally think of what you should have said.
In my line of work, I want to be comforting and Godly when someone seeks my wisdom or advice. Often, I am neither and I toss and turn until I come up with a better answer to a person’s question or concern.
Most of us wish we could think faster and say the right word at the right time.
I wonder how many of us read this story and thought, “maybe it is best not to get lost in the first place.” I think that was the ultimate point.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is currently updating the Statewide Transportation Plan and is inviting residents, commuters, and business owners to provide input through an online survey available until June 30.
The plan, last updated in 2015, will serve as a blueprint for shaping the future of Louisiana’s transportation system. The updated plan is expected to be finalized in 2025 and is designed to address the evolving needs of a modern transportation network—balancing safety, infrastructure longevity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
DOTD’s effort is guided by the theme “Shaping Louisiana’s Future: Your Journey, Our Priority,” emphasizing the importance of aligning transportation planning with the needs of the public. Transportation in Louisiana encompasses more than just roads—it’s about efficiently and safely moving people and goods across the state and the country.
To ensure the plan reflects the priorities of Louisianans, DOTD has identified six overarching goals:
Safety – Provide safe and secure travel across all modes of transportation.
Preservation – Maintain the state’s multimodal infrastructure in a state of good repair.
Resilience – Strengthen the system’s ability to withstand and recover from extreme weather and other disruptions.
Community Development and Enhancement – Ensure the transportation network serves all citizens and supports broader community goals.
Economic Competitiveness – Foster a transportation system that drives employment, commerce, and tourism.
Environmental Sustainability – Make transportation decisions that are respectful of Louisiana’s environment, culture, and history.
Public input will play a critical role in refining these goals and guiding investment decisions over the coming years. Whether priorities lie in road improvements, bridge repairs, public transit, or freight logistics, community feedback will help shape the vision for how Louisiana moves forward.
The public is encouraged to complete the brief survey by visiting https://latransportationplan.la.gov/survey/.
With growing demand, technological advancement, and shifting infrastructure needs, DOTD is committed to planning for a transportation system that supports safety, sustainability, and long-term growth. Public participation is essential to creating a plan that reflects the values and vision of all Louisianans.
Celebrate the 4th of July with Mt. Lebanon Historical Society’s annual Flag Raising Ceremony at the
Stagecoach Trail Museum. The program will begin at 8 am. A special part of the program will honor Veterans. A covered dish breakfast will follow. Bring favorite breakfast foods to share and a lawn chair for seating. The museum is located south of Gibsland at Highway 154 and Stagecoach Trail Road.
By Royal Alexander
Presidential historians traditionally look for signal and defining moments in a presidential administration as a method by which to rank and place that president in history. President Trump has just had one.
What happened?
In a secret operation that can only be described as outstanding, President Trump ordered Operation Midnight Hammer in which the U.S. Central Command conducted precision strikes in the middle of the night against three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, in order to destroy or severely degrade Iran’s nuclear program. Transporting these enormous “bunker buster” bombs that were dropped was a large B-2 bomber strike package.
By all accounts, the result has been that the U.S. has, indeed, either completely obliterated or severely degraded the Iranian nuclear program.
President Trump explained his decision stating that “for decades we have watched Iranian leaders and their supporters chant ‘death to Israel’ and ‘death to America.’ We have watched the Iranian government, funding its proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, deploy terrorism across the world.” Now, with the Israeli attack already well underway, the U.S. not only aided Israel, one of its closest allies in the world, but also eliminated the same nuclear threat to our own country.
We should also recall that there is proof that Iran has tried to assassinate President Trump—that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intelligence that Iran ‘wants to kill’ Trump and was behind both assassination attempts on him.
Also, let me respectfully urge that this precise, tactical strike in Iran emphatically does not constitute embroiling the U.S. in another foreign war. From what I’ve read, this only means that, in addition to the military equipment and intelligence with which we already provide Israel, we are assisting Israel with the use of these devastating bunker-buster bombs, reaching those deep places underground where Iranian scientists are working to enrich uranium with the goal of creating nuclear warheads. Israel doesn’t possess a bomb with the capacity to reach that far down, and these Iranian nuclear facilities must be destroyed.
President Trump now stands as a colossus on the world stage. However, while he has re-asserted American military and foreign policy dominance with this strike in Iran, he also remains open to a negotiated end to this conflict.
As we watch this Iranian conflict unfold, I can’t help but recall the Afghanistan debacle under President Biden. The arbitrary and capricious U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan stunned and angered many of our allies. Remember, our allies over the last 20 years had made enormous investments, blood and resources, in the stabilization and peaceful coexistence of that country to prevent the very thing from happening that did happen—Afghanistan transitioning back to being a terrorist haven which threatens the entire civilized world, as well as the mass exodus of fleeing Afghans seeking emergency naturalization and settlement in the countries of our allies.
As the Afghanistan debacle unfolded, with our government leaving billions of dollars of American military equipment behind to the Taliban, and as those huge American planes were taking off from that airport, loaded with people who were literally falling off of the airplanes as they took off, I remember thinking we are watching Afghanistan again devolve dangerously into a terrorist magnet ruled by the Taliban, and we are witnessing once again the timeless and immutable principle of history and nations that strength deters bad actors while weakness begets war.
I also recall that such an epic disaster in Afghanistan underscores the essential lesson of history that the only way to ensure peace is through strength. As President Reagan said, “we know only too well that war comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when they are weak. It is then that tyrants are tempted.”
President Trump has seized this moment. In so doing he has not only left a powerfully positive and indelible mark on his presidency, but he has also likely redirected the course of the world. There is no force as great as that of unharnessed nuclear power and to allow a nuclear weapon to be developed and possessed by such a radical group of religious zealots as those that comprise the Iranian government—a weapon it would also, no doubt, share with other terrorist groups—is simply too grave a risk to the world.
Our prayers are with you, Mr. President. Please continue to decisively and permanently end this nuclear threat now.
Three fun-filled days and nights make Natchitoches the festive focal point in our state Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday with the 2025 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration and you and yours are invited.
The LSHOF’s Class of 2025 will be enshrined Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 66th Induction Celebration. A seating reconfiguration last week created additional seating up to 900 and a few dozen tickets remain available at LaSportsHall.com.
The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday with the free admission Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m. at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street.
The Friday schedule begins with the Mardi Gras Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. There’s still room for individual and team entries with participants enjoying lunch catered by Walk-On’s while warm up for the competition takes place at the 40-alley facility.
Two of south Louisiana’s hottest musical acts from the Baton Rouge area will take the stage for the coolest concert for miles around, the absolutely free Rockin’ River Fest party Friday evening.
The Lauren Lee Band will get the party started and The Chase Tyler Band is the featured act on the Rue Beauport stage bordering Cane River Lake smack dab in the middle of the City of Lights’ historic and beautiful downtown district.
In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event that is approaching capacity on the Front Street bricks and inside Mama’s Oyster House, Papa’s and the Blues Room.
The slate on Saturday kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.
At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.
Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening.
Louisiana Public Broadcasting will televise the ceremony live from 7-9:30.
The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.
The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.
The Class of 2025 is headlined by two men pivotal in LSU’s 2003 football national championship – coach Nick Saban and Andrew Whitworth, a champion at West Monroe High School, LSU and in the NFL during a 16-year pro career. More sparkle is provided by pro basketball All-Stars Vickie Johnson and Danny Granger, the state’s winningest all-time college baseball coach Joe Scheuermann and Danny Broussard, one of the nation’s most successful high school basketball coaches, in this year’s induction class.
It also includes LSU gymnastics great and NCAA individual champion April Burkholder, transformational Catholic-Baton Rouge high school football coach Dale Weiner and George “Bobby” Soileau, a four-time high school and 1956 NCAA boxing champion at LSU who also won a state crown as a football coach at his alma mater, Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte.
LSU graduate Herb Vincent, now a longstanding associate commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, is receiving the Hall’s Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award with his enshrinement.
Also being honored: Ed Daniels, a generational television sports broadcaster in New Orleans, and Glenn Guilbeau, one of the nation’s more decorated sportswriters in a career that has seen him cover LSU, state college, high school and pro sports along with stories across the South and around the SEC. They are being inducted as recipients of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism.
During the span of a lifetime, we are met with this question. For example, when is it time to change jobs, get married, have kids, or retire? Everyone has a different timeline for each of these questions. But the one thing we ALL want is the ability to make these decisions when we are ready and on our own terms.
Everyone that has played a particular sport, especially at a high level, wants to walk away when they are ready, not when someone tells them they are no longer good enough.
I’ve always wanted to be in control no matter what, and the one thing I’ve always told myself was, “When it’s no longer fun or I’m no longer competitive, it’s time to walk away.” I have applied this rule of thumb throughout my athletic career and will do so with regards to my fishing career.
I’ve been fishing tournaments since the early 1990’s and have enjoyed almost every minute of it! Sure, there’ve been some ups and downs just like any other sport, but the friends I have made and the good times I’ve shared with so many can never be taken away.
Another aspect I still enjoy today is trying to figure out how to catch bass. This never gets old for me. And the feeling I get when it all comes together for a tournament, well there’s just no better feeling in the world! It’s what motivates me and drives my competitive fire!
Over the years, people who don’t know or understand the sport of bass fishing think it is all luck. Nothing could be further from the truth because if that was the case, why are the same anglers always near the top of the standings?
They say luck is where preparation meets opportunity. I’m a firm believer in that saying because if you want to compete with the best anglers on any circuit, you have to do your homework and spend lots of time on the water. In bass fishing, “time on the water” is essential to being successful.
So, to answer the question of, “How do we know when it’s time?” – for me, it will be when I can no longer compete with the young guns of the tournament bass fishing world or when it’s no longer fun.
But if all my fishing buddies continue to fish, I’ll still hang around. This has become the main reason I’m still competing today. I’ve been blessed with some of the best dudes an angler could ask for when it comes to travel partners.
We’ve shared in some awesome times, ate some great meals and told a lot of fish stories, some true and some just pure lies! These same stories have been repeated time and time again and are told as if it was the first time we have ever heard them. But that’s ok, it’s all a part of the memories being made that make every trip special.
One thing about tournament anglers, they are unique in many ways and are a little stingy when it comes to fishing information. We’ll try and help each other a little, but may not always reveal every detail on how we are catching fish.
There’s also a great bond with all anglers that travel and stay together on the road. Each is always willing to help the other in their time of need, whether it’s a boat breakdown on the water or a blown trailer tire on the road. They are like the Marines; no man will be left behind!
This is why I’m still doing it at the age of 64 and will continue as long as my health is good, I can still get bites, and hopefully cash a check once in a while.
‘Til next time, here’s to wishing all anglers tight lines and good times fishing!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.
On June 25, 1981, Microsoft took a major step toward transforming the personal computer industry with the introduction of MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System). Though the software would not become widely used until later that year, this date marks the official beginning of a platform that would come to dominate personal computing for more than a decade—and propel Microsoft from a modest software startup into one of the world’s most influential tech giants.
The story of MS-DOS is one of timing, opportunity, and rapid innovation. In 1980, IBM was developing its first personal computer—the IBM PC—and needed an operating system to run it. Microsoft, founded just five years earlier by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, had never developed an OS before. But when IBM came calling, Microsoft made a bold move: it agreed to provide the software and then quietly acquired an existing OS called 86-DOS from a small Seattle company, Seattle Computer Products.
Microsoft adapted 86-DOS for IBM’s hardware, rebranded it as MS-DOS, and delivered it to IBM in time for the launch of the IBM PC in August 1981. The agreement allowed IBM to use the system under the name PC-DOS, while Microsoft retained the rights to license it to other manufacturers. This seemingly small decision would prove to be one of the most consequential in tech history.
Over the next several years, MS-DOS became the backbone of countless IBM-compatible personal computers, also known as “clones,” which flooded the market. As hardware became more affordable and accessible, Microsoft’s operating system powered millions of machines in homes, schools, and businesses worldwide.
MS-DOS was a command-line operating system, meaning users had to type specific text commands to launch programs or access files—an experience that could be intimidating for newcomers. But at the time, it was a revolutionary step forward, offering a standard platform for developers and helping to fuel the rapid growth of the software industry.
Though rudimentary by today’s standards, MS-DOS laid the groundwork for future advancements in personal computing. It supported early versions of now-legendary programs like WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, and eventually, Microsoft Word and Excel. It also paved the way for the development of Windows, Microsoft’s graphical user interface that would eventually replace MS-DOS as the dominant operating system.
By the mid-1990s, MS-DOS had been largely phased out as users transitioned to more user-friendly systems like Windows 95 and Windows 98. Still, echoes of MS-DOS remain in modern Windows environments, where the “Command Prompt” is a direct descendant of its early interface.
Beyond the technology itself, the launch of MS-DOS on June 25, 1981, marked a defining moment in Microsoft’s history. It positioned the company as a central player in the emerging PC industry and set the stage for its meteoric rise. By retaining the rights to MS-DOS, Microsoft was able to license the software to dozens of manufacturers, securing a steady stream of revenue and building a near-monopoly on personal computer operating systems for years to come.
Today, MS-DOS is a footnote in the story of modern computing, but its impact remains undeniable. It empowered a generation of computer users, shaped the trajectory of the digital age, and demonstrated how a few lines of code—backed by strategic thinking—can change the world.
As we look back on June 25, 1981, it serves as a reminder of how quickly technology evolves, and how the smallest decisions can have the biggest consequences.
The Bienville Parish Clerk of Court offered guidance regarding the Monday, June 23, 2025, 9:30am jury trial.
If an individual has received a summons and has NOT been excused, they will need to appear for jury service. If an individual has already been excused by the Judge, they do not have to appear.
The following link will allow members of the public to to see if they were issued a summons:
https://docs.google.com/…/1nfMkbdR1TdThH89bttUw…/edit…
Summons were served to the address on one’s voter’s registration at the beginning of the month.
If the term is cancelled before Monday, the Clerk of Court will post an update on its Facebook profile and at their website: clerk.bienvilleparish.org.
Citizens can also call the number on the summons, 318-536-5045, on Friday, June 20, after 5pm.
The Bienville Parish Police Jury held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 11.
Among the items on the agenda, several motions related to the Public Works Committee were approved including a leave of absence; additions to the Parish’s Priority List; the purchase of a new truck for the Secretary/Treasurer; and purchase of a new debris truck.
President Ryder called for the opening of bids for Certificate of Deposit rates. Following discussion, a motion was made to renew the jury’s certificates of deposit as they mature with Gibsland Bank & Trust. The motion was seconded by Mr. Nelson and unanimously approved.
Several other motions related to training, Fund bills, Road Fund bills, and purchasing fireproof storage boxes for the jail were reviewed and approved.
The jury heard from Mr. Teutsch regarding trash collection, road improvements and meeting times. However, no formal action was taken.
The complete minutes can be viewed below. In addition, the jury is also sharing a Public Notice regarding debris removal services in the parish.
The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) is pleased to announce that the Town of Gibsland has officially become the 38th municipality in Louisiana to adopt a comprehensive indoor smoke-free ordinance. This health-forward decision marks a significant achievement not only for TFL’s mission to foster healthier communities but also for the residents and visitors of Gibsland, that can now enjoy their town free from the dangers of secondhand smoke and move forward to freeing its communities from the harmful affects of all forms of tobacco use.
On Monday, June 9, the Town of Gibsland’s Council unanimously voted to implement this smoke-free ordinance, signaling a strong commitment to prioritizing the health of the community. Feamula Bradley, TFL Regional Manager for Northwest Louisiana, provided invaluable tobacco-use and vaping resources to the Mayor and Council, highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco-use health issues. These insights empowered the governing body to make an informed choice that benefits all. With this new ordinance, Gibsland joins the Louisiana municipalities who have embraced a smoke-free lifestyle, reinforcing their dedication to safeguarding public health and moving the economic growth of the community forward.
“The Town of Gibsland is elated to join in the fight for Healthier Air For All,” says Jeannie Richardson, Mayor, Town of Gibsland. “We will be including cessation awareness in the school and community. Special thank you to the Regional Manager, Ms. Feamula R. Bradley for contacting us and allowing us this opportunity to improve our community.”
Research shows that nearly 70% of people who smoke want to quit. Additionally, communities that adopt smoke-free policies experience significant health benefits, including reductions in emergency room visits due to heart attacks, youth asthma and other tobacco-related health issues. By passing an indoor smoke-free policy the Town of Gibsland has taken an important step to improving public health. This policy supports people in their quit attempts and their overall health and wellness. The ordinance is just the beginning, TFL is committed to supporting the Town of Gibsland by supplying citizens with tobacco cessation and vaping education and materials.
“The dangers of secondhand smoke are profound, and we must prioritize the health of our communities,” emphasized Dr. Earl Benjamin-Robinson, Senior Director of Tobacco Control & Prevention for TFL. “We celebrate communities like Gibsland that are committed to eliminating the threats posed by tobacco, not just secondhand smoke exposure but also the harmful effects of tobacco-use. Our TFL Regional Managers are dedicated to fostering relationships with local leaders and educating communities about the risks of tobacco and vaping products, helping to drive meaningful change.”
Located in Bienville Parish in Northern Louisiana, Gibsland is a town rich in history. Known for its intersecting railroads and as the birthplace of the now-closed historically Black Coleman College, it also holds a unique place in American folklore as the site where notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed and killed in 1934. The town celebrates its culture and history with annual events like the Jonquil Jubilee and Historic Garden Tourand the popular Bonnie and Clyde Festival.
The smoke-free measure protects residents and visitors from the serious health risks of secondhand smoke and encourages citizens to adopt a tobacco-free lifestyle. Here are some key facts:
“This is a remarkably great victory for the Town of Gibsland, becoming the 38th municipality to pass a comprehensive indoor smoke-free ordinance,” stated Feamula Bradley, TFL Regional Manager for Northwest Louisiana. “I am thrilled that our communities recognize that healthier environments lead to longer, more prosperous lives, and we are eager to work with the leadership of Gibsland to educate all of its community members to embrace a tobacco-free lifestyle.”
Creating smoke-free indoor environments and eliminating tobacco-use in all its forms across Louisiana is a crucial step toward healthier living and economic growth. The Town of Gibsland has chosen a path that prioritizes smoke-free spaces, contributing to the ongoing efforts to protect everyone from the silent threat of secondhand smoke.
For more information on the movement to protect all Louisiana employees from secondhand smoke, visit www.HealthierAirForAll.org. Individuals interested in quitting tobacco products can visit www.QuitWithUsLa.org or call 1-800-Quit-Now.
The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers.
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.
Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 near Louisiana Highway 154 on June 15 at approximately 5pm. The crash claimed the life of 32-year-old Lauren Carkeet of Lewisville, TX.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2010 GMC Acadia, driven by 29-year-old Joshua Ware of Prosper, TX., was traveling west on Interstate 20. For reasons still under investigation, the GMC exited the roadway and collided with a parked 18-wheeler occupied by another motorist.
Ware, who was properly restrained at the time of the crash, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Carkeet, who occupied the front passenger seat, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the severity of the crash, restraint use for Carkeet is still being determined. The occupant of the parked vehicle was not injured. Impairment on the part of Ware is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
Troopers often witness the tragic consequences of preventable crashes. Never operating a vehicle while impaired, fatigued, or distracted is essential, and always obey the posted speed limit. While not all crashes are survivable, taking these simple precautions can mean the difference between life and death.
Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies accompanied DCFS personnel to a residence in the 4900 block of Hwy 371 north of Ringgold in reference to child welfare concerns Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Upon arrival contact was made with the resident of the house, Darci Freligh Boyd, 41, who is the mother of three juvenile children who were the subject of DCFS concerns. DCFS made arrangements with family members to take custody of the children as they appeared to be victims of cruelty by Ms. Boyd. It was also discovered that the home was being utilized as a animal rescue for 27 dogs and seven cats all of which were housed throughout the interior of the home and in a fenced area behind the home. Living conditions for the family as well as the animals were deplorable. Ms. Boyd claimed ownership of ten dogs and the cats but said the remaining animals were being housed under the name of Hope Angel Rescue.
Ms. Boyd was charged with cruelty to juveniles and aggravated cruelty to animals. She remains incarcerated under $20,000 bond. At this moment the animals are being removed from the home and into the custody of Animal Rescue Corps from Tennessee and Animal Rescue New Orleans as well as volunteers from Texas. All animals are being examined by veterinarian Dr. Randy Clemons and vaccinated to allow out of state transportation. Ms. Boyd has relinquished ownership of the animals in question to allow removal. This rescue effort was arranged through officials from Dixon Correctional Institute which is a state penal facility north of Baton Rouge. Thanks to all who made this mission a success.
Due to the deplorable conditions in the residence no photos will be released at this time but rescue photos will follow.
By Royal Alexander
I was taken aback as I watched the riots in LA over the last few days.
The facts are clear. President Trump promised that he would address the great danger and harm to America as a result of the invasion of illegals into our country over both our southern and northern borders. This would include blocking the drug trade (including enormous amounts of fentanyl), human trafficking, and terrorists, as well.
To this end, President Trump 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.
As a result, we have the riots in LA we are seeing now. Specifically, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have made arrests of, primarily, criminal illegals in Los Angeles. However, these actions have been denounced by Leftists including anti-American D.C. Judge James Boasberg (a current leader in the anti-Trump Administration Lawfare I’ve addressed in a previous column), California governor, Gavin Newsome, and LA mayor, Karen Bass, who have astoundingly blamed President Trump for the riots!
National Democrats don’t seem to have learned anything about illegal immigration and crime from the sound defeat they received last November. Nevertheless, what typical Americans are seeing in LA right now is mob violence, plain and simple.
The Trump Administration has the unquestioned authority to arrest illegal aliens. Yet, Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass have accused ICE agents of “targeting” illegal alien murderers, rapists, and pedophiles. How do you avoid targeting criminals?? It is their complete and reflexive opposition to President Trump that has forced them to side with illegal alien criminals in their communities, as well as the rioters and looters who are committing the violence, over law enforcement officers who are simply doing their jobs. Newsom and Bass clearly believe that in order for the riots to end and the violence to stop, ICE needs to leave, and immigration raids must end.
That’s insane.
Do Democrats really think most Americans are going to reject Pres. Trump’s efforts to restore order and, instead, side with these radicals who loot businesses, torch cars, and attack police and ICE agents with commercial grade fireworks and rocks?
As White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, stated, the highly biased Judge Boasberg and the national Democrat Party “believe the federal government is not allowed to enforce our laws and to arrest and deport illegal alien criminals. They’re attempting to use a violent mob as a weapon against their own constituents to prevent the enforcement of immigration law. This is deeply un-American and morally reprehensible.”
That is what is going on, but of equal importance is, who is funding this?
President Trump has posed the question himself about the rioters who appear well-equipped for their violent demonstrations, announcing an investigation into who is financing the insurrection. Trump has stated that “the people that are causing the problem are professional, paid agitators. They’re insurrectionists. They’re bad people. They should be in jail.”
As a result, the Attorney General and the FBI are making it “a huge priority to identify, locate and arrest those who are involved in organizing, supporting, funding or facilitating these riots.” The disturbances appear “well-orchestrated” and “well-funded,” …. “So, we want to understand who these people are, and where this organization is coming from.” This is important as the protests have spread to additional U.S. cities, resulting in dozens more arrests as demonstrators assault police. (The Epoch Times).
As I wrote about the 2020 riots, the large majority of Americans understand and support freedom of speech and expression even when loud, vulgar, and caustic. However, when the first match is lit and Molotov cocktail or brick is thrown, it is no longer about freedom of speech. It has become a criminal enterprise. That is what we are witnessing. The violence must be stopped, criminal illegals arrested and then deported, and the people funding and organizing it must be exposed and prosecuted.
Thank God President Trump appreciates this threat to our nation and is courageous enough to stop it. Trump stated:
“Generations of military heroes did not shed their blood on distant shores only to watch our country be destroyed by invasion and Third World lawlessness, with rioters bearing foreign flags like is happening in California. As Commander-in-Chief, I will not let that happen.”
Amen.
With summer in full swing, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reminding residents to take measures to prevent heat-related illness.
Heat can be dangerous. When it is hot outside, the body eliminates excess heat through sweating and increases blood flow to the skin. Humidity makes it more difficult for the body to cool itself. Heat-related illness (HRI), or hyperthermia, occurs when the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature, resulting in heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke.
Everyone is susceptible to illness during extreme heat, but some people are at greater risk:
In 2024, LDH tracked 51 heat-related deaths and 4,463 emergency department (ED) visits for heat-related illness. There were 88 heat-related deaths and 6,142 ED visits for heat-related illness in 2023.
Heat illness can be mild or severe. Residents, workers, and employers need to know the symptoms of heat illness and treatments to prevent heat stroke or death.
LDH offers a suite of resources at ldh.la.gov/heat to help Louisianans stay safe during the hot summer months. The dashboard offers Louisianans a comprehensive view of ED visits for HRI across the state. Updated weekly, the dashboard provides detailed information by day, parish, LDH region, age, sex, and race. It also allows users to explore potential connections between daily HRI counts and maximum and minimum temperatures.
Louisiana’s heat can be brutal, especially for outdoor workers spending all day in the sun. Staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade are essential to staying safe on the job. The heat dashboard includes guidance for employers in the full heat toolkit on how to keep employees safe during extreme heat.
There are several strategies people can use to protect themselves and others from heat-related illness.
For people who work outside, remember: Water, rest, and shade.
Visit ldh.la.gov/heat for additional information about heat-related illnesses in Louisiana, along with signs, symptoms, and guidance.
It hit me like a ton of bricks; I was ultimately responsible. That’s what they said in seminary, that the pastor was ultimately responsible. I learned the lesson in 1985, when Helen came out of the lady’s restroom at the church building complaining that there was no sacred paper in the room. “Who is responsible,” she bellowed. I was/am.
I was thinking about the whole realm of possibilities for avoiding responsibility. I write this “tongue in cheek” but you get the idea.
Let’s face it: responsibility is overrated. It’s the broccoli of adulthood—nutritious, necessary, and universally avoided until absolutely forced. But fear not, fellow obligation-evaders, for I bring you tried-and-true techniques to sidestep the shackles of accountability while keeping the illusion of competence.
1. Master the Power of the “Accidental” Oversight. If someone asks, “Did you email the report?” simply widen your eyes and say, “Wait… that was my task?!” This classic maneuver pairs beautifully with faux shock and frantic digging through folders. Bonus points if you fumble with your mouse like you’ve never used a computer before.
2. The Eternal E-mail Forward. When in doubt, forward the task to someone else with a cryptic message like, “Looping you in—thought this was more your area.” Now you’re not avoiding responsibility; you’re collaborating. You’re empowering. You’re… basically a leader.
3. Weaponized Incompetence. Why try, when you can fail so spectacularly on purpose that no one dares ask again? Mow the lawn into checkerboard patterns. Fold laundry into abstract origami. Burn toast with scientific precision. Soon, others will say, “It’s just easier if I do it myself.” Victory.
4. The Phantom Meeting Excuse. Nothing cloaks irresponsibility like the mythical, ever-running back-to-back meetings. “Sorry I missed that—was deep in Zoomland,” you’ll say, adjusting nonexistent headphones. If pressed, toss around vague jargon: “We were syncing on Q3 KPIs.” Nobody knows what that means. That’s the beauty of it.
5. Delay with Flair. Avoid saying no. Instead, say, “Let me circle back with some thoughts,” then enter a witness protection program. If followed up, respond with, “Waiting on some final input” (no one will ask from whom). Stall with the confidence of a bureaucrat stuck in a printer paper requisition loop.
6. Use Children, Pets, and Houseplants as Scapegoats. “My dog chewed through my internet cable.” “The kids scheduled a surprise virtual science fair.” “My fern needed emotional support.” The more oddly specific, the more believable. Besides, who’s going to interrogate a plant?
7. Mystify with Tech Jargon. If someone accuses you of negligence, murmur, “Must’ve been an authentication caching error on the API endpoint.” Say it like it haunts you in your dreams. They’ll back away slowly, unsure whether to nod or call IT.
8. Become the Question Master. Answer every request with a question. “Can you finish this by Friday?” you say, “What do we mean by ‘finish’?” “Who defines ‘Friday’ in a globalized world?” You’ve not avoided the task—you’ve started a philosophical dialogue. Bravo.
9. Disappear into the Vortex of Group Chats. Group chats are magical. Tasks vanish into the sea of emojis, gifs, and “LOL”s. If mentioned by name, hit them with a “thumbs up” reaction—neither confirming nor denying responsibility. You’re present, yet ephemeral. Like a responsibility ghost.
You caught on didn’t you, each one of us is ultimately responsible for the life we live. Or as the Bible says, we must all stand and give an account of the life we have lived, no excuses, no explanations. Each one of us before God!
Arcadia High School has announced the 2025 football schedule under head coach Taylor Perron. The season begins on Sept. 5 at 7pm with an away game against Lakeside. It will end on Nov. 7 at 7pm with a home game against Lincoln Prep. The full schedule is available below.