If it feels like getting or keeping insurance lately comes down to luck, you’re not alone. With rates climbing, policies changing, and hurricane season always looming, many homeowners are left wondering what they’ll land on next—and whether they can afford it.
John P. Thompson changed our world yet most of us have never heard of him. At some point in our lives, each of us has used his inventions. It would be hard to find a home in America which does not contain multiples of John’s inventions. They are so commonplace that they often go unnoticed.
Little is known about John Thompson, but he was born in 1857 in Iowa. After working various jobs including laborer, bank teller, and room furnisher in a couple of different states, he eventually settled in Portland, Oregon. While there, he worked as an auto mechanic. John used a hand tool to tighten fasteners to the cars he worked on, but the tool kept slipping off the fastener. This resulted in skinned knuckles and damage to the cars. Finally, John’s frustration had reached its limit. He decided to create a new tool and fastener that when used together would not slip. No one knows how long John worked on his inventions or how many attempts it took before he created his “cruciform groove” tool and fastener, but in the summer of 1932, John filed for patents for his two inventions. On May 9, 1933, the United States Patent Office granted patent numbers 1,908,080 and 1,908,081 for John’s fastener and tool respectively. For reasons that remain unclear, in the patents John assigned or transferred his rights to his inventions to Henry Frank. The connection between John and Henry has never been proven, but many people believe that Henry purchased or funded John’s patents.
Rather than investing the money to create and sell the tool and fasteners himself, Henry created a company to franchise the products. Companies which produced them paid Henry’s company a hefty royalty. In 1936, Cadillac became the first industrial customer to use John’s inventions for its 1937-year model cars. The new tool and fasteners increased production and lowered costs. Word quickly spread and within a short time the other automobile companies as well as railroad and aviation manufacturers adopted John’s cruciform groove inventions. In September 1940, John died impoverished and largely forgotten, but Henry became wealthy. John’s cruciform groove inventions could have been known as the Thompson screw and Thompson screwdriver, but because he transferred the patents to Henry, we know them by his last name. We have all used Henry Frank…Phillips screws and Phillips screwdrivers.
Sources:
1. Michael J. Allen, “Phillips screw and driver,” Oregon Encyclopedia: A project of the Oregon Historical Society, accessed April 5, 2026, https://www.
2. “J.P. Thompson Screw, patent number 1,908,080,” United States Patent and Title Office, May 9, 1933, accessed April 5, 2026, https://ppubs.uspto.gov/
3. “J.P. Thompson Screw Driver, patent number 1,908,081,” United States Patent and Title Office, May 9, 1933, accessed April 5, 2026, https://ppubs.uspto.gov/
April 15 is a date etched into history through events that span tragedy, perseverance, and transformation across different eras.
Perhaps the most widely recognized event tied to this day is the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. After striking an iceberg late on April 14, the luxury liner sank in the early hours of April 15, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 passengers and crew. The disaster shocked the world and led to sweeping maritime safety reforms, including improved lifeboat requirements and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol.
April 15 is also known in the United States as Tax Day, the deadline for filing federal income tax returns. While far less dramatic, the annual date has become a consistent fixture in American life, often sparking discussions about fiscal policy, government spending, and economic responsibility.
In 1947, another milestone unfolded when Jackie Robinson made his debut in Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier. His first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, challenging segregation in professional sports and paving the way for greater inclusion.
The date also carries somber significance in more recent history. On April 15, 2013, two bombs detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds. The attack led to a massive manhunt and ultimately changes in security measures at major public events.
Across generations, April 15 has come to represent both loss and progress, serving as a reminder of how pivotal moments can reshape safety standards, social norms, and national conversations.
Freshman Connection gives new students a clear path into college life, from class registration to campus relationships, before the semester begins.
By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University
The drive to campus often carries two things at once, excitement and uncertainty.
For many students, college begins before the first class ever meets. It starts in the quiet questions that build during the summer. Where do I go? Who do I ask? What will this place feel like once it becomes mine?
At Northwestern State University, Freshman Connection is designed to answer those questions early and well.
The program serves as NSU’s official orientation for new first-year students attending the Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville, and Shreveport campuses. It gives students an organized, welcoming introduction to campus life, academic expectations, and the people who will help shape their first year. Students meet in small groups led by current student Connectors, who guide conversations, share advice, and help make a university feel personal from the very beginning.
That matters, because the transition to college rarely feels small.
Students are stepping away from familiar routines and entering a new environment with new expectations. They are learning how to manage time, ask for help, build relationships, and take ownership of their education. Freshman Connection meets them in that moment. It does not overwhelm them with information and send them on their way. It introduces them to the rhythm of NSU, one conversation, one session, and one connection at a time.
During orientation, students learn about academic advising and register for fall classes. They are introduced to campus services and resources that support strong academic choices and healthy social decisions. They explore opportunities for involvement and begin to understand what responsibility looks like in a college setting. By the end, the university is no longer a collection of buildings and offices. It starts to feel familiar.
“We want you to leave orientation knowing exactly where you belong,” said Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio, director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement. “You arrive as a visitor, and you leave as a Demon.”
That sense of belonging is one of the most important parts of the experience.
Freshman Connection is also built with families in mind. Parent Connection runs alongside the student program and gives parents and guardians a closer look at first-year transitions, student involvement, campus services, university procedures, and academic resources. NSU also offers Kid Konnection for siblings ages 5 to 12, creating a family-centered welcome that recognizes college is often a transition shared by more than one person.
The 2026 schedule gives families several options. Natchitoches will host sessions May 20 to 21, May 27 to 28, June 17 to 18, and July 9. Additional one-day satellite events are scheduled for Alexandria on June 23, Leesville on June 24, and Shreveport on June 25, and these sessions are only for students attending those campuses. Registration opened Feb. 10 through the myStatus portal at www.nsu.la/mystatus, where students can also review admissions, financial aid, housing, and orientation information in one place.
That is why Freshman Connection matters. It gives students structure before the semester begins. It helps them move from uncertainty to clarity. It gives them names, faces, places, and next steps.
And for many, it marks the moment college stops feeling distant and starts feeling real.
At the end of Freshman Connection, students depart with direction. They know where to go, who to contact, and how to begin. They leave having already taken an important first step toward success at Northwestern State.
Explore Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/fc
Apply to NSU: www.nsu.la/apply
Register for Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/
None reported.
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.
The Bienville Parish Police Jury will be convening for their April regular meeting today, Wednesday, April 8, at 9am at the Bienville Parish Courthouse in Arcadia.
Rachel Wiggins Bays has officially announced her candidacy for District Judge in the Second Judicial District, comprised of Claiborne, Jackson and Bienville Parishes. Bays is seeking the Division “A” seat currently held by Judge Walter May.
Originally from Shreveport, Rachel moved to Homer in 2017 following her marriage to Claiborne Parish native, Daniel Bays. For more than a decade, Rachel has practiced law in Minden at the law office of John D. and Eric G. Johnson, where she has built a reputation as a dedicated, hardworking and trustworthy attorney.
Rachel believes that decisions made from the bench truly matter, as they have a profound impact on families, businesses, children, law enforcement officers, and both defendants and victims seeking justice. “I have had the opportunity to practice before District Judges all over North Louisiana daily for the past eleven years,” Bays said. “I plan to take the wealth of knowledge I gained from all of those Judges with me to the bench.”
In addition to her career, Rachel is proud to be heavily involved in both her profession and her community. Rachel, Daniel and their daughters, Blair and Bishop are members of First Presbyterian Church in Homer. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Herbert S. Ford Museum and the Homer Country Club. She has also served as a Hearing Committee Member for the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board and volunteered as an arbitrator for the Bossier City Court’s Small Claims Division.
If elected, Bays said she will bring practical experience, professionalism and a strong commitment to serving the people of the Second Judicial District.
The election will take place Nov. 3.
Rachel Bays for Judge | District Judge Division A | Claiborne, Jackson, and Bienville Parishes
In the coming week, Bienville Parish will see partly cloudy skies, showers, and scattered thunderstorms. Temperatures will start in the upper 70s before climbing into the 80s. Nighttime temps will start in the 50s before rising into the 60s before dipping back into the 50s. The middle of the forecast window will feature significant chances of rain, with the highest chance being 60% on Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday, April 8
Wednesday partly cloudy skies and a high of 78°F and overnight lows around 54°F. Night skies will be partly cloudy with winds light and variable.
Thursday, April 9
Thursday morning will see partly cloudy skies which will give way to occasional showers in the afternoon. Temps will rise slightly, with a high of 80°F. Overnight lows will be 59°F with clouds increasing and showers arriving sometime after midnight, with the chance for rain being 40%.
Friday, April 10
Friday will feature rain showers in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, with a 50% chance of rain. Temps will jump to a high of 81°F. Overnight skies will be cloudy with showers – chance of rain will be 60%. The night’s low will be 61°F. Winds will be SSE at 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday, April 11
Friday night’s 60% chance of rain will persist into Saturday, with rain showers in the morning followed by scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. Temps will stay steady, with a high of 81°F. Evening and night will feature mostly cloudy with showers and a few thunderstorms; chance of rain holding at 60%. Overnight low will be 64°F.
Sunday, April 12
Another day of showers early followed by scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day; the chance of rain will hold steady at 60%. Temps drop slightly for a high of 79°F and a low of 59°F. Overnight skies will feature considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers; chance of rain persists at 60%.
Monday, April 13
And ANOTHER day of showers early followed by scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. The chance of rain goes down to 50%. Temps recover with a high of 80°F. Night will be cloudy with showers, chance of rain will remain 50%, winds light and variable, and a low of 59°F.
Tuesday, April 14
Chance of rain will hold steady at 50%, with showers in the morning and isolated thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. The high for the day will be 79°F. The overnight low will be 60°F, with a few showers in the evening, then clouds lingering overnight; chance of rain will drop to 30%.
This forecast period will feature a lot of chances for showers and thunderstorms, both scattered and isolated. None are currently predicted to be severe. Temperatures will start in the 70s then warm up to the 70s. The middle and the end of the forecast window will see a lot of rain for the period, with the chances of rain holding between 50-60%.
Overall, the period is defined by daytime temperatures in the 80s and showers and thunderstorms.
Bienville Parish Sheriff John Edward Ballance has been selected as a 2026 inductee into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of service and leadership in law enforcement.
Ballance, a Bienville Parish native, has devoted nearly five decades to law enforcement, including more than 20 years as sheriff. He was first elected in 1999 and, in October 2023, became the longest-serving sheriff in Bienville Parish history after winning his seventh consecutive term.
Before being elected sheriff, Ballance served 22 years with the Louisiana State Police, where he worked in patrol and narcotics enforcement. During his career, he was involved in major investigations, including a large-scale drug interdiction operation that resulted in the seizure of thousands of pounds of marijuana and other narcotics. He also served on legislative detail assignments at the State Capitol during multiple gubernatorial administrations.
As sheriff, Ballance has implemented a wide range of programs aimed at improving public safety and strengthening community ties. These initiatives include the School Resource Officer program, Crime Victims Assistance program, Chaplaincy program, Reserve Deputy program and the RUOK program, which focuses on the well-being of elderly residents. He also established a Special Response Team and expanded training opportunities for deputies.
Ballance has emphasized community service throughout his tenure, supporting outreach efforts such as the “Operation Fuzzy Wuzzy” initiative, which raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as programs that assist those in need across the parish.
His leadership and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on Bienville Parish and the broader law enforcement community. Ballance said he is honored by the recognition and credits his faith and values as guiding principles throughout his career.
The Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to law enforcement, the judiciary and public safety across the state.
Sheriff Ballance will be honored at the 2026 Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on June 5, 2026, at the LSU Lod Cook Center. He will be joining fellow 2026 inductees: Liz Murrill, Attorney General of Louisiana; Brandon J. Fremin, former U.S. Attorney; Sam Craft, Sheriff of Vernon Parish; Judge Loren M. Lampert, of the 9th Judicial District Court; and Ernest “Bim” Coulberston, Chief of Police and Town Marshal of Farmerville.
The Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame, established by the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to law enforcement, the judiciary, the legal profession, and public safety. Inductees are selected for their leadership, service, integrity, and positive impact on the state’s justice system.
Daniel W. Newell, District Attorney for the Second Judicial District in and for the Parish of Bienville, made the following announcements relative to disposition of cases in Bienville Parish in March 2026.
Ryan Alexander Hunter of Alexandria pled guilty to Third Degree Rape. He was sentenced to five (5) years at hard labor without benefit of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.
Tyler James Humphrey of Bienville pled guilty to Domestic Abuse Battery Involving Strangulation and Child Endangerment. He was sentenced to one (1) year at hard labor.
Robert Lajuan Weathers of Ringgold pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine Less Than 28 Grams. He was sentenced to one (1) year at hard labor.
Victoria Ambrose of Ringgold pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine Less Than 28 Grams. She was sentenced to one (1) year at hard labor which was suspended. She was placed on one (1) year of supervised probation and required to pay court costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Tiffany Benton of Arcadia pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II Cocaine Less Than 28 Grams. She was sentenced to two (2) years at hard labor which was suspended. She was placed on two (2) years of supervised probation and required to pay court costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Tammy Friday of Bienville pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II Buprenorphine. She was sentenced to five (5) years at hard labor which was suspended. She was placed on five (5) years of supervised probation and required to pay court costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Janet Ingles of Sibley pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine 2 Grams or More But Less Than 28 Grams. She was sentenced to two (2) years at hard labor which was suspended. She was placed on two (2) years of supervised probation and required to pay court costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Dejuan Marshall of Arcadia pled guilty to Bank Fraud. He was sentenced to three (3) years at hard labor which was suspended. He was placed on three (3) years of supervised probation and required to pay restitution.
Deoderick Russell of Arcadia pled guilty to Possession of Schedule II Methamphetamine. He was sentenced to two (2) years at hard labor.
Crestiaun Hall of Ringgold pled guilty to Illegal Use of a Weapon. He was sentenced to two (2) years at hard labor, which was suspended. He was placed on two (2) years of supervised probation and required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office. He also pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Schedule I Marijuana. He was sentenced to three (3) years at hard labor which was suspended. He was placed on three (3) years of supervised probation and required to pay fines and costs to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office. Both sentences are to run consecutively.
On Monday, April 13, just a few days away, the public will be able to see first-hand Winnfield’s newest, tallest building complex, the new Winn Community Health Center at 407 W. Court Street. The public is invited to the Grand Opening of the health center beginning at 11 a.m., announced CEO Deano Thornton.
Construction of the impressive three-story, 52,000 square foot structure has seen it rise over the past two years to occupy a footprint between W. Lafayette and W. Court streets. The building will house the expanded array of services of Winn Community Health Center as well as the seven-parish organizational support of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.
“Who would have thought that it would come to this when we first started talking about this kind of medical care for our community in 2005?” he said. “We were funded in 2009, opened our doors July 1 that same year, outgrew that office and moved to our current location in 2011 and are now poised to move into this wonderful structure.”
Over those years, WCHC also expanded beyond its Winn Parish borders to seven parishes with 11 clinics and 60 school-based centers under the inclusive name of Trinity Community Health Centers of Louisiana.
“So how have we come so far? I’ve always said that when you surround yourself with good people, good things happen,” Thornton continued. “Our organization is made up of people who care about the well being of the folks in their community and it shows. We’re in the business of taking care of people. This is an amazing, state of the art facility which we’ve been proud to add to the heart of Winnfield.”
The Grand Opening for the general public is Monday, April 13, with activities beginning at 11 a.m. Thornton said there will be a tent, music with a DJ, refreshments including Dana’s Pulled Pork Sandwiches and giveaways. The following morning, Tuesday, April 14, medical services at the new center will commence.
Photos below give an early view of what awaits the public during Monday’s Open House:
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division is encouraging recreational boaters that are selected to take the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS).
The survey provides detailed estimates in every state of how many people go boating, what types of boats they use and how often they go boating. This survey is funded under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and is administered by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
The survey supports national safety and law enforcement programs by improving boating safety. The 2026 NRBSS is particularly important as it is the first time the survey has been conducted in at least five years.
Selected households will be invited to participate in the study via invitation letters, postcards, emails and text messages. Those who receive an invitation are encouraged to participate to have their voice heard.
Participation will help enforcement agencies keep the waterways safer. Respondent information will be held in the strictest confidence and will be grouped to produce statistical summaries.
The survey is being conducted via cooperative agreement by National Opinions Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago, a nonpartisan research organization that has been conducting impactful research and analysis for more than 80 years. Over the next year, NORC will interview more than 50,000 households across all 50 states and the District of Columbia to gather information from individuals who own or rent boats. The results will provide valuable information to national, state, and local agencies through both national and state-level estimates.
For more information about the NRBSS, visit https://uscgboating.org/
For further assistance or questions, contact onthewater@norc.org or SMB-COMDT-CG-BSX-Data@uscg.mil
This Sunday, April 12, during morning worship service, several churches in the Arcadia area will be joining in a “Call to Prayer.” The churches will be praying for God’s guidance, wisdom, discernment, power and love over the people, churches, town and country. In a constantly changing world with ever-increasing distractions and controversy, this group of believers believe that God is still the only source of lasting peace, hope, and love.
They will pray that in the days to come, many will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. He is their only hope for today and for eternity. They encourage all members to continue to pray daily. If anyone or any church would like to join this “Call to Prayer,” please contact First Baptist Church, Arcadia, 318-263-8474 for information and materials.
By Megan Martin, LSU AgCenter Bienville 4-H Agent
Jurors Empower Teens (JET) is a program started by the Bienville Parish Police Jury and LSU AgCenter. Since 2008, the program has gained a strong reputation among the community for its youth enrichment. During the 4-week program, youth 16 to 18 years-old earn income while being employed at various public and private businesses. Not only does the program provide a valuable first employment opportunity, but it also equips teens with practical skills:
Applications are now being accepted. To be eligible, participant must be 16 to 18 years old, have transportation during program dates, and complete application with academic references.
Applications must be submitted to the LSU AgCenter Bienville office by close of business Friday, April 24, 2026. Youth that are selected for the next step will be interviewed May 14 -15. The JET program will run from July 6 through July 31, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. If there are any questions, reach out to the office at 318-263-7400.
The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.
“It breaks my heart to think about children growing up with so much uncertainty because one parent isn’t paying what they should. When the support doesn’t come, it’s the kids and the custodial parent who carry the burden every single day — and no family should have to live that way.”
See what Ida says
By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University
The drive to campus often carries two things at once, excitement and uncertainty.
For many students, college begins before the first class ever meets. It starts in the quiet questions that build during the summer. Where do I go? Who do I ask? What will this place feel like once it becomes mine?
At Northwestern State University, Freshman Connection is designed to answer those questions early and well.
The program serves as NSU’s official orientation for new first-year students attending the Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville, and Shreveport campuses. It gives students an organized, welcoming introduction to campus life, academic expectations, and the people who will help shape their first year. Students meet in small groups led by current student Connectors, who guide conversations, share advice, and help make a university feel personal from the very beginning.
That matters, because the transition to college rarely feels small.
Students are stepping away from familiar routines and entering a new environment with new expectations. They are learning how to manage time, ask for help, build relationships, and take ownership of their education. Freshman Connection meets them in that moment. It does not overwhelm them with information and send them on their way. It introduces them to the rhythm of NSU, one conversation, one session, and one connection at a time.
During orientation, students learn about academic advising and register for fall classes. They are introduced to campus services and resources that support strong academic choices and healthy social decisions. They explore opportunities for involvement and begin to understand what responsibility looks like in a college setting. By the end, the university is no longer a collection of buildings and offices. It starts to feel familiar.
“We want you to leave orientation knowing exactly where you belong,” said Dr. Mary-Katherine Maggio, director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement. “You arrive as a visitor, and you leave as a Demon.”
That sense of belonging is one of the most important parts of the experience.
Freshman Connection is also built with families in mind. Parent Connection runs alongside the student program and gives parents and guardians a closer look at first-year transitions, student involvement, campus services, university procedures, and academic resources. NSU also offers Kid Konnection for siblings ages 5 to 12, creating a family-centered welcome that recognizes college is often a transition shared by more than one person.
The 2026 schedule gives families several options. Natchitoches will host sessions May 20 to 21, May 27 to 28, June 17 to 18, and July 9. Additional one-day satellite events are scheduled for Alexandria on June 23, Leesville on June 24, and Shreveport on June 25, and these sessions are only for students attending those campuses. Registration opened Feb. 10 through the myStatus portal at www.nsu.la/mystatus, where students can also review admissions, financial aid, housing, and orientation information in one place.
That is why Freshman Connection matters. It gives students structure before the semester begins. It helps them move from uncertainty to clarity. It gives them names, faces, places, and next steps.
And for many, it marks the moment college stops feeling distant and starts feeling real.
At the end of Freshman Connection, students depart with direction. They know where to go, who to contact, and how to begin. They leave having already taken an important first step toward success at Northwestern State.
Explore Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/fc
Apply to NSU: www.nsu.la/apply
Register for Freshman Connection: www.nsu.la/
Most of us know that laughter is good for us. It eases stress, strengthens relationships, lightens the workplace, and boosts our overall sense of wellbeing. Proverbs puts it plainly: “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” And honestly, who among us couldn’t use a refill.
But humor, like everything else, needs healthy boundaries. We don’t have to be standup comedians or laugh at every mishap. And “putdown humor”—the kind that gets a chuckle by bruising someone else—doesn’t heal anything. It just dries up the bones faster.
What we need is the kind of humor that grows out of a joyful, grounded way of seeing the world. And believe it or not, Jesus modeled that beautifully.
Jesus wasn’t the stonefaced figure we sometimes imagine. He used humor—sharp, surprising, and downright funny—to open people’s eyes. When he talked about someone obsessing over the speck in another person’s eye while ignoring the log in their own, that wasn’t just a teaching. That was comedy. Picture someone with a telephone pole sticking out of their face saying, “Hold still, I think you’ve got a little something right there.”
Or his line about straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel. That’s ancient satire. Jesus knew that sometimes the best way to expose our blind spots is to make us laugh at them.
And that’s the invitation for us today. We can choose joy over cynicism. We can practice humor that lifts people up instead of tearing them down. We can resist becoming a “Negative Nate”—the person who finds the downside of winning the lottery—and instead cultivate the kind of cheerful heart that heals.
Life is serious enough. Faith gives us permission to smile anyway. And the Great Physician still prescribes a good laugh.
Louisiana residents are once again battling their annual sworn enemy as a thick layer of pollen quietly takes over cars, porches, and anything that dares to exist outside. Visibility is fine, but everything now has a nice yellow finish—whether it asked for it or not. Officials have yet to confirm when it will end, but locals agree: the pollen is winning.
Serves: 7 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Are you looking for a quick and flavorful meal the whole family will enjoy? Try this lower-sodium ramen stir-fry recipe. Packed with vegetables, protein, and plenty of flavor, this well-balanced dish will leave you satisfied while taking less than 40 minutes to prepare. Pair it with a tangy quick pickle cucumber salad for a refreshing side.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
This recipe is provided by LSU AgCenter Nutrition and Community Health Agent, Elizabeth Martin. For more information about programming happening in the community or for questions, contact the local extension office or call Elizabeth at 318-226-6805 or by emailing emartin@agcenter.lsu.edu.
We’ve all heard the words, “You need to stop and smell the roses.” That actually means we need to take the time to enjoy the moment. We need to be mentally present. Some of the best times in our lives are not always moments of fireworks going off.
Sometimes it’s those less important events that provide just as much joy. Today, I’ll go over a few events in my life that I truly cherish, along with some I regret.
There was one moment of regret during my Little League days. Even though I played all sports, I was also a dedicated Boy Scout. Being a scout during the 1970s was very common for a young boy.
But the one regret I have is the fact that I was one project away from becoming an Eagle Scout and never completed it. This is the highest achievement a scout can earn. It means a lot to become an Eagle Scout and looks good on a job resume. It gets the attention of an employer looking to hire you as it shows your ability to commit to a task and follow through.
I’ll admit that my baseball career, which was more important to me at that time, got in the way of my accomplishing the goal of receiving an Eagle Scout badge.
One event that’s given me a lifetime of both pride and joy was being a member of the 1978 Class 3A Texas state baseball championship team. Any time you can share the experience of winning a state title, especially with your closest friends, it just means more.
I can remember our head coach giving us a post-game speech after winning the state title. He said that this victory would mean more to us later in life than it did that day. How right he was!
That Texas state title whet my appetite for another one the next year. But nothing is harder than defending a state championship and regretfully we came up one game short of a repeat trip to the state tournament.
Another joy also comes with some regret. The day I got drafted by the Montreal Expos in 1983 brought so much joy. But after two seasons of playing in their minor league system, it was very apparent I had zero chance to make it to the major league level with the Expos.
Montreal at the time had three Major League Baseball All-Stars in their outfield with Tim Rains, Andre Dawson and Warren Cromartie. It may have been the best outfield in the big leagues at that time. There was no room to move up in the organization unless one of these three got hurt or traded. My regret after leaving the Expos is turning down a Double A contract from the San Francisco Giants that would have extended my baseball career.
While sports have been a huge part of my life, nothing has given me as much competitive joy as bass fishing. As a kid growing up on a ranch, there was no shortage of stock ponds to fish. I basically learned on my own, along with reading Bassmaster Magazine stories on how to catch bass.
I have spent hundreds of days fishing the banks of five different stock ponds loaded with good bass. I was always so proud to bring a stringer full of bass back home for a good fish fry.
Tournament bass fishing has given me much joy over the past 36 years especially with all the friends I have met and shared so many good times while fishing tournament trails and fishing some of the best lakes in the country.
Another joy in my life has been the creation of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show. This was a brainstorm of mine back in 2007 that I felt was much needed. Nineteen years later, the show is still going strong! Each week for 52 weeks out of the year I get to talk about issues related to God’s great outdoors. My relationship with my two other co-hosts, Gary McCoy and Mike Echols, makes doing the program so enjoyable.
But my greatest joy came the day I signed a scholarship to continue my athletic career/education to Northwestern State University where I met Sherrie, my wife of 44 years. We then celebrated the births of our three children Brittany, Meredith and Brandon.
To this day, raising of these three blessings has been my greatest accomplishment and one that has ZERO regrets!
Each of us has so many events or situations over the course of a lifetime that we can look back on with either joy or regret. As life continues to give us both good and bad times, just the fact that we are still waking up every day means we have so much joy to look forward to, and hopefully no regrets.
The Northwest Louisiana District DAR Chapters were honored to host a reception following a Naturalization Ceremony in Shreveport on Tuesday, March 10. They had the privilege of witnessing 32 individuals from 30 different countries take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become citizens of the United States. The chapter Volunteer for Veterans Pam Mattox represented Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter at the reception.
Chapter Regent Donna Sutton, Honorary Chapter Regent Cindy Madden, and Chapter Volunteer for Veterans Chair Pam Mattox attended the Northwest Louisiana District DAR Patriotic Luncheon at Superior’s Steak House on Feb. 19. Guest speaker was Sally Hamer who gave a PowerPoint presentation called “Hidden Lines of Liberty.” She talked about lesser-known heroes of the American Revolution: African Americans, indigenous people, and women. She also discussed Louisiana and Spain’s involvement in the war. She provided a handout of links to her references and further information, which the chapter regent distributed to the chapter members at our genealogy workshop last month. Sally Hamer has a Master’s Degree in History and has worked in the LSUS Continuing Education department for over 20 years. She is a multi-award winning author and a national speaker.
Louisiana DAR held its annual State Conference in Alexandra on March 19-21. Honorary Chapter Regent Cindy Madden and the chapter Volunteer for Veterans Chair Pam Mattox represented Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter. A “Paper Party” genealogy workshop was held the first afternoon of the conference, and a memorial service was held to honor each DAR member lost statewide in 2025. Dozens of state-level awards were presented at Opening Night and the Awards Luncheon, including the DAR Medal of Honor, DAR Good Citizen Award for teens, Distinguished Citizen Award, and Outstanding Teacher of American History. Two of the chapter’s American History Essay Contest winners received awards at the state level: Miles McCollough and Grayson Avery of Glenbrook School. The essay contest chair Margaret Salter will present the winners with certificates, medals, and cash prizes at their school. Their essays have been
forwarded to National for further judging.
The chapter donated a box of hygiene items to the DAR State Chair of Project Patriot to send to Camp Atterbury, a training facility for all branches of the military that are being deployed. Over 2,000 hygiene items were donated statewide, and packages of dehydrated food items are still being counted. The chapter also donated 35 packets of vegetable seeds to the DAR Schools State Chair to send to Hindman Settlement School in Hindman, Kentucky. This school is one of several public schools located in remote Appalachian areas that is supported by DAR. The vegetable seeds will be used for the school’s Grow Appalachia program, which seeks to solve persistent food insecurity issues by helping families grow and preserve as much food as possible. The state donated 1,838 vegetable seed packets.
DAR is a volunteer organization dedicated to education, patriotism, and historic preservation. Any woman age 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided in achieving American independence from Great Britain during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) is eligible to join DAR. For more information, contact dorcheatbistineau@yahoo.com.
United Way of Northwest Louisiana hosted a ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday, April 2, to celebrate the launch of the Northwest Louisiana Financial Security Center, a new initiative designed to help individuals and families build lasting financial stability.
The Financial Security Center provides free, one-on-one financial coaching, access to safe and affordable banking options, financial literacy education, and resources to support long-term financial goals, including debt reduction, savings, and generational wealth planning.
In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, this event highlights United Way’s commitment to expanding access to financial tools and resources that help individuals and families navigate financial challenges and build a more secure future.
The Financial Security Center expands on the work of the Shreveport Financial Empowerment Center and extends services across Northwest Louisiana, ensuring more residents have access to trusted, no-cost financial support.
