2024 – Sabine Parish Journal (2024)

Source: Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office

On August 2, 2024, Sheriff Aaron Mitchell of Sabine Parish reported the arrest of Kimberly Diane McCullough Skinner, age 35 of Many, on the evening, August 1, 2024:

Around 6 p.m. yesterday, Vernon Parish authorities received a report of a road rage incident in the Hornbeck area involving a white Jeep SUV. The driver (Skinner) allegedly pointed a firearm at another motorist. The SUV was traveling towards Sabine Parish.

Sabine Parish Sheriff Deputies discovered the vehicle was traveling north on LA Highway 191. Deputies located the SUV on Shadows Road and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Skinner stopped her vehicle on Shadows Road but then sped away. Deputies deployed spike strips and stopped Skinner’s SUV on Shadows Road near Highway 191.

Skinner was taken into custody without incident. Deputies located a loaded .22 caliber pistol, suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, and a glass smoking device inside the vehicle.

Skinner was arrested and booked into the Sabine Parish Women’s Jail for:

-Possession of schedule II (Meth),

-Possession of schedule II (Fentanyl),

-Possession of drug paraphernalia,

-Possession of firearm in presence of CDS,

-Aggravated flight from an officer.

No bond has been set at this time.

Skinner also faces felony charges in Vernon Parish for the road rage incident near Hornbeck.

Northwestern State University’s new president, James Genovese, dove into his first day on the job Monday by engaging with several different constituent groups in local and nearby business and education communities.

“It really has been a bundle of mixed emotions. It’s such a wonderful and exciting and energetic feeling to come back to Northwestern, to my roots, to Natchitoches. Spending the night last night, a lot of things were going through my mind,” said Genovese, a 1971 NSU graduate and longtime judge who gave up his seat on the Louisiana Supreme Court to accept the presidency. “I’m so excited to come back.”

Genovese began Monday at 7:30 a.m. as a guest on “Open Line,” a local call-in radio program, where he pledged to promote the university and its programs to prospective students and their parents.

“I’m going to meet with every strategic person there is, so we can get the word out and let them know what a jewel Northwestern is,” he said. “We’ve got a great institution, a beautiful campus, relatively inexpensive tuition, scholarships. We have so much to offer.”

His enthusiasm continued down Interstate 49 at a welcome assembly for all Rapides Parish School Board employees before joining a luncheon at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville hosted by the North Rapides Business and Industry Alliance.

Genovese was a featured speaker, along with Louisiana Surgeon General and former U.S. Congressman Dr. Ralph Abraham and Rapides Parish Superintendent of Schools Jeff Powell. To an audience of policymakers and leaders in business, education and healthcare, he continued to sing the praises of his alma mater.

“There’s not a person in this room that has not been touched by Northwestern State University. We want to let them know what a good product we have. It’s one of the finest institutions where you can get a good, solid education with a good student to teacher ratio, where everyone knows everyone, and we’re a family. And it’s relatively inexpensive,” he said.

Monday evening, he met with the Demon football team and new head coach Blaine McCorkle.

“We’ve got a lot of things working together, we’ve got a lot of cutting and pasting to do. People have just been wonderful,” he said. “I’ve been reaching out to every person that is key to the success at Northwestern. Look what it did for me. I owe Northwestern. It’s my foundation. I’m so grateful to come back at this stage in my life and do my best to bring Northwestern to a state of deserved prominence. That’s what I want to do.”

NSU students and faculty will be returning to the campus over the next two weeks in advance of the schools’ 140th academic term. Fall classes will begin Aug. 19. Registration will remain open through Aug. 27. More information is available atwww.nsula.edu.

Joining him were (from left) former State Sen. Gerald Long, State Rep. Michael T. Johnson, former State Sen. Louie Bernard, State Rep. Jason DeWitt, State Rep. Gabe Firment and State Sen. Alan Seabaugh. Seated are fellow luncheon speakers Rapides Parish Superintendent of Schools Jeff Powell and Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham. (Photo by LEAH JACKSON, NSU News Bureau)

Brett Money’s 2023 season was one of the most efficient by a Northwestern State kicker in recent years.

Because of his performance in his first season in a Demon uniform, Money’s second year at NSU will begin with him as a part of the 2024 Fred Mitchell Award Preseason Watch List.

Money was named to the collegiate division list, which includes 40 kickers from FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA, NJCAA and the 3C2A levels.

A junior form Alamogordo, New Mexico, Money is one of 12 FCS kickers on the list and one of two from the Southland Conference (Gabriel Showalter, Nicholls).

In his first season in a Demon uniform, Money connected on 7 of 8 field goal attempts, including a 48-yarder at Lamar that stood as the longest field goal by an NSU kicker since 2017. Money’s 87.5 percent success rate on field goals ranked him 6^thnationally in the FCS while his 1.17 field goals per game stood 29^th.

Money was successful on all nine of his extra point tries and led Northwestern State with 30 points.

The Mitchell Award’s 10 finalists will be announced at the end of the college football season with the winner receiving the trophy in February during a ceremony at the Chicago Bears’ training facility in Lake Forest, Illinois.

Northwestern State opens its 2024 season Aug. 29 at Tulsa.

The dog days of August are upon us and unless you live in Alaska, no one wants to be outside. But there’s still a lot to talk about and I’ve got a few things on my mind that I need to get off my chest. So today, I’ll give you my perspective on some topics that are both good and bad.

Football season is right around the corner which is hard to believe. NFL teams are right in the middle of training camp while college teams are reporting as we speak. High school teams are going through physicals and preparing to start their preseason training. But no matter who your favorite team is, the fact that August is here means fall and cooler temperatures are coming soon, which is my favorite time of year!

With the coming of fall, it’s also the time of year where bass tournament anglers who have had good seasons are now preparing for their championship events. Fall fishing can be awesome and is probably my favorite time to fish, mainly because the lakes are not as crowded since a lot of guys are getting ready for deer season.

Next, what changes will tournament organizations like B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) make for the 2025 season? Of course, we are talking about the hottest topic of 2024 with regards to forward-facing sonar. B.A.S.S. has decide to limit the amount of overall screen size per boat to 60 inches. Meaning you’ll be limited to the number of sonar units you can have on your boat.

So instead of 16- and 18-inch screens, some anglers will go back to five 12-inch screens. Another change for 2025, anglers will only be allowed one transducer per boat instead of three like some anglers have been running. This will have a bigger impact on the anglers than limiting their screen sizes. The jury is still out on MLF with regards to forward-facing sonar and we’ll keep our ears open and will report any changes… if they make any at all.

Next thing on my mind is the amount of cheating going on in tournament bass fishing today. Come on guys… really! If you must resort to cheating in order to win or do well in a bass tournament, you’re a loser anyway. But until judges drop the hammer on these guys and really make them pay for their actions, cheating will continue.

Slapping these cheaters on the wrist with a small fine and picking up trash on the side of the road is not enough of a deterrent. Jail time should be automatic with heavy fines and a lifetime ban on fishing. Sounds harsh? These guys are committing fraud and should be punished accordingly.

We’ll wrap it up with this. This year, it’s come to my attention that more and more anglers are being diagnosed with skin cancer/melanoma. I continue to see a lot of anglers ignore or refuse to take any precautions by protecting themselves from the sun’s harmful rays. Guys, I am an unfortunate example that we are not bullet proof and you need to do a better job of protecting yourselves.

Every angler out there should be making regular dermatologist appointments because the key to beating Melanoma is catching it early. Please take the time to protect yourself and find a dermatologist who can detect and treat any skin abnormalities. These regular appointments just might save your life.

Change how you dress for outdoor activities by wearing sun protective clothing and sunscreen. You might think it’s overkill, but now is the time to change your apparel habits so that you can protect yourself from the number one cancer killer — melanoma.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and if you’re not sure it’s a bite, set the hook!

Contact Steve atsgraf26@yahoo.com

By Jeannie Petrus

Overall, the look was effortless chic with a twist of color.

A whiteTwin Sisterdress that fit Gabby Godfrey like a glove.It was the first photo shoot created by the then 17-year-old aspiring model from Natchitoches that would be the foundation of a portfolio for a hopeful future career in modeling and fashion design.

Halfway into the photo shoot, the photographer, Jess Roberts, suggested wearing a colorful headband that Gabby had packed in her bag that day.It was the headband her grandmother, Ginny Carbo of Alexandria, had purchased for her as a Christmas gift in a local boutique.

Oh, that headband.

It was that headband that catapulted Gabby onto an exciting and…totally unexpected…path to fulfilling her dream of becoming a model.

“After receiving the photo gallery from Jess, I immediately chose my favorites and posted them on Instagram; tagging all of the designers of each piece I wore,” said Gabby.“I received hundreds of likes and comments, many of which asked about the headband.They loved the photos, but LOVED the headband and wanted to know where I got it.”

Gabby could have just told everyone it was purchased at a small boutique in Alexandria, but she wanted to know more.She began researching the company that made it and was blown away by what she discovered.

Alivia, a company started by Jovana Mullins in 2018, turns artwork, created by individuals with disabilities, into inspiring fashion apparel.

It was this headband piece that began with artwork created by an individual with a disability participating in art therapy.Aliviapays each artist for the use of his/her artwork, and then 10 percent of every purchase is donated to their associated nonprofit art therapy program.Also, each garment includes a scannable tag which credits the artist responsible for the design.Jovana then uses her own expertise and inspiration to create the fashion apparel.

Gabby was touched to learn the origin of the headband she wore, and it was not long before she was honored to receive a response from Jovana.

“We would love to work with you,” read the response.

At the time, Gabby was a senior at St. Mary’s Catholic School, leading a busy life with classes, extracurricular activities and leadership roles at school and in the community.It was hard for her to break away from her studies and school activities.

But as soon as Gabby graduated from high school in May of 2024, she was invited by Jovanna to come to New York for a photo shoot to model theAliviabrand and to meet some of the talented creators behind the designs.

During planning, it was discovered that Gabby and Jovana had a mutual family friend, Peyton Tillman, founder of and designer for the New York clothing company,Taylor Tillman.Jovana and Peyton worked together to coordinate a combined photo shoot forAliviaandTaylor Tillmanin Greenwich Village in New York City.

“Having the opportunity to work with Jovana and Peyton was an experience I will never forget. Their overall mission and passion to give back through fashion was very inspirational, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity and guidance that they have given me.

“I also had the privilege to meet Charlotte and Victoria,” said Gabby; “two absolutely beautiful girls who inspired the prints for the dresses I modeled that day.Victoria was fun, very kind, and focused; Charlotte was outgoing and full of personality.I instantly fell in love with both of them.”

Since the recent photo shoot in New York, Gabby continues to work with Jovana, helping to bring awareness to the mission ofAlivia.Jovana, who was impressed that Gabby researched theAliviabrand, shares a passion for not just doing what she loves, but doing it with a purpose.

“I love the story behindAliviaand how it showcases the talents of artists with disabilities,” she said.“If I am going to have modeling opportunities, I would love to continue in the direction of doing so for a cause, or for brands that give back to the community.

For now, Gabby is holding on to the luckyAliviaheadband she wore in that first photo shoot.She has brought it along on every photo shoot in the last two years.

Some of her modeling and work experience includes attending the Coco Rocha Model Camp in New York, and the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and Style Show in Lafayette, which benefitted Acadiana Symphony Orchestra music education programs.She also modeled forAmes LayneandZepp Airat the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Natchitoches Regional Airport, which along withLynn Sanders ArtandAlivia, were featured in the Fall 2023 edition ofLOLA Magazine.

In December of 2023, she modeled for the Church Street Inn in Natchitoches, and Jovana sent Gabby several items fromAliviato incorporate in a holiday photo shoot that took place at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans.

In the fall, Gabby plans to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and pursue a degree in Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising.Gabby also continues to work with Simone Foreman of Images Model & Talent Agency in Lafayette.She is hoping that her schedule will allow her to intern forAliviain New York next summer, and to attend the European Model Showcase in Paris.In the future, she aspires to create and design her own fashion apparel and accessories, similar toAlivia.

“It is surreal to think about how all of this came together from wearing a unique headband in my first portfolio photo shoot,” she said.

ThatAliviaheadband.

By Brad Dison

On August 3, Captain John Rut sat down and wrote “in haste” a letter to the King of England in which he described the condition of his crew. “Pleasing your honourable Grace to hear of your servant John Rut, with all his company here in good health, thanks be to God and your Grace’s ship the Mary Gilford.”

A few months earlier, Robert Thorne, a Bristol merchant, convinced the king to finance an expedition to find a northwest passage to the Orient around or through the North American continent. Finding a new and quicker route to China, Thorne reasoned, would increase the king’s wealth as well as his own. The king agreed and put John Rut in command of two well-armed ships.

On June 10, theMary Guildford, captained by John Rut, and theSamson, captained by a man known only as “Master Grube,” left Plymouth Harbor and sailed west across the Atlantic Ocean. For three weeks, the two ships sailed in calm seas and stayed within sight of each other. Then, on the night of July 1, a severe summer storm materialized. The crews of both ships fought the high, pounding waves through heavy rain to keep their ships afloat. Bolts of lightning lit up the skies for split seconds at a time, but the crews were too busy trying to survive to keep each other’s ship in their sights. Finally, the waves began to die down. The storm was letting up. John Rut and the crew of theMary Guildfordlooked in all directions through their spyglasses, but they could not locate theSamson. John Rut wrote, “I trust in almighty Jesu to hear good news of her. And please your Grace, we were considering and a’writing of all our order, how we would wash us and what course we would draw, [and] so departed southward to seek our fellow.”

In the letter, John Rut explained that they changed course again. “[We] ran in our course to the northward … and there we found many great islands of ice and deep water; we found no sounding, and then we durst not go further to the northward for fear of more ice.” On August 3, theMary Guildfordentered into St. John’s harbor, Newfoundland. In the harbor, which John Rut referred to as “a good haven,” they encountered “eleven sail of Normans, and one Brittaine, and two Portugall barks, and all a’fishing, and so we are ready to depart toward Cape de Bas [as] shortly as we have fished, and so along the coast till we may meet with our fellow (theSamson), and [with] all the diligence that lies in me [as] we were commanded at our departing.”

Unfortunately, the crew of theMary Guildfordnever located their fellow ship, theSamson. TheSamsonand its crew disappeared. Most people at the time, and modern historians agree, that they were probably victims of the brutal storm mentioned in the letter. John Rut ended the letter, “And thus, Jesu save and keep your honorable Grace, and all your honorable Rever(ences), in the Haven of Saint John, the third day of August. By your servant John Rut to his uttermost of his power.” Once John Rut completed the letter, he exchanged it with another ship’s captain, possibly one of the 14 fishing ships in St. John’s “haven.” At the time, captains on outbound voyages exchanged letters with captains of ships who were heading back toward the outbound ship’s port. Letters often passed between several ships before reaching their intended recipients. John Rut’s letter eventually made its way across the Atlantic Ocean to King Henry VIII and into its place in history. John Rut’s letter, portions of it which you have just read, was the first known letter mailed from the new world, the first letter sent from North America. John Rut wrote and mailed the letter on August 3, 1527.

Sources:

1. “Today in 1527,” The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor,https://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php%3Fdate=2011%252F08%252F03.html

2. “August 3,1527 – the First Known Letter from North America Is Sent by John Rut While at St. John’s, Newfoundland.,” Center for Teaching the Rule of Law, August 3, 2021,https://www.thecenterforruleoflaw.org/rule-of-law-blog/july-3-1527-the-first-known-letter-from-north-america-is-sent-by-john-rut-while-at-st-johns-newfoundland.

3. “Rut, John,” Dictionary of Canadian Biography, accessed August 5, 2024,https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/rut_john_1E.html.

By Doug De Graffenried

My morning habit involves watching the local TV news. I want to see what happened while I slept. This station offers a color the weather segment. The children draw weather events and send their artwork to the station. The station during a weather segment will show the artwork. These children are budding artists for sure.

Along with the meteorological depictions there are the usual childlike renditions of houses, cars, children playing and other things you used to draw as a child. I started noticing a commonality in the drawings. In most drawings there is a pig. The pig is usually pink.

I never sent artwork to a television station. I do remember drawing stuff in that ancient time of my childhood. I don’t remember drawing lots of animals. I think most of what I drew were houses and cars. And being a child of the 1960’s there were lots of rockets and space capsules. I know for sure; I drew no pig.

What is this sudden childhood fascination with pigs?

I asked Google.

I was introduced toPeppa Pig, which is a British preschool animated television series. The series began in 2004 and is still in production. So that would explain the sudden appearance of a pig in the children’s artwork.

I was thinking about it because this morning’s artwork showed a tornado with trees and the pig flying off into the sky. The pig is sometimes on the ground, sometime airborne depending on the weather being illustrated. Of course, you know that the phrase “when pigs fly” is an adynaton, a figure of speech so hyperbolic that it describes an impossibility.

Peppa Pig must be a thing with the children today. I long for the good ole days of the Coyote trying to do in the Road Runner, which is another article though.

American kids are binge-watching so much of Peppa Pig that they are developing English accents and even using words like “telly” and “ready, steady, go.” The children have learned to imitate Peppa Pig.

If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then as Jesus followers who are we imitating? The Apostle Paul was so brash he told the Corinthians to “imitate me.” What would someone learn about Jesus by imitating you?

Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston.

You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com

Kurt Anthony Simoneaux
August 12, 1965 — August 5, 2024
Service: Saturday, August 10, 2024, 10am at Pisgah Baptist Church, Florien

Thomas Alexander Bolton
August 14, 1949 — August 3, 2024
Service: Thursday, August 8 at 6:15 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

W. C. McFarland
May 27, 1950 – August 3, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Oscar L. Sibley III
June 10, 1951 – August 5, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Wilmer Bell Sr.
April 13, 1959 – August 4, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Collins M. Coutee Jr.
September 2, 1958 – August 3, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Pearlie P. Hall
December 29, 1949 – August 3, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Asalee Braden
March 8, 1936 – August 6, 2024
Service: Saturday, August 10 at 11 am at the St. Savior Baptist Church (Grand Ecore)

As temperatures began climbing back to late July levels this past weekend, the heat really went up for the University of New Orleans.

A weekend NOLA.com headline continues to reverberate: “Facing $15 million deficit, UNO will cut positions, lay off staff and close buildings.”

Elsewhere, especially around campuses where enrollment has dipped recently, UNO’s crisis is cause for great concern.

It wasn’t new news for UNO personnel. New president Kathy Johnson had given marching orders to her administrative team weeks earlier. Academic budgets were cut 15 percent. Athletics, already strapped compared to the competition, took a 25 percent financial gouge.

It was no surprise to leadership at UNO’s fellow University of Louisiana System institutions, who saw the harsh numbers UNO posted in recent years. Enrollment has collapsed, from nearly 17,000 students 20 years ago to just 6,600 last fall. The university budget on the Lakefront is $100 million, a few million more than what Northwestern State University operates on in Natchitoches.

Northwestern has suffered its own enrollment decline since 2020, contributing to personnel reductions and the university going into its reserves to meet budget in the past fiscal year. The painful, distasteful strategies have kept NSU from confronting the same dilemma that has unfolded along Lake Ponchartrain – for this upcoming school year, at least.

UNO’s previous administration temporarily staved off nuclear winter with federal pandemic stimulus funds, but that reservoir dried up. More than 70 university employees are losing their jobs. A heavily-used, old classroom building is being shuttered because maintaining it costs too much.

President Johnson is, as any good leader should be, optimistic while citing steps already taken in hopes of mounting a turnaround. UNO expects a healthy increase in its freshman class this semester, she says.

But looming in the distance: Louisiana’s fiscal cliff for 2025-26, if a half-cent state sales tax is allowed to expire. The state Board of Regents, which oversees all higher education in Louisiana, was recently warned of a possible $250 million budget reduction in FY ’25-‘26 impacting public colleges and universities. Other than political posturing, it’s difficult to grasp why legislators would voluntarily dismiss a sales tax that we’ve been living with since 2016, but it will be on the table next spring.

All those storm clouds are gathering, just as Northwestern has gone through a presidential change endorsed by Gov. Jeff Landry. He has said he believes longtime judge and for the past eight years, state Supreme Court Justice James T. “Jimmy” Genovese, can spur recovery at the 140-year-old institution.

At the introduction of the new president last Tuesday, with nearly 300 people sitting and standing in the Friedman Student Union ballroom, Genovese enthralled the audience with a stirring 10-minute speech followed by an hour of greeting well-wishers.

His pride in his alma mater (Class of 1971) was obvious. He touted quite a few of the university’s prime points of pride, including the faculty and staff. And he acknowledged that NSU’s current status was not at all what it needs to be, for the institution’s future and for the good of the local and area economy. He was firm in his belief that transformational change can happen up on Normal Hill.

The most important thing he said was a simple fact.

“I’m going to need your help.”

The new president will be a catalyst. The sheer passion and energy he showed in his interviews for the job shone through last Tuesday, but it’s going to take a lot more than a dynamic frontman to get the job done. It’s going to require a lot more people, working together, not sniping and griping.

President Genovese officially takes over on the first Monday in August, a week before the faculty convenes on Aug. 12. Students return a few days later and fall semester classes begin. That was the design of a search process that was expedited, to the consternation of some.

That was then. This is now. It’s imperative that all elements of the Northwestern community come together, acknowledge change has occurred, and embrace that everyone needs to play a positive role in producing a campus and community renaissance.

Genovese readily admits he doesn’t have anywhere near all the answers. He does have longstanding relationships with leaders around Louisiana, and obviously has the governor’s support, which is an immense asset for a university bouncing back from the brink. He knows how to lead, and how to listen.

If the Northwestern community and the university’s stakeholders step forward and collaborate with the new man on campus, it’s fascinating to consider what a comeback story this can be.

There’s really no other choice. And there’s the fact that it happened here before, when another proud alumnus, Dr. Bobby Alost, rescued Northwestern from a far more dire situation in 1986 and had the campus and Natchitoches bustling not long afterward.

“I’m going to need your help,” President Genovese said a few days ago.

He also said, “We can do this.” Emphasis on “we.”

Contact Doug atsbjdoug@gmail.com

NATCHITOCHES – Funeral arrangements are set for legendary Northwestern State coach and administrator Tynes Hildebrand, who passed away last weekend at the age of 93.

Visitation with the family will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches. The funeral service will follow at 3:30 p.m.

Hildebrand, a native of Florien in Sabine Parish, died last Sunday in the Dallas area after a brief illness. He and wife Julia, also a Sabine Parish native, lived in Natchitoches until moving to Shreveport in 2016, and they relocated to Texas a couple of years ago to be close to family members. She is among his survivors.

A member of the N-Club Hall of Fame, the Southland Conference Hall of Honor, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwestern State’s Long Purple Line, Hildebrand was a two-sport letterman (basketball, track and field) as an undergraduate and a two-time graduate of Northwestern.

He spent 16 seasons as Northwestern’s basketball coach, winning 191 games – the third-highest total in school history – while guiding NSU into its Division I era. He transitioned into administration, serving 13 years as the school’s director of athletics.

He instituted a forward-thinking internship program that strengthened the department and was a pivotal part of the Demons landing in the Southland Conference in 1987.

In addition to serving on the then-Division I-AA football selection panel and additional NCAA committees, Hildebrand served as a mentor for current Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey and former NSU athletic director Greg Burke. As the top administrator in NSU’s athletic department, Hildebrand was instrumental in guiding Northwestern State into the Southland Conference in 1987.

Following his time as AD at Northwestern, Hildebrand remained tied to basketball as a respected NCAA Division I official evaluator for 17 years, beginning in 1997. In 2006, he was chosen as one of the NCAA’s inaugural four regional officiating supervisors, helping select officials for the NCAA Tournament through to the national championship game. He retired in 2014.

Hildebrand is survived by his wife,his sons, Tynes Jr. and wife Trish, and Bruce and wife, Nancy and grandchildren, John and his wife, Alice, Jackson and his wife, Curri, Joseph and his wife, Emily, Brent and his wife, Allison, and Cara Grace Gray and her husband Andrew, as well as his great grandchildren, Hannah, Hayden, Hudson, Ellie, Hazel, Charlotte, Hattie, Adelyn and Sam.

By Doug De Graffenried

I was looking at my hands while driving to Shreveport. I noticed this spot on one of them. Now with all the worries about skin cancer and since I hung out on the beach and roasted myself as an adolescent, I was concerned about the spot on my hand. It looked funny through my sunglasses, and I made a note to check the spot when I finished driving.

I arrived at the appointed hospital for the visit and remembered my hand. I made the visit, had prayer, was encouraged by the person’s faith and hope, and went to the lobby. There I examined my hand. I looked carefully at the spot on the top of my hand. I did what is in vogue in our world, I consulted Dr. Google.

So, I know you are curious about the spot. It is a symptom of a terminal condition. The hand is marking the first symptom of the incurable malady. I know you will pray for me through this malady, and I will receive good medical care.

Oh, the spot, it is an age spot! I think I grew the age spot for my last birthday. It is on the top of my right hand, and I have noticed that the left hand is growing matching spots.

I want you to live a good, long, and healthy life. I want you to do everything you need to do to avoid all the things that the latest study has revealed that shorten our lives. I want you to believe the media about living longer. Go ahead and buy all that stuff at Walmart that will bring your vitality and hide your age spots.

Did you know that a person who ate meat, drank dairy, ate vegetables, was exposed to sunlight, had minimal medical care, and was born in 1850 has a 100% chance of being dead today? Well, you caught my sarcasm!

Here is the deal, none of us get out of this life alive! You will not be the first. My words of advice, enjoy the journey!

Jesus promised us abundant life. Part of that abundant life is living this day fully trusting that God’s grace will see us through. Jesus also promised that after we are finished living that “He was the way, the truth, and the life” and that through Him we could come to the Father.

Whether you soul is spotted with the scars of sin, or your hands are showing the spots of age, we have hope.

Jesus, the carpenter promised that He has made a home for us in heaven, that promise is our only hope in the face of our spots.

Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston.

You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com

Being from the great state of Texas, it was instilled in me from day one how important it was to follow the laws of the land, especially when it came to hunting and fishing. The last thing you wanted was a Texas Game Warden knocking on your door because you violated a wild game law. Today I’m going to reveal an incident that took place over 30 years ago that will illustrate that not all states have the same respect for the law as others — even the guys enforcing the laws!

Growing up in my neck of the woods, there was one particular game warden that had a nasty reputation like that of Buford puss*r from the movie Walking Tall. To protect the innocent, we’ll call him Billy Ray. As like Buford, he walked tall and carried a big stick. He was the game warden who took great pride enforcing the laws of East Texas’ great outdoors.

Billy Ray had the reputation for getting a little rough with those who decided to try and skirt the rules. There were many stories about him that were legendary with how he caught those who did not follow the laws of hunting or fishing. You might think you were going to get away with breaking a law, but Billy Ray would eventually track you down.

Upon my arrival to Louisiana back in 1979 as a tall skinny teenager looking to continue my athletic career and education at Northwestern State, I found out quickly that Louisiana laws were pretty loose when it came to hunting and fishing. During this time, Louisiana had what was known as an open range law which meant you did not need permission to hunt on another person’s property as long as it was not posted.

Being from Texas, this was shocking to me that I could walk onto another man’s property and hunt. Because where I’m from, this would never even cross your mind to set foot on another man’s property without permission, unless you wanted to answer to Billy Ray later on.

But on one particular dove hunt I was invited on, I realized that some Louisiana game wardens were above the law. A good friend of mine owned a big track of land that had a great amount of dove waiting on someone to take a few shots. My buddy called the night before the hunt with the invite. I asked him if the field was baited because he had the reputation for also skirting the laws on dove hunting. He assured me that all was legal and that I had nothing to worry about.

So, the next day as I and another buddy drove up on the field and began to spread out, I once again asked about baiting. The property owner said, “Well there might be some scattered seed out in the middle, but he felt we were good to go.” Now that I was nervous and anxious, my buddy decided to let us know that if we see a green truck with a red light on top come over the levy, run into the woods and hide.

Well sure as shoot’n, 30 minutes into the hunt the green truck with the red light rolled over the levy and onto the property. Heart racing, my friend and I hit the woods on a dead sprint hoping to evade the game warden. Then the game warden emerged from the truck and shouted out for our buddy who invited us on this outlaw hunt. He wanted to know who else was hunting with him that day. My buddy promptly cranked the bus and ran over us by replying that me and my friend had run into the woods.

The game warden called for us to come out and announced that it was OK to hunt. He also pulled out his shotgun and began to hunt with us — over a baited field!!!Only in Louisiana!

We all know that there will always be good cops and bad cops, but today I feel things are different in Louisiana. Personally knowing several Louisiana game wardens, I don’t think this would happen today — at least I hope not!

‘Til next time, good luck, good hunting and the next time you’re invited on a dove hunt, do what you’re supposed to do. Inspect the field yourself.

Contact Steve atsgraf26@yahoo.com

The Louisiana Department of the American Legion’s Louisiana Boys State program will be hosted on Southeastern Louisiana University’s campus starting in 2025.

For the first time in 18 years, the hands-on learning experience where rising high school seniors master the ins and outs of the Louisiana political system will be held in south Louisiana. The program is set to be held June 22 – 28, 2025, and will celebrate its 85th anniversary.

“The Louisiana Department of the American Legion has proudly sponsored Louisiana Boys State since 1940, and we are excited to host our state’s best and brightest young men at Southeastern Louisiana University starting in 2025,” said Tina Cielatka, Louisiana Boys State Commission Chair. “Year after year, young men leave the program transformed to be the leaders of tomorrow, and I’m excited to have SLU as a partner in that mission.”

The program’s hands-on approach allows participants to experience for themselves the various issues faced by government officials. Every single program attendee is elected to a position by their peers and challenged to overcome issues faced by local government officials, craft legislation, and play an active role in the judicial system.

Citizens also have the opportunity to interact with leaders from across the state including local and state government officials, business leaders, members of the media, and active service officers or officer cadets in the U.S. military. Speakers from a variety of backgrounds offer their perspectives on what leadership and public service mean and look like in the real world.

“Though our program is changing locations, our mission remains to develop civically engaged young men, who are impactful citizens in their communities,” said Micah Scott, Louisiana Boys State staff member. “We take great pride in the opportunity the American Legion has created to positively affect so many over the last 84 years and look forward to continuing that tradition in a new location. We believe transitioning to Southeastern will allow us to serve our delegates in an even greater way and we look forward to this exciting, new partnership.”

Registration for the 2025 program will open this winter. To learn more about attending Louisiana Boys State, contacting program staff, or daily activities, please visitlaboysstate.com.

BATON ROUGE, La. –Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is now acceptingEveryday Hero Awardnominations for individuals, non-profits, and businesses working to keep Louisiana litter-free and beautiful. Selected recipients will be honored at the Everyday Hero Awards luncheon onThursday, October 24, at the Crowne Plaza Executive Center in Baton Rouge, held in conjunction with the annualKLB State Conference.

“There are many people and organizations doing exceptional work in their communities, making strides toward a cleaner Louisiana for all of us,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “The Everyday Hero Award is a great way to recognize these people for their dedication to clean up our Sportsman’s Paradise and for going that extra mile to keep our communities litter free and beautiful.”

Those eligible for nomination include non-profits, KLB Affiliate organizations, businesses, professional groups, governmental agencies, civic and community organizations, schools, churches, and individual citizens.

Anyone may submit a nomination and multiple nominations may be submitted by the same individual. An online nomination form—available atKeepLouisianaBeautiful.org—is required for each entry submitted. The deadline to submit a nomination is August 29, 2024.

Award Categories:

Community Improvement Award– The Community Improvement Award recognizes a project, program, campaign, or initiative in alignment with the mission and work of Keep Louisiana Beautiful. The effort should demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and measurable community improvement. Eligible are for-profit and non-profit organizations, Keep Louisiana Beautiful Affiliates, schools, and civic groups. Associated with this award is a cash prize.

Let Louisiana Shine Volunteer Award– The Let Louisiana Shine Award, named in celebration of Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s statewide litter prevention campaign, is presented to a passionate volunteer who has dedicated their time and energy to community enhancement efforts. They may contribute by collaborating with community organizations and stakeholders to clean up litter, beautify spaces, and contribute to an improved quality of life for their fellow residents.Associated with this award is a cash prize.

Leaders Against Litter Award –The Leaders Against Litter Award recognizes individuals in public service who go above and beyond the call of duty to support Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s mission to clean up and beautify our Sportsman’s Paradise. The recipient of this award inspires and empowers others to follow their lead and work towards achieving a cleaner, greener Louisiana. To be eligible, an individual must work in public service: police officer, firefighter, educator, librarian, government employee, elected official, etc.

Rocksey’s Young Leadership Award (Grades K-12)– Named for Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s beloved mascot, Rocksey the Raccoon, this award is presented to a student or student group in grades K-12 exemplifying environmental stewardship. They are passionate about keeping their community clean and beautiful and they recognize it is every citizen’s responsibility to protect the environment. Their leadership in and outside of the classroom encourages their peers to reduce waste, recycle, and pick up litter when they see it.Associated with this award is a cash prize.

Collegiate Environmental Steward Award– The Collegiate Environmental Steward Award is presented to a college student or student group going above and beyond to make their campus community clean, sustainable, and beautiful. Their campus involvement and leadership have led to measurable change and inspired others to volunteer. The recipient embodies vision, leadership, determination, and collaboration. Associated with this award is a cash prize.

Outstanding Community Affiliate Award– The Outstanding Community Affiliate Award is presented to a Keep Louisiana Beautiful Community Affiliate that has made significant strides in the past year in making their community a cleaner, greener place to live. The recipient organization demonstrates strength in leadership by engaging key stakeholders and volunteers in collaborative initiatives with a measurable impact. The community served by the Affiliate is a better place to live thanks to the ongoing efforts of the organization. Associated with this award is a cash prize.

Outstanding University Affiliate Award– The Outstanding University Affiliate Award is presented to a Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate demonstrating strong leadership and a growing presence in their campus community. Not only have the efforts of the Affiliate resulted in visible and measurable changes, but they’ve also led to a cultural shift, with more students, faculty, and staff committed to reducing waste, preventing litter, and improving the appearance of their campus. Associated with this award is a cash prize.

Clean Biz Leadership Award (less than 50 employees)– The Clean Biz Leadership Award is granted to an organization demonstrating dedication to Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s mission and adopting operational practices to support a cleaner, greener community. The organization may have implemented policies and procedures for recycling, waste reduction, and litter prevention. The business may also support community improvement through sponsorship, volunteerism, programming, and other relevant initiatives. Eligible are for-profit and non-profit organizations with less than 50 employees.Clean Biz Partnershipparticipation is encouraged but not required for consideration.

Clean Biz Leadership Award (more than 50 employees)– The Clean Biz Leadership Award is granted to an organization demonstrating dedication to Keep Louisiana Beautiful’s mission and adopting operational practices to support a cleaner, greener community. The organization may have implemented policies and procedures for recycling, waste reduction, and litter prevention. The organization may also support community improvement through sponsorship, volunteerism, programming, and other relevant initiatives. Eligible are for-profit and non-profit organizations with more than 50 employees.Clean Biz Partnershipparticipation is encouraged but not required for consideration.

Litter Enforcement Award– The Litter Enforcement Award recognizes law enforcement officers actively working to stop littering in their community. They go above and beyond to educate the public about the negative impacts of litter, and work to bring justice to those who break the law by littering or dumping illegally. Eligible for this award are police officers, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents, justices of the peace, constables, judges, and code enforcement officers.

By Brad Dison

Frédéric “Auguste” Bartholdi was born in Comar, France in 1791 to parents Jean Charles Bartholdi and Augusta Charlotte Bartholdi. When Auguste was just two years old, his father died. Soon thereafter, Auguste, along with his mother and older brother, moved to Paris to be closer to another branch of the Bartholdi family.

Auguste was a student of the arts. He studied drawing, painting, sculpting, and architecture. He was most impressed with and often visited the workshops of noted sculptors Antoine Etex and Jean-François Soitoux. Auguste’s interests were in the creation of monuments to historical figures and patriotic celebrations. In 1854, Auguste began drawing what became his first real monument to honor a French Army officer during the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. He completed the bronze statue of General Rapp in 1855 and presented it at the Universal Exhibition of Parish. In the following year, it was placed atop a pedestal in Auguste and General Rapp’s hometown of Colmar. Auguste created a handful of other bronze sculptures of notable French patriots.

The viceroy of Egypt learned of Auguste’s talent and hired him to design a statue of a robed female Saeid Misr or “Upper Egyptian,” to be built at the entryway of the Suez Canal in Port Said, Egypt. It was to be calledEgypt Carrying the Light to Asia. Auguste got to work right away. He took inspiration from the giant ancient Egyptian statues at Abu Simbel, Egypt. He researched the Colossus of Rhodes which was built at the entrance to the island’s main port in 280 B.C. The Colossus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and stood for almost a thousand years until, according to some sources, an Arab force conquered Rhodes and completely destroyed the statue.

Auguste complete sketches and even a watercolor painting ofEgypt Carrying the Light to Asia. He designed the 86-foot-tall female statue to sit atop a 48-foot-tall pedestal. Auguste knew that this statue on such a grand scale would certainly be his masterpiece. Auguste met with the viceroy and displayed his sketches, paintings, and architectural drawings of the statue.The viceroy was certainly impressed, but the cost to construct the statue was just too great. The viceroy had no choice but to discontinue work onEgypt Carrying the Light to Asia. In 1869, the Port Said Lighthouse was built where Auguste’s statue would have stood. Auguste was understandably disappointed.

In the following year, 1870, France was embroiled in the Franco-Prussian War. Auguste served as a squadron leader of the National Guard and liaison officer during the war. He took part in the unsuccessful defense of Colmar from Germany. When the war ended in 1871, Auguste began constructing numerous monuments in honor of French heroism in the region. All the while, he kept thinking about the statue that would have been his masterpiece. He was determined to build it, but who would pay the enormous price to construct it? He ultimately convinced the French government to help in the form of public fees. They held various forms of fundraisers such as theatrical events, art exhibits, auctions, and a lottery. In 1883, poet Emma Lazarus wrote her famous sonnet entitled “The New Colossus” to be auctioned for the statue’s construction.

Finally, Auguste had the funds to build his masterpiece. He recycled and modified his original female “Upper Egyptian” design along with the statue’s original titleEgypt Carrying the Light to Asiato better fit the statue’s intended placement. In July 1884, Auguste completed his 151-foot masterpiece, and the statue stood tall above the rooftops of Paris for two years. Then, the statue was disassembled, packed up, shipped to what was then called Bedloe’s Island, and reassembled where it remains to this day. Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi recycled the look ofEgypt Carrying the Light to Asiaand renamed the statueLiberty Enlightening the World. You and I know Auguste’s recycled masterpiece as theStatue of Liberty.

Sources:

1. The Statue of Liberty: Overview + History, Ellis Island Foundation,https://www.statueofliberty.org/statue-of-liberty/overview-history/

2. Auguste Bertholdi – Father of the Statue of Liberty, Colmar et sa region, L’Alsace essentielle,https://www.tourisme-colmar.com/en/visit/presentation/history/famous-people-from-colmar/176-auguste-bartholdi-father-of-the-statue-of-liberty#:~:text=Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric%20Auguste%20Bartholdi%2C%20the%20most,to%20go%20live%20in%20Paris.

3. Gabriela Hammond, “The Woman Behind the Statue of Liberty: Who is Lady Liberty,” February 15, 2021,https://www.statueoflibertytour.com/blog/the-woman-behind-the-statue-of-liberty-who-is-lady-liberty/

Hi, I’m Panda! I’m a handsome one year oldCatahoula Leopard dog/mix. I am a sweet boy who’s bursting with fun and a whole lot of love! I’m the kind of pup who gets along with everyone I meet. Whether it’s humans, other dogs, or even those mysterious feline creatures, I’m always ready to make new friends and spread the joy.

When it comes to playtime, I’m the ultimate enthusiast. Give me a ball, a squeaky toy, or even just an open space, and I’ll keep going for hours! I never seem to run out of energy, and it’s always a blast to engage in games and activities that keep me on my paws.

But let me tell you a little secret-when it’s finally time to recharge, I’m out like a light! It’s not unusual to find me snoozing in the oddest places and in the strangest positions. I have a knack for turning any spot into a cozy nap zone. I keep my caregivers laughing everyday.

So, if you’re looking for a companion who can keep up with your active lifestyle and still provide endless entertainment, look no further. I, Panda, am here to fill your life with laughter, playfulness, and unforgettable moments. Let’s embark on a journey of endless fun and adorable snoozing adventures together!

For more information about me, please reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals) at: npfauna@gmail.comor check out our website:www.npfauna.org

Mike LaCaze
November 15, 1977 — July 29, 2024
Service: Friday, August 2 at 7 pm at Cypress Baptist Church

Tynes Hildebrand
February 25, 1931 — July 28, 2024
Service: Sunday, August 4 at 3:30 pm at the First Baptist Church of Natchitoches

Linda A Thompson
March 2, 1962 – July 8, 2024
Service: Saturday, August 3 at 10 a. m. in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches

Charles D. Raymond
October 12, 1937 – July 26, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Ronald J. Johnson
August 26, 1963 – July 27, 2024
Arrangements TBA

Opelousas native Jimmy Genovese strode into his first public function Tuesday as Northwestern State’s 21^stpresident to the groove of his beloved zydeco music.

The soundtrack quickly shifted to the Demon Fight Song as Genovese and his wife Martha, and three of their five daughters, made their way to front-row seats at his welcome reception and introduction on campus.

Genovese further amped up the energy level of an overflow audience at the Friedman Student Union with his passionate remarks reflecting on his joy at taking the helm at his alma mater, and expressed determination to revitalize his alma mater.

He also unabashedly asked for the audience’s buy-in.

“It’s overwhelming. I want to thank each and every one of you for being here because I need you and you are part of the overall plan,” he said. “I have a lot of institutional knowledge, having served on the Supreme Court for eight years and having handled 200 employees, 19,000 lawyers, 372 judges and a budget of $208million.”

He recognized his wife Martha and theiradultdaughters Stephanie, Adrienne and Sarah. Daughters Celeste and Elizabeth weretoo far away (one vacationing on the Gulf Coast, and the other living in Denmark) to attend.

“Having five daughters and lived through that, I think I can take on this job,” he said, grinning broadly.

He also thanked outgoing president Dr. Marcus Jones for his service to the university and assistance in the transition of office.

“I commend him for what he has done. His heart and soul are with Northwestern, and he has now levitated into a position in the UL System, but he has been there for me and I speak with him on a regular basis.”

NatchitochesParishDistrict Attorney Billy Joe Harrington,president of the state DA’s association and anNSU alumwho has tried cases in front of the new president, said Genovese has a reputation for treating people with dignity and respect and will bring experience, leadership and energy to hisnew role.

“If you watch President Genovese, he is exhilarating, he is exciting, he is full of energy and that is going to translate into Northwestern, into all of us. That will translate into getting more students here and benefit our town,” Harrington said. “President Genovese has so many layers of experience, leadership, administrative leadership and those layers are going to be wonderful for Northwestern.”

Earlier in the morning, Genovese met with students who provided a lively welcome, introduced themselves and showcased campus life. During the program, student leaders and student-athletes presented gifts to the new first couple, including a Demon fan starter pack, and offered encouragementand insight.

“How invigorating it is to be with the students and see their joy and their excitement,” Genovese said. “It brings back memories and I emphasize how they are the lifeblood of this institution.”

The new presidentnoted there are abundant points of pride at NSU andsaid he will focus on increasing enrollment and addressing inadequate financing.

“We’ve got great programs, and I want to get out and I want to sell it,” Genovese said. “My vision is to reinvigorate and rejuvenate Northwestern and bring it back to the prominence that it once had and certainly deserves today.”

Genovese was namedas the incomingpresidentlast Thursday by the University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors,and willofficiallyassume office Aug. 5 as the universityapproachesits 140thacademic year.

He is a lifelong resident of Opelousas and a 1971 graduate of NSU who went on to earn a law degree from Loyola University in 1974. As an undergraduate, Genovese was a four-year letterman in tennis.

He was named to Who’s Who Among Universities and Colleges, Who’s Who Among Greek Fraternities and Sororities of America and Outstanding College Athletes of America. He was also president of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity andwas president of theInterfraternity Council,while also being aStudent Government Associationsenator andparticipating inintramurals.

In his brief remarks during Tuesday’s introduction, he fondly recalled camping trips to nearby Kisatchie National Forest and to area waterways to fish. He now has a camp on nearby Toledo Bend Lake.

Genovese was inducted into the Long Purple Line, NSU’s alumni hall of distinction, in 2018.

Mrs. Genevese, the former Martha Anne Janes, also attended Northwestern as a nursing major, but chose a military career and retired as a staff sergeant in the Air Force. In addition to five daughters, they have four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire District #1 and Louisiana State Police responded to the scene of a fire on July 22 on I-49 southbound near milepost #124 South of Cypress according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office. The fire consumed a commercial vehicle hauling hay. There were no injuries.

Extended Warehouse Clearance Sale

Location:214 Texas Street (old Tommy Stewart showroom)

Dates:This Coming Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Time:10 AM to 2 PM

Thank you to everyone who came out to Saturday’s warehouse sale. We sold lots of inventory, but we still have a good bit of merchandise up for grabs. We are also adding new items to the warehouse sale.

Many of our local Brick & Row friends were not able to make it Saturday, so here is your chance to grab some awesome deals. We are resetting the warehouse for another round of inventory clearance! See below for details:

Thursday, July 25^th,10 am-2 pm60% off everything.

Friday, July 26^th,10 am-2 pm,70% off everything.

Saturday July 27^th,10 am-2 pmFINAL SALE DAY75% off everything.

My son and his family had to cover their children with their bodies last Saturday night to protect them because people were holding a drive-by shooting outside their home.

• Big Lots closing
• Sonic #2 – closed
• HIbbets has been closed for days
• Rainbow – closed
• Maglieaux’s – closed
• Pizza Hut on Keyser -closed
• Fontenot on college Ave – closed –I am sure I have forgotten several others that have closed

• Empty buildings everywhere.
• Houses, vehicles, and shops getting robbed.
• Businesses with boards on windows from drive-by shootings.
• NSU enrollment is at its lowest.
• Businesses being neglected by rude and untrained employees.
• Stores on front street are hurting. –When will we start seeing closures there.

Parc Natchitoches– (a gold mine for attracting tourist) is being neglected: grass growing in turf. Fields are getting worse. Pot holes everywhere. Not hosting any tournaments on weekends to bring people to Natchitoches.

Farmers Market:This past Saturday – weeds and vines are over taking stairs and wheel chair access leading down to river bank.

Crime Rate:Need I say more…. No matter how much they try and keep the truth buried, tourist are learning about the sky-high crime rate and are choosing to not visit as much.

People are starting to sell their homes and are leaving.

To my fellow community members – Natchitoches is imploding!

Melissa Megason

Note: I originally posted part of this on social media. Here are some comments:

Natchitoches has been on a gradual decline for the past 10 years. Unfortunately, the beautiful town we grew up in no longer exist.

Natchitoches could be a tourist destination that would pump money into a dying economy but instead of focusing on this it seems the city is trying to survive on the residents and unfortunately the wages, long term jobs, and inflation will not allow this.I hate coming “home” and seeing what could be a thriving town wasted and dying. –Josh Spears

Very sad to see our city in such terrible shape. The current mayor had the city in shambles and then when election time rolls around, we re-elect him. We need change very badly. –Parker Bankson

The sad part about it all is that THEY see it and are not doing anything about it!! If their pockets are lined, they could care less. I am willing to bet within the next 3-5 years, this place most of us call home is going to be a ghost town. –Demetric Latigue

Agreed! –Rhonda Sanders

I agree 100% it is a shame that the place some of us call home with so much History is falling apart before our very eyes!!– Shanell Baines

It is sad to see our town going down the way it is.– Larry Graham

I am Praying for Natchitoches … I love this place. Wish I could help more to turn this place around. –Daryl Walker

The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Sabine Parish Journal. If you have an article or letter to the editor of interest for publishing consideration by the SPJ, please send it to SPJNewsLa@gmail.com.

By Doug De Graffenried

George Carlin once made this comment on why he had such a congenital distrust of religious neophytes who claim to be “born again.” “They talk too much, pure and simple! When I was born, I was so stunned that I couldn’t speak for two years! If someone has a religious experience and shuts up for a couple of years, I will take them seriously.” Carlin had nothing nice to say about organized religion, but in this regard, he points out a spiritual truth.

Wonder and awe stun and mute our spontaneous energies. They paralyze us so that we become reflective by conscription.

Amazement does the opposite. Amazement opens up the conduit to our emotions and usually to our mouths. When your friend starts, “we had the most amazing vacation.” Don’t you catch your breath because you are about to be assaulted with a verbal travel journal? Of course, to go with the narration, pictures will be thrust upon you. Wonder and awe are spiritual and deep, amazement is visceral and shallow.

I take you to the Christmas stories in Luke. There are angels busy giving birth announcements. Zechariah the old man gets one and he is amazed. Zechariah, knowing about biological impossibilities voices proper questions, and Gabriel, seemingly unhappy with his questions, mutes him for nine months. So, Zechariah was amazed, and he spoke. Albeit, he spoke “out of school.”

A short time later, the same angel goes to the virgin Mary, with her birth announcement. She certainly knows about biological impossibilities, but she says nothing. She ponders the angel’s words in her heart. She is filled with wonder and awe by this news. Her wonder and awe kept her silent.

Wonder and awe are the biblical antithesis to amazement.

It is the difference between taking your breath away and taking your words away.

Are wonder and awe a part of your daily experience? When you listen to the voice of creation as the sun is setting? When do you hear divine music? When are you touched by the love of another? Are there moments that are so divine for you, that you can’t speak?

Where do you find wonder and awe? What takes your words away?

Doug de Graffenried is Pastor of Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston.

You can contact Doug at dougsponderings@gmail.com