Thomas Francis Waxley
October 6, 1940 – January 23, 2025
Service: Services for Mr. Waxley began with visitation on Sunday afternoon, January 26, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM, at Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield, Louisiana. Visitation will occur again, prior to the service on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 1 PM, with the funeral service following at 2 PM. Services will be held at Corinth Baptist Church, Hwy 472, Jordan Hill Road, Winnfield, Louisiana. Interment in the cemetery following the funeral service.

Francis Perry Little, Sr.
March 30, 1928 – January 25, 2025
Services: Services for Mr. Little began with visitation on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in the Chapel of Kinner & Stevens, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in the Chapel of Kinner & Stevens. Interment followed in Oak Grove Cemetery (Rhinehart, Louisiana).

Andrew “Drew” Curtis McClure
December 4, 2000 – January 21, 2025
Service: Services for Mr. McClure began with visitation Saturday, January 25th, within the First Baptist Church of Jena (2725 East Oak Street, Jena, LA 71342), then again Sunday before final services at 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Funeral Services began immediately after, with interment taking place in the Woodland Cemetery (Jena, LA).

“It’s not fair!”

This is an exclamation that parents usually hear from their children by the age of 3 or 4, when kids begin to develop a sense of what is right and wrong. As a Christian, I believe that this innate yearning for fairness and justice stems from the “Imago Dei,” the idea that humans bear the image of God and reflect His character and holy attributes. Throughout Scripture we see the LORD as a just God, proclaiming in Proverbs 11:1 that “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.”

This concept of fairness has been at the heart of many important issues the state legislature has debated over the past year – redistricting, criminal justice, education, tax policy – all of these conversations inevitably turned into a discussion over what was fair and just.

There will be a public town hall meeting held on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at 6 pm at the Kees Park Community Center in Pineville to hear from Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, with the main topic of discussion being the affordability and availability of automobile insurance in our state.

The meeting is being hosted by Speaker Pro-Temp Mike Johnson, Rep. Jason Dewitt, and myself. Please show up for the meeting and let your voices be heard. Hopefully, this will be the first of a series of meetings to be held by representatives across the state to give their constituents an opportunity to voice their concerns and discuss possible solutions being considered by the Legislature.

As Chairman of the House Insurance Committee, it is my sincere belief that we need to have a serious conversation about “fairness” when it comes to the high cost of commercial and personal automobile insurance in Louisiana. Although there are different ideas about how to solve the insurance crisis in our state, we should all be able to agree that it is not fair that Louisiana is the most unaffordable state in the nation for automobile insurance.

Over the past several months the state legislature has held a series of meetings involving multiple committees – including House Insurance – with the sole purpose of identifying the underlying cost drivers of automobile insurance in the state. These committees will likely reconvene in a joint meeting in the next couple of months to formally present their findings prior to the beginning of the next regular legislative session in April. For me, the biggest takeaway from the meetings thus far is that Louisiana is an outlier in how we resolve disputed automobile insurance claims. When automobile accidents occur in our state, we are more than twice as likely to file bodily injury claims as the rest of the nation, and we file lawsuits to resolve these claims at a much higher rate than our neighbors in the South and around the country.

These two facts alone – our propensity to file bodily injury claims at a higher rate and to litigate at a higher rate – call into question the fairness of our civil justice system in Louisiana when it comes to settling automobile insurance claims. What are we doing differently in Louisiana that causes our citizens involved in accidents to file more claims and to sue each other more often than nearly every other state? It is imperative that we find answers to these questions, because anyone with even a basic knowledge of insurance understands that the cost insurance companies incur to pay claims is ultimately passed on to the policyholder in the form of higher premiums. Higher and more frequent claim payouts will necessarily lead to increased premiums. When carriers that insure automobiles determine that the risk is greater than the potential for profit despite an increase in premiums, they will begin to non-renew policies, stop writing new policies, or sometimes pull out of a state altogether. We are seeing this happen right now in Louisiana, especially with commercial auto, trucking, and logging insurance.

Perhaps the most obvious area where fairness appears to be lacking in the process of adjudicating automobile injury claims is the manner in which medical bills resulting from the treatment of a claimant’s injuries are presented to a judge and jury. We have heard testimony in multiple committee meetings that the jury is often presented only with the billed amount, or “sticker price”, for medical costs, rather than the actual cost of treatment that is incurred. In addition, the person being sued is typically not allowed to present evidence of what the usual and customary cost of medical treatment is, preventing the jury from obtaining all the information needed to make informed and rational decisions regarding the appropriate monetary award for medical costs and for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. During the upcoming session, I will be advocating for medical billing transparency legislation that allows the jury to consider billed costs, incurred costs, and evidence of reasonable and customary costs for similar medical treatments.

Another factor the legislature must consider in addressing the automobile insurance crisis in Louisiana is the increasing prevalence of “nuclear verdicts”, or jury awards over $10 million in civil lawsuits. In 2023 alone, Louisiana state courts awarded over $400 million in nuclear verdicts against businesses, with many of these awards stemming from litigation related to auto accidents. In September of last year, a St. Landry Parish jury rendered a $220 million verdict in a lawsuit involving a collision between a pickup truck and an ambulance, where an unrestrained EMT in the ambulance sustained significant debilitating injuries. The award included $155.5 million in non-economic damages, which typically includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Based on testimony heard in our recent committee meetings, there appears to be a direct correlation between the growing frequency and magnitude of these large verdicts, and increasing insurance rates – especially in commercial auto and trucking insurance.

One option the legislature should consider to address the prevalence of nuclear verdicts in automobile liability lawsuits is the imposition of caps on non-economic damages for personal injury cases. Several states have established caps on non-economic damages in personal injury cases, including Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The state of Iowa recently passed legislation that imposes a cap on non-economic damages per plaintiff in cases involving commercial motor vehicles.

I understand the arguments of those opposed to limiting non-economic damages when they claim that you can’t place a monetary value on the loss of life, or on subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent physical disfigurement, or mental well-being. However, we must also acknowledge that arbitrary and exorbitant monetary awards rendered by a jury that may not have all the information relevant to a case, create an environment hostile to free enterprise and detrimental to hard-working, middle-class families that comprise the backbone of our state’s economy. A civil justice system that incentivizes inflated monetary awards that are not proportional to the loss suffered causes great harm to families, churches, businesses, municipalities, parish governing bodies, and all entities and individuals that must purchase automobile insurance. The greatest burden on Louisiana citizens today is the exorbitant cost of insurance, and we have a duty as legislators to seek solutions that protect the public, promote healthy competition, and allow for economic flourishing. We cannot afford to ignore this problem or to continue caving to special interests who benefit from the status quo.

Over the past 4 years I have passed more bills to hold P&C insurance companies accountable and protect policyholders than any other member of the House (HB520 &; HB609 in 2024, HB110 &; HB183 in 2023, HB118, HB539 &; HB831 in 2022, HB457 &; HB591 in 2021). The great majority of my personal business these days involves representing commercial and residential property owners against insurance companies in disputed property claims through the Appraisal process. So, I certainly understand that insurance companies sometimes fail to fulfill their contractual obligations, and at times may not treat insureds or claimants like they should. That is why it is imperative that we have an impartial and unbiased civil justice system available to anyone who has been harmed or suffered loss. However, from my perspective the scales of justice have become skewed in Louisiana and must be rebalanced to level the playing field and provide for transparency, equality, and fairness throughout the process so that justice is available for the plaintiff and for those accused of wrongdoing.

Transparency in medical billing and the imposition of monetary caps on non-economic damages for personal injury cases stemming from auto accidents are just a couple of the options the state legislature will be considering to address the insurance crisis in our state during the next legislative session. I look forward to continuing this discussion with all stakeholders in the weeks leading up to the regular session, and it is my sincere desire that my fellow legislators will join me in listening to the cries of our constituents who are demanding solutions, rather than the shrieking of special interests on both sides of this issue who care only about their profits.

If the state legislature is going to take up this fight and get serious about passing meaningful auto insurance reforms next session, we need to hear from the families and businesses we represent that are struggling just to make ends meet because Louisiana is the most unaffordable state in the nation for
auto insurance.

If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at (318)765-9606 or gfirment@legis.la.gov.

Thank you and God Bless.

Paid Content

Winnfield’s State Representative Jack McFarland appeared before the January 14 session of the City Council to announce a $1.2 million legislative appropriation that will transform downtown’s Louisiana Political Museum.  In his final term in Baton Rouge, McFarland serves as the Appropriations Chair.

He told members that he’s proud to make the announcement because even though the museum showcases individuals from all walks who’ve had an impact on Louisiana, operational monies through the years have been a challenge.  He said he’s worked during his time at the capitol in support the museum and this funded plan is an opportunity to secure its future here.

Museum Director Shonna Moss explains, “The Louisiana Political Museum, located in the heart of Winnfield, is on the brink of a transformative expansion that will significantly enhance the community and its rich political heritage. As part of the next phase in the museum’s development, a proposal has been made to the City of Winnfield to donate the depot building to the State of Louisiana, a move that would ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the museum.

“In 2024, the Louisiana Legislature allocated $1.2 million in funding for the museum’s expansion, marking a major commitment to preserving the state’s political history. However, these funds can’t be utilized until the depot building, currently owned by the City of Winnfield, as well as the adjacent buildings at 501 and 503 E. Main Street, which are owned by the Friends of the Louisiana Political Museum, are transferred to state ownership.

“The Friends of the Louisiana Political Museum have already committed to donating their building to the state and are now seeking the City of Winnfield’s partnership in this endeavor. Once the museum becomes part of the Office of State Museums under the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, the benefits for the city will be immense.

“Key Benefits for Winnfield include Annual Funding and Stability: As part of the state museum system, the Louisiana Political Museum will be eligible for guaranteed funding, ensuring its continued operation without the reliance on fluctuating legislative appropriations. With annual operational expenses estimated at $150,000, securing state support is essential for the museum’s long-term success.

“Boost to Tourism and Local Economy: As a part of the state museum system, the museum will be included in state marketing efforts, attracting more visitors to Winnfield. Increased tourism will drive revenue to local businesses, including restaurants, service stations, and shops.

“Revitalization of East Main Street: The museum’s expansion will bring a fresh look to the area, with improvements such as outdoor event spaces, meeting rooms, and a new facade that enhances the downtown’s appeal.

“Additionally, the project addresses concerns about the future of the museum. A clause in the donation agreement will ensure that all current exhibits remain in Winnfield, securing the museum’s continued presence in the city even if state plans shift in the future.

“The expansion’s design vision, which will connect with old depot with the former Youth Shop and Girlfriend buildings, blends Southern architectural charm with modern functionality. Plans include a central gallery, archives, a gift shop, dining areas, and outdoor spaces such as courtyards and gazebos honoring Louisiana’s three governors from Winnfield.”

Santa turned the table on the Winnfield City Council when, instead of asking them their wishes for next Christmas, he asked his own from them:  a new Santa’s Workshop.

“I’m asking, I’m begging,” Bill Thompson began in his plea before the January 14 gathering of the City Council.  “I need a new Santa Claus House.”  He explained that the floor of the familiar little building that has served the community for years has floors that are rotted, windows that are broken and a front porch that is too small.

“Once you have me and my chair and a child or two, there’s no more room on the porch.  And there are often more children that that,” he told the council members.  He pointed out that in a new Santa Claus House, there’s no need for much space in the “Workshop” since Santa and the kids would not be in there.  They’d be on the front porch while the workshop would simply be storage for his chair when he’s not on Christmas duty.

On that topic, he also suggested a change in visiting hours.  It’s been from 4 until 7 p.m. during the holiday season but he said it’s so late and dark that hardly anyone comes late.  He suggest a schedule of 3 until 6 p.m.  He added that Mrs. Claus has asked about photo opportunities for Facebook posting.

Thompson advised that in his search for a possible solution, he had approached the Technical College here but learned that they no longer have a carpentry program.  “So that’s my request,” he concluded.  “The good news is that you’ve got 11 months to fill it.”

In other business, the council also agreed to a number of changes in personnel status within the Police Department.  Included was the change for Angela Williams from police recruit to probational jailer.  Kaylee Sweet from part-time dispatcher to full-time probational jailer.  Tyler Smith hired as full-time provisional jailer.  Michael Slayter hired as full-time provisional jailer.

They also agreed to reappoint Tia LaCaze as full-time provisional dispatcher.  Brian Glenn reappointed as provisional lieutenant.  Ashley Carpenter reappointed as provisional sergeant.  And Deontrey Means reappointed as provisional sergeant.  

The Winn Parish Police Jury at its January meeting on Tuesday approved a member pay raise, their first in over 20 years they heard before taking the vote.

The new compensation will be $1,200 monthly, up from $900, with the president to receive $1,300.  But there was some discussion before the vote was called.  Author Robinson pointed out that he’s always objected to the concept of a pay raise.  But he said that before he came on board, both retirement and insurance for jurors had been eliminated while costs for carrying out duties remained.  He heard that elimination of insurance had saved the jury about $10,000 per juror.

Darrell Franks said that he understands the idea of a raise, considering the cost of gasoline as jurors drive their districts to view roads and other issues.  “But is the timing right, with the population of our parish declining?”  He heard that the additional cost would be $24,000 but was more than offset by the savings on insurance.

The measure was approved, with Franks voting against and Kyle Potts abstaining.

The lawmakers also picked their leadership as they move into the new year by electing Frank McLaren to continue as president and Deionne Carpenter to continue as vice president.  Each was nominated without opposition.  McLaren observed that it has been “an honor” to serve this past year and he is counting on the jury “continuing to move forward with its accomplishments.”

Asst. Road Supt. Paul Hodnett gave a brief report to the lawmakers, focusing on the jury’s pothole-patching program, noting  that temperatures now are too cold to accomplish any effective patching.  He did receive compliments for the road crew on grading in several areas and was also asked to have the crew look into issues in several others.

Jurors approved a motion to name Tony McManus to the Winn Parish Fire District Board for a two-year term to replace Brad Cooper.  They also handled a number of other business matters before adjourning.

As a safety precaution against hazardous driving conditions due to snow and below-freezing temperatures, schools were closed across Winn on Tuesday.  No more precipitation arrived the rest of yesterday nor was any expected today but school was again out Wednesday as melting snow and even colder temperatures led the state to caution against road travel.

The parish awoke Tuesday to a dusting of snow, with temperatures dipping into the low 20s.  Roofs and lawns displayed a light coat of white with some snow accumulation in trees and small drifts around tree trunks.  Anything on major roads and highways had disappeared by daylight but drivers still used caution on rural and secondary roads.

Residents were also careful going up or down snow-covered steps at their homes or at downtown buildings.

Traffic was light in town and along the highways leading through town on Tuesday as motorists heeded advisories (or simply stayed home to keep warm as temperatures rose to not much above the freezing mark).  The Sheriff’s Office and Winnfield City Police station remained active. The courthouse was mostly quiet, with doors open at the Assessor’s and Registrar of Voters offices.

While pre-dawn temperatures today were predicted to be even lower than yesterday, a warming trend through to next week is expected.

Local computer specialist, Brent Chandler, visited with Winnfield Rotarians on January 8 to speak about Artificial Intelligence, at the invitation of Ted Wold, Rotarian of the Day. Chandler and his wife Mindy are owners of dbM Computers located on S. Jones Street across from the courthouse.

Chandler, who studied computer science at Louisiana Tech in the 1990’s, believes the term Artificial Intelligence is an inaccurate term because computers are not intelligent, they are not really able to think as human beings think and perceive and reason. They simply have massive amounts of data through which they can sift and analyze to reach a conclusion.  He said at the time of his studies in the field of computers, the information and training on what was termed Artificial Intelligence (AI) was very elementary, but since that time, the field has expanded greatly.

Alan Turing, a British mathematician and computer scientist is considered the “father of Artificial Intelligence.” Turing’s test for determining if a computer has artificial intelligence is when you can’t tell you are communicating with a computer instead of a person.

Chandler said improvements in artificial intelligence have come about with the ever-increasing collection of data, so that if a computer has a large language model (a massive amount of data), it can sift through all the data and use predictive reasoning to produce a conclusion. The huge volume of data stored on the internet along with open-source software has allowed the development of better and better AI. Software companies are doing really well with AI speech and music. Another area in which AI is useful is healthcare. For example, AI can compile comprehensive policy documents which can then be revised by a person to eliminate policies and language not needed and correct incorrect language in a relatively short time. A person would take a long time to create such a document.

The downside of this method of creating software poses problems when software is created and released rapidly before the errors in the computer’s method are detected. This can lead to what is called AI hallucinations, in which the computer makes things up and a person has to go into the program and check the computer’s work for accuracy. It also results in less reliability in copies of the program because the data becomes less and less reliable the more it is copied.

Brent gave some examples of how AI can be used. He brought a picture created by computer with a query requesting a picture of a Rotary meeting with all those attending on unicycles and a picture created by computer with the query requesting a picture of a deer in the woods cutting logs. AI technology is really good at generating pictures of imaginary things or situations. It is also good at generating songs based on a person’s specifications.

This field of computer science is developing rapidly and there is no telling what will become available next because all the big tech companies are competing to develop the next generation of AI.

This information is courtesy of Winn Parish School Board

Winn Parish Schools will be closed and all activities cancelled for Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 due to extreme cold and continued hazardous road conditions. If for any reason additional cancellations are necessary, announcements will be made by automated messaging, our website, local media, and social media.

January is National Stalking Awareness Month, Winn’s DART officer Annie Goods advises.

“Stalking can take many forms,” she says.  “It’s more than just the following someone like you you see on TV.  It could be phone calls, text messages, showing up unexpectedly and unwanted, spreading rumors, hacking accounts or threats.”

She says stalking can escalate to harming pets, property damage or filming without consent.  “It’s all domestic violence and it’s stalking, no matter if it happens before, during or after a relationship,” she stresses.  “Know it, name it and stop it.”

DART suggests that residents can learn more online at StalkingAwareness.org.

January 22, 2025

Today I’ll wrap up my life’s journey and how I have become the person I am today. While fishing and the outdoors have been a huge part of my life, sports have been my saving grace. It has all been due to great parents, teachers, and coaches that have had the greatest impact on my life. 

Although my biological mother made a tough decision to walk away from me in the summer of ’69, it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. My life turned 180 degrees as my aunt and uncle made it official in 1970 by adopting me. 

A year or two before adopting me, they decided to adopt a child from birth and named him Chad, who was 6 or 7 years younger than me.  Now this young boy was super smart, funny with a great personality who never met a stranger. Was class president and class favorite throughout his entire junior and senior high years. He was a good athlete, a team player, and very mechanical minded who could fix anything. 

As I stated earlier, I had a younger stepbrother (Kenny) who I have lost contact with but did very well for himself as he graduated from Texas A&M and became a navy captain on a nuclear submarine. Last time I heard, Kenny was working for Texas Instruments out of Dallas. Hats off to my bio mom as she decided to raise Kenny herself and it appears she did a pretty good job. After her second divorce, she finally found a good man in her third husband (Bill) who gave Kenny some direction and discipline being a former military man himself. 

Now according to my aunt, who I later would call mom, it turns out that it took me a little while to adjust and eel secure, as I still hid food under my bed for about a year. Based off what a phycologist told her, this was considered normal behavior because I was still in survival mode. This would eventually stop as I became confident that I was going to be taken care of. 

There was another obstacle I had to overcome early with my education. I was diagnosed with Dyslexia going into the 2^nd grade. Every day for both the 2^nd and 3^rd grade years, I would leave my mainstream class during the English period and go to Mrs. Carpenter’s classroom as she slowly turned me around with my ability to read. I owe a lot to Mrs. Carpenter who did an outstanding job of getting me on the right path.

My Junior High years offered a different kind of challenge especially athletically as the skinny bean poll kid, which is a perfect description of me at that time, went out for 7^th grade football. I was so skinny that extra small pants were loose on me. I was still a good athlete but did not have any lead in my britches so to speak. As good as I was at baseball did not translate to being that good at football initially as I started the season as a third team running back. Not first or second string….. third string!

But by the end of my 8^th grade year, I had moved up to second string. Then as I got to high school in the 9^thgrade, I was moved to starting quarterback and never looked back as my body started to fill out and with great coaching, my confidence soared.  

But the one thing I was never lacking, was confidence on a baseball field. This is the one area of my life that I always felt I was as good as anyone who stepped on the field. After a great Little League and Dixie Youth experience, I was ready for high school and the best four years of my life!

My high school (Mt. Pleasant) had the reputation as one of the top programs in Texas. The 1970’s were some glorious times for the Mt. Pleasant Tiger Athletic Program in all sports.  During this period, Mt. Pleasant was the winningest all-around program in the state of Texas, only behind Odessa Permian which many of you know from the movie, “Friday Night Lights.”  It did not matter what sport; the MP Tigers were a state contender in all sports throughout the ‘70’s. 

Then during my junior year in the spring of 1978, it all came together for a group of guys who had grown up together playing baseball. After a couple of disappointing finishes from the previous two seasons, we finally got the job done going 26-4 and winning the ’78 Class 3A State Baseball Title. Mt. Pleasant’s first state championship in any sport! 

Then came my senior year, which was a year of highs and lows, as the ’78 football season would be a true trial and tribulation for me mentally and physically as we struggled the entire season with a new coaching staff. To this day, I still have mixed emotions about that year as it was probably the most difficult season I would ever endure as an athlete.

Compounding a difficult football season, I lost my best friend Kevin Owsley. He was a brother from another mother for me and we shared some good times together growing up playing ball, hunting and fishing. Kevin was one of those people everyone liked due to his infectious personality. He was also our starting second baseman on our defending state championship baseball team and losing him really put a huge damper on our attempt to repeat as we came up one game short of a trip back to the state tournament in Austin.  

But there was one great thing that came out of my senior year, an offer to play in college on the division one level. While I had several division 1 offers, it wasn’t until a coach by the name of Al Miller (former NFL strength coach for the Denver Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons) came to my house and made an offer to continue my athletic career and education at Northwestern State University. 

Located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, committing to NSU turned out to be the best decision I ever made. This is where I met my wife of 43 years, Sherrie. We have celebrated life together and raised three awesome kids Brittany, Meredith and Brandon. I cannot imagine where I would be today had I not gone to NSU. 

After graduating from NSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology/Engineering, I was blessed with the opportunity to play baseball on the next level after being drafted in 1983 by the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals). Playing in the Expos minor league system and trying to reach the major league level was truly a great experience and one I am thankful for. 

The friends I have made through my college experience is priceless. I had the privilege to play with some of the greatest to ever wear an NSU Demon uniform, several that went on to play in the NFL with great success. The level of talent at NSU during the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s was incredible!

In 2009, I had the greatest honor you can receive from your alma mater, being inducted into the Northwestern State N-Club Hall of Fame as a two-sport athlete and in 2023 going into the Mt. Pleasant High School Hall of Fame.  

The good Lord has blessed me in so many ways I’ve lost count. The early years of my life were merely a test of my determination and perseverance. I’m a true believer in the words, “God had a plan.” Over my lifetime, so many families, friends, teammates, coaches and teachers have had an impact on my life that I cannot even begin to list them all. 

Most of them know who they are and all I can say is “thank you.” Thank you for believing in a young boy who had all kinds of issues and challenges he had to overcome to achieve success. Without each of you, none of it would have been possible. 

If you haven’t already done so, make sure to thank those that have impacted your life before they are no longer with us. Next week we’ll get back to more stories and experiences of the great outdoors as tournament fishing season is upon us. Till next time, good luck, good fishing and when in doubt…. set the hook!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Hoping for a fresh start with the incoming Trump Administration, I had not planned to return to the topic of corruption in the Biden Administration. However, news of a concerning circumstance—with a direct connection to Louisiana—came to my attention and prompted me to address it once again. 

This past week, former Louisiana U.S. Rep Bob Livingston penned a letter in the Wall Street Journal that highlights the corruption of the Biden Administration.  The events he recounts in his letter are disconcerting and much more befitting a third world country or a banana republic than the United States of America.

I first met Mr. Livingston years ago when I was working in D.C. for his fellow Louisiana Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, the late Clyde C. Holloway.  I was quite proud of, and grateful for, the opportunity to work for Congressman Holloway.  Both men exemplified the “service” part of public service. 

When Mr. Livingston left Congress, he founded the Livingston Group and has represented a wide range of interests over the years before the U.S. Congress.  Many of the individuals I knew on his congressional staff joined him in his new firm. 

Mr. Livingston and Mr. Holloway were conservative Republicans.  As such, it is unsurprising that Mr. Livingston would have supported President Trump when he sought the presidency and that is the basis of his letter.

The Livingston letter is entitled “A Letter to Merrick Garland.”  Salient portions of the letter include this excerpt from Mr. Livingston to Attorney General Garland: “Your time in office won’t run out a moment too soon.  You will be remembered as a tool in the Democratic Party’s strategy of misusing the Justice Department to visit injustice on innocent people with differing political views. I am a victim of your dysfunctional leadership but, unlike many of your targets, I have survived unscathed.” (WSJ, 1-15-2025).

WOW.

The Livingston letter continues: “In 2022 two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents came to my home in New Orleans and questioned me about incidents involving our representation of an international client. Having nothing to hide, I spoke with them for about 2.5 hours … I was given to believe that they were looking only for background information.”  However, the letter continues, I soon learned that the meeting “was neither benign nor simply for background … I soon learned I was a target.” (Emphasis added).

Mr. Livingston then points out something about which I have no doubt:  “In all my years as a lobbyist, I have bent over backward to comply with the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) … I have repeatedly told my clients that we must comply with FARA to avoid any possibility of transgressing the law … and our company has employed a full-time officer to assure compliance.” 

Nevertheless, Justice Department prosecutors “said on several occasions that I was the target of felony charges.  Every day and night for 20 months, I lived with the possibility that the hammer could drop at any moment. Everything I worked for would be tarnished. My firm would collapse, my employees would lose their jobs, all of us would be ruined in the press, and I could go to prison.”

Can any of us imagine living under such a cloud of uncertainty? 

Tragically, one of Mr. Livingston’s employees—the firm’s very compliance officer—could not.  “David Lonnie was interviewed and harassed.  He was told that if he knew what was good for him he would talk. He went to bed on December 31, 2023, and didn’t wake the next day.  His family is devastated.” 

While his company was innocent of all charges, Livingston states, we were forced “to spend incredible amounts of money on legal counsel … and while our 88-page brief backed prosecutors down … I am convinced that the department’s actions were political and malicious, targeting me for having supported Donald Trump and being critical of President Biden.”

We are painfully familiar with the lawfare and weaponization suffered by President Trump himself, most of the J6ers, as well as the “investigations” into picketers at abortion clinics and parents at school board meetings who were characterized as “domestic terrorists.”  This is to say nothing of the FBI “investigation” into Catholic churches across the country to “monitor and report” on their parishioners.  However, the Livingston letter reflects as egregious an example as any I have seen.  This simply cannot be allowed to occur in America. 

Although there is fresh fallen snow on the ground and patches of ice still lingering in the shadows, it is time to start making your plans for the first pitch of the Dusty Cut League. Tara Ayres is the local coordinator who is seeking players for the 2025 Summer League. The sign up fee is $35.00 for one player, $25 each for two players and $15 for each additional child. The coordinator is collecting names, ages, shirt sizes and parental contact information. For more information Tara Ayres can be reached at 318-471-8557.

The River of Life Church will be having a Chili Supper, with all of the fixings, on Wednesday, January 29th following the church service at 7:00pm. Reba Phelps will be the guest speaker for the church service and will be teaching a lesson called, “A Chilly Heart”. 

Goldonna Baptist Church is hosting their Second Annual Skeet Shoot. It will be held on March 22, 2025 at the $H Shooting Range in Winnfield, Louisiana. The event will offer five shooting locations and one thrower location. Shooters will supply their own ammo and safety gear. The skeet shoot will have three divisions. Junior (17 and younger), a Ladies division and Senior division.The entry fee is $25 will all proceeds benefitting the Operation Children Child efforts of the church. For more information, donations and sponsorships, please call Pastor Ben Dupree at 318-663-0302.

Teen Challenge Men’s Center will be ministering at Goldonna Assembly of God on February 9, 2025 at the 10:00am morning service. They will be sharing testimonies and leading praise and worship. 

The Goldonna Elementary Junior High Wildcats have enjoyed an extra long weekend due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday as well as two snow days. The school is collecting gently worn uniform tops and bottoms of all sizes to replenish their uniform closet. They are in need of smaller sized bottoms for boys and girls Pre-K to 2nf grade. Donations can be dropped off at the school or you can call the office at 318-727-9449 to arrange pick up. 

Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com