Month: October 2025

Blessed: She Struggles

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When I began writing this column in 2018, my sole purpose was to make people feel normal about their struggles, their path in life, find the delicately hidden silver lining and share how God can be found in the deepest details of our lives

Life has changed a lot for me and my daughters since 2018. But the one thing that has remained a constant is that we are always running into some calamity or life lesson where we see the Lord’s hand guiding us away from harm. More times than not, we have faced this humor, grace and a therapist and the Word of God. Sometimes it has taken us a little longer than expected to see what God is doing.

Especially in this case.

When my youngest daughter was passionately praying to be admitted to LSU, I always reminded her to pray for God’s will to be done. So we would ask God to open all the doors that he wanted open and close all the doors that he needed to. Prayers sounded a lot like this….”Dear Lord, I really want to wear purple and gold, it is my heart’s desire and I’ve worked so hard for this. If it’s your will, please let me onto Louisiana State University campus, I will live for you. Geaux Tigers, in Jesus name, Amen”

On a crisp December evening, two days before Christmas, while crossing the Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge on our way back from New Orleans, God answered her prayer. She received her email stating that she was accepted. We couldn’t have ask for a sweeter and more timely answer from the man upstairs.

When August rolled around and she moved out of the nest, life took a turn.

Every time I received a call or text from her, I truly wasn’t sure if she would be over the moon excited about college or packing bags while delivering a tearful message declaring her disdain for Math. It was truly a rollercoaster ride of emotions for the first thirty days. All I know is that I constantly prayed for her and asked God to give her peace, and show me the wisdom to help her through these dark days of college math and life changes.

On a recent weekend home we visited one of our favorite local lunch spots. As we were enjoying our meal, so many people stopped by the table to see how my daughter was enjoying her first semester of college. Unable to hold back her tears she admitted to her former math tutor that she was really struggling and having a hard time. I truly respected her honesty instead of lying about how great her first few days of college were going. It took a lot of strength to admit that she was struggling. I even found myself replying to well-wishers. “Please pray for her. She is struggling”.

On our way out, we ran into her most cherished former Sunday School teachers from First Baptist Church who inquired how her new journey was going. Again, with all of our honesty, we shared that she has struggles. Almost immediately, the cherished Sunday School teacher asked if he could lead us in a prayer. As their food was being delivered, we all held hands bowed our heads as he prayed during the busy lunch crush. It was the most kind and authentic display of Christian love to be prayed for, instantly.

I told him that I so admired his boldness and beautiful obedience to pray for us. It truly changed our day. With his humble smile, he simply said, “I was hungry and the food was here.”

We all laughed but we knew better. God placed all of us in the lunch spot knowing that his faithful servant would be obedient and pray for the girl who was struggling.

I sincerely hope this encourages you to share your struggles with your family, your church family or whoever is offering a shoulder to lean on. God cares for his children and sends help when it’s needed the most. He put us here to bear each others burdens.\

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2

Reba Phelps

Update on Historic Louisiana Congressional Redistricting Case

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The Louisiana-based congressional redistricting case, Callais v. Louisiana, was argued for a second time this past Wednesday at the U.S. Supreme Court.  It is always interesting to me when Louisiana has a case before the Supreme Court.

The case was first argued in March and centered on whether Louisiana’s 2024 congressional map—which added a second majority-Black district— amounts to an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.  The outcome could determine how states nationwide apply the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in future redistricting cycles.  The Court delayed ruling and ordered the parties to submit new legal briefs addressing whether Louisiana’s creation of a second majority-Black congressional district under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) violates the 14th Amendment (equal protection) or 15th Amendment (the right to vote may not be prohibited based on race) to the Constitution.

Although the questions the Justices ask during oral argument may very well not be indicative of how they ultimately rule in a case, I still find their questions insightful.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s questions indicated that the 1965 Voting Rights law may not have been intended to last forever and, instead, “sunset” at some point.  Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s questions reflected the same concern.  Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson interjected that because the VRA is derived from the 15th Amendment, “it does not have a time limit.”  It was an interesting point although I don’t think it is legally correct.

Louisiana’s Solicitor General, Ben Aguiñaga, arguing for Louisiana, urged the Supreme Court to prohibit the use of race as a factor in redistricting. “We are 50 years removed” from the original use of these race-based factors, he argued, and they “have placed states in impossible situations, where the only sure (thing) is more racial discrimination for more decades.”  He contended that the racial considerations required under VRA are tantamount to a system of “government-mandated racial balancing” and urged them to be rejected outright.

He then took some sharp questioning from Justice Jackson who asked him whether, in Louisiana’s view, identifying and remedying racial discrimination is a “compelling interest.”  “If I’m right that Section 2 is about identifying the problem and requiring some remedy, I don’t understand why your answer to Justice Kagan’s question about, ‘Is this a compelling state interest,’ would be ‘no,’” Jackson said.  “The answer is obviously yes,” Jackson said. “You have an interest in remedying the effects of racial discrimination that we identify using this tool. Whether you go too far in your remedy is another issue.”  Justice Jackson then confounded me when she seemed to suggest that being a minority voter was similar to being disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In defending the Louisiana law and map as she is required to do, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill originally argued that the map adding the 2nd minority district could stand legal muster.  However, when the Supreme Court requested that the parties address specifically how the 14th and 15th Amendments affect the VRA, the state took the position that race-based redistricting is unconstitutional.

This rehearing indicates to me that the Court wants to take another look at the potential inconsistency that exists between the Voting Rights Act (VRA) and the 14th Amendment’s prohibition of racial gerrymandering.

The Equal Protection Clause in the 14th Amendment of our Constitution requires that our laws apply equally to everyone and prevents governments from discriminating against different groups, particularly based upon their race. However, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which was designed to enforce the 15th Amendment—which guarantees the right to vote regardless of race or color—prohibits voting practices that result in the denial or abridgement of the right to vote on account of race.  This includes practices that “dilute” minority voting strength.

These two legal principles are directly in conflict.  The Voting Rights Act (VRA) is a statute, and no statute trumps the Constitution so the VRA could fall to the constitutional mandate of equal protection in the 14th Amendment.  If the VRA is struck down, redistricting across the nation will be affected.

The Supreme Court should confirm the Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection and end the Voting Rights Act requirement of racial discrimination.  This would honor and adhere to the principle inherent in Dr. Martin Luther King’s “dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character …”

Royal Alexander

Is professional bass fishing a real job?

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(First of two parts)

There was a time when being a “professional bass fisherman” was not considered a real job. A time when conservation was an afterthought and the phrase “catch and release” was considered crazy talk.  A time when anglers looking to fish for a living did not have to be great communicators or promoters like is required today. 

So, let’s look at how the sport has progressed over the last 50 years and a few of the men who made the sport of bass fishing what it is today, men who deserve the credit for what we call professional bass fishing. Then we’ll look at where the sport might be headed. 

During the decade of the ‘70s, bass fishing was starting to take hold as a true sport. Ray Scott,  founder of the Bass Angler’s Sportsman’s Society, now known as B.A.S.S., took the sport to a level no one other than Ray himself saw coming.

In the 1960s, Scott, working as an insurance salesman, had a vision for what he thought could revolutionize the sport of bass fishing. He wanted anglers to be able to compete and make a living doing it. He wanted it to be a means where anglers could provide for their families while doing what they loved. 

Fast forward to the 1980s and ‘90s as Ray’s vision was starting to come together as some of the greatest anglers of all-time began to make a name for themselves — anglers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Rick Clunn, Gary Kline and Hank Parker. Guys who laid the groundwork and foundation for anglers to follow. 

Almost every one of these top anglers made a name for themselves with their TV shows. But one program called the “Bassmasters” set the tone by covering each and every bass tournament. It allowed for great teaching moments for anglers all across the country to learn how professional anglers were catching fish. The popularity of this program was huge for fishing and attracting potential sponsors.

Other TV programs like “Bill Dance Outdoors,” “Jimmy Houston Outdoors” and “Fishing with Roland Martin” have led the way as the most successful TV bass fishing programs of all-time. Then Hank Parker dipped his toe into the TV world with his own program known as “Hank Parker Outdoors.” 

They quickly found out that the way to prosperity was through the TV market where they could reach thousands of viewers on a weekly basis. What’s impressive is the fact that all these TV fishing programs still exist today! 

It was these same anglers who started the journey themselves by hitting the road like a traveling circus, fishing lakes and rivers across America while competing and introducing bass fishing to so many. 

Credit also goes to some other legendary anglers like Kevin Van Dam, Davy Hite, Mark Davis, Larry Nixon and Skeet Reece, who all have played a role in creating a way for anglers to make a living as professional bass fishermen. 

The sport has come a long way from the early 1970s and hopefully it will continue for generations to come. But I’m really starting to wonder, have we already gone through the so-called “heyday” of professional bass fishing? 

Next week in Part 2, we’ll take a look at the obstacles anglers are facing today in order to make a living as a professional bass fisherman.

Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Arrest Report

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Date: 10-13-25
Name: Tony Phillips
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 55
Charge: Expired MVI, Warrant, Concealed Plates

Date: 10-15-25
Name: Cheyenne Deville
Address: Pineville, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 29
Charge: Failure to appear, Warrant

Date: 10-15-25
Name: John Williams
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 56
Charge: Distribution of Schedule 2, Distribution of Schedule 1

Date: 10-15-25
Name: Larry Metrojean
Address: Pineville, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 29
Charge: Failure to appear, Warrant

Date: 10-15-25
Name: Danna Duhom
Address: Jena, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: 38
Charge: Contempt of court

Date: 10-16-25
Name: Justin Heard
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 37
Charge: Fugitive from justice

Date: 10-16-25
Name: John Williams
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 56
Charge: Possession Schedule II, Possession Schedule I, Possession Drug Paraphernalia, Warrant

Date: 10-16-25
Name: Michael Spears
Address: Georgetown, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: 49
Charge: Possession Schedule I, Simple Possession Schedule I, Stop Lamps Required, Possession of Alcohol in Motor Vehicle

Date: 10-19-25
Name: Misty Wiggins
Address: Sikes, LA
Race: White
Sex: Female
Age: N/A
Charge: Failure to appear

Date: 10-19-25
Name: Phillip Ford
Address: Choudrant, LA
Race: White
Sex: Male
Age: N/A
Charge: Disturbing the Peace, Criminal Trespassing

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Winnfield Police Department Arrest Report

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Date: 10-16-25
Name: Derrick A Trahan
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 47
Charge: Felony theft, Simple theft

Date: 10-17-25
Name: Justin Heard
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black
Sex: Male
Age: 37
Charge: Direct contempt of court

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation or arrested and charged with a crime have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Notice of Death- October 21, 2025

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Ken Albert Taylor
December 28, 1953 – October 14, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mr. Taylor took place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Antioch Community Church  Interment followed in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. 

Donna Lynn Porter
April 29, 1953 – October 14, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mrs. Porter took place at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Faith Baptist Church. Interment followed at Zion Hill Cemetery, Tannehill under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

Brian Clark Morrow
December 26, 1971 – October 15, 2025
Service: Funeral services for Mr. Morrow took place at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield with Rev. Paul West officiating. Interment followed at Friendship Cemetery.

Donald Ray Boyett
August 14, 1943 – October 17, 2025
Service: Funeral Services for Mr. Boyett took place in Cypress Creek Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Interment followed at Cypress Creek Cemetery.

Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Reports Narcotics Arrest

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Following a lengthy narcotics investigation, Winn Parish Sheriff’s deputies have arrested Joshua Leonard Womack of Winnfield on multiple drug-related charges, including Distribution of Schedule II Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Womack, along with a search warrant for his residence located at 308 Mosley Drive. Upon arrival, Womack was taken into custody without incident.

During the subsequent search of the residence, deputies discovered multiple methamphetamine pipes, digital scales, and a variety of unmarked pills. Womack was transported to the Winn Parish Detention Center, where he was booked on two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

All seized evidence will be sent to the crime lab for further analysis. Additional charges may be filed based on lab results.

Sheriff McAllister reaffirmed his office’s commitment to fighting illegal drug activity in the community.

“We are using every resource available to combat the distribution and use of illegal narcotics in Winn Parish,” said Sheriff McAllister. ” I want to thank my deputies for their continued dedication and hard work in serving our parish.”

Sheriff McAllister also encourages the public to assist in the effort by submitting confidential tips about suspected illegal activity through the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office App and Website.

Understanding Truancy and Louisiana’s Reporting Requirements: A Continuation of Winn’s Focus on Attendance and Student Success

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By Dr. Bob Jordan, WPSB Chief Technology Officer

School attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. When students are present, they benefit not only from academic instruction but also from the relationships and support systems that the schools provide. When students are absent the consequences can be significant and long lasting. When these absences go unreported or no valid reason is given for the absence, predicting student success and identifying areas of need for the student becomes even more difficult. 

Truancy is different from chronic absenteeism, which focuses on the total number of days a student misses school (excused or unexcused). Truancy addresses the number of days a student misses without a documented or valid reason. A student is considered truant under Louisiana Revised Statute 17:233 when he has five or more unexcused absences or has been marked tardy five or more times in one semester. The issue of truancy due to being marked tardy typically begins in middle or high school when students start changing classes and must report to multiple teachers during the course of the school day. 

Winn Parish schools are required by law to report instances of truancy to the appropriate authorities. The Winn Parish School Board works with our parish’s Families in Needs of Service (FINS) Office to assist families before a pattern of unexcused absences becomes severe. Louisiana’s truancy law not only provides guidance on how schools, families, and community stakeholders should work together it also requires early intervention. Winn Parish schools follow a progressive sequence of communication and support with parents and guardians to bring students back into consistent attendance:

  • Notification: When a student begins to accumulate unexcused or undocumented absences (three or more), parents or guardians are notified promptly. 

  • School-Level Intervention: Teachers, counselors, or administrators meet with the family to discuss underlying causes and identify solutions such as tutoring, transportation assistance, or counseling referrals.

  • Referral to Families in Needs of Service (FINS): If absences continue, a formal referral is made to FINS, where a trained FINS officer works with families to address barriers to attendance. 

  • Legal Action: If interventions are unsuccessful, Louisiana law allows legal action as a last resort. This is reserved for cases where all other interventions have been exhausted.

Winn Parish Schools believe that every student matters. Tracking and reporting help identify patterns of truancy early, allowing the district to connect our students to the support they need to ensure their success. Families, educators, churches, civic leaders, and local organizations all have a part to play to ensure that all of our students are accounted for, every absence is understood, and every barrier is addressed. By encouraging and supporting school attendance and The Power of Presence, we not only strengthen our schools, but also the future of Winn Parish.

Eastern Star Lodge Honors Winn Parish Juniors 

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Photo left to right Joe Lewis, Macey Anderson, Woody Bilyeu, Logan Adams, Rusty Russell, Brady Fallis, Charles Carroll,  Asa Walker, Alora Marker, Finlay McManus, and Kirsten Phelps.

Winn Parish Juniors were honored with the Honesty and Integrity Awards on October 13th, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to their high school community.

The Eastern Star Lodge #151 hosted a celebratory dinner, for the eight awardees and their families. The recognized students were Joe Lewis, Macey Anderson, Logan Adams, Brady Fallis, Asa Walker, Alora Marker, Finlay McManus, and Kirsten Phelps. Most Worshipful Brother Woody Bilyeu, Past Grand Master delivered a compelling address emphasizing the core values of honesty and integrity in Masonic tradition.

Eastern Star Lodge Worshipful Master Charles Carroll congratulated the students on their impressive achievements, earning them this prestigious recognition.

Winnfield set to open district play after snapping losing streak

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Photos Courtesy of Tiger Snaps Photography

By Matt Vines, Journal Services

WINNFIELD – The Winnfield football team put together another offensive outburst to top Rosepine, 49-28, on the road this past week.

The Tigers (2-4) snapped a four-game losing streak against formidable opponents in their respective classifications like West Ouachita, Jena and Bunkie (the latter two state title contenders).

While Rosepine (0-6) won’t fit into that category, Winnfield handled business on the road with explosive plays in the running and passing game.

“It came down to the offensive line play,” said Winnfield coach Byron Keller. “We’re getting better up front each week, which makes it easy for our running backs.”

The Tigers will need to keep that same energy when they travel to a Many bunch (3-3, 1-0) that appears to have returned to early-season form.

After Many dropped three straight games by double digits, they turned the tide in their district opener in a 56-13 thrashing of Lakeside.

It feels similar to their season-opening wins against Logansport (35-19) and DeRidder (49-21) before they suffered large losses to Leesville (48-15), St. Mary’s (39-28) and Alexandria Senior High (57-0).

“I feel that we are in the same boat right now regarding our programs,” Keller said of Winnfield and Many. “We are still working on finding what works best and putting our best players in a position to be successful. The first year is always tough, and we are experiencing growing pains.”

What worked for Winnfield this past week was huge plays from running backs Detavious Williams and Richard Williams.

Winnfield erased an early Rosepine lead with a 66-yard Detavious Williams touchdown run and scoring runs of 65 and 76 yards from Richard Williams as Winnfield sprinted to a 22-7 edge.

The Williams’ pair knifed through a compact Rosepine defense, breaking key tackles and outrunning the rest of the Eagles routinely as Winnfield racked up 459 rushing yards.

The Tigers made plays through the air as well, including an 87-yard touchdown catch by Craig St. Cyr from quarterback Nickalas Mockosher.

Many counters with its own explosive weapons led by running back Daniel Thomas. Thomas rushed for five touchdowns and returned a kickoff for a sixth score against Lakeside.

Winnfield’s defense will need to continue on its improvement path to limit Many’s big-play ability.
The matchup also features head coaches who are familiar with each other.

Keller led a Red River program that featured new Many head coach Tyler Hassell on staff, and now both men are in the process of rebuilding once proud programs.

Many’s status as a state title contender has been much more recent than Winnfield’s, but the former is trying to rebuild after a shocking winless season in 2024, just two seasons removed from a state title.

“It always adds a little more fun to coach against a former assistant,” Keller said. “Everyone is looking to have bragging rights for the next year.”

Kiwanis Recognizes ‘Terrific Kids’ for the Month of September

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WPS Third Grade, Left to right: Isabella Guerrero, Kayleonna Heard, Jordan Frederick. Principal Byron King, Kiwanians: Ethel Howell, Dr. Bill Gaddis, Assistant Principal Resa Johnson.
In their monthly tradition, members of the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield bring smiles to young students by going to school to school within the parish to recognize “Terrific Kids” in Kindergarten to 4th Grade.
Calvin High School, Left to right: Sophia Leon, Amelia Toms, Johanna Rackley, Remi Williams, Karis Jacobs. Teacher Kim Dupree and Kiwanian Mary Lou Blackley
Dodson High School, Left to right: Korbin Shows, Brynnleigh DeSadier, Ava Garrett, Ella Hayes, Corey Dutton. Kiwanian Lamar Tarver and Principal Wendy Miller.
WPS Kindergarten, Left to right: Nora Plunkett, Sadie Garrett, Dixxie Hernandez. Not pictured: Gabrielle Breaux. Assistant Principal Resa Johnson, Principal Byron King, Kiwanians: Ethel Howell, Dr. Bill Gaddis.
WPS First Grade, Left to right: Ella Murphy, Perry Smith, Vincent Vines, Jaxen Carpenter, Hallie Hubbard. Principal Byron King, Kiwanians: Ethel Howell, Dr. Bill Gaddis, Assistant Principal Resa Johnson.
WPS Second Grade, Left to right: Kinlee Higgs, Kenlee McManus, Everleigh Etheridge, Iris Rockett. Principal Byron King, Kiwanians: Ethel Howell, Dr. Bill Gaddis, Assistant Principal Resa Johnson.
WPS Fourth Grade, Left to right: Drake Higgs, Brentley Hinton, Kyla Evans, Trevontay Pikes. Principal Byron King, Kiwanians: Ethel Howell, Dr. Bill Gaddis, Assistant Principal Resa Johnson.

Melville Outlines Dyslexia Program for Rotary

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From the left: Rotarian of the Day Keith Gates and special guest Cash Melville.

A statewide program that offers free testing and after school instruction for children with dyslexia was highlighted at the Winnfield Rotary Club’s Oct. 8 meeting by Cash Melville, chairman of the Masonic Learning Center of Louisiana’s Dyslexia Training Program.

According to Melville, the Grand Lodge could not continue maintaining its Masonic Children’s Home in Alexandria, which closed in 1994. Wanting to continue serving the children of Louisiana, the Masons decided to change the focus of its philanthropy to education and developed a specialized Dyslexia Training Program to help children in the state with the reading disorder. People with this disorder find it hard to identify speech sounds and to learn how these speech sounds relate to written letters and words. It is incredibly hard for people whose brains work this way to properly and consistently decode letters and words, making reading very difficult. Many people with dyslexia also have difficulty reading numbers and mastering math, as well as expressing themselves in speech.

The Masonic Learning Center of Louisiana opened its Dyslexia Training Program in 1998. A referral begins with psychological testing done at no expense to the parent of the child tested. Children who are determined to have dyslexia are trained with the intensive, sequential, multisensory instruction of the SPIRE reading program. The multisensory aspect uses different learning styles to engage students with individual learning styles, and systematic teacher-led instruction to shore up weak areas of reading along with continual practice. Classes are one hour per day and five hours per week.

The program provides after-school instruction by a trained teacher for each student, preferably in the school setting. Melville said there are currently 275 students in the Masonic program, with 75 students on the waiting list. Efforts are currently being made by local Masons to introduce this after-school program into Winn Parish Schools. A class may start with as few as two students. It costs $28,000 to get one started, but all costs are paid by the Grand Lodge of Louisiana’s Masonic Learning Center of Louisiana.

If anyone knows of a child whom he or she suspects may have dyslexia, he or she should contact Cash Melville, who will connect the person with the program administrator to arrange testing. Melville’s cellphone is 985-807-8299; office, 318-443-5610; email, cashmelville@gmail.com.

Kiwanis Club Installs 2025-26 Officers

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From the left: Director Steve Bates, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Bill Gaddis, Director Bryan Price, Director Miranda Atkins, Lt. Governor Daniel Wilburn, President Mary Lou Blackley, Vice-President Troy Rogers, President-Elect Ethel Howell, Past President Rita James and Director Kim Futrell.

The Kiwanis Club of Winnfield gathered at Mama’s Iron Skillet on Monday, Oct. 13 to hold its Installation Banquet for the 2025-2026 year.

After dinner, outgoing President Rita James offered brief remarks and recognized members for their outstanding service: Miranda and Chet Atkins, Dr. Bill Gaddis, Lamar Tarver, Steve Bates, Margaret Coon and Jim Nicol. She presented the Spirit of Kiwanis award to Troy Rogers, and Ethel Howell was named Kiwanian of the Year.

To honor her 2024-25 term, Dr. Bill Gaddis presented James with a commemorative plaque.

Lt. Governor of Division 11, Daniel Wilburn, then installed the officers for 2025-26. He began with Dr. Bill Gaddis as Secretary-Treasurer, Troy Rogers as Vice-President, Ethel Howell as President-Elect, Rita James as Past President and Mary Lou Blackley as President.

In closing President Mary Lou Blackley gave out door prizes to the raffle winners and shared a few thoughts on Kiwanis Club and the upcoming year.

Making Learning a Family Habit

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By Rhonda Pharr

Children learn the value of education from their parents and how education is viewed in their homes. As a family, you can create a positive outlook on school and learning. Trying innovative, fun ways to reinforce skills at home will help make your child a more enthusiastic and well-rounded student. I will provide a few simple tips and ideas for you to use at home to enhance the education your students are receiving at school.

For young learners who are just beginning to recognize words and are learning to read, place index cards on items around your house such as the refrigerator, television, floor, window, etc. Leave them there for a week or so. Point out to your children that the card shows the word corresponding to the item. After a week or so of the child seeing these words each day, mix them up and place them on the wrong item. Make a game out of how many the child can put back in the correct place. This simple activity will increase your child’s sight vocabulary. Each week, add a few more words, and their vocabulary will continue to grow.

Another way to reinforce sight words is to have your child help you locate items at the grocery store. Make your child a list with the word and a picture beside it. As you are gathering items from your list on that aisle, give your child their list (it can be one or two items on a few rows, or more if you are comfortable with that). Have the child find the items on their list and add them to the buggy. This helps your child learn responsibility while also adding to their sight vocabulary. It will also help them not become bored while shopping.

The kitchen is a great place to reinforce math skills in the home. For children learning fractions (which oftentimes is difficult), have them help you measure items for a recipe using measuring cups and measuring spoons. Take the time to compare what a whole looks like compared with 1/2 and so on. They will enjoy taking part in the cooking process and will love the time they get to spend with you as well.

Create a family “show and tell time” where each member of the family shares what they learned that day. Mom and Dad can even take part in this activity. We all learn something during the day, and it will benefit your children to see that you, too, are learning. Getting excited about learning new things and exhibiting that to your children will help them become excited about school. They will look forward to coming home and sharing with everyone what they have learned. This small amount of time set aside each day shows children that you are interested in what they do each day and that you value education.

Learning can be fun. Enthusiastic parents lead to enthusiastic children. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”