The Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) is recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, emphasizing education, prevention and support for victims across Winn Parish.

According to information provided by DART, sexual violence affects individuals of all genders, ages and backgrounds and includes any unwanted sexual contact or behavior carried out without consent. This can involve force, threats, manipulation or coercion.

The organization outlines multiple forms of sexual violence, including sexual assault, harassment, exploitation, trafficking and nonconsensual image sharing. Other behaviors, such as unwanted touching, public exposure and coercive acts, are also included under this definition.

DART officials note that social and cultural factors can contribute to sexual violence, including harmful norms, misuse of power and silence surrounding abuse. Prevention, they emphasize, requires community involvement at all levels — from homes and schools to workplaces and faith-based settings.

Consent remains a key component in preventing sexual violence. It must be freely given, informed and can be withdrawn at any time. DART stresses that consent is an ongoing dialogue, not a one-time agreement.

Statistics included in the report highlight the widespread impact of sexual violence. National data shows that nearly one in five women and one in 71 men in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape. Additional data indicates varying rates among different demographic groups.

The report also notes that victims often know their attacker. Among adolescents who have been sexually assaulted, approximately 74% were harmed by someone they knew, while about 21% of cases involved a family member.

DART emphasizes that victims are never at fault. Factors such as clothing, behavior or alcohol consumption do not justify assault, and responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator.

Sexual violence is also widely underreported. Common reasons include fear of not being believed, retaliation, shame, outside pressure and distrust of law enforcement.

The organization stresses that the impact of sexual violence extends beyond individual survivors and affects entire communities.

Individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Winn Parish DART office at 301 West Main Street in Winnfield or call 318-648-0559 to connect with a local advocate.

The Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival, which is going to be held on the downtown riverbank May 15-16 has released its schedule for its 29^th Festival, and as usual, it is chocked full with artists for just about every musical taste, including Jazz, R&B (of course), Country, Rock & Roll, Soul, Gospel, Folk, Blues, Zydeco and much more.  

This year’s headliner is multiplatinum Country superstar, Joe Nichols, who will appear on the main stage beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 16.  Preceding Nichols will be American Idol runner up and Louisiana native John Foster at 7 p.m., local and regional favorites and Louisiana Music Hall of Fame members Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs at 5:25 p.m., hit making R&B/Soul singer, Tiffany Rachal at 3:40 p.m., Natchitoches’ own Country music legend and Curb Recording artist Trini Triggs at 2:35 p.m., with the music being kicked off on the Main Stage by Zydeco legend, Gerard Delafose.  

There will be over 15 bands on three stages with the schedule for the Fleur De Lis Stage and Roque House Stage listed below.  For the first time ever there will also be a Natchitoches Original Music Showcase Stage located at Beau Jardin.  That stage will feature mostly Natchitoches artists performing their original music.

The fun begins on Friday night with Tribute to Legends night which will begin with Led Zeppelin tribute band, The Zeppelin Project at 7 p.m. featuring a faithful recreation of the super group’s hits.

Prior to the Zeppelin, will be Waterloo, the nation’s premiere ABBA tribute act will faithfully create the 70’s Swedish super group’s concert, including dancers and a lights show.  Attendees are encouraged dress up and sing along.  

As always, there will be plenty of great food and kids’ activities at this family event.  For more information and to order tickets go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com

Fleur De Lis Stage

12:00 – 1:00 Snake Doctors.   Led by grizzled veteran, Ed Huey, this Natchitoches based Doctors prescription will be an eclectic blend of Blues, Jazz, Folk, with a little Rock & Roll and R&B thrown in.  You will hear things you’ve never heard before from this entertaining group.

1:10 – 2:10 The Luke Brouillette Jazz Trio (Traditional and Modern Jazz).  Led by guitarist Luke Brouillette, this trio which includes Sammy Nix on drums and Dion Pierre on bass will play through well-loved jazz standards featuring Swing, Latin, and Bebop.  Listen and watch while these virtuosos perform some righteous jazz.  

2:20 – 3:20 Deep Water Rehab – (Classic, Southern Rock, Country, Originals & Covers).  This Winnfield-based band covering Classic & Southern Rock, Country, and even some R&B tunes.  They’ll also be performing cuts from their album of original songs which recently dropped.

3:30 – 4:30 Gumbo Delux  – (R&B/Soul). This is a high-energy Shreveport based Soul/R&B group serving up a spicy mix of covers of great songs of yesterday and today.  

4:45 – 5:45 Junior the Third – (Blues and Jazz).  This Shreveport based trio started out as raw, stripped-down Blues and has stretched into something deeper, shaped by soulful jams, old standards, and the kind of feel you can’t fake.  Pulling from the well of Delta and Hill Country blues, they built a sound that’s less about polish and more about pocket.  

6:00 – 7:00 Becky Birdwell and the Shuffle Kings (Classic Rock/R&B/Country/Gospel).  Becky and her family band has been a fixture at the festival for many years and play a crowd-pleasing mixture of classic rock, R&B, Country with some gospel thrown in.   

Roque House Stage

1:00 – 2:00 The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (Gospel/R&B/Rock/Country/Inspirational).   This Natchitoches-based Gospel/Inspiration group will perform an eclectic blend of secular and traditional gospel music which will include some Rock & Roll, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Contemporary Christian songs.  Their set includes some unique “Mash Ups” of traditional hymns with more modern secular music.  All of it, music with a message!  

2:10 – 3:10 Jenny & Kelli (Harmonious Rock, Covers, & Originals).  These popular Natchitoches songbirds play a rousing blend of songs that you know and love along with a few of their very own originals.  Every song will feature their spectacular angelic harmonies.   

3:20 – 4:20 Broken Peaces –  (Classic Rock).  This kind of a “Super Group,” made up of members of various bands who have come together to make some great high-energy music, focusing mainly on the Rock & Roll of the 70’s through the 90’s.  

4:35 – 5:35 Badd Apple – (Classic Rock/ R&B).  Led by local legend, Billy O’Con, featuring some of the finest musicians in north Louisiana, this rocking group will have everyone on their feet and dancing from the first note.  

5:50 – 6:50 Jester – (Rock and Blues).  This 3-piece high-energy band, exploding out of Bossier City is fronted by 13 year old guitar protégé and vocalist, Odin Cobb, and is fueled by the thunderous drive of a 17 year old drummer and locked in tight by a veteran bassist.  Don’t miss this highly entertaining act.  

Advance tickets may be purchased at http://www.natchjazzfest.com

The Winn Parish School Board is seeking approval for a significant investment in local educational facilities at the State Bond Commission meeting scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, at 9 a.m.. The board has proposed a bond issue not to exceed $23 million for Consolidated School District No. 12.

According to the official agenda, the general obligation bonds would carry an interest rate not exceeding 7% and mature over a period of up to 20 years. The funds are designated for capital school expenditures, most notably the construction of a new gymnasium at Winnfield Senior High School.

Additionally, the project includes additional classrooms and renovations at Winnfield Middle School, along with necessary equipment and furnishings.

All our lives we’ve heard people say, “I was there when …” Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s home run record. I was there when Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in a World Series game. I was there when Dale Earnhardt crashed in turn four and died at the Daytona 500.

Well, there was one event that I can say “I was there when” one particular fishing bait was introduced to the bass fishing world.

It was on Lake Okeechobee in 2006 when the concept of a new bait took bass fishing by storm … the ChatterBait! This was a bait that has become a staple for all bass tournament anglers. It’s a combination of two of the best baits ever made, a jig and a spinnerbait.

It’s a skirted jig with a small blade attached to the head of the bait. It has an unbelievable vibrating action that bass cannot refuse. Over the last 20 years, there have probably been more bass caught on this bait than any other.

I remember the day that I first heard about this new bait. I was fishing an FLW Tour event on Lake Okeechobee in South Florida and the word was out about this new bait that was catching bass like crazy.

Anglers were scrambling to get their hands on just one of these baits! Some guys would pay as much as $100 to get one. At this event, Roland Martin Marina was the only tackle store where you could get one. Every day for three straight days I walked into this store and every time all the pegs were empty.

Finally, with only one day left in the tournament, I asked Mrs. Mary Ann Martin (Roland’s wife) to please put one back for me and I would pick it up after I weighed my fish on the final day.

Turns out pro angler Bryan Thrift, in his first professional bass tournament, won this event and the ChatterBait craze began. For a couple of years, he tried to keep his secret bait under wraps but the folks that make the ChatterBait asked that he please let the cat out of the bag.

It was on stage during that FLW Tournament weigh-in on Lake Okeechobee that Bryan introduced the world to this revolutionary bait. From this event in 2006 through today, there’s probably not a single bass angler on a body of water that does not have some form of the ChatterBait tied on.

The company behind this bait is known as Z-Man and they have not only perfected this bait over the years but have come out with more versions. One thing about the fishing business; it’s a copycat industry, as other companies have tried to emulate this bait, but none have had the impact of the original ChatterBait.

While Z-Man has a patent on this bait protecting their blade design, there are other brands on the market that have had a little success, but no one has been able to capture that same magic that a ChatterBait produces.

While it’s not often that many of us can say “I was there when” a special moment took place, I was actually there when one of the greatest bass fishing lures hit market … the ChatterBait!

Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the 52nd Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place on April 18 from 9 am – 5 pm, and April 19 from 10 am – 3 pm. The festival will be held at Melrose on the Cane where attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of unique treasures crafted by talented artisans, savor a variety of delicious foods, sip on beer, wine, and other refreshing beverages such as fresh squeezed lemonade. Homemade ice cream returns to the festival this year as a long standing fan favorite as well as iron and wood works for your home and garden. We are also excited to feature local authors throughout the festival, along with live demonstrations that highlight traditional crafts such as basket weaving and quilting. These interactive experiences offer guests a chance to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Additionally, Randolph “Randy” Deaton will be presenting a special talk on Clementine Hunter on Saturday, April 18 at 11 am. Guests are encouraged to bring any photos or personal stories they may have of Clementine Hunter, which can be scanned and added to his growing collection.

Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased at: https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026. Attendees will be able to shop for: stunning jewelry, exquisite paintings, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, delectable desserts, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for something special, there’s something for everyone to discover and cherish at the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival.

“We’d love for y’all to come out, shop, and support historic Melrose. Take in the views, check out all the vendors, and just enjoy a good day together at the festival. Tours of the Big House and African House will be available- so bring your friends and family and make it a day to remember, ” said Ariel Rachal event organizer.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence at the 52nd Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival. Purchase your tickets today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!

For ticket information and event updates, visit https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026 

If it feels like getting or keeping insurance lately comes down to luck, you’re not alone. With rates climbing, policies changing, and hurricane season always looming, many homeowners are left wondering what they’ll land on next—and whether they can afford it.

This morning at the dayschool, the fish tank was mysteriously covered with a blanket like it was being punished for bad behavior. If you didn’t know better, you might’ve thought the fish were grounded for talking back to the teacher or refusing to share their crayons. But no—turns out we’ve got ourselves an algae outbreak. A fullblown, green, slimy, “Swamp Thing” situation. And the only way to get it under control is to keep the light out until the bloom settles down.

Now, I’m no marine biologist, but I do know this: when the fish tank is greener than a St. Patrick’s Day parade, something’s off.

And wouldn’t you know it—Jesus has something to say about this.

Because algae, as it turns out, loves light. Not the good, lifegiving kind of light Jesus talks about. No, algae loves the “I’vebeen-left-alone-too-long-without-boundaries” kind of light. Give algae too much light, and it throws a party. Give it a little more, and it invites all its cousins. Before long, the fish are filing formal complaints and asking for relocation.

So the solution?

Cover the tank.

Limit the light.

Let things reset.

And that’s when it hit me: sometimes God does the same thing with us.

Not because we’re bad. Not because we’re in trouble. But because something in us has started growing that doesn’t belong there—resentment, worry, pride, comparison, hurry, that one comment someone made in 2009 that we still replay like it’s a classic movie.

Sometimes the Lord lovingly puts a “cover” over our tank.

A season of quiet.

A pause we didn’t choose.

A slowdown we didn’t schedule.

A moment where the lights dim and we wonder, “What is happening?”

But maybe God is simply helping us get rid of the spiritual algae that’s clouding the water.

Jesus once said, “I am the light of the world,” and He also said, “You are the light of the world.” But He never said, “You need to be under the spotlight all the time.” Sometimes the brightest thing God can do is give us a little shade so the unhealthy stuff stops multiplying.

Think about it: When was the last time you slowed down long enough to notice what was growing in you?

When did you last let God filter the water of your soul?

The fish tank will be uncovered Thursday morning. The water will clear. The fish will go back to doing whatever fish do (mostly judging us through the glass). But the covering is part of the healing.

Maybe you’re in a coveredtank season right now. Maybe God is dimming the lights not to punish you, but to purify you. Not to hide you, but to help you.

And when the cover comes off, you’ll shine clearer, brighter, and more beautifully than before.

Even the fish would say amen to that—if they weren’t so busy swimming in circles.

John P. Thompson changed our world yet most of us have never heard of him. At some point in our lives, each of us has used his inventions. It would be hard to find a home in America which does not contain multiples of John’s inventions. They are so commonplace that they often go unnoticed.

Little is known about John Thompson, but he was born in 1857 in Iowa. After working various jobs including laborer, bank teller, and room furnisher in a couple of different states, he eventually settled in Portland, Oregon. While there, he worked as an auto mechanic. John used a hand tool to tighten fasteners to the cars he worked on, but the tool kept slipping off the fastener. This resulted in skinned knuckles and damage to the cars. Finally, John’s frustration had reached its limit. He decided to create a new tool and fastener that when used together would not slip. No one knows how long John worked on his inventions or how many attempts it took before he created his “cruciform groove” tool and fastener, but in the summer of 1932, John filed for patents for his two inventions. On May 9, 1933, the United States Patent Office granted patent numbers 1,908,080 and 1,908,081 for John’s fastener and tool respectively. For reasons that remain unclear, in the patents John assigned or transferred his rights to his inventions to Henry Frank. The connection between John and Henry has never been proven, but many people believe that Henry purchased or funded John’s patents.

Rather than investing the money to create and sell the tool and fasteners himself, Henry created a company to franchise the products. Companies which produced them paid Henry’s company a hefty royalty. In 1936, Cadillac became the first industrial customer to use John’s inventions for its 1937-year model cars. The new tool and fasteners increased production and lowered costs. Word quickly spread and within a short time the other automobile companies as well as railroad and aviation manufacturers adopted John’s cruciform groove inventions. In September 1940, John died impoverished and largely forgotten, but Henry became wealthy. John’s cruciform groove inventions could have been known as the Thompson screw and Thompson screwdriver, but because he transferred the patents to Henry, we know them by his last name. We have all used Henry Frank…Phillips screws and Phillips screwdrivers.

Sources:

1. Michael J. Allen, “Phillips screw and driver,” Oregon Encyclopedia: A project of the Oregon Historical Society, accessed April 5, 2026, https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/phillips_screw_and_driver/.

2. “J.P. Thompson Screw, patent number 1,908,080,” United States Patent and Title Office, May 9, 1933, accessed April 5, 2026, https://ppubs.uspto.gov/api/pdf/downloadPdf/1908080?requestToken=eyJzdWIiOiIzODg1YzMwNC1hNmRjLTQwMzMtYWNlYi0xODAxMTlkNzZkNjciLCJ2ZXIiOiJlYWZmMjhlYi1hMmRlLTQ4ZGUtYTQxMy01M2E2NzJjZjZjOTYiLCJleHAiOjB9.

3. “J.P. Thompson Screw Driver, patent number 1,908,081,” United States Patent and Title Office, May 9, 1933, accessed April 5, 2026, https://ppubs.uspto.gov/api/pdf/downloadPdf/1908081?requestToken=eyJzdWIiOiIzODg1YzMwNC1hNmRjLTQwMzMtYWNlYi0xODAxMTlkNzZkNjciLCJ2ZXIiOiJlYWZmMjhlYi1hMmRlLTQ4ZGUtYTQxMy01M2E2NzJjZjZjOTYiLCJleHAiOjB9.

April 15 is a date etched into history through events that span tragedy, perseverance, and transformation across different eras.

Perhaps the most widely recognized event tied to this day is the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. After striking an iceberg late on April 14, the luxury liner sank in the early hours of April 15, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 passengers and crew. The disaster shocked the world and led to sweeping maritime safety reforms, including improved lifeboat requirements and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol.

April 15 is also known in the United States as Tax Day, the deadline for filing federal income tax returns. While far less dramatic, the annual date has become a consistent fixture in American life, often sparking discussions about fiscal policy, government spending, and economic responsibility.

In 1947, another milestone unfolded when Jackie Robinson made his debut in Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier. His first game with the Brooklyn Dodgers marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, challenging segregation in professional sports and paving the way for greater inclusion.

The date also carries somber significance in more recent history. On April 15, 2013, two bombs detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and injuring hundreds. The attack led to a massive manhunt and ultimately changes in security measures at major public events.

Across generations, April 15 has come to represent both loss and progress, serving as a reminder of how pivotal moments can reshape safety standards, social norms, and national conversations.

Ricky Lynn Johnson, age 69, of Dodson, Louisiana, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at his residence. Born on June 27, 1956, in Winnfield, Louisiana, Ricky spent his life rooted in the close-knit community of Dodson. He attended Calvin High School and was a retired logger, a profession that reflected his strong work ethic and deep connection to the land. In his spare time, he found great enjoyment in hunting and fishing, pursuits that brought him both peace and fulfillment.

Ricky was preceded in death by his father, Henry Clay Johnson; his mother, Thelma Jones Johnson; his beloved wife, Barbara Johnson; and his son, Josh Corbit. He is survived by his son, Antonio Whisenant, siblings, William Johnson, Lessie Martin, Dessie Whisenant, Diana Hunter, and Louise Holmes, along with a host of extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

A time of visitation will be held at Southern Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. Graveside services will follow at 12:00 PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Bobby Bates officiating. Interment will be in Bethlehem Cemetery.

Mary Lou Carpenter, age 88, of Calvin, LA, was received into Heaven on April 10, 2026. Born on April 9, 1938, in Urania, LA, Mary Lou graduated from Calvin High School and attended Huey P. Long Memorial Trade School. She worked as a bookkeeper at Tremont Lumber Company, a teller at First Federal Savings, and eventually retired as a bookkeeper at CCA.

Mary Lou was saved in Bethlehem Baptist Church at an early age, under the ministry of Bro. and Mrs. L.H. Hickman, where she served as church pianist and organist. She grew up in the church participating in the Girls’ Auxiliary, Mission Belles and a member of the M.I.S.F.I.T.S. Sunday School Class. Her faithful service and attendance at Bethlehem continued until she became ill. Mary loved her Lord and her music and spent numerous hours practicing and perfecting her gift. She enjoyed traveling with her niece, Nora Lee, and friends, Vickie and her mother, Mrs. Kelley. Several years ago, she and Vickie, along with Dr. & Mrs. William Poe, traveled to London, Germany, Switzerland and other sites in Europe. One of Mary’s greatest joys was working in her flowers and yard, which was always filled with vibrant color. Everyone in the community was amazed each spring at her beautiful snowball bush. She enjoyed shopping and eating out, visiting on her back porch and drinking coffee. 

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Luther C. and Mary Collins Carpenter; three sisters, Linnie Carter, Winona Dubois and Lottie Ree Carpenter; one brother, William Carpenter; nieces, Nora Lee Carter, Wanda Lee Allen; and nephews, Jesse Carpenter and Bud Carter. 

Those left to cherish her memories are special friend, Vickie Kelley; nieces, Naomi Shirey, Martha Bates and Doretha Severino; and nephews, Jerry Dubois and Bo Carpenter, several great and great-great nieces and nephews, and her Bethlehem Church Family.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Winnfield, Louisiana, with Bro. Dick Debusk officiating. Presiding over the interment in Bethlehem Cemetery will be Bro. Todd Whittington. 

Friends may visit with the family at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 10:00 am until time of services at 3:00 pm. 

Pallbearers are Bo Carpenter, Seth Carpenter, Jamie Carter, Tyler Haymon, Austin Willis, Alan Willis, Mike Feirn and Nick Kelley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem Cemetery Fund, 2777 Hwy. 1232, Winnfield, LA 71483. 

Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.southernfuneralhome.com