I’m about to tell you something no preacher has ever told you. You may want to sit down. You may want to brace yourself. You may want to alert the denominational office, because if this leaks out, it could change the face of Christianity as we know it.

Ready?

It is holy, righteous, and perfectly acceptable for you to say “No.”

Not “no” to sin—we already know that one. I’m talking about a radical, countercultural, spiritually liberating “no” to good things. To church things. To “we’vealwaysdoneitthisway” things. To “we need a warm body on this committee” things.

You no longer have to say, “Let me pray about it,” when you already know the Holy Spirit is whispering, “Child… absolutely not.”

You have permission—pastoral, biblical, Christcentered permission—to use the word “no” freely, joyfully, and without guilt.

We live in a culture that treats “no” like a fourletter word. We’re so polite, so conflictavoidant, so eager to be liked, that we twist ourselves into pretzels trying to find “winwin” solutions.

Meanwhile, our souls are running on fumes.

Jesus Himself said “no” all the time. He said “no” to crowds who wanted Him to stay. “No” to disciples who wanted Him to skip the cross. “No” to temptations that promised shortcuts.

If the Son of God could say “no” without guilt, surely His followers can too.

This revelation hit me while changing the air filters at the house. We have two units, which means two filters, which means two opportunities for sanctification.

I went to the discount store, the only place in Ruston that carries my size—and brought home the filters. When I unwrapped them, I noticed something odd.

Let me pause here.

Why is everything wrapped in plastic?  Who decided my air filter needed to be hermetically sealed like it was going on a space mission? Why is my chewing gum wrapped like it’s a national security threat?

Somewhere, a committee met, and not one brave soul stood up and said, “No. Wrapping an air filter in plastic is dumb.”

Back to the filter.

Under the plastic was a sheet titled, “Getting to Know Your Filter.” I’m sorry… what? I don’t want a relationship with my filter. I don’t need to know its hopes, dreams, or how many microns it filters. If you’re out there reading airfilter biographies, I say this with love: get a hobby.

So I said “no.” I refused to “get to know my filter.” And it felt good.

“No” creates margin. “No” creates Sabbath. “No” creates space for the things Jesus actually calls you to do.

We are exhausted not because God has overburdened us, but because we have said “yes” to things He never asked us to carry.

When you say “no” to the unnecessary, you say “yes” to: peace, presence, prayer, people and purpose.

You say “yes” to following Jesus instead of following expectations.

The cross itself is God’s great “no” to everything that destroys us—and His great “yes” to everything that gives life.

When you say “no” in the right places, you’re not being selfish. You’re being faithful. You’re choosing the narrow way. You’re choosing Christ.

So hear this clearly, boldly, and with pastoral authority:

You are hereby empowered to say “no.”  Not because you’re lazy. Not because you don’t care. But because your “yes” belongs to Jesus first.

And that, my friend, is the secret that might just set the church free.

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If every disagreement turns into a critique of how you communicate, the real problem may be what you’re not resolving—here’s how to break the cycle and start working as a team.

 See what Ida says 

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The Indianapolis 500, commonly called Indy 500, is a 500-mile automobile race which has become the largest single-day spectator sporting event in the world. Since its meager beginnings in 1909, people have flocked to the track in record numbers to watch the high-speed thrills. On May 30, 1941, George “Joie” Chitwood readied his cigar-shaped racecar, the Blue Crown Spark Plug Special, for the Indianapolis 500. During qualifying, Joie bounced around the track in his racecar and had a hard time keeping his foot on the accelerator. Out of necessity, Joie used a simple strap to fix the problem. The other drivers objected to the strap because they thought it was dangerous. The heads of the AAA Drivers Association agreed and refused to allow Joie to use the strap. They only relented when Joie promised to release the strap if he thought he was going to crash. Keep in mind that the cars traveled more than 100 miles per hour. Joie did not crash that day. He came in 14th place and won $620. (The first-place winner, Floyd Davis, received $29,200.) Joie believed that using the strap helped his performance in the 1941 Indy 500, but the other drivers remained skeptical.

For decades, the general public remained skeptical as well. Carmakers often adopt equipment designed for racing cars on their vehicles. In 1949, now defunct carmaker Nash Motors offered this strap on about 40,000 of their Airflyte and Ambassador models, but over 39,000 of them were removed by dealerships at the request of the owners. In 1955, Ford offered it as an option on their vehicles, but less than 2% of buyers chose the strap. In 1958, Saab became the first carmaker to include the strap as part of their standard equipment.

Although he had nothing to do with its invention, Joie Chitwood made history that day in May 1941 because he was the first driver to wear the strap in the Indy 500. Today, all race car drivers are required to wear one. It has also become a requirement in all automobiles. At that time, the common misperception was that people were safer in a car accident if they were thrown from the wreck rather than behind held inside the vehicle. They called the strap safety belts, but we know this strap as the seat belt.

Sources:

1. Robert Tate, “The 1949 Nash was an Entirely New Postwar Design,” MotorCities National Heritage Area, October 1, 2025, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.motorcities.org/story-of-the-week/2025/the-1949-nash-was-an-entirely-new-postwar-design.

2. “1941 Indianapolis 500 Race Results,” Indianapolis 500 Race Day Stats, accessed May 17, 2026, https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/history/historical-stats/race-stats/race-results/1941.

3. “Joie Chitwood (SR.),” National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, accessed May 17, 2026, https://web.archive.org/web/20190619150409/https://www.sprintcarhof.com/helper_pages/FileGet.aspx?id=186.

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KERMIT’S OBITUARY

Kermit Mixon Simmons, age 90, of Winnfield, died Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Winn Parish Medical Center. Visitation was held at Southern Funeral Home Tuesday, May 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Southern Funeral Home, Wednesday, May 27, at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Allen Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Siloam Cemetery in Gansville.

Kermit, or “Mickey” as he was known, was born October 7, 1935, at the Fittz-Faith Clinic in Winnfield to Kermit Carson Simmons and Mamie Rose Mixon Simmons, both members of pioneering Winn Parish families. He was nicknamed Mickey after his father’s favorite baseball player Mickey Cochran. Cochran managed the Detroit Tigers to the 1935 World Series, with the clinching game of the series coinciding with Mickey’s birthdate.

Mickey’s parents taught in the Winn Parish school system and were teaching at Calvin at the time of his birth. Mickey’s first years were spent in Calvin in the small apartment attached to the school. Later the family moved to a house near the Calvin store-the house had one light bulb.

Mickey entered school in first grade at Gaar’s Mill and later attended Calvin and then Dodson through graduation in 1953. While in school, he was very active in sports, choir, Boy Scouts, 4-H, FFA, and was selected to attend Boys’ State.

He played basketball throughout high school. In 1952 and 1953, the Dodson Panthers were parish champions, and Mickey was the team captain in 1953, his senior year. He broke the little finger of his left hand while playing basketball, and the finger remained crooked for his life.

After high school, Mickey attended Louisiana Tech, graduating in three years. During his time at Tech, Mickey was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After completing his Bachelor of Arts in history from Louisiana Tech, Mickey attended law school at LSU, where he was invited to be a member of Louisiana State University Law Review.

Soon after completing law school, Mickey entered the National Guard. Upon returning from basic training, Mickey and Nina Sue Underwood Simmons were married January 30, 1960, at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro. The couple met while both were in school at Dodson. They courted throughout high school, while studying at Louisiana Tech, and through Mickey’s tenure at LSU law school in Baton Rouge. They were married for sixty-four years, until Nina’s death in 2024, and Mickey never forgot the first time they met, even remembering the exact clothes she was wearing at the time.

He was admitted to the bar in Louisiana in 1959 and practiced law until a week before his death. His practice areas of law included general practice, civil practice, corporate law, probate, and banking. His professional resume includes:

Member of Phi Delta Phi law fraternity.

Law Clerk to Judge J.E. Bolen, Louisiana 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal in Shreveport from 1960 to 1962.

Assistant District Attorney for the 8th Judicial District from 1965 to 1988.

Chairman of the 8th Judicial District’s Indigent Defender Board from 1992 to 1995.

Counsel for Winn Parish School Board 1965 to 1989.

Counsel for Winn Parish Police Jury 1965 to 1989.

Counsel for Bank of Winnfield since 1963.

Member of the Winn Parish Library Board of Trustees from 1969 to 1996.

Counsel for the City of Winnfield from 1973 to 1979 and 1985 to 1990.

Member of Louisiana Supreme Court Legal Services Task Force from 1996 to 1997.

Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation.

Paul Harris Fellow Rotary International.

Member of Winn Parish Bar Association (President, 1972 to 1973, 1984 to 1988, and 1990 to 2000).

Member of Louisiana State Bar Association, (Chairman 1984 to 1985; Special Committee on Malpractice Insurance; Member of the House of Delegates 1988 to 1996; and Probation Monitor).

Habitat for Humanity Winn Secretary 1999 to 2001.

Mickey was a man of many passions. Throughout his long and full life he dabbled in photography, serving as a sideline photographer for both the Winnfield and LSU Tigers. Mickey loved LSU athletics and held football season tickets for over fifty years. One Sunday in 2025, he consented to being taken to the emergency room for much needed care but would only go after the LSU Baseball Team won the final game of the College World Series that afternoon. He was an avid fisherman and duck hunter, pursuing both all over the state of Louisiana and beyond. Mickey loved dogs and spent many hours training and working with his retrievers. His current Labrador, Blue, misses him very much. Mickey was a life-long learner of all subjects but was an expert on Winn Parish history and genealogies. A conversation with Mickey almost always included at least one story from the annals of Winn Parish.

He was preceded in death by his parents, by his brother Harry D. Simmons, and by his wife, Nina Sue Underwood Simmons. His survivors include his children: Kermit Mixon “Mike” Simmons, Jr. of Winnfield, Susan Mador (Robert) of Oak Harbor, Washington, Alfred Simmons (Lesley) of Winnfield; grandchildren Megan Geter (Jay) of Madison, Mississippi, Daniel Simmons of Winnfield, David Simmons of Baton Rouge, Micah Simmons of Winnfield, and great-granddaughter Olivia Geter of Madison, Mississippi. His sister-in-law Grace Simmons of Shreveport and brother-in-law Philip Underwood (Jerri Lynn) of Ruston also survive him, as do nieces, nephews and numerous cousins. College classmates Robert Dawkins of Ruston, Charles Salley of Shreveport, and Skip Bell of Birmingham, Alabama, grieve the loss of Mickey. Brittany Johnson, a devoted friend and source of family support, also survives him.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Simmons, David Simmons, Micah Simmons, Robert Mador, Jay Geter, Clay Underwood, and Mason Garfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Winn Parish Dugdemona High-Twelve Scholarship Fund or a favorite charity.

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Students from Winnfield Primary School recently received a hands-on lesson in both the judicial system and the arts during a special educational enrichment day at the Winn Parish Courthouse.

Classes led by Mrs. Plunkett, Ms. Hobdy, and Mrs. Kay visited the courthouse to participate in a mock trial experience presided over by Judge Wiley, giving students an opportunity to learn about courtroom procedures and the justice system in an interactive setting.

School officials said the experience allowed students to see firsthand how the court system operates while encouraging critical thinking, communication, and civic understanding.

In addition to the courtroom experience, students also participated in fine arts enrichment activities with a visiting instructor who provided painting lessons designed to encourage creativity and artistic expression.

Winnfield Primary School expressed appreciation to Judge Wiley and courthouse staff member Nikki Ethridge, along with the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, for helping make the educational experience possible.

School leaders said the support from community partners helped ensure students had a memorable and engaging learning opportunity outside the traditional classroom setting.

Officials praised the event as another example of community organizations and local leaders working together to provide meaningful educational experiences for Winn Parish students.

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Residents across Winn Parish should prepare for several days of rainy and stormy weather as an unsettled forecast moves into the region ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say showers and thunderstorms are expected nearly every day from Wednesday through Memorial Day, with rain chances ranging from 60 to 90 percent throughout the extended forecast period.

Wednesday’s forecast calls for a chance of showers early, followed by showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely after 7 a.m. Skies will remain mostly cloudy with a high near 86 degrees. Southeast winds around 5 mph are expected during the afternoon. Rain chances are set at 70 percent, with rainfall totals between one-quarter and one-half inch possible.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue Wednesday night with mostly cloudy skies and lows around 69 degrees.

Rain coverage increases Thursday, when forecasters predict a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Afternoon highs are expected near 84 degrees with light south winds around 5 mph developing later in the day.

Stormy conditions are expected to continue Thursday night with an 80 percent chance of rain and lows near 69.

Friday’s forecast remains wet, with showers and thunderstorms likely throughout the day and highs near 83 degrees. Rain chances remain high at 80 percent. Additional showers and possible thunderstorms are expected Friday night under mostly cloudy skies.

The unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist through the weekend, with showers and thunderstorms likely Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures are forecast to remain in the lower-to-mid 80s while overnight lows stay in the upper 60s.

Memorial Day itself is expected to remain cloudy and wet, with a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs near 84 degrees.

Meteorologists are encouraging residents planning outdoor activities, graduations, travel, or holiday weekend events to monitor changing weather conditions and remain alert for possible thunderstorms throughout the week and holiday weekend.

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Forget steaks and racks of ribs — in this economy, one hot dog is apparently enough to require armed security and laser protection. Guests at this backyard gathering stare at the grill like they’re bidding on a rare collectible, hoping they might score a bite before prices go up again. The cartoon pokes fun at rising grocery costs and shrinking cookout menus, where even a humble barbecue has started to feel like a high-stakes event.

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The Winn Parish School System is currently accepting applications for a Transportation Maintenance Technician position as the district continues preparations for the upcoming school year.
According to district officials, applications and all required documentation must be submitted no later than 10 a.m. on May 29, 2026.

Interested applicants are instructed to submit materials directly to Aaron Durbin with the Winn Parish School Board. Applications may be emailed to adurbin@winnpsb.us.

The Transportation Maintenance Technician position plays a key role in helping maintain the district’s transportation fleet and ensuring school buses remain safe and operational for students throughout Winn Parish.

School officials encourage qualified individuals interested in transportation maintenance and mechanical work to apply before the deadline.

Additional information regarding qualifications and employment details is available through the Winn Parish School System website at http://www.winnpsb.org.

District leaders say maintaining safe and reliable student transportation remains an important priority for the school system as planning continues for the 2026–2027 academic year.

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Louisiana has emerged as a national leader in academic recovery, becoming the only state in the country to surpass its 2019 pre-pandemic reading benchmarks. According to the latest Education Scorecard, a collaborative report from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth, Louisiana also ranks 3rd in the nation for academic growth in math.

The report, which combines state test results from 35 million students nationwide with national assessment data, provides a high-resolution look at the state’s educational landscape between 2022 and 2025.

Key Statewide Findings:

• Reading Leadership: Louisiana is the only state in the nation where students are performing above pre-pandemic levels in reading (+.29 grade equivalents over 2019).

• Math Growth: Louisiana is one of only two states performing above 2019 math levels, ranking 3rd out of 38 states in growth.

• Economic Impact: Gains in high-poverty districts were largely driven by federal pandemic relief (ESSER) funds, which provided roughly $6,000 per student.

• Challenges Ahead: Chronic absenteeism remains a significant hurdle, rising from 18.8% in 2022 to 22% in 2025.

Based on the latest report from the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford and Harvard universities, here is the academic performance and attendance summary for Winn Parish:

Overall Academic Performance (2022–2025)

• Average Test Scores: Students in Winn Parish performed 1.97 grade levels below the 2019 national average. This is lower than the Louisiana state average of -0.70.
  
  
• Performance Trends: Test scores have been improving at a rate of +0.04 grade levels per year since 2022. This is slightly below the statewide average growth trend of +0.06.
  
  
• National Rankings: Winn Parish ranks in the 10th percentile for average math performance and the 16th percentile for average reading performance nationwide.

Learning Rates (School Quality Indicator)

Learning rates measure how much knowledge students gain as they progress from grade to grade, serving as a key indicator of school quality.

• Annual Growth: Students in Winn Parish learned an average of 1.04 grade levels per year during the 2022–2025 period.
  
  
• National Standing: This learning rate is higher than 69% of districts nationwide. It exceeds the national average learning rate of 1.0 and the Louisiana state average of 0.97.

Student Subgroup Trends

• Economic Progress: Students from low-income families performed 2.24 grade levels below the 2019 national average but are showing steady recovery with a growth trend of +0.11 grade levels per year.
  
  
• Race/Ethnicity: White students are showing a positive annual growth of +0.08 grade levels, while Black students have seen a slight decline of -0.02 grade levels per year. White students performed 1.21 grade levels below the national average, while Black students performed 3.32 grade levels below it.
  
  
• Gender: Female students (-1.93) currently outperform male students (-2.00) relative to the 2019 national average.

Chronic Absenteeism

• Current Standing: The average chronic absenteeism rate in Winn Parish—the percentage of students missing 10% or more of the school year—was 23.5% between 2022 and 2025.
  
  
• Long-term Change: This represents a 4.3 percentage point increase from the 2017–2019 pre-pandemic average of 19.2%.
  
  
• Regional Context: This rate is higher than the state average (21.8%) and the average for similar districts (22.2%).

While the “learning recession” of the last decade has been severe, the recovery has officially begun in Louisiana. Harvard Professor Tom Kane, faculty director of the Center for Education Policy Research, noted that while a small group of state leaders have started “digging out” by changing how students learn to read, the work must continue.

With federal relief funds expiring, the report suggests Louisiana focus future school improvement dollars on middle- and higher-poverty districts that still trail their pre-pandemic levels.

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Northwestern State University awarded 890 degrees to 860 graduates during Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies May 13-14.  Spring graduates listed by hometown (In Our Journal Services Coverage Areas) are as follows. 

Alexandria – Kellie Crain, Breanna Kirts, Abigail Lachney, Magen Pierite, Associate of Science in Nursing; Guymeka Bowers, Luke Compton, Maggie Creamer, Kailyn Price, Associate of General Studies; Mia Speed, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Seddricka Furlow-Hawthorne, Bachelor of General Studies; Joseph Cain, Maggie Creamer, Bianca Dixon, Leila Ford, Dexteria King, Joseph Jordan, Benjamin Joseph, Shelby Palmer, Kailyn Price, Sydney Smith, Reshida Tate, Bachelor of Science; Colton Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Christopher Doney, Mary Doney, Janice Williams Master of Arts; Cassandra Armstrong, Sarita Kathayat Ghimire, Ciji West Master of Science in Nursing 

Anacoco – Caslyn Farquhar. Amanda Shores, Associate of Science in Nursing; Madison Blackburn, Haylee Gilbert, Kyle Hillman, Sylvia Ross, Associate of General Studies; Karlea Welch, Bachelor of Science; Emily Montes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Arcadia – Anayah Allen, Associate of General Studies 

Ball – Andrea Laudun, Master of Science in Nursing 

Barksdale, AFB – Brandon West, Bachelor of Science 

Benton – Diana Mccabe, Associate Degree; Kendall Nattin, Associate of General Studies; Juliana Miller, Bachelor of Arts; Katharyn Evans, Sierra Khaled, Amber Long, Diana Mccabe, Bachelor of Science; Stephanie Adair, Angela Cameron, Master of Science in Nursing 

Blanchard – Kimberly Clemmons, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Bossier City – Jada Dudley, Jordan Pennington, Olivia Spruell, Tashia Zeigler, Associate of Science in Nursing; Trinity Browder, Associate of General Studies; Kalyah Rushing, Associate of Science; Cody Davenport, John Gray, Kierra Nelson, Bachelor of Arts; Richard Salzer, Bachelor of Music; Solon Burris, Allie Denton, Devin Ennis, Layla Havis, John-Michael Head, Haley Henderson, Bryant Holmes, Cing Kim, Ariana Lee, John Lewis, Kalyssa Mall, Madysen Morgan, Reva Ott, Abigail Petermann,  Karla Sanchez Hernandez, Paige Smith, Toni Sullivan, Bowen Vardeman, Jessica Watters, Bachelor of Science; Baylin Berry, Melaney Berry, Hollie Gohl, Jennifer Marr, Imani Mosley, Patrise Polley, Melanie Robinson, Katerina Rooker, Ashley Woodfin, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Laura Jorgensen, Master of Arts; Jennifer Drygas, Master of Education; Lauren Ashcraft, Beau Bevan, Madison Brown, Master of Science

Willie Herrington, Madison Kach,Travis Kach, Sha’Darius Plummer, Master of Science in Nursing 

Boyce – Kortney Carlock, Scott Davis, Averie Rachal Associate of General Studies; Victoria Fatula, Lauren Holt, Olivia Melroy, Bachelor of Science 

Bunkie – Tiona Jenkins, Bachelor of Science; Megan Pickett, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Jill Tassin, Master of Education 

Campti – Julia Clark, Tralyn Lofton, Associate of General Studies; Syreetta Evans, Faith Matthews, Bachelor of Science 

Castor – Kaylyn Long, Bachelor of Science 

Center Point – Curtis Bertrand, Associate of General Studies 

Cheneyville – Tara Perkins, Master of Education 

Choudrant – Holly Ford, Master of Science in Nursing 

Cloutierville – Aleeya Jefferson, Bachelor of Social Work; Tonya Masson, Master of Science 

Colfax – Jaclyn Edwards, Galen Loyd, Bachelor of General Studies; Ananda Flanagan, Bachelor of Science; Dyana Edwards, Master of Education 

Converse – Justin Rushing, Bachelor of Arts; Emiley Pratt. Master of Science in Nursing 

Cottonport – Bryce Juneau, Bryce Juneau, Bachelor of Science 

Coushatta – Brett Danzy, Bachelor of Arts; Latoya Gray, Bachelor of General Studies; William Almond, Bachelor of Science 

Deville – Olivia Downs, Associate of General Studies; Peyton Fuller, Bachelor of Science; Aimee Butler, Master of Science in Nursing 

Dodson – Caroline Boyett, Bachelor of Science 

Doyline – Amaris Buitrago, Bachelor of Science 

Dry Prong – Patience Martinez, Associate of Science in Nursing; Cameron Remrey, Bachelor of Arts; Kallie Evers, Bachelor of Science; Hannah Peppers, Master of Arts 

Dubberly – Jayde Burks, Bachelor of Arts 

Elmer – Alex Alston, Bachelor of General Studies 

Eunice – Chelsea Guillory, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Florien – Shaelon Miller, Eric Rutherford Associate of Science in Nursing; Tia Holmes, Abigail Thomas, Bachelor of Arts; Cesaleigh Hall, Bachelor of Science 

Forest Hill – Baronica Gunter, Bachelor of General Studies 

Fort Polk – Tamara Brekke, Lauren Eubanks, Lindsey Moser, Michiya Shoels, Associate of Science in Nursing; Katherine Clay, Madelynn Flint, Aidyn Gagnos, Kiana Mas’sa, Charlie Owens, Elizabeth Wyatt, Associate of General Studies; Danika Dingus, Bachelor of General Studies; Kyle Reyes, Bryanna Stebane, Bachelor of Science; Amanda Sinders-Lewis, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Glenmora – Jaliyah George, Associate of General Studies; Katie Dupre, Bachelor of Social Work; Jolie Chevalier, Master of Science in Nursing 

Goldonna – Hillary Burke, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Michael Johnson, Master of Science in Nursing 

Grand Cane – Sandra Kimble, Master of Science in Nursing 

Greenwood – Jacob Sullivan, Bachelor of Science 

Hall Summit – Seth Wimberly, Master of Science 

Haughton – Kaylan Washington, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lawson Turner, Bachelor of Arts; Taylor Eggleton, Paige Pruett Bachelor of Science; Hannah Pourteau, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Anna Vaughn, Master of Arts; Gracie Simonton, Master of Education; Brandice Bowers, Jordan Logan, Danielle Potter, Master of Science in Nursing; Victoria Lodrini Post, Baccalaureate Certificate 

Haynesville – Brylee Foster, Camren Marsh, Associate of General Studies 

Hineston – Jamie Kile, Aiden Lewis, Kennadie Thacker, Zoey Wilson, Associate of General Studies; Maria Juarez-Rubio, Bachelor of Arts; Rebecca Dousay, Tinley Steedman, Natalie Taylor Bachelor of Science 

Hornbeck – Logan Lawrence, Bachelor of Science 

Ida – Britney Mitchell, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Jena – Taylor Brown, Jacobie Wilson, Associate of Science in Nursing; Brittany Crooks, Ella Jensen, Alyson Overstreet, Bachelor of Science; Rosalyn Hall, Educational Specialist; Chelsea Morris, Master of Science in Nursing 

Jonesboro – Georgia Robinson, Bachelor of General Studies; Amber Melton, Bachelor of Social Work 

Keithville – Dorissa Pennywell, Associate of Science in Nursing; Walker Holland, Gabriele Williams, Bachelor of Science; Kaci Green, Bachelor of Social Work 

Lecompte – Mason Doughty, Associate of General Studies; Shuntavica Busch, Associate of Science in Nursing; Amanda Hobart, Master of Education 

Leesville – Brittany Counts, Mustachia Everett, Morgan Owens, Associate of Science in Nursing; Avery Bealer, Luke Beaubouef, Ashton Chandler, Addison Coffman, Gryphon Cooley, Seth Dukes, Crystal Gomez, Kane Hagan, Anthony Isley, Jayvan Jackson, J’layah Jones, Jennifer Kudla, Micah Merchant, Dakota Miller, Audrey Robbins, Kyler Slaughter, Natalie Somers, Sydnee Sturm, Jayde Wilbanks, Keagan Williams, Conner Wilt, Kylie Wolff, Associate of General Studies; Jaya Chenevert- Jones, Abigail Williams, Bachelor of Arts; Tessa Blackwell, Chelsea Bornowski, Jeffrey Keys Bachelor of General Studies; Michael Bell, Matthew Rieger, Maria-Theresa Ross, Bachelor of Science; Ellen Daily, Bachelor of Social Work; Kendall Collins, Elizabeth Rios, Master of Arts; Charles Myers, Laila Salas Master of Science 

Lena – Lashae’ Lucas, Master of Science in Nursing 

Mansfield – Tina Richardson, Associate of Science in Nursing, Christopher Addison, Paulette Rambin, Kemariya Thomas, Bachelor of Science

Many – Patrick O’Neal, Brianna Wade, Associate of General Studies; Kaylee Herr, Bachelor of Arts; Kristen Hammontree, Emma Peace, Kelsey Sepulvado, Bachelor of Science

Marksville – Koby Brevelle, Bachelor of Arts; Mia Rodriguez, Makenzie Scroggs, Bachelor of Fine Arts

Marthaville – Aaron Manasco, Associate of Science; Aaron Manasco, Amelia Strahan, Bachelor of Science

Minden — Makenlee McCall, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lacoya Hawkins, Bachelor of Science; Jenna Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Adrianna Maddox, Bachelor of Social Work; Mary Simms, Doctor of Education; Michel’le Coleman, Sharde Evans, Lawanda Jefferson, Master of Science in Nursing

Montgomery – Elizabeth LaCroix, K’lashia Nash, Associate of General Studies; John Tucker-Howell, Bachelor of Arts; Ethan Jones, Zackary Racine, Bachelor of Science

Moreauville – Mylesha Jones, Associate of Science in Nursing

Natchez – Victoria Hatten, Associate of Science in Nursing; Spencer Yellott, Associate of Science; Josiah Conant, Anastasia Nelson, Spencer Yellott, Bachelor of Science

Natchitoches — Austin Jordan, Associate of Science in Nursing; Kenyetta Jackson, Bachelor of Arts; Natasha McHenry, Associate of General Studies; Morgan Myers, Kanda Ryals, Cameron Taitano, Associate of Science in Nursing; Cheyenne Bertrand, Luis Cervantes, John Jett, Matthew Mayeux, Associate of General Studies; Norman Martinez Reyes,  Dequallin Newton, Associate of Science; Albert Benner, Sophia Brossett, Brendan Campbell, Shanice Hutson, Maria Lopez Macias, Andrew Perrilloux, Christopher Richard, Mya Williams, Shakera Williaims, Bachelor of Arts; Caleb Burton, By Bui, Ashley Harkey, Ariyonna Sarpy, Tyler Sibley, Bachelor of Fine Arts; LaQuita Collins, Silet Gray, Miranda Harrison, Lolita Hukasian, Craig Sylvia, Teresa Tilley, Tavis Wilson, Bachelor of General Studies; Lennon Cooke, Ever Naun Galeas Antunez, Kevin Juarez Lopez, Norman Martinez Reyes, Fernanda Morales, Nohelia Ramos Vallencillo, Ronald Zaldaña Sánchez, Bachelor of Music; Eileen Ashley, Dominick Saldivar, Bachelor of Music Education; Karmyn Babineaux, Haleigh Bertrand, Abigail Bevill, James Burrell, Brendan Campbell, Benjamin Castro, Cameron Churchman, Jaylen Coleman, Aaliyah Creekmore, Angelisa Dobbins-Taylor, Aryel Durr, Phillip Evans, Sileena Farrell, Sofia Garcia, Brody Garlington, William Jordan, Mackenzie Kanehl, Kayden Larkins, Madison Martin, Norman Martinez Reyes, Kyleb Mcmahon, Cameron Possoit, Preston Rasco, Madison, Raymond, Heather Schrock, Taylor Shephert, Santiago Tobon Cardona, Mekenna Tryon, Emily Ware, Shakera Williams, Starla Williams, Madeline Williford, Ariel Wilson,  Bachelor of Science; Lacy Byles, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Lane Alford, Logan Boline, Logan Bordelon, Kyle Perkins, Brendan Ritter, Laura Rogers, Master of Arts; Micheal Cox, Master of Education; Parrel Appolis, Walker Libbe, Victor Mata Zepeda, Kathryn Wilkinson, Master of Music; Kolby Burrell, Bryce Fink, Christopher Gistarb, Jalivia Johnson, Kirsten Knobloch, Taylor Maust, Andrew Perrilloux, Macy Vascocu, Master of Science; Bailey Gaspard, Anna Jordan, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

New Llano – Bhavi Patel, Associate of General Studies; Lexi Arellano, Bachelor of Science

Olla – Jensyn Walters, Associate of Science in Nursing

Otis – Waylon Crooks, Alayna Dauzart, Allie Marhsall, Associate of General Studies; Andrew Vincik, Bachelor of Arts

Pineville – Kenzie Basco, Hallie Below, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jayla Armstead, Josie Cleary, Kaylee Cotton, Olivia Edwards, Reese Favors, Hunter Kelone, Parker Maddox, Jaxson McCurtain, Amber Michot, Gabriel Michot, Kamri Powell, James Shepherd, Amie Tran, Dua Waqas, Ryan Woodruff, Associate of General Studies; Isabella Deville, Karly Stansell, Bachelor of Arts; Breanna Melancon, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Wendi Bray, Tayvon Fennix, Kenyetta Jordan, Kylee Mott, Sterling Player, Ashlyn Saucier, Kirstyn Smith, Katarina Transier-VanGossen, Bachelor of Science; Isabella Sisneroz, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Mikaylah Littleton, Master of Arts; Rhett Thiels, Master of Arts in Teaching; Jeri Thiels, Master of Education; Wendi Bray, Tyjianna Sherman , Master of Science; Hannah Mackey, Avery Ryan, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Pitkin – Rickie Cook, Charlene Graham, Associate of General Studies; Logan Cheever, Connor Goleman, Alexis Thetford, Caitlin Thetford, Bachelor of Science

Plain Dealing – Hayden Baldwin, Bachelor of Science

Plaucheville – Alise Clausen, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Pleasant Hill – Alexander Stewart, Associate of General Studies; Micah Armstrong, Skylie Harris, Bachelor of Science

Pollock – Kaitlyn Abrams, Associate of Science in Nursing; Abigail Marcul, Bachelor of Arts; Lien McGehee, Emily McGehee, Andrew Morrison, Bachelor of Science; Josie Fowler, Bachelor of Social Work, Jennifer Peckmore, Doctor of Education; Jaclyn Lambright, Master of Arts in Teaching; Brittany Atwell, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Princeton – Constance Underwood, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Raynell Sheild, Master of Science in Nursing

Provencal – Kassidy Dowden, Associate of General Studies

Quitman – Kaitlyn Williams, Bachelor of Science

Ringgold – Autumn Smart, Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Robeline – Jaykob Harrison, Associate of General Studies; Kristin Bull, Bachelor of Arts; Brycen Jones, Associate of Science; Christopher Paligo, Isabella Young, Bachelor of Arts; Andrew Austin, Kandis Kay, Tucker Vascocu, Bachelor of Science

Ruston – Mae Holyoak, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lorelei Freling, Bachelor of Science; Joseph Craighead, Master of Arts

Sarepta – Katie Ingle, Master of Science in Nursing

Shreveport – Brianna Bradford, Justin Burge, Elaine Ezell, Jakiya Hollins, Jacinta Jemeli, Kacee Poole, Candra Robinson, Associate of Science in Nursing; Sheena Rose, Associate of General Studies; Samuel McCray, Christiyon Moore Douglas, Rashunda Morrison, Bachelor of Arts; Demarcus Reid, Bachelor of Science; Stone Smith, Bachelor of Arts; Anna Kent, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Averi Garner, Troy Hayes, Christian Holmes, Sheena Rose, Eric Appleton, Sawyer Benson, Taja Bolds, Anyah Cowan, Quianna Daniel, Jaydon Evan, Olivia Horrell, Olivia Horrell, Donald Johnston, Ashlyn McClain, Alex Melvin, Mi’Chael Miles, Kristie Miller, Jabari Muhammad, Katherine Randolph, Zariah Ray, Virginia Santiago, Halie Stevenson, Haley Streeter, Lorien Thomas, Kaleb Tucker, William Wilson, Bavhelor of Science; Ali Gill, Khadijah Lockett, Spayne Moore, Baylee Parnell, Allie Pitre, Betty Reeves, Kenyaya Russell, Stephanie Williams, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Shayla Campbell, Shelbey DeLouche, Emily Frataccia, Kenberly Jones, Amanda Spraggins, Ava Ward, Bachelor of Social Work; Elisabeth Cason, Roishene Johnson, Doctor of Education; Steven Turner, Master of Education; Lillie Christaw, Naydu Daza Maya, Dana Wainwright, Master of Science;  Matthew Anderson, Charmon Bates, Tonconia Blow, Carla Drain, Kari Harris, Sheryl Jeter, Olivia Lanclos, Alexis Leslie, Camille Mayfield, Tiffany Mills, Justin Morehead, Tiffany Murray, Dione Ngwen, Susan Pesnell, Adam Rinaudo, Breah Seazer, Master of Science in Nursing; Jessica Plunkett, Post Baccalaureate Certificate; Amie Wilson, Post Master’s Certificate

Sikes – Kaylee Parker, Associate of Science in Nursing, Brandi Tolbert, Bachelor of General Studies

Stonewall – Alexandria Cole, Associate Degree; Lauren Becton, Alexandria Cole, Bachelor of Science; Sonya Edelen, Past Master’s Certificate

Trout – Callie McDowell, Bachelor of Science

Vivian – Bridget Duncan, Bachelor of General Studies; Brandon Garner, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Gavin Kendrick, Gavin Kendrick, Tonya Sedrick, Post Baccalaureate Certificate

Winnfield – MaKayla Shelton, Selena Villalobos, Associate of General Studies; Ella Price, Bachelor of Arts; Tolbert Triplett, Bachelor of General Studies; Ashlyn Beaubouef, John Spikes, Landon Thompson, Bachelor of Science

Woodworth – Caroline Blanchcard, Bachelor of Science; Valerie Devillier, Master of Science in Nursing  

Zwolle — Ahyuana Harris, Associate of General Studies; Cynthia Johnson, Kamaryn Rivers, Bachelor of General Studies; Nahliyah Boykins, Erin Escott, Gracie, Bachelor of Science, Malachya Lilly, Bachelor of Social Work 

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No one has more secrets than bass fishermen, especially tournament bass fishermen! If you’re an angler fishing for bass, crappie or anything else, there are certain things you never reveal. For bass tournament anglers, it’s considered a cardinal sin to reveal how and where you’re catching bass. Since the beginning of competitive bass fishing, anglers have always been very secretive about what they know. 

So why are anglers sworn to such secrecy and not telling others about what they do and how they do it? Well one reason would be, it’s about finding fish and making sure other anglers don’t figure out where their secret locations are.

For tournament bass fishermen, the practice of being hush-hush has gone on forever. The problem is some anglers can’t find their own fish and will resort to whatever means necessary to poach another angler’s location. 

One thing that separates a great angler from an average one is the ability to find bass. Guys that develop this skill have a major advantage over those that can’t. Some anglers who are desperate will pay other anglers or fishing guides for waypoints and locations that hold bass.  

Some anglers are very tight-lipped about where and how they are catching fish. Forever, anglers have exercised their right to remain silent about information that someone can use against them in a tournament. 

So why are anglers so compelled to withhold this valuable information or sometimes try and mislead other anglers they are competing against with false information? 

First, it’s the money and prizes anglers are fishing for today. Some tournaments offer cash payouts while others offer both cash and prizes like a new bass boat!  Isn’t it funny how when there’s money involved, morals and ethics go out the window. 

Several circuits have high payouts with the winner taking home $100,000 or more for a win. Also, if it’s a high-level tournament trail, it’s not just about the money, but it’s the points they can earn that allows them to qualify for a championship at the end of the season.

Pretty much every circuit has a points system that will reward anglers who finish in the circuit’s top 20 or 30 percent at the end of the regular season, with an opportunity to fish for a championship which has an even greater payout. 

One thing that has been practiced forever on all tournament trails is the bond between small groups of anglers who, in most cases, room together on the road. These are guys that trust each other and feel confident that no matter what information they share, they know it won’t leave the group. 

With this being said, there are a few exceptions on who an angler will tell where and how he is catching bass. The thing about tournament bass fishing is that it creates a comradery among a select few anglers who TRUST one another.  

They trust the fact that while they might give away locations and how they are catching bass among each other, they know no one in their group will encroach on the location they have been told about during the tournament. But they will take this information and try to find a spot similar and catch their own fish.

This secrecy among anglers is what makes the sport of tournament bass fishing so unique, along with the comradery that is seen in only a few select sports. 

But this trust or bond can be a problem if just one angler decides to go outside the group and share information they promised not to tell. It’s like a marriage, once the trust is broken, the relationship is over! Bass tournament anglers are no different!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Mrs. Marie Bradford Jordan, age 90, of Winnfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at her residence in Winnfield, Louisiana.

Born on Wednesday, February 12, 1936, in Georgetown, Louisiana, Marie was the daughter of Hiram H. Bradford and Esther Lou Woodruff Bradford. She lived a life centered around faith, family, and devotion to those she loved most.

Marie found great joy in the simple blessings of life. She loved cooking for her family, reading, fishing, thrift shopping, and spending treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also devoted to supporting her late husband, Owen Jordan, throughout his years as the beloved bass singer for the renowned Pine Ridge Quartet, where his deep mellow voice became well known and cherished by many throughout the region.

She was preceded in death by her father, Hiram H. Bradford; her mother, Esther Lou Woodruff Bradford; her husband, Owen Jordan; her daughter, Terry Jean Jordan; and her sister, Helen Bradford Williams, and son in law Tim Gaar.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sisters Mickey Bradford Horne, and Linda Bradford Blair, husband Vernon; daughter, Vicki Gaar Voight and husband Dave of Winnfield; her sons, Brad Jordan and Tim Jordan and wife Traci; grandchildren, David Gaar and wife Laura, Jennifer Romero and husband Matt, Brian Gaar and wife Nicole, Christi Wyatt and husband Nick, Ryan Ates, Amanda Elkins and husband Matt, Brent Jordan and wife Valerie, Sarah Lofton and husband Adam, Alli Marie Jordan, Jessica Brasuell and husband Parker, Mallory Morton and husband Caleb, and Allison Beagley and husband Justin, Meagan Garrett; and a host of beloved great-grandchildren: Carleigh Romero, Owen Romero, Lindsay Gaar, Layla Gaar, Annistyn Gaar, Benjamin Gaar, Gavin Chelette, Addison Chelette, Judson Jordan, Jake Norsworthy, Adrienne Jordan, Abigail Lofton, Micah Lofton, Landry Kate Wyatt, Marleigh Ates, Gannon Ates, Briggs Ates, Stevie Jo Brasuell, Dewey Brasuell, Olivia Morton, Ava Morton, Jackson Beagley, Daisy Beagley, and Memphis Northcutt, and also a host of nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Nick Wyatt, Caleb Morton, Justin Beagley, Parker Brasuell, Adam Lofton, Matt Elkins, Matt Romero, and Landon Garner.

The family received friends on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Big Creek Baptist Church, and again on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the church from 9:00 AM until time of services.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Big Creek Baptist Church with Dr. Vernon Blair officiating. Interment immediately followed the service in Jordan Hill Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting Southern Funeral Home Online Guestbook. Memorials may be made to Big Creek Baptist Church.

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