Proposal sparks discussion on experience, longevity, and the future of Louisiana’s courts

By Journal Staff

Voters across Louisiana will consider Amendment 5 on the May 16, 2026 ballot, a proposal that would increase the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.

If approved, the change would allow judges to complete full terms—some as long as 10 years depending on the court—provided they have not reached their 75th birthday at the time of service.

A Shift Reflecting Longer Lifespans

Supporters of the amendment point to a broader societal trend: Americans are living longer and remaining professionally active later in life than when the current retirement limit was established decades ago.

Under the existing system, judges who reach age 70 are required to step down, regardless of their health, performance, or desire to continue serving. Proponents argue that this can lead to the loss of experienced jurists at a time when institutional knowledge and continuity are valuable to the court system.

Continued Service Beyond the Bench

Even under current law, many retired judges remain involved in the legal system, often serving in temporary or ad hoc capacities to assist with caseloads. Backers of Amendment 5 say the proposal would formalize and extend that opportunity, allowing qualified judges to remain in full-time roles longer rather than transitioning to limited assignments.

Broad Support Across Legal Circles

The amendment has drawn backing from various members of Louisiana’s legal community, including attorneys, judicial organizations, and others who cite the benefits of experience and stability on the bench.

Advocates emphasize that the proposal does not eliminate voter oversight. Judges would still be required to stand for election, meaning the public retains the ability to decide whether a candidate—regardless of age—should continue serving.

Considerations for Voters

As with any constitutional amendment, the decision ultimately rests with voters. Amendment 5 raises broader questions about balancing experience with generational turnover, as well as how best to structure long-term service in the judiciary.

Voters will have the opportunity to weigh those factors when they head to the polls on May 16.

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Is there a phrase more terrifying to the modern grocery shopper than “UNEXPECTED ITEM IN BAGGING AREA”? (Except, perhaps, “ITEM REMOVED FROM BAGGING AREA.”) 

We’ve all been there: The panicked fumble, the furious (yet ultimately futile) pressing of the “clear error” button, the desperate eye-contact with the one store employee who is now also side-eyeing your entire existence. The worst part? The machine never understands your motivation. It doesn’t know about the snack craving, the mid-afternoon energy slump, or the urgent need for specifically this kind of chip. It only knows that something isn’t “registered” and now you’re the unexpected item.

Just… just give me the snacks, you heartless electronic demon.

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Oil and gas activity in Natchitoches Parish remained robust through the month of April, with eighty (80) new leases filed at the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court office.

While a majority of the leasing activity continues to be concentrated in the western portion of the parish—stretching from the intersection of Interstate 49 and Highway 6 to the Sabine Parish line, and extending ten miles north toward the Spanish Lake bottoms—new developments are emerging.

A significant shift in recent activity includes the first signs of leasing on the east side of I-49. Additionally, while the primary focus remains west, energy companies are also expanding their footprint with new filings recorded south of LA Hwy 6.

In addition to the rise in lease filings, an upcoming public meeting has been scheduled for May 18 to discuss a proposed 3D seismic graphing project. The survey is expected to cover approximately 310 square miles, the majority of which is located within Natchitoches Parish.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, located at 5137 University Parkway.

Landowners who have been approached with lease offers or seismic survey requests are encouraged to consult with qualified legal counsel before signing any agreements, as these contracts can have long-term implications for mineral and surface rights.

A review of Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records confirms the 80 leases filed in April 2026. The NPJ obtained this information directly from the parish’s online Public Records system.

Total Leases filed in calendar year 2025: 405
Total Leases filed in calendar year 2026 203

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BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) released the 2025 letter grades for community water systems across the state on May 4, offering a transparent look at the quality and performance of more than 900 systems serving Louisiana residents.

This annual report card, mandated by the Community Drinking Water Accountability Rule (Act 98 of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session), provides residents with clear, accessible information about the systems that deliver their drinking water.

The latest report shows continued progress statewide, with fewer water systems receiving failing grades and more systems demonstrating measurable improvements in performance.

“The overall improvement we are seeing in water system grades is encouraging and reflects the hard work of our water providers and the impact of strategic investments at both the state and federal levels,” said Tonya Joiner, assistant secretary for the Louisiana Office of Public Health. “We remain committed to building on this progress and ensuring that all Louisianans have access to safe, reliable water.”

The water grading system, authorized in 2021, is part of the Safe Drinking Water Program’s broader effort to strengthen accountability among water providers while empowering consumers with clear information about their drinking water. The grades are calculated using a standardized 100-point scale based on seven critical categories:

1. Federal Water Quality Compliance
2. State Water Quality Compliance
3. Financial Sustainability
4. Operation and Maintenance
5. Infrastructure Sustainability
6. Customer Satisfaction
7. Secondary Contaminants (iron and manganese)

See Winn Parish on page 28.

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If you grew up in the 1960s, you probably remember a time when home appliances were built like tanks, weighed like tractors, and behaved like mischievous cousins who couldn’t be trusted. Ours certainly did. We had a refrigerator with only one big outer door, and inside that door—like a frosty little secret—was the freezer compartment. It was the kind of setup that made sense only to engineers who had never met actual children.

The top hinge of that refrigerator had screws that were, shall we say, “spiritually backslidden.” They were stripped, worn, and holding on by the power of prayer alone. If you opened the door too quickly or too wide, the hinge would give up entirely, leaving the entire refrigerator door hanging by the bottom hinge like a drunk uncle leaning on a lamppost.

And when that happened, it made a noise. A loud noise. A noise that said, “Someone is trying to sneak a popsicle.”

My mother, who possessed the hearing of a bat and the reflexes of a ninja, would shout from the other room, “Fix the door!” And we kids would scramble like we were disarming a bomb. Because in the 60s, you didn’t sneak snacks. You attempted them. And you were usually caught.

The tea pitcher lived in that refrigerator too, which meant that even the simple act of getting a drink of tea required the stealth of a Navy SEAL. The door could be opened quietly, but children in the 60s were not careful. We were loud, clumsy, sugarmotivated creatures who believed we were invisible as long as we whispered.

Looking back, that refrigerator door was more than a household hazard. It was a spiritual formation tool. It taught us patience, discipline, and the consequences of lukewarm commitment. Because if you approached that door casually—halfheartedly, carelessly—it betrayed you. Every time.

And isn’t that a picture of the Christian life?

Revelation talks about being hot or cold, but not lukewarm. Lukewarm is what happens when we try to follow Jesus casually, quietly, or only when we think no one is watching. Lukewarm faith is refrigeratordoor faith: it looks sturdy from the outside, but the hinges are loose, the screws are stripped, and the whole thing falls apart the moment life swings too wide.

But when we approach our faith with intention—with reverence, steadiness, and a little holy fear—we discover that the door holds. The hinges strengthen. The whole thing works the way it was meant to.

That old refrigerator is long gone, but the lesson remains: a life of faith can’t be sneaked into or stumbled through. It must be opened with purpose.

And if you ever doubt that, just remember: God hears everything. Even the sound of a kid trying to steal a popsicle.

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She’s not just a nervous flyer anymore—she’s dreading every trip. With family and work pulling her cross-country, is it time to face her fears or stay grounded for good?

 See what Ida says 

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Winn Parish 4-H members recently showcased their forestry knowledge and athletic skills during the Woodsman Skills Contest held as part of the annual Louisiana Forest Festival.

The competition, which took place during the festival’s longstanding celebration of forestry heritage in Winn Parish, gave local 4-H youth an opportunity to compete in traditional forestry events while continuing one of the parish’s signature traditions.

Winn 4-H officials said the event highlighted the importance of investing in future forestry leaders while keeping the Forest Festival tradition alive for younger generations.

Participants competed in several events, including Rope Climb, Pulpwood Throw, Match Split, Log Roll, and Crosscut competitions.

Woodsman Skills Contest Results:

Rope Climb

Boys

1st Place: Jayden

Girls

1st Place: Bacey

2nd Place: Emma

3rd Place: Brilynn

4th Place: Zoey

5th Place: Leah

Pulpwood Throw

Boys

1st Place: Stetson

2nd Place: Demontrez

3rd Place: Darrell

4th Place: DaKylan

5th Place: Jayden

Girls

1st Place: Brilynn

2nd Place: Bacey

3rd Place: Leah

4th Place: Emma

Match Split

Boys

1st Place: Stetson

2nd Place: Darrell

3rd Place: Demontrez

4th Place: DeKylan

5th Place: Jayden

Girls

1st Place: Brilynn

2nd Place: Emma

3rd Place: Zoey

4th Place: Leah

5th Place: Bacey

Log Roll

1st Place: Demontrez and Darrell

2nd Place: Demontrez and Stetson

Crosscut

Boy/Boy

1st Place: Levi and Darrell

2nd Place: Levi and Demontrez

3rd Place: Darrell and Demontrez

4th Place: Stetson and Demontrez

5th Place: Darrell and Stetson

Girl/Girl

1st Place: Emma and Bacey

2nd Place: Emma and Leah

3rd Place: Brilynn and Leah

Boy/Girl

1st Place: Bacey and Stetson

2nd Place: Demontrez and Brilynn

3rd Place: Demontrez and Emma

Winn 4-H also extended appreciation to Louisiana Tech Forestry for assisting with judging throughout the contest.

Organizers noted that the Woodsman Skills competition remains a valued part of the Louisiana Forest Festival, combining friendly competition, forestry education, and community tradition while helping prepare young participants for future leadership opportunities in agriculture and forestry.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds the public that increased water temperatures, storms, and extended cloudy weather can lead to fish kills in inland and nearshore waters across the state. These events are typically caused by low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia), which often occurs in warm water, since it has a lower carrying capacity for oxygen than cooler water.  Conditions such as stagnant water, heavy rainfall, decaying vegetation, or increased nutrient runoff contribute to hypoxic conditions—especially in shallow bayous, marshes, and ponds.

Fish kills may affect certain species or sizes more than others. For example, shad are sensitive to hypoxia, and are often the first or only fish that experience a fish kill, while some species, like gar, can breathe air and are resistant to hypoxic conditions. Other species have varying levels of tolerance to hypoxic conditions. 

While fish kills can temporarily impact recreational and commercial fishing, aquatic ecosystems in Louisiana are resilient and typically recover naturally. Even in large fish kills, some fish will find refuge from hypoxic conditions in the affected waterbody or connected waterbodies and survive. Scavengers and decomposers help break down fish remains, and most systems recover over time. If conditions remain favorable, fish populations often rebound after major kills within one to two years without the need for stocking, and young fish benefit from reduced competition and increased resources. However, fish kills caused by pollution or chemical spills can occur at any time and may require additional response.

Documenting fish kills in Louisiana, whether caused by natural or human-caused events, is important to responsibly manage fisheries resources. Please report any observed fish kill to LDWF so biologists can investigate and document the kill as soon as possible. For information on how to report a fish kill or more information about the causes of fish kills, go online to wlf.louisiana.gov/page/fish-kills.

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I was always told as a kid growing up that you are judged by the company you keep. In other words, it’s important that you choose your friends wisely. This is also important when it comes to tournament bass fishing.

In each tournament, especially multi-day events, it’s important to have the right guys in the house you’re staying in. Guys that you trust and have the same moral and ethical values as yourself. Anglers that will come to your rescue on and off the lake if you have a problem.

Over the years I have fished all over the South and I have chosen who I travel with very carefully. There are several traits that make good roommates on the road. First and foremost, you have to trust the people you’re sharing a house with. I’m not talking about stealing or tearing the place up, but a person who when he says something, you can trust he’s telling the truth. 

Some guys like to share information, but you must be careful and proceed with caution with the info you receive — even from the guys you’re staying with. There are anglers that will lead you astray and send you down a rabbit hole just to eliminate you from being in contention. 

Understand this, bass fishermen are a different breed of people and love nothing more than winning. Oh, we all hope everyone in the house does well, but rest assured, each one of us wants to win!

The next trait I’m looking for in a good roommate on the road is attitude. Nothing is worse than having a guy in the house that has a poor attitude or rubs people the wrong way. It can make for a very long week of fishing when there’s one guy who the rest of the house can’t stand.

There are some guys that are always negative and like to drag others down with them. Fortunately for me, I’ve never had that experience before. But that’s because I choose the guys I’m traveling with very carefully. 

The final thing that is very important in a good housemate is if he is financially stable. This can be a problem if one guy can’t pull his weight and pony up the money necessary to take care his share of house expenses. 

I’ve always said, “If you can’t afford the expenses involved in tournament fishing like house rent, food, boat gas, entry fees, insurance etc., then you don’t need to be fishing tournaments!”  

No one, and I mean no one, has been as fortunate as I have when it comes to great housemates on the road. I have never encountered one angler who I would  later think, “He’ll never stay with me again!” 

For the last 10 years the guys who have been a part of our road crew are Brett Hortman, Walt Stevens, Adrian James, Brennan Flick and Cole Garrett. These guys are as good as gold and guys that I have nothing but great respect for. Not one time have we had an issue with anyone in the house. I’ve also had the privilege of staying with Albert Collins and Clayton Boulware, who are both great anglers but even better people. 

We’ve all had some great tournaments and some that weren’t so good. But the one thing I always knew, I could trust each and every one of them no matter what. Whether it was fixing a flat tire or making repairs on our boats, I could always count on these guys.

I always felt that if one of us was in contention to win, the rest of the house would help in any way we could. Finding guys like these is hard today with so many anglers fishing selfishly. 

To wrap this up, if you’re a young angler and getting into tournament bass fishing, choose who you travel with wisely. It will give great peace of mind knowing that if you have a problem, one of your guys will go out of their way to help you. 

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Wilmer McLean was a retired officer of the Virginia militia who became wealthy as a wholesale grocer based in Alexandria, Virginia.  In 1850, he married Virginia Beverley Hooe.  Three years later when Virginia was expecting their first child, Wilmer searched for a quiet, peaceful place for his growing family to live.  On January 1, 1854, Wilmer’s son, John Wilmer, was born.  Wilmer had his sights set on the 1200-acre rural Yorkshire Plantation north of Manassas along Bull Run, a 31-mile-long tributary of the Occoquan River.  Shortly after baby John was born, Wilmer purchased the plantation.  Three years later, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lucretia “Lula” Virginia.  Theirs was a perfectly peaceful existence.  They lived in a huge two-story house, some referred to it as a mansion, on one of the many rolling hills next to the lazy stream.  It seemed as if they were living in a dream world which would last forever. 

Their peaceful, dreamlike existence ended abruptly on July 21, 1861.  Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard had commandeered Wilmer’s home and barn as his headquarters along the strategic Bull Run.  Whether Wilmer and his family continued to live in their home with the soldiers or moved to a nearby home is unknown, but they remained in close proximity.  On that hot July day, Union and Confederate soldiers fought an artillery duel on Wilmer’s plantation.  General Beauregard later wrote, “A comical effect of this artillery fight was the destruction of the dinner of myself and staff by a Federal shell that fell into the fire-place of my headquarters at the McLean House.”  What became known as The Battle of Bull Run was the first major campaign of the Civil War. 

Following the battle, the soldiers moved to other battlefields.  Wilmer and his family returned to the peaceful existence on Yorkshire Plantation that they had enjoyed before the war.  Soon thereafter, Virginia became pregnant with their third child.  Once again, their peace was broken when soldiers converged again near the same strategic location.  For three days in 1862, August 28-30, Confederate and Union soldiers fought the Second Battle of Bull Run.  Shortly after the battle, Wilmer and his pregnant wife and their two children abandoned Yorkshire Plantation for safer environs. 

On January 28, 1863, Virginia gave birth to a daughter named Nannie.  Shortly thereafter, Wilmer and his family purchased a large home about 140 miles to the southwest in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.  For two years, Wilmer’s family lived far from the fields of battle.  On April 9, 1865, Virginia was pregnant with their fourth child when Charles Marshall, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s aide, asked Wilmer to show him a suitable place for Lee to meet another general.  Wanting to distance his family from any connection to the war, Wilmer showed the aide a dilapidated home which he quickly rejected.  With no other contenders, Wilmer reluctantly offered the use of his family’s home.  At about 1 o’clock that afternoon at the McLean home, General Lee met with Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  The Civil War ended during that meeting when General Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to General Grant.  The Civil War began in Wilmer McLean’s front yard and ended in his front parlor. 

Through it all, Wilmer wanted a safe and peaceful existence for himself and his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer dedicated himself to ensuring that the citizens of Manassas township in Virginia had the same safe and peaceful existence that he had wanted to provide for his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer McLean, whose homes bookended the Civil War, became a Justice of the Peace.

Sources:

1.     Jim Rogers, “Crumbling bar is all that’s left of Yorkshire Plantation,” Potomac News, July 23, 1990, accessed April 26, 2026, https://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitallibrary/hsdw/M_Folder/McLean76-274/pdfs/McLean76-274NewsArtA.pdf.

2.     Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia), July 7, 1870, p.2.

3.     Kristi Finefield, “A Tale of Two Houses and the U.S. Civil War,” Library of Congress, April 9, 2015, accessed April 26, 2026, https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2015/04/a-tale-of-two-houses-and-the-u-s-civil-war/.

4.     Hparkins, “The Peculiar Story of Wilmer McLean,” National Archives, November 10, 2010, accessed April 26, 2026, https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2010/11/10/the-peculiar-story-of-wilmer-mclean/.

5.     “The McLean House – Site of the Surrender Meeting,” National Park Service, Accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/apco/mclean-house.htm.

6.     “Wilmer McLean,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5824/wilmer-mclean.

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BRADLEY’S OBITUARY

Mr. Bradley Owen Roark

April 27, 1990 – May 3, 2026

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” (Psalm 37:23)
Mr. Bradley Owen Roark, age 36, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed from this life on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Winnfield. He was born on Friday, April 27, 1990, in Ruston, Louisiana.

Bradley enriched the lives of all who knew him with his profound sense of humor, warmth, creativity, and outgoing spirit. Truly one of a kind, he possessed the finest qualities—unconditional love, strength of spirit, and a generosity without measure. These attributes were evident in every aspect of his life, from his devotion to family and friends to his service within his church and community. He lived as a reflection of Christ’s teachings, a principled man of deep integrity, and through his faithful witness, many lives were touched for the Kingdom.

Bradley married his high school sweetheart, Hanna, and together they made their home in the Bethlehem community. There, they became a vital part of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Harper and Brynlee, who were the joy of his life. Bradley was a faithful and loving husband and a devoted father who provided, protected, and cherished his family, even through the trials of illness. He found joy in life’s simple moments, always ready with a laugh or a warm embrace.

An avid outdoorsman, Bradley found great peace and appreciation in God’s creation. He loved hunting deer and turkey and treasured the time spent in the woods, often alongside Hanna and Harper, passing down his love for nature.

When Bradley accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior, a good man became a man of unwavering faith. He and Hanna committed their lives and their family to the Lord, growing into devoted servants and fervent prayer warriors. In 2021, Bradley was ordained as a deacon, faithfully serving his church in every capacity. One of his greatest honors was baptizing his daughter, Harper, following her profession of faith.

His life and service greatly enriched Bethlehem Baptist Church, and his passing leaves a deep void that is comforted only by the abiding love of Christ.

In recent years, Bradley faced significant physical challenges with courage and steadfast faith. Though his body weakened, his spirit never faltered. He fought the good fight, kept the faith, and finished his course with humility and love. Today, we take comfort in knowing that his earthly battles are over and that he now rests in the presence of his Savior—free from pain, embraced in perfect peace.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bruce Roark; his mother, Amy Rowell Roark; his maternal grandparents, Thee and Margaret Rowell; his paternal grandparents, Doyle and Shirley Johnson Roark; his father-in-law, Larry Daniel Wise, Sr.; and his brother-in-law, Jeremy Daniel Wise.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Hanna Wise Roark of Winnfield; his daughters, Harper and Brynlee Roark; his sisters, Rebekah Tyler (Phil) and Shelly Gilcrease; his mother-in-law, Donna Johnson Wise; his brother-in-law, Larry Daniel Wise, Jr. (Jessie); and a host of beloved family members and friends, including Trent Williams, Ethan Liles, Matt Townsend, Mark Townsend, Brandon Jacobs, Dan Taylor, Brian Griffin,

Honorary pallbearers will be: Corey Daniel, Gary Bates, Justin Reed, Otis Wall, II, Phil Tyler, Guy Tyler, and Daniel Wise.

Visitation was held at Southern Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A second visitation will take place at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, with Reverend Craig James and Reverend Todd Whittington officiating. Interment will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Inlieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Winn Parish Mens Retreat. Checks payable to Bethlehem Baptist church and memo Winn Parish Mens Retreat. mail to Bethlehem Baptist Church 2777 Hwy 1232, Winnfield, LA 71483.

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.southernfuneralhome.com

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May 6 stands out in history for its connections to political leadership, technological milestones, and cultural influence.

One of the most notable events associated with this date is the crash of the Hindenburg airship in 1937. The German passenger airship caught fire while attempting to land in New Jersey, killing 36 people. The disaster effectively ended the era of passenger airship travel and marked a turning point in aviation history.

May 6 is also recognized as the birthday of Sigmund Freud, born in 1856. Freud’s work in psychology introduced groundbreaking theories about the unconscious mind, influencing fields ranging from psychiatry to literature and art. While some of his ideas remain controversial, his impact on modern thought is significant.

In political history, May 6, 1994, marked the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first Black president. His election followed the end of apartheid and symbolized a new era of reconciliation and democracy in the country. Mandela’s leadership became a global example of resilience and unity.

The date also carries cultural significance through various achievements in music, literature, and public life, reflecting the ongoing evolution of society.

Taken together, the events of May 6 highlight moments when innovation, leadership, and tragedy intersected to shape the course of history, leaving legacies that continue to influence the present day.

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