Residents can expect a mix of sunny days and cold nights through the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny with calm winds and a high near 51 degrees. Skies will turn partly cloudy Wednesday night, with temperatures dropping to around 25 degrees.

Thursday brings partly sunny skies and a slight warm-up, with highs near 55. Clouds will increase Thursday night, along with a 20 percent chance of showers, and lows near 30.

Friday will be cooler with partly sunny skies and highs near 43. Friday night will be partly cloudy with temperatures falling sharply to around 16 degrees.

The weekend remains dry but chilly. Saturday will be sunny with a high near 35, followed by partly cloudy skies Saturday night and lows near 17. Sunday will bring more sunshine with highs around 44, and mostly clear skies Sunday night as temperatures drop to about 21.

Monday looks sunny with a warming trend, with highs climbing back into the low 50s near 52 degrees.

Residents are advised to dress in layers and take precautions during the colder overnight hours, especially heading into the weekend.

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Louisiana snow day essentials: space heater, extension cord, boiling water, generator, candles, and a phone at 3% battery. While some outside the South might chuckle at a Louisiana winter, we know how to stay prepared, make the most of any situation, and get through it together.

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Do you have a drawer under your oven? And more importantly—what’s living in there? Cookie sheets? Muffin tins? A colony of plastic lids that haven’t had matching bowls since the Bush administration.

And the bigger question: Are you even using that drawer correctly?

My mother used that drawer for cookie sheets, and therefore—by the sacred laws of Southern motherhood—I was required to do the same. You don’t question Mama’s kitchen theology. You just obey and hope she doesn’t notice you put the castiron skillet in the dishwasher.

But who gets to tell you what’s right? Who shapes your choices? And when does “that’s how Mama did it” turn into “that’s how I got myself into trouble”?

Before we go any further, let me ask something bold: Do you know the truth about oven drawers?

Let me tell you a story.

There’s an old African tale about a man and his beloved lamb. He fed it by hand, played with it, probably let it sleep on the porch. Hard times came, and he had to take the lamb to market.

Three thieves heard about this and cooked up a plan.

As the man walked down the road with the lamb over his shoulders, the first thief said, “Why are you carrying that dog?”

The man laughed. “It’s a lamb.”

A little farther along, the second thief said, “Finelooking dog you’ve got there.”

The man frowned. “It’s… a lamb. Pretty sure.”

Near the market, the third thief shook his head. “Sir, they won’t let you bring a dog in there.”

That did it. The man set the lamb down, stared at it, and thought, “Well, if three different people say it’s a dog, it must be a dog.” And he walked away.

If he’d turned around, he would’ve seen the thieves scooping up his verymuchnotadog lamb and heading home for supper.Now, back to the oven drawer.

For years, I never questioned its purpose. Mama said it was for cookie sheets, so it was for cookie sheets. End of discussion. But like the man with the lamb, I realized I’d let other voices define reality for me.

Then I learned the shocking truth: Some oven drawers are storage drawers… and some are warming drawers.

If your oven is older than your church’s carpet, it’s probably storage. But newer ovens? That drawer might be designed to keep food warm.

Which means: Trying to warm your biscuits in a storage drawer is just wishful thinking. Storing your plastic lids in a warming drawer is how you end up explaining yourself to the fire department.

It is not your mother’s oven.

And that’s the point.

In a world where everyone has an opinion—loudly—and where people will swear up and down that the lamb you’re carrying is a dog, you need a center that doesn’t wobble. You need truth that isn’t based on trends, polls, or whoever shouts the loudest.

You need someone who won’t call darkness “light” just because it’s fashionable.

You need the One who doesn’t change.

You need the One who won’t mislead you for His own gain.

You need the One who tells you the truth—even when three thieves insist otherwise.

And that place, that Person, is where I always end up: Jesus.

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Once again I’m going off the rails and taking a break from talking fishing. Those of you that have read my articles from the very beginning know about my history as a kid. Growing up on the streets of Rosenburg, Texas, and Houston, made me a little tougher than most kids my age. I knew first-hand by the age of 8 what it was like to be footloose and fancy free running the streets ‘til all hours of the night, with zero guidance.

While my biological mother was more concerned with her modeling career and surviving the beatings she took at the hands of my stepdad, I was just trying to survive. I was the one sneaking into houses looking for a quick meal.

The one thing I always wondered — where was my real dad during all of this and why did I never get to meet him? Why was he never involved in my life?

Was this his choice to avoid contact with me or was there some kind of a mutual agreement between my mother and him that he was to never reach out to me for any reason?

These are questions that I’ll never get the answers to until the day I’m reunited with my dad and the loved ones who have crossed over to the other side. But as a father myself, I cannot imagine having a child in this world and not knowing who or where they were.

I’ve always heard that my athletic abilities came from my dad. I’ve heard stories from my older brother, Mike (we share the same mom and dad), on the kind of dad he was to him and how he supported him and his athletic career.

But the same questions continue to go through my head today, even at the age of 64. How was it that we never met? Why didn’t he reach out to me?

Every kid wants that relationship with their dad. A dad plays an important role in the development of a young boy growing into a man. He also provides a sense of security to all his children that no matter what, dad always has their back.

He provides advice and guidance for life’s troubled journey and teaches how to navigate those trials and tribulations. He’s the man who jerks a knot in your tail when you need correcting or get out of line. He’s the rock you look up to and hope to make proud one day. He’s the man you only hope you can be one day.

But for me, that connection was never made. The years went by with zero contact from the man that I only heard about from relatives. From what I’ve been able to learn over the years, he had a good side and a bad side.

I’ve been told that he enjoyed his Friday and Saturday nights at local taverns, but he also had wandering eyes for the ladies and traded one for another frequently. Guess this is why he and my mother divorced while she was pregnant with me. All total, he was married seven times (the legal limit in Texas) and once to the same lady, twice.

So, maybe those that knew him thought it was in my best interest NOT to have a relationship with him; that nothing good would come out of us having that father-son bond that a boy wants with his dad.

But looking back, he missed out on so much of my life’s great experiences. Things that a dad is supposed to be there for like a high school state championship, graduation, signing an athletic scholarship, getting married, being drafted by a Major League Baseball team and so much more! He missed out on so many of my life’s ups and downs — and three great grandkids.

Growing up, I had the best childhood a young boy could ever ask for while being raised by my aunt and uncle in an awesome small town in East Texas. My uncle, who I called Dad after being adopted, was a great provider and taught me about responsibility and hard work while growing up on a ranch. He assumed the role of a loving father as best he could, but it’s just not the same.

There’s something about having a relationship with the man you share the same DNA with as it completes the internal connection — the connection that only a father can have with his children.

So, I know the day will come when I’ll get all my questions answered. I’ll finally get to meet the father I never met. But in the meantime, I’ll do my best to be the best father I can be to all three of my children.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Freida Sue Howell “MeMe” Brown, age 77, of Dodson, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Winnfield, Louisiana. Born on August 16, 1948, in Winnfield to the late Julian Franklin Howell and Rebecca Dees Howell, Freida was a graduate of Dodson High School. She spent many years as a dedicated employee of Nichols Department Store, where she was well known and warmly regarded by customers and coworkers alike.

A woman of Baptist faith, Freida lived her life grounded in devotion to family and quiet kindness. She enjoyed traveling and exploring new places, but her greatest joy and true passion were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her world. She also had a fondness for collecting Southwestern décor and was known for raising and caring for cats and raccoons, reflecting her gentle and nurturing spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Travis Melton Brown, and her sister Patricia Ann Jacobs. Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Ricky Melton Brown and Marshall DeWayne Brown; her grandchildren, Paige (Cody), Hannah (Alex), Lane, Reagan (Tyler), Jesse, and Gracie; her great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Cade, Whitley Cate, Emersyn, Blaine, Stetsyn, Briggs, Sutton, Hudson, and one on the way, Adeline; her siblings, Willie Howell, Robert Howell, Jay Howell, Mary Oliver, Jenny Vines, Gloria Harkins, and Bert Howell; along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026, in the Chapel of Southern Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Cypress Creek Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, at the Southern Funeral from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and also on Thursday from 12:00 p.m. (noon) until time of services.

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January 28, 1986, stands as one of the darkest days in the history of space exploration. Just 73 seconds after liftoff, the Space Shuttle Challenger broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean, killing all seven crew members and shocking viewers around the world.

The mission had drawn unprecedented public attention due to the presence of Christa McAuliffe, a New Hampshire schoolteacher selected to become the first civilian educator in space. Millions of students watched the launch live in classrooms, making the tragedy especially traumatic for a generation of Americans.

Investigations later determined that the disaster was caused by the failure of O-ring seals in one of the shuttle’s solid rocket boosters. Cold temperatures on the morning of the launch compromised the seals, allowing hot gases to escape and ultimately leading to structural failure. Evidence revealed that engineers had raised concerns about the risks, but those warnings were not acted upon.

In the aftermath, NASA grounded the shuttle fleet and launched an extensive review of its procedures, management culture, and safety protocols. The Rogers Commission’s findings led to significant changes within the agency, emphasizing the importance of engineering judgment and transparency in decision-making.

The Challenger disaster reshaped public perception of space travel, underscoring the inherent risks of exploration. Memorials, scholarships, and educational programs were established in honor of the crew, ensuring their legacy would inspire future generations.

January 28 serves as a solemn reminder that progress often comes at great cost. The lessons learned from Challenger continue to influence aerospace safety and remind the nation of the human lives behind scientific ambition.

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Winn Parish residents should brace for a soggy midweek period that will give way to bitter cold and the potential for icy, hazardous conditions by the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
Rain is expected throughout Wednesday, with highs near 57 degrees and southeast winds around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation stands at 80 percent. Showers will continue into Wednesday night, with the possibility of a thunderstorm before 3 a.m. Rain remains likely overnight as temperatures dip to around 48 degrees. Winds will become calm by late night.

Thursday brings continued cloudy skies with a 30 percent chance of rain, mainly during the morning hours. Highs will reach near 59 degrees. Thursday night remains cloudy with another 30 percent chance of rain after midnight and lows near 46.

By Friday, clouds linger and rain chances increase again, especially after noon. Highs will be near 55 degrees. Conditions take a dramatic turn Friday night as temperatures plunge to around 25 degrees. Rain is expected before midnight, transitioning to rain or freezing rain as colder air moves in. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Saturday poses the greatest risk, as freezing rain and sleet are likely before noon, followed by a mix of rain, freezing rain, and sleet throughout the day. Highs will struggle to reach 33 degrees, creating a high potential for icy roads, bridges, and elevated surfaces. Saturday night remains cloudy with lows near 20 and continued chances for freezing rain and sleet.

Sunday offers only slight improvement, with a small chance of rain or freezing rain under partly sunny skies. Highs will hover near 37 degrees before falling to around 18 Sunday night.

Conditions improve Monday, with mostly sunny skies and a high near 46.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for possible winter weather impacts, including dangerous travel conditions and potential power outages from late Friday through the weekend.

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If you grew up in the 1960s, you remember that nightly publicservice announcement that came on right before the late news: “It’s 10 PM. Do you know where your children are?”

Of course, our parents didn’t know where we were. It was the 60s. Half the time we didn’t know where we were. Childhood back then was a freerange, unsupervised, loosely organized adventure involving bicycles with no helmets, creeks with questionable water quality, and a general understanding that you should be home “before dark,” which could mean anything from 5:30 PM to the next morning depending on the season and your mother’s mood.

Today’s parents track their children with GPS, Bluetooth, satellite imaging, and—if necessary—a drone. In the 60s, the only tracking device was your mother’s voice hollering your name across three neighborhoods like a foghorn powered by righteous indignation. And somehow, that worked.

Back then, if you told your mom, you were “going outside,” that was considered a complete itinerary. No one asked followup questions. No one needed a permission slip. You could be building a treehouse, digging a hole to China, or accidentally setting something on fire. As long as you came home eventually and didn’t bleed on the carpet, you were considered a successful child.
And yet, for all the differences between then and now, one thing hasn’t changed: every generation has to figure out life—and faith—for themselves.

My generation grew up with three TV channels, rotary phones, and the theological certainty that if you ran in church, God would personally trip you. Today’s kids grow up with smartphones, streaming services, and the ability to Google “Why does my pastor say that?” during the sermon. (Please don’t tell me if you’ve done this.)

But here’s the truth: faith has never been something you inherit like your grandmother’s casserole dish. Each generation has to discover Christ anew—sometimes in ways that surprise the generation before them. And the church, if it wants to stay alive and not become the spiritual equivalent of lukewarm leftovers, has to let the Holy Spirit shape it into a living, breathing, organic body of Christ—not a museum of how things used to be.

The kids who grew up hearing “It’s 10 PM—do you know where your children are?” are now grandparents watching their own grandkids navigate a world we couldn’t have imagined. And just like our parents trusted us to find our way home before dark, we can trust that God is guiding this new generation toward their own encounter with grace.

So the next time you worry about “kids these days,” remember: our parents survived us. And God, who has been faithful through every generation—from rotary phones to TikTok—will be faithful still.
And if you’re reading this after 10 PM, don’t worry. God knows where His children are. Always has.

Always will.

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Nothing has shaken the bass fishing world more than forward-facing sonar (FFS). While I’ve given my perspective on this technology and how it’s affected the bass tournament world, I’m now wondering what’s next? Understand, this is my perspective, as I have no inside knowledge from anyone.

One thing that we know for sure, the big three fishing electronic companies (Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance) are not going to stop building a better mouse trap. Their engineers are paid to be innovative and are aways looking to make improvements and advancements with regards to their technology.

Today’s sonar units are crazy good! You can literally see the swimming action of the tail on a bass. No fish is safe anymore and no fish can hide from today’s electronics.

One thing that is probably coming next will be the ability to identify the fish you’re seeing on the screen without guessing. Is that a bass, crappie or a carp? Knowledgeable anglers can do that today if they’re really good with their electronics and if they have studied and understand fish behavior.

But I think these companies are going to figure out a way to tell you exactly what species of fish you are seeing on your screen. They are going to continue to simplify the visual aspect of what you’re seeing on the screen.

Next, get ready for live video! This already exists with a company called Aqua-Vu. (It’s just not allowed in tournaments.) These have been out for a few years and to let everyone in on a little secret: several bass touring pros already use this unit for scouting, but don’t want the public to know.

Look for new camera units from one of the big three electronic companies, probably in association with “Go Pro Cameras,” to be the first to introduce this new way of seeing fish on our screens.

Many people are asking the question, “Where does all this stop?” Here’s the bottom line. There’s no stopping technological advancement. It won’t stop until people quit paying the prices they are asking for all these electronic advancements. If anglers are willing to pay, companies will continue to build bigger and better units.

Here’s the problem; just follow the money! All these electronic companies are pumping thousands of dollars into these professional bass fishing organizations as sponsors, forcing B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) to allow pro anglers to use forward-facing sonar.

I think we are getting to the point where these organizations are going to have to decide what’s more important — sponsorship support or the integrity of the sport? They also need to ask themselves if this new technology is good for the sport in the long run on the professional level.

You can say what you want, but forward-facing sonar (FFS) in bass tournaments is destroying the sport. I’m personally not against FFS for the everyday angler. I think it’s great tool for fun fishing and catching crappie.

I’m even OK with it for local bass tournaments on the amateur level. But when it comes to professional anglers using it on pro tournament trails, I am not a fan and it should be disallowed.

This is the same as Major League Baseball allowing the use of aluminum bats. It’s just not good for the sport of baseball! Hopefully the pro tours will do the right thing and eliminate FFS completely.

The biggest complaints about FFS come from the older generation of anglers, not the young guns on the rise. The young kids today have been raised with FFS from day one and really understand how to use it, giving them a huge advantage over the older anglers.

This could all play out another way. Pro tours may just wait out this issue with FFS and let this older group of anglers walk away or retire because five years from now, FFS won’t even be an issue at all.

So, what’s the next big issue going to be? Probably something totally different, as the electronic companies continue to make improvements and advancements with their electronic units. Only time will tell!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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In a world of endless alerts and nonstop trends, the public’s attention rarely makes it past the loading screen before the next “new thing” drops.

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On January 21, 1793, King Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris, a moment that irrevocably altered the course of French and European history. The execution marked a dramatic escalation of the French Revolution and symbolized the collapse of centuries-old monarchy.

Louis XVI ascended the throne in 1774 during a time of economic strain and social inequality. France faced crushing debt, widespread poverty, and resentment toward an aristocracy seen as detached from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Revolutionary ideas gained momentum, fueled by Enlightenment philosophies advocating liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty.

Following the storming of the Bastille in 1789, the monarchy’s authority steadily eroded. Louis XVI was eventually arrested and charged with treason, accused of conspiring against the nation and attempting to undermine the revolution. His trial before the National Convention was unprecedented, placing a reigning monarch on trial by his own people.

The execution itself was swift but symbolic. As the guillotine blade fell in the Place de la Révolution, it sent shockwaves across Europe. Monarchies feared similar uprisings within their own borders, while revolutionaries viewed the act as a decisive break from tyranny. France soon found itself at war with several European powers determined to suppress revolutionary ideals.

Domestically, the execution intensified political divisions. The revolution entered its most violent phase, known as the Reign of Terror, as leaders sought to eliminate perceived enemies of the state. Thousands were executed in the name of protecting the revolution, leaving a legacy of both radical change and profound loss.

January 21 remains one of the most significant dates of the French Revolution. The death of Louis XVI transformed a reform movement into a full-scale revolution, redefining governance, citizenship, and the balance of power in modern societies.

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Paula was born in 1896. In 1903, when Paula was six years old, her father died from a lung hemorrhage. Her mother was left with only his meager pension to raise Paula and her brother. In 1907, when Paula was 11 years old and her brother was 18, her mother died from breast cancer. The government provided them with a small pension to ease their burden. Paula’s brother, a romantic, idealistic, and fantasy-oriented teenager, was away at the time of his mother’s death studying fine arts. He dreamed of being a famous artist. He wanted everyone around the world to know his name. He had little money, but he knew he would have better opportunities to earn money than his 11-year-old sister, so he selflessly transferred his share of the pension to her. Paula’s brother sometimes sold a watercolor painting or two to get by, but most of the time he took whatever manual labor job he could get.

For years, Paula and her brother had little contact. When they saw each other they bickered, as most siblings do but they had genuine affection for each other. Paula’s brother struggled to build his reputation as a painter. They both took menial jobs just to survive. He fought during World War I but never gave up on his dream. After the war, he tried to build his reputation as an artist again, but few people had money to buy non-essential items such as watercolor paintings. Paula’s brother began working in politics, but continued painting. When Paula lost her job because of her connection to him, he began sending her money each month to help. He fought during World War II and painted when he had the opportunity. Paula’s brother considered himself, “an artist by nature and not a politician.” He said, “I will end my life as an artist.” In April 1945, Paula saw her brother for the last time. During their visit, they talked for a short time. When it was time for her to leave, he gave her a large amount of money. Two weeks later, he died from a gunshot wound.

Paula lived off the money that her brother had given her for several years and then returned to menial jobs for survival. She died in poverty in 1960. At the time of Paula’s brother’s death, few people knew him as an artist. Now, practically everyone knows his name. His paintings are in collections all over the world and often fetch high prices when they come up for auction. Sometimes, people protest the sale of his paintings. Most people are interested in his paintings, not because of their beauty, but for another reason entirely. For several decades, Paula Wolff kept a secret. She was living under an assumed last name. In the 1930s, Paula’s brother insisted that she adopt the last name Wolff to shield her from his reputation. He was still protecting her. You see, Paula’s real last name was Hitler. Her brother was Adolf.

 

Sources:

1. Daily News (Sydney, Australia), September 22, 1939, p.1.

2. The Daily News Leader (Staunton, Virginia), November 22, 1992, p.8.

3. The Bolton News, September 27, 2006, p.4.

4. “Alois Hitler Sr.,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11646/alois-hitler.

5. “Klara Pölzl Hitler,” Find a Grave, accessed January 10, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11645/klara-hitler.

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Mrs. Carol Barham Remy, born December 5, 1955, in Ruston, Louisiana, entered her eternal home in Heaven on January 16, 2026, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Carol lived the majority of her life in north Louisiana, where she poured her heart into her family, her faith, and the many students she served for nearly four decades. After 58 years in north Louisiana, she moved to Baton Rouge to be near her children and to lovingly care for her first granddaughter, Alison, a role she cherished deeply.

Carol, known to her grandchildren as “Jojo,” was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She is survived by her loving husband, John Remy; her daughters, Laura Remy and Melinda Penny; her son-in-law, Andrew Penny; and her beloved grandchildren, Alison, Ainsley, and John Michael, who were the joy of her life. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Barham, and his wife, Lorie. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and JoAnn Barham.

A woman of strong faith, Carol lived out her calling through service and love for others. She began her career as a home economics teacher in Spearsville, where she taught for 13 years, before continuing her life’s work as a 4-H agent for 20 years in Union Parish. She was known and loved by countless students and families whose lives she touched through her guidance, encouragement, and unwavering kindness.
Carol and John also served together for 14 years in Volunteer Christian Builders, traveling across the country to help construct numerous churches and Christian camps, a ministry that reflected their shared faith and love of service. Carol’s life reflected her deep trust in the Lord, and her legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and quiet strength. Those who knew her will remember her gentle spirit, servant’s heart, and steadfast love for her family and community.

A visitation to celebrate Carol’s life with her Baton Rouge friends was held on Saturday, January 17, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Istrouma Ascension.

A visitation was held at Crestview Baptist Church in Farmerville, LA on Sunday, January 18, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 19, 2026 at Crestview Baptist Church with Bro. Wayne Whiteside as officiant. Interment followed at Unionville Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Carol’s family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, rejoicing in the presence of her Savior, and they are grateful for the promise that her love and faith will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

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Winn Parish will see a stretch of dry and mostly sunny weather through the upcoming holiday weekend, with cool nights and mild daytime temperatures.

Wednesday will be mostly sunny with highs near 61 degrees. Southwest winds at 5 to 15 mph will shift to the northwest by the afternoon.

Wednesday night turns partly cloudy and colder, with lows around 32. North winds will increase slightly, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Thursday brings plenty of sunshine, but cooler conditions, with highs near 50.

Thursday night will be clear and cold, dropping to around 31 degrees.

Friday warms back up under sunny skies, reaching a high near 61.

Friday night remains mostly clear with lows near 34.

Saturday stays sunny with a high around 54, followed by a mostly clear and chilly night with lows near 31.

Sunday will be sunny and cool, topping out near 52 degrees.

Sunday night will be the coldest of the stretch, with clear skies and lows falling to around 27.

Looking ahead to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, expect sunshine to continue with highs near 54 degrees.

Overall, a quiet forecast for Winn Parish—no rain expected, but several cold nights, so be sure to protect pets, plants, and exposed pipes.

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