---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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 

---

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

---

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.

---

When you hear ‘Peach Festival’, you may picture baskets of fuzzy peaches, maybe a peach cobbler bake-off, or even a parade. But here in Ruston, the Louisiana Peach Festival is so much more than just a celebration of our locally grown fruit. It is a time to experience the rich tradition and culture that can only be found in our small historic town. Residents and visitors alike come for this special day, filled with activities that keep people coming back year to year. This year’s Peach Festival in Ruston is Saturday, June 6.

Here are 5 ways that the Peach Festival exceeds just peach appreciation (although, we love our peaches too):

1. A Love Letter to Louisiana Culture

Area artists, vendors, musicians, and makers are the forefront of what makes this festival thrive. Browsing our curated arts market with 90+ artists of all mediums allows you to get a glimpse into the vibrant arts of our state. And you can’t miss the music! Louisiana-based musicians play on the Railroad Park Stage to ensure the spirit of the festival carries on into the night. Celebrate our Louisiana roots with us, and dive into what makes our culture so unique.

2. The Food Scene Goes Full Peach (In the Best Way Possible)

Here in Ruston, we pride ourselves on the quality and diversity of our local restaurants and food trucks. The creativity of Ruston’s culinary scene is unmatched, and the sweet peach flavor is no exception. In the week leading up to the festival, 30+ local restaurants come together for the Peach Culinary Crawl, featuring unexpected dishes, drinks, and pairings. From a peach caprese turkey melt to a pint of locally-brewed peach wheat ale, indulge your tastebuds with this staple, seasonal ingredient.

3. It Still Holds Tight to Its Sweet Southern Traditions

Of course, it would not be a southern festival without all of the classic contests and exhibits. The Peach Pageant, Peach Parade, Antique Car Show, Peach Rodeo, Peach Art Exhibit, and Cookery Contest are all ways that the community engages with the roots of the festival. These fun traditions have been happening for generations, and plan to stay for many, many more. The Ruston community continues to add to these celebrations, with sidewalk sales, a 5K race, and even a Pickleball Tournament. All these traditions keep the festival feeling like a small town gathering, keeping it close to the hearts of our residents and visitors.

4. It’s One of the Few Festivals Where You Don’t Feel Nickel-and-Dimed

The Peach Festival prides itself on having free admission, making it accessible for a Saturday full of activities. In Kids Alley, there are no paid vendors, allowing all kiddos to enjoy hands-on crafts, games, entertainment, and more festival activities. It is the perfect opportunity to bring the family out for fun that won’t break the bank. Our goal is to make the festival easy and accessible for all ages to enjoy!

5. It Feels More Like a Community Gathering Than a Carnival

No flashy rides or ferris wheels here – the Peach Festival provides something even more memorable. Surrounded by the painted murals of downtown, local organizations, and all the friendly volunteers, it’s easy to feel like a part of the Ruston community that we know and love. With festivities happening from morning to late into the night, you have plenty of time to experience the festival at your own pace. So bring out your lawn chair, grab a bite, listen to the music, and enjoy all the sights and sounds of our community. 

The traditions, culture, and hospitality surrounding this celebration reminds us that this isn’t just a festival, but a signature kind of Southern experience you don’t find everywhere. The peach flavor is just the tip of the iceberg to all of the sweetness of peach season in Ruston, LA. 

For more information on the 76th Annual Louisiana Peach Festival and to see the full schedule of events, visit www.lapeachfest.com/. 

---

Fifty years ago, a much younger, much more nervous version of me stepped into a pulpit for the very first time. My sermon was too long, my theology was too thin, and my confidence was too high for someone who had no idea what he was doing. In other words, I fit right in with every preacher who ever lived.

Half a century later, I stand amazed — not only that God has been faithful, but that congregations have been too. Some of them even stayed awake. If you want to understand humanity, don’t study psychology. Don’t read philosophy. Just preach weekly for fifty years and watch what happens in the pews.

I’ve seen:

People sleeping so soundly during my sermons that I considered checking for a pulse. One gentleman snored in perfect rhythm with the Doxology. I took it as a compliment. Parents losing control of toddlers who suddenly discovered their spiritual gift was interpretive dance in the center aisle. Teenagers communicating entirely by eyeroll, a language I now speak fluently. Peppermint unwrappers — the saints who believe they can open a candy “quietly,” which somehow takes seven minutes and sounds like a raccoon rummaging through aluminum siding. Folks, at this point in my ministry, I beg you: grip it and rip it. The Lord already knows.

After fifty years, I owe some congregations an apology. Not for theology, not for leadership decisions, not for pastoral missteps — though I’ve had my share of those — but for some truly lousy sermons. There were sermons that wandered. Sermons that limped. Sermons that should have been humanely euthanized. Sermons that were so confusing even I wasn’t sure what I meant.

To the churches who endured them: Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your grace. And thank you for not forming a search committee.

Through it all — the laughter, the tears, the baptisms, the funerals, the potlucks, the revivals, the meetings that should’ve been emails — I have been surrounded by people who loved Jesus and tried their best to love one another.

I’ve watched congregations rally around the grieving, celebrate the newly married, welcome the newborn, and feed the hungry. I’ve seen the church at its most beautiful: ordinary people doing extraordinary things because Christ lives in them.

Fifty years of ministry has taught me this: Following Jesus is less about perfection and more about direction. Less about knowing all the answers and more about trusting the One who does. Less about preaching great sermons and more about living a faithful life.

I’ve stumbled, learned, grown, laughed, cried, and kept walking — because Jesus kept leading. And somehow, by grace alone, I’ve made it to this milestone.  If the next years bring more sleeping saints, more peppermint concerts, more toddlers on the loose, and more holy moments of grace — I’ll count myself blessed.

Thank you for letting me preach, love, learn, and laugh among you. Thank you for fifty years of community. Thank you for walking with me as I’ve tried to walk with Christ. And if you happen to fall asleep during this article, I’ll take that as a sign of spiritual peace.

---

Today’s kids are booked, busy, and burned out—but one parent is asking if it’s time to bring back a simpler, slower kind of childhood.

 See what Ida says 

---

In April 1969, Gaynor Hopkins’s aunt heard her singing in her bedroom and entered her in a local talent competition.  She was nervous and excited.  The song she chose was the chart topper “Those Were the Days,” made popular by Mary Hopkin.  It was the first time the 17-year-old had ever used a real microphone.  Gaynor did not win the talent show but came in second place to an accordion player.  People at the talent show praised Gaynor for her vocal delivery and sweet voice.  The following week, Gaynor saw an advertisement in her local newspaper in which a singer named Bobby Wayne was looking to hire three female backup singers.  The ad said, “No experience needed, training [would be] given.”  Winning second in the talent show gave Gaynor the confidence to audition.  Out of the 34 girls who auditioned, Gaynor was one of the three selected.  For two years, she performed with Bobby Wayne and the Dixies.  There was a problem.  Gaynor Hopkins resembled and sounded like Mary Hopkin, and people often confused the two.  Gaynor said she never really liked her name, so she took the opportunity to change it.  She adopted her niece’s first name, added a common last name, and became Sherene Davis.  She performed under that name with her own band called Imagination.

In 1975, Gaynor was performing with her band at a local hotspot called “The Townsman” which was in a multi-story building.  Talent scout Roger Bell went to the building to see Vic Oakley sing, but he went to the wrong floor by mistake.  Roger liked what he heard and invited Gaynor to London to record a demo.  That demo led to a contract with RCA Records.  Gaynor released her first single in 1976, but it was a flop.  Her second, “Lost in France,” fared much better, then there was another career setback.  After suffering with a sore throat, Gaynor’s doctor said she needed surgery to remove nodules from her vocal cords.  In the spring of 1977, her doctor said the operation was a success and her voice would return to normal if she remained completely silent for the six-week recovery period.  He instructed her to communicate only by writing.  Gaynor, a self-proclaimed chatterbox, tried but failed and strained her voice.  Her doctor explained that the damage was irreversible. 

Gaynor had years left on her contract with RCA, so they brought her in for another recording session.  After singing the first six words of a song in the studio, everyone involved was worried.  The sweetness was replaced with a huskiness.  RCA released the song as a single in November 1977 only after the song’s producer and songwriters threatened to terminate their contracts with RCA.  To RCA’s surprise, the song rose to the top 10 in 20 countries and to the number one spot in 8 of those countries.  That song was “It’s a Heartache.”  Gaynor had many other hit songs including “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”  When Gaynor signed her contract with RCA, they stipulated that Gaynor change her stage name from Sherene Davis to something that sounded less like a belly dancer.  She bought two newspapers from which she listed all the Christian names and surnames.  She tried many different combinations until she found one that suited her.  You may never have heard the names Gaynor Hopkins or Sherene Davis, but the world knows her as Bonnie Tyler. 

Sources:

1.     Abby Morgan, “Bonnie Tyler: ‘The older you get, the less you have to prove,’’’ Leicestershire Press, July 10, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://leicestershirepress.com/2023/07/10/bonnie-tyler-the-older-you-get-the-less-you-have-to-prove/.

2.     “33.1/3^rd,” Record Collector, December 28, 2023, accessed May 10, 2026, https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/33-1-3rd-8.

3.     Goldmine Contributors, “Bonnie Tyler feels ‘The Best Is Yet To Come,’” Goldmine: the Music Collector’s Magazine, May 27, 2021, accessed May 10, 2026, https://www.goldminemag.com/interviews/pop/power-ballad-singer-bonnie-tyler-feels-the-title-is-perfect-for-her-latest-album-the-best-is-yet-to-come/.

---

For generations, blue jeans have survived fashion trends, school dress codes, road trips, concerts, awkward family photos and at least a few questionable DIY projects. And on May 20, one of the world’s most recognizable wardrobe staples celebrates a major milestone in history.

May 20 marks the anniversary of the 1873 patent that helped launch blue jeans into global fame. On that date, businessman Levi Strauss and tailor Jacob Davis received a U.S. patent for adding metal rivets to men’s work pants, creating a stronger and more durable product designed for laborers during the Gold Rush era.

At the time, the invention was practical. Workers needed clothing tough enough to survive mines, railroads and physically demanding jobs. More than 150 years later, those same rugged pants somehow became acceptable attire for everything from grocery runs to weddings held in barns.

The original riveted denim pants were intended for hardworking laborers in the American West. Today, they are just as likely to be worn by teenagers filming dance videos, tourists walking through Buc-ee’s or someone insisting they are “dressed up” because they chose dark denim instead of faded denim.

Jeans have become one of the few pieces of clothing capable of sparking universal emotional experiences. Nearly everyone has owned a pair that fit perfectly for exactly three weeks before shrinking, stretching or suddenly becoming uncomfortable for reasons science still cannot explain.

The evolution of denim trends has also created some memorable fashion eras. Over the decades, styles have ranged from bell-bottoms and acid wash to ripped skinny jeans and ultra-baggy designs large enough to store camping equipment in the pockets. Every generation has confidently declared its preferred version the correct one while criticizing the styles that came before and after it.

Despite changing trends, denim remains deeply tied to American culture. Blue jeans have appeared in movies, music, political campaigns and countless advertisements promoting the idea of rugged independence. They are worn by ranchers, celebrities, mechanics, teachers and people pretending they definitely did not just spill queso on themselves moments earlier.

Retail analysts say denim sales continue to remain strong even as athleisure wear and comfortable loungewear compete for closet space. Still, many shoppers continue searching for the mythical perfect pair of jeans — one that is comfortable, affordable, flattering and does not require Olympic-level flexibility to put on.

As May 20 rolls around, Americans once again celebrate an invention that managed to outlast countless fashion trends while remaining stubbornly difficult to shop for. More than a century after their invention, blue jeans remain one of the few things capable of making people simultaneously feel confident, nostalgic and personally attacked by fluorescent dressing room lighting.

---