NO REPORT THIS WEEK

Arrest Report

NO REPORT THIS WEEK

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The City of Winnfield is notifying electric utility customers of an earlier-than-usual service disconnection date for November 2026, urging residents to make their payments on time to avoid an interruption in electric service.

According to an important utility notice issued by the city, the final day to make an electric utility payment is Thursday, November 19, by 4:30 p.m.

The city has scheduled its November electric service cutoff date for Friday, November 20, giving customers a limited window to ensure their accounts are paid before disconnections begin.

City officials emphasized that the November cutoff date is earlier than usual and encouraged customers to pay close attention to the adjusted schedule.
Important November Utility Dates

Thursday, November 19: Final day to make electric utility payments, with a deadline of 4:30 p.m.

Friday, November 20: Scheduled electric service disconnection date for accounts subject to cutoff.The city is reminding customers that payments must be made by the announced deadline to avoid potential disconnection of their electric service.

Residents who typically make payments later in the month are encouraged to adjust their schedules accordingly.

Customers with questions about their utility accounts or payment arrangements may contact the City of Winnfield at 318-628-3939.

The announcement serves as an important reminder for Winnfield electric customers to review their account balances and make any necessary payments before the November 19 deadline.

City officials stress that the November 20 cutoff date is earlier than normal and encourage all customers to take the necessary steps to avoid a disruption in electric service.

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Eighth Judicial District Attorney Chris Nevils has released the results of several court proceedings held October 9, 12, 15 and 16, 2026, in Winn Parish, including a 32-year prison sentence for manslaughter and multiple guilty pleas involving drug offenses, impaired driving and other criminal charges.

The proceedings included felony and misdemeanor cases, with sentences ranging from probation and suspended prison terms to incarceration in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

October 9 – Manslaughter Sentencing

Cameron Chrishod Joe appeared in court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to manslaughter. Joe was sentenced to 32 years at hard labor, with the sentence ordered to run consecutively.

October 12 – Felony Drug and Vehicular Offenses

Adam Lance Shirley pleaded guilty to first-degree vehicular negligent injuring. Shirley received a five-year hard labor sentence through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections. The execution of the sentence was suspended, and Shirley was placed on probation for three years.

Joshua Leonard Womack pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance and was sentenced to two years at hard labor in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, with credit for time served.

Womack also pleaded guilty to distribution of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. For that offense, he received a 10-year hard labor sentence, which was suspended, along with five years of supervised probation.

October 15 – Multiple Guilty Pleas and Sentencings

Several defendants appeared in court October 15 on charges involving traffic violations, domestic abuse, public disturbances and other offenses.

Keith D. Armstrong pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while his driver’s license was suspended, revoked or canceled. Armstrong was sentenced to 90 days in the custody of the Winn Parish Sheriff, with credit for time served. His driver’s license will also be suspended for one year.

Billy Raydale Finn entered an Alford plea to criminal trespass. An Alford plea allows a defendant to accept a conviction without admitting guilt. Finn was sentenced to 30 days in the custody of the Winn Parish Sheriff or Winnfield Police.

Deanna Lee Hanson Gorham pleaded guilty to first-offense domestic abuse battery and was sentenced to 90 days, with credit for time served.

Martin E. Hutto pleaded guilty to obstructing public passages and received a 58-day sentence in the custody of the Winn Parish Sheriff, with credit for time served.

John Derek Allen pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace by appearing in an intoxicated condition. Allen was sentenced to 90 days, with the sentence ordered to run consecutively to any other time he is required to serve.

Tylexcia Gilbert pleaded guilty to criminal mischief. Sentencing was deferred, and Gilbert was placed on probation for two years. Additional requirements include payment of a fine, court costs, probation fees and a fee to the Office of Public Defender.

Alonzo Ramon Jewitt pleaded guilty to resisting an officer by refusing to provide a name or providing false information. Sentencing was deferred, and Jewitt was placed on probation for two years, with requirements to pay a fine, court costs, probation fees and a fee to the Office of Public Defender.

Mary Caitlin Johnson pleaded guilty to simple battery. Johnson received a six-month suspended sentence and was placed on probation for two years. She was also ordered to pay court costs and probation fees.

Shelbie Elizabeth McCarter pleaded guilty to first-offense operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Imposition of sentencing was deferred, and McCarter was placed on supervised probation through the Winn Parish Probation Office for 24 months.

Additional conditions include payment of a fine, court costs, probation fees and a fee to the Office of Public Defender. McCarter must also complete 32 hours of community service, participate in a drug and substance abuse program, complete a driver improvement program and use an ignition interlock device for one year.

October 16 – Drug Possession and Obstruction of Justice Cases

Court proceedings October 16 focused on several felony drug offenses involving Schedule II controlled dangerous substances.

Iquita Shawnee Booker Gooden pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance weighing less than two grams. Gooden received a two-year hard labor sentence, which was suspended, and was placed on supervised probation through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for five years.

Casey E. Lawson pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance weighing between two and 28 grams. Lawson received a five-year hard labor sentence, which was suspended, and was placed on probation for three years through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Edward C. Smith pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance weighing between two and 28 grams and obstruction of justice.

Smith received a sentence of two and a half years in the custody of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for the drug possession charge. He also received a two-and-a-half-year sentence for obstruction of justice. Both sentences were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in a combined five-year prison sentence.

Matthew Dewayne Patton pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance weighing less than two grams. Patton received a two-year hard labor sentence, which was suspended, and was placed on supervised probation through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for five years.

District Attorney Releases Court Results

The proceedings reported by District Attorney Chris Nevils reflect a range of criminal cases handled in the Eighth Judicial District Court during October.

Among the most significant outcomes were Joe’s 32-year manslaughter sentence, Smith’s consecutive prison sentences totaling five years, and several felony drug convictions resulting in incarceration or supervised probation.

The court also imposed various conditions on defendants receiving suspended or deferred sentences, including community service, substance abuse treatment, driver improvement programs, financial obligations and probation supervision.

The Eighth Judicial District Court serves Winn Parish, with the District Attorney’s Office responsible for prosecuting criminal cases within the jurisdiction.

The information was provided through official press releases issued by District Attorney Chris Nevils regarding court actions taken October 9, 12, 15 and 16, 2026.

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Republican state Rep. Gabe Firment has advanced to a Dec. 12 runoff against Democratic state Rep. Patricia “Pat” Moore for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat following Tuesday’s Nov. 3 election.

According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, Moore led the nine-candidate field with 40,789 votes (18%), followed by Firment with 39,131 votes (17%).

The two candidates finished just 1,658 votes apart in a contest that drew 227,917 votes across the 24 parishes reporting results in the district.

With no candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote, Moore and Firment advance to a runoff election scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026.

Firment, a Republican from Pollock who represents District 22 in the Louisiana House of Representatives, finished ahead of several other Republican candidates, including Misti Cordell, who received 33,366 votes (15%), and state Rep. Michael Echols, who received 32,902 votes (14%).

Stewart Cathey Jr. followed with 28,160 votes (12%), while Democrat Antonio Wilson received 27,364 votes (12%).

The election was held to fill the congressional seat previously held by Julia Letlow, who pursued the U.S. Senate seat.

Unofficial 5th Congressional District Election Results

Reporting: Early and absentee complete — 24 of 24 parishes | Election Day — 791 of 791 precincts reporting

Candidate	Votes	Percent
Patricia “Pat” Moore (DEM)	40,789	18%
“Gabe” Firment (REP)	39,131	17%
Misti Cordell (REP)	33,366	15%
Michael Echols (REP)	32,902	14%
Stewart Cathey, Jr. (REP)	28,160	12%
Antonio Wilson (DEM)	27,364	12%
Dan McKay (DEM)	16,047	7%
Austin Magee (REP)	7,920	3%
Oscar “Omar” Dantzler (REP)	2,238	1%
Total	227,917

Unofficial Turnout: 47.1%

The two candidates advancing to the December runoff are shown in bold. Percentages are those reported by the Louisiana Secretary of State and may not total exactly 100% because of rounding.

December Runoff Will Decide Congressional Seat

The runoff will place Moore and Firment in a two-candidate contest to determine who represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Both candidates currently serve in the Louisiana House of Representatives, with Moore representing District 17 and Firment representing District 22.

The district includes portions of Northeast and Central Louisiana, along with additional parishes extending into the southeastern part of the state.

The runoff election is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026.

All results from the Nov. 3 election remain unofficial and subject to certification.

Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.

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WINN PARISH, La. – Residents across Winn Parish can expect a warm Veterans Day followed by several days of sunny skies and gradually cooling temperatures as the weekend approaches.

According to the National Weather Service forecast, afternoon temperatures will reach the lower 80s Wednesday before dropping into the mid-60s by Saturday and Sunday. Overnight temperatures will become noticeably cooler, with lows falling into the upper 30s by Friday night.

Mostly dry conditions are expected throughout the forecast period, although a slight chance of showers will return Sunday night.

Veterans Day – Wednesday, November 11

Veterans Day will begin with mostly cloudy skies before gradually becoming sunny throughout the day. Afternoon temperatures will reach approximately 81 degrees.

Winds will initially be calm before becoming westerly at around 5 mph during the afternoon.

Wednesday night will bring mostly clear skies and a low around 51 degrees. West winds around 5 mph will shift to the north after midnight.

Thursday, November 12

Thursday will feature sunny skies and cooler temperatures, with an afternoon high near 75 degrees. North winds will range from 5 to 10 mph.

Clear skies are expected Thursday night as temperatures drop to around 43 degrees.

Friday, November 13

Friday will bring another sunny day across Winn Parish, with afternoon temperatures reaching approximately 70 degrees.

Mostly clear skies will continue Friday night, with temperatures falling to around 38 degrees, making it the coldest night of the forecast period.

Saturday, November 14

Saturday will feature sunny skies and comfortable fall conditions, with a high near 66 degrees.

Partly cloudy skies are expected Saturday night, with an overnight low around 41 degrees.

Sunday, November 15

Sunday will bring partly sunny skies and continued cool temperatures, with an afternoon high near 66 degrees.

A slight chance of rain returns Sunday night, with the National Weather Service forecasting a 20% chance of showers. Skies will be partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 44 degrees.

Looking Ahead

Winn Parish residents can anticipate favorable weather for Veterans Day observances, outdoor activities and weekend events.

Wednesday will be the warmest day of the forecast period, with temperatures reaching 81 degrees before a gradual cooling trend brings highs into the 60s by the weekend.

The most noticeable temperature change will occur overnight, particularly Friday night when temperatures are expected to dip into the upper 30s.

While the forecast remains dry through most of the weekend, residents should be aware of the slight chance of showers developing Sunday night.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to monitor updated forecasts as temperatures and precipitation chances may change.

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Winn Parish Fire District No. 3 has announced the reinstatement of a burn ban effective Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 4 p.m., citing increased wildfire concerns associated with an approaching cold front.

According to the fire district’s announcement, the burn ban includes all outside burning and will remain in effect until further notice.

The decision comes as weather conditions are expected to become more favorable for the rapid spread of outdoor fires, particularly with gusty winds and low humidity accompanying a cold front forecast to move into the region Thursday.

Burn Ban Takes Effect Tuesday Afternoon

Winn Parish Fire District No. 3 issued the notice Tuesday, advising residents that outdoor burning will be prohibited beginning at 4 p.m.

The department stated that the decision follows discussions about changing weather conditions and increasing fire danger across the area.

“As discussed last week, due to a cold front expected to move in Thursday that will bring gusty winds and low humidity, as well as fire danger indices trending towards higher danger concerns,” the department stated in its announcement.

The district confirmed that the burn ban would be reimplemented Tuesday afternoon.

The restriction includes all outside burning and will remain in place until further notice.

Cold Front Expected to Increase Fire Danger

The approaching cold front is expected to bring weather conditions that can significantly increase the risk of wildfires.

Gusty winds can cause outdoor fires to spread quickly, while low humidity can contribute to the drying of grass, leaves and other vegetation.

When these conditions occur together, even a small outdoor fire can become difficult to control.

Fire officials are taking preventive measures ahead of the anticipated weather changes to reduce the risk of accidental fires and protect residents, property and emergency responders.

Residents Urged to Avoid Outdoor Burning

With the burn ban taking effect, residents within the affected jurisdiction are advised to refrain from outdoor burning activities.

Common outdoor burning activities include burning leaves, brush, yard debris and other combustible materials.

Residents should also exercise caution when using equipment or performing activities that could produce sparks near dry vegetation.

The fire district’s announcement does not specify any exceptions to the restriction. Residents with questions about particular activities should contact the appropriate local fire authority before proceeding.

Burn Ban to Remain in Effect Until Further Notice

Winn Parish Fire District No. 3 has not announced an anticipated expiration date for the burn ban.

Officials will continue to monitor conditions as the cold front moves through the region and fire danger levels change.

The restriction will remain in effect until the responsible authorities announce that it has been lifted.

Residents are encouraged to follow official updates from Winn Parish Fire District No. 3 and other local emergency officials for additional information.

Public Safety Remains Priority

The reinstatement of the burn ban is intended to reduce the possibility of outdoor fires spreading during potentially hazardous weather conditions.

Preventing uncontrolled fires is particularly important during periods of low humidity and increased winds, when flames can spread rapidly and threaten nearby structures, wooded areas and surrounding property.

By complying with the restriction, residents can help reduce wildfire risks and support the safety of their communities and emergency responders.

Winn Parish Fire District No. 3’s burn ban takes effect Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 4 p.m., prohibits all outside burning within the district’s jurisdiction and remains in effect until further notice.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) concluded its first recreational alligator harvest on Oct. 31 with 3,606 hunters harvesting 1,817 alligators, the department announced. With the successful harvest, LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth said plans for the 2027 season are already in the works.

“Louisiana’s first recreational alligator season was a success!,’’ said Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. “With more than 3 million alligators in our state, this was an exciting opportunity for families to enjoy our Sportsman’s Paradise. I’d like to thank the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for their great work. We can’t wait to bring it back next year!”

“The return of a recreational alligator season to the people of Louisiana was nothing short of historic,’’ LDWF Secretary Bosworth said. “I could not be more proud of staff both past and present for all the work that went into making this new hunting opportunity possible. And I’m looking forward to continuing on the success of this season for years to come.’’

The American alligator is a quintessential symbol of Louisiana culture and our rich hunting heritage. The return of this exciting new season created a controlled recreational harvest opportunity for resident hunters, separate from the existing commercial alligator program. It was established to provide Louisiana sportsmen and women with greater opportunity to utilize and enjoy the iconic species and create a new hunting tradition for generations to come. Louisiana’s wild alligator population has reached a point of full recovery following decades of joint conservation efforts between the LDWF, landowners, hunters and farmers.

LDWF conducted the season through a lottery process. The recreational season ran statewide from Oct. 1-31 in all eight harvest zones. Reported size class from the recreational season was comparable to long term historic harvest. Average harvest size was 7.5 feet.

Louisiana has a robust alligator resource capable of providing sustainable recreational harvest opportunities to Louisiana residents without negatively impacting a highly valuable commercial industry that provides more than $250 million dollars annually to Louisiana’s economy.

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Jennifer Reising of Noank, Connecticut, has won the 2027 Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Competition sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) with her impressive portrait of a wood duck.

The annual contest, in its 39^th year, determines the image on what is commonly called the Louisiana Duck Stamp. The 2027 stamp will be available in June of 2027.

The wood duck was the species selected for this year’s contest. Reising’s piece features a single wood duck at rest on the water with cypress trees in the background.

Second place went to Tony Bernard of Scott, Louisiana, and third place to Buck Spencer of Eugene, Oregon.

A total of 16 entries were submitted from artists representing seven states, including nine from Louisiana, with others from Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Oregon and Texas.

“We, once again, had an outstanding slate of paintings to judge and select a winner from,’’ LDWF Waterfowl Program Manager Jason Olszak said. “This years’ selection was especially difficult. In only her second year entering the Louisiana contest, Ms. Reising really figured out what judges were looking for, and delivered a remarkable piece that adds to Louisiana’s long history of exceptional duck stamps.”

Judges for this year’s contest included Emily Seba of Baton Rouge, an artist who focuses on the natural world, Dr. Luke Laborde of Baton Rouge, who served for six years as the chair of the National Art Committee for Ducks Unlimited, Justin Higdon of Monroe, who is the senior regional director for Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Bob Dew of Youngsville, who serves as manager of conservation programs for south Louisiana for Ducks Unlimited, and Lucas Menard of Youngsville, a Louisiana self-taught artist who has focused on native wildlife among other mediums and formats.

The Louisiana Legislature authorized the Louisiana Waterfowl Conservation Stamp program in 1988. The program was created to generate revenue for conservation and enhancement of waterfowl populations and habitats in Louisiana. During the last 38 years, about $17 million has been generated for wetland conservation. In addition, revenue has supported wetland development projects on Wildlife Management Areas and the Louisiana Waterfowl Project, a cooperative endeavor between LDWF, Ducks Unlimited, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide habitat for waterfowl and other wetland birds on private lands.

For more information and to purchase the 2025 and/or 2026 stamp, go to the LDWF Louisiana Duck Stamp webpage. Additionally, these collector stamps for the most recent two years can be purchased through LDWF’s online licensing system. For more information on the duck stamp contest, contact Jason Olszak at 337-735-8687 or jolszak@wlf.la.gov.

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Beating Mansfield at home in triple overtime was unquestionably the best win of the Byron Keller era and quite possibly the biggest Winnfield victory in more than a decade.

The Tigers are celebrating their first district title (shared with Mansfield) since 2013, and because Winnfield’s defense found a way to keep Mansfield short on a two-point conversion, the Tigers are still playing at home.

Winnfield (6-4) jumped three spots to No. 16 in the Division III Non-Select bracket and will host No. 17 South Beauregard (6-4) in the first round of the playoffs.

The Golden Knights hail from District 3-3A, where they put together a 3-3 record.

South Beauregard had five wins by 14 points or more, but none of those wins were against markedly impressive opponents.

They finished in fourth in the district behind Jennings, Iowa, and DeRidder, the latter of which won 31-21. Class 1A St. John is the only team South Beauregard beat to finish with a winning record.

Jennings, who came up and beat Winnfield, 42-8, in Week 9, flattened South Beauregard 41-14 the week before.

Home playoff games used to be a regular occurrence in Winnfield, but the Tigers are hosting a playoff game for the first time since 2022 (Winnfield was a No. 6 seed).

The matchup is also the first playoff game against a non-district team since the 2022 meetings versus Mamou and Patterson.

Winnfield lost to Red River in 2024 and Mansfield in 2025 in the postseason.

The 2022 win against Mamou is Winnfield’s last playoff win, which means no current player has tasted postseason victory.

Should they get that experience Friday, one would think it would be as sweet as the triple-overtime win against a district foe like Mansfield.

Quarterback Nickalas Mockosher led the charge with his arm and his feet to complement the three-headed running back monster of Kenneth Richard, Braylen Butler and Preston Wilson.

The defense slowed down Mansfield’s explosive attack, faring much better than against Jennings’ triple-option scheme.

But the Tigers had a gut check as well, and they answered the bell against Mansfield.

They’ll get another chance to repeat that feeling in the postseason against South Beauregard.

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Over my many years of fishing bass tournaments, I’ve met and visited with several who left an impression not just on me, but the fishing world as well — several men who were true legends of professional bass fishing.

Men who were innovators in bass fishing products and techniques. Anglers who left their mark through outstanding tv productions. There was one meeting that I’ll never forget; the first time I met Forest L. Wood, the founder of Ranger Boats!

In 1998, in the span of eight hours, I was offered the opportunity to represent two boat companies as one of their pro staff members: Skeeter or Ranger Boats.

At the time, Ranger was still the king of bass boat manufacturing, and I knew that this was going to be a tremendous opportunity to be a part of something special.

The following day I called Ranger and accepted their offer. This was something I took great pride in and wanted to help Ranger Boats any way possible.

Each year during the first week of December, Ranger held what they called a “Product Knowledge Tour” exclusive for Ranger Pro Staff members and participating dealers.

All the big dogs in the professional bass fishing world were there. Names like Hank Parker, Jimmy Houston, Larry Nixon and Dion Hibdon. Anglers who helped lay the foundation for Ranger Boats.

After my very first “Product Knowledge Tour,” I left at the end of Day Two to head back home. However, right next door to the Ranger Boat manufacturing facility is the Ranger Boats Museum.

I just could not pass up the opportunity to see what was inside. I had already heard about how much history was on display in this museum and wanted to take the time to go inside. The minute I walked in the door, I heard this deep voice off in the distance yell out, “Welcome to Ranger Boats!”

Low and behold, it was the man himself, Forest L. Wood, the founder of Ranger Boats! With the distinct sound of cowboy boots, he headed towards me with the same walk as the movie actor John Wayne.

He reached out to shake my hand, and we talked like we had known each other for years. Forest was a very personable man who never met a stranger. There was a quiet charisma about him which was probably developed over his many years as a fishing guide on the White River.

It was as if I was talking with my grandpa … and then things got even better! Moments later, the matriarch of the Wood family appeared in the form of Mrs. Nina Wood, his wife. Now I was even more impressed as she came over and gave me a hug like I was one of her own.

But that’s how Ranger Boats operated back then. If you were on their pro staff, you were family, and they treated you as such. Forest then took me on a personal tour of the museum and left no stone unturned.

An hour later I walked out in awe, got in my truck and headed back to Louisiana. While the museum was awesome and I highly recommend you stop in and see it if you’re ever in Flipping, Arkansas, my biggest take away was meeting Forest and Nina Wood!

They were two people who took the time to introduce themselves to a young man who was just another angler. They could have just sat in their office at the museum and let me tour on my own.

But no, they took the time to say hello and make this young man feel special and for that I will always be grateful. Rest in peace Forest and Nina Wood.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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For more than six decades, Better Finance has built its business around a simple idea:

Financial services should still be personal.

Founded in 1964, Better Finance has served generations of customers in Coushatta and Northwest Louisiana, helping individuals and families find financial solutions for needs that do not always fit neatly into a traditional banking relationship.

Sometimes the need is unexpected.

A vehicle may need repairs. A medical expense may arise. A household purchase may become necessary sooner than planned.

Other times, the need may involve consolidating debt, making home improvements or financing a larger purchase.

Whatever the reason, Better Finance believes the process should begin with understanding the customer and the need.

Local Service Still Matters

Financial services have changed dramatically since Better Finance opened its doors in 1964.

Today, many lending decisions begin with an online application, an automated system and very little personal interaction.

Technology can make financial services convenient, but Better Finance believes there is still value in being able to talk with someone.

That is especially important when a customer’s circumstances may require more explanation than a form can provide.

Better Finance’s approach is built around local service, personal relationships and taking the time to understand each customer’s individual situation.

Helping With Real-Life Needs

Financial needs can take many forms.

For some customers, a personal loan may help address an unexpected expense.

For others, financing may be used for debt consolidation, home improvements, large purchases or other personal needs.

The reason for borrowing may be different from one customer to the next, which is why Better Finance believes lending should not feel like a one-size-fits-all process.

The goal is to help qualified customers explore options that fit their circumstances and budget.

More Than a Transaction

Better Finance has remained part of the Northwest Louisiana community for more than 60 years because relationships matter.

A customer is more than an application.

A loan is more than a transaction.

And good service does not end once paperwork is signed.

For many customers, having a local financial company they know and can contact directly provides something that is increasingly difficult to find in a highly automated financial world.

It provides a relationship.

A Tradition Since 1964

Better Finance’s longevity is part of its story.

Businesses do not serve a community for more than six decades without earning relationships along the way.

Since 1964, Better Finance has continued to serve customers while maintaining the same basic philosophy: listen, understand the need and provide personal service.

As Better Finance introduces itself to more communities across Northwest Louisiana, that philosophy remains unchanged.

If you have a financial need, the first step may simply be a conversation.

Better Finance — Fast. Simple. Local.

To learn more about Better Finance and available personal loan options, visit CoushattaFinance.com or call 318-932-4244.

This is a paid advertorial provided on behalf of Better Finance. Loan approval, terms and availability are subject to Better Finance lending requirements and applicable laws.

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If I had been Moses, I would have asked whether I could put my shoes back on before we discussed my future. A man makes better decisions, I figure, when he has his shoes on.

In the third chapter of Exodus, Moses is tending his father-in-law’s sheep when he notices a bush on fire that won’t burn up. He goes over for a closer look. God calls his name. Moses says, “Here I am.” So far, so good. Then God tells him to take off his sandals. He’s standing on holy ground.

God has heard the cries of his people in Egypt and tells Moses he’s sending him to Pharaoh to bring them out. Moses asks, “Who am I?” Later he wonders what to say, what to do if nobody believes him, and whether God has considered the fact that public speaking is an area in which Moses has considerable room for growth. By the next chapter, Moses is asking God to send somebody else.

I understand Moses. I’ve been in enough church meetings to know that “Here I am” and “I’ll do it” are two entirely different items on the agenda.

We have made “yes, but” an art form. At church, we say, “Yes, we need more young families, but those children do make a lot of noise.” At home, we say, “Yes, we ought to get together,” and spend the next seventeen messages in the family group chat establishing that nobody can do Thursday. We want somebody to fix the traffic in Ruston, preferably without moving a single orange barrel into our lane.

My favorite “yes, but” comes when somebody suggests we try something new at church. “Yes, but we tried that once.” Ask when, and you’ll find out it was in 1987, three people came, and one of them was there to fix the ice machine. The matter is considered settled.

There are times when the person who says “yes, but” saves everybody a great deal of trouble. If I’m about to back over your mailbox, please feel free to interrupt. And Moses had good reason to be scared. He knew what Pharaoh could do. Still, I know how easily I can turn a reasonable concern into a comfortable place to sit. Give me ten minutes and a legal pad and I can make a pretty good case for leaving a good thing to somebody else.

What I love about the story is God’s answer to Moses’ first question. Moses asks, “Who am I?” God says, “I will be with you.” God knows who he’s talking to. He knows Moses is scared, and there are people in Egypt who have been crying out long enough.

The thing in front of us this week may be smaller than a trip to Pharaoh’s palace. Maybe there’s a neighbor we’ve been meaning to check on. “Yes, but I wouldn’t know what to say.” You could knock and start with “How are you?” Then stay long enough to hear the answer.

If it helps, you can leave your shoes on.

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N-Side View Day invites high school juniors, seniors, and their families to explore Northwestern State University on Saturday, Nov. 14.

By Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer at Northwestern State University

Choosing a college is a big decision. You want a degree that prepares you for a career, professors who care about your success, and a campus where you feel at home. But how do you know if a university is right for you?

Sometimes, you need to see it for yourself.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, Northwestern State University will host N-Side View Day, giving high school juniors, seniors, and their parents an opportunity to experience campus life and get answers to their questions about college.

During the event, you’ll have opportunities to explore academic programs, meet faculty and current students, tour campus and learn about scholarships, financial aid, and admissions.

It’s also a chance to ask questions that matter to your future. What careers can I pursue with this degree? Will I get hands-on experience? Who will help me if I’m struggling in class? What is student life like?

For parents, the visit offers an opportunity to learn about college costs, available support, and the resources that help students succeed.

At NSU, our goal is simple: A degree that leads somewhere. We help students build career skills, gain real-world experience, and get support from people who know their names and care about their goals.

You don’t need to have your entire future figured out before visiting. Come explore your options, meet the people who will help you along the way, and see if Northwestern feels right for you.

N-Side View Day takes place Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Register today at nsu.la/nsideview.

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