If you think declaring yourself emperor or empress requires an army, a palace and perhaps a crown, Joshua Abraham Norton had a different idea.

On Sept. 2, 1859, a San Francisco businessman named Joshua Norton took a rather unusual step: He proclaimed himself Emperor Norton I of the United States.

Norton had once been a successful businessman, but after losing much of his fortune, his life took an unexpected turn. He began wearing a military-style uniform and issuing proclamations about how the United States should be governed.

His 1859 declaration announced that he was now Emperor of the United States. A few years later, he expanded his imaginary empire by proclaiming himself Protector of Mexico.

San Francisco residents, rather than simply dismissing Norton as a crank, embraced the eccentric figure. Newspapers published his proclamations, restaurants reportedly accepted his self-issued currency and some businesses gave him free meals.

Norton also issued decrees that were surprisingly ahead of their time. He called for the creation of a League of Nations-like organization and advocated for a bridge connecting San Francisco and Oakland — decades before the Bay Bridge was built.

Although Norton had no actual political authority, he became a beloved San Francisco character. When he died in 1880, thousands of people reportedly attended his funeral.

So, Sept. 2 marks the anniversary of one of history’s strangest self-promotions: the day a financially ruined businessman decided he wasn’t unemployed after all.

He was emperor.

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Football season has arrived in the South, which means several things are about to change. Our Saturday schedules will change. Our diets will change. Hopefully, the weather will change. And for the record, if Alabama is playing, please do not call the preacher unless the church is on fire, somebody is bleeding, or you have discovered a previously unknown Bible verse promising a Crimson Tide victory. Did you know the phrase Crimson Tide appears in many hymnals?

I am an Alabama fan living and pastoring near Louisiana Tech, and my children went to LSU. So, I know what it feels like to be a football outsider. I have survived years of purple and gold. I have smiled through “Geaux Tigers.” I have lived close enough to Louisiana Tech to know that on game day, Ruston suddenly contains considerably more red and blue than the census would suggest. Football in the South is not merely recreation. It is geography, family history, tribal identity, and occasionally a reason not to speak to your brother-in-law until Monday.

Football season also changes our schedules. In July someone says, “How about Saturday afternoon?” Everybody answers, “Sure.” In September, the response becomes, “What time is kickoff?” Don’t get me started on couples who plan a big church wedding on Saturday afternoons in the fall! That may be the first theological lesson football season offers us:

We make time for what matters to us.

People who are “too busy” can somehow find four hours for a football game, an hour for the pregame show, and another hour afterward listening to people explain why the coach should have gone for it on fourth-and-two. Our calendars reveal our priorities. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I suspect our calendars may reveal our treasure almost as clearly as our checkbooks.

Football season also changes our wardrobe. We wear team colors. We have lucky shirts. Some fans own clothing containing more school logos than actual fabric. Wouldn’t it be interesting if Christians were equally recognizable—not by what we wear, but by how we live? Jesus said the world would know his disciples by their love. Not their bumper stickers. Not their church membership. Not their ability to identify all the verses in Revelation. By their love.

Then there is the football diet. Nobody has ever said, “Alabama and LSU are playing tonight. Let’s celebrate with steamed broccoli.” Football calls for wings, nachos, sausage, barbecue, cheese dip, and whatever mysterious creation has been simmering in somebody’s Crock-Pot since breakfast. And strangely enough, there is something theological even there.

People gather around tables. They laugh. They tell stories. They argue about officials. They remember old games and old friends. We were created for community. That may be why Sunday worship matters. Church is not simply a place to hear a sermon any more than football is simply a way to discover the final score. We gather because we belong to one another.We celebrate victories. We carry one another through losses. We pray when life goes into overtime. 

So enjoy football season. Wear your colors. Cheer loudly. Eat irresponsibly. And when Sunday morning comes, remember there is another gathering where you belong. The admission is free. The fellowship is better. And unlike football, we already know who wins.

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Dolly Rebecca Parton, beloved singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and one of the most treasured figures in American music and culture, passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 80.

Born on January 19, 1946, in rural East Tennessee, Dolly was the fourth of twelve children and grew up in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. From those humble beginnings came a voice, a talent, and a spirit that would eventually reach nearly every corner of the world.

Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, Dolly became one of country music’s most recognizable and influential artists. Her extraordinary gift for storytelling gave the world songs that became part of the American soundtrack, including Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, 9 to 5, and I Will Always Love You. Her unmistakable voice, quick wit, larger-than-life style, and genuine warmth allowed her to connect with generations of people far beyond the boundaries of country music.

Her talents extended well beyond the stage. Dolly became a celebrated actress, author, businesswoman, and entrepreneur while remaining deeply connected to the Tennessee mountains and the people who helped shape her. Yet among her greatest accomplishments was the generosity she showed to others.

Through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, founded in honor of her father, millions of books have been placed into the hands of children around the world. Her philanthropy also supported education, disaster relief, healthcare, and countless communities and individuals throughout her lifetime.

For all the awards, records, rhinestones, and worldwide recognition, Dolly’s greatest legacy may be the way she made people feel. She encouraged people to dream bigger, laugh at themselves, remain true to who they were, and extend kindness wherever possible. She never seemed to forget where she came from—and because of that, people from every walk of life felt as though they knew a little piece of her.

Dolly was preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Thomas Dean, who passed away in March 2025. Their famously private and enduring marriage remained one of the most cherished parts of her life.

The little girl from the mountains of Tennessee grew up to become an American icon, but she never lost the heart that made the world fall in love with her in the first place. Her songs will continue to be sung, her stories will continue to be told, and the kindness she put into the world will continue through generations of lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dolly’s extraordinary legacy of generosity and her lifelong commitment to children and literacy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Through the program, books are provided each month at no cost to children from birth to age five, helping Dolly’s love of reading and learning continue to reach future generations.

Memorial donations may be made directly to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Click here to Make a Donation in Memory of Dolly Parton

A message from the family of Dolly Parton: Click here to watch video

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What if one concert could bring together people who love classic hymns, contemporary Christian music, love country music by artists like Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Brooks & Dunn & Jelly Roll, those who love  Southern Gospel and traditional Black Gospel, along with those who grew up listening to the Eagles, the Beatles, James Taylor, STYX and classic rock?

There’s one that can.

It’s an Amazing! Rhythm Disciples (ARD) concert.

The Disciples’ mantra is “Familiar Music. Timeless Message.” They like to describe their concerts as seven very accomplished musicians with very diverse backgrounds coming together to make “A VERY Joyful Noise!”

ARD was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in the fall of 2024, when seven musicians who also happened to be friends came together to play music, have fun and praise God—and ended up forming a unique music ministry.

“It all came together very quickly and very organically,” said bassist Keith “Don’t call Me Shirley” Shirley. “We were just jamming around and having fun. We would play a Southern Gospel song, then a contemporary Christian song, then a country song, then a classic rock song. Sometimes we would almost accidentally mash them together, look at each other and say, ‘Hey, that works!’”

Shirley gives credit where he believes it belongs.

“We knew the good Lord had His hand in this from the get-go,” he said. “The blending of the various musical styles—or ‘mashups,’ as we call them—came together so naturally and so quickly that we knew God was doing something.”

Don’t let all the joking fool you. There is an extraordinary amount of musical experience on an ARD stage.

Among the Disciples are four members of the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, current and former church music directors and ministers, and musicians holding at least five music degrees, including a doctorate. Violinist Andrei Kurti studied at the Moscow Conservatory and has performed at Carnegie Hall and in concert halls throughout Europe.

Altogether, the group stopped counting after passing 300 years of combined musical performance experience.

But ARD is difficult to put into a musical box.

“I don’t think you can pigeonhole us as a Gospel group or even simply a Christian music group,” said vocalist Julia Brown. “What we see happening over and over at our concerts is that folks who don’t normally listen to Christian music hear us play a classic rock song or even a current country song reinterpreted through the lens of faith, and they think, ‘Hey, I know that song!’ Before they know it, they’re hearing a contemporary Christian song or a Southern Gospel song and finding that they like it, in spite of themselves.”

“Familiar music is the bridge, and Jesus is where the bridge leads.”

The Amazing! Rhythm Disciples have performed at churches of various denominations, non-denominational churches, festivals and other events. Along the way, they have watched people of different generations, races, backgrounds and faith traditions come together to laugh, cry , praise and sing along while hearing a message centered unmistakably on Jesus Christ.

“We take music people know, along with humor and fun, and use it to open the door,” said one of the Disciples. “Then we walk through that door with them. And no one receives a bigger blessing than us.”

That connection is at the heart of an ARD concert.

“We’re constantly striving to connect with someone in the audience and convey the message that no matter what problems you’re having in your life, you don’t have to face them alone. There’s strength and hope in Jesus. If we reach one person, it’s all been worth it.”

After a recent Disciples concert at a church, an elderly lady approached the group with just one word to describe what she had experienced:

“Joyous.”

The band couldn’t have asked for a better description.

ARD believes sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ doesn’t have to be somber. There can be laughter. There can be great music. There can be familiar songs, unexpected arrangements, stories, memories and plenty of fun.

And there can be joy.

That’s why the Amazing! Rhythm Disciples plan to keep doing exactly what they set out to do:

Making a VERY Joyful Noise!

THE AMAZING! RHYTHM DISCIPLES
Familiar Music. Timeless Message.
Making a VERY Joyful Noise!

For appearances and hosting information:
www.amazingrhythmdisciples.com

Paid Content

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By Brad Dison

Where are the flying cars that engineers began promising us as early as the 1940s?  In 1946, Popular Mechanics magazine predicted that flying cars would become commonplace soon.  Nearly 40 years later, Doctor Emmett Brown in the Hollywood film Back to the Future told Marty as they were preparing to hit 88 miles per hour, “Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”  That was in 1985 and flying cars are still not commonplace.  What happened to the flying cars that we have been promised for generations?  

During World War II, Theodore “Ted” Hall proposed a flying car that could be used in commando-type raids but he was unable to convince the military of its practicality.  Following World War II, Ted worked with Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation to build flying cars for the masses.  They began with the Convair Model 116, a two-seater crude car body with detachable wings and tail.  Test pilots completed more than 65 flights in the Model 116 before Ted began working on a more marketable model called the Model 118 (see photo above).

The Model 118 had a more refined plastic car body, a 26½ horsepower car engine, a more powerful Lycoming airplane engine, and could comfortably transport four people.  Convair planned to produce 160,000 of the Model 118s and expected to sell many of them to airports to use as rental vehicles.  

On November 15, 1947, test pilot Reuben Snodgrass flew the prototype Model 118 for the first time, and it performed splendidly.  Three days later, pilot Snodgrass and flight researcher Lawrence Phillips flew the flying car over San Diego, California, on what was supposed to be a one-hour flight to test the engine’s calibration.  A few minutes into the flight as they were enjoying what had been a flawless test, the engine sputtered and died.  All attempts to restart the engine failed.  Pilot Snodgrass was familiar with the area and glided the flying car toward the hard-caked mud flats near South Bay.  It was a textbook landing for the first 200 feet, but pilot Snodgrass did not see the four-foot-high embankment until it was too late.  In the crash, pilot Snodgrass suffered only minor bruises, but Phillips suffered a fractured shoulder.  The car portion was destroyed, but the wing and airplane engine were repaired and used on further test flights.  Although public interest in the flying car was initially high, it was not high enough.  The company cancelled the flying car.     

The reason the Model 118 flying automobile was never made available to the public was not because of a design flaw, not because of something the pilot did, but something he did not do.  On that cool November day, the Convair flying car crashed because… it ran out of gas.  Pilot Snodgrass was a careful pilot who always used a preflight checklist to avoid accidents such as this.  After the crash, Pilot Snodgrass went over the checklist more carefully one item at a time.  He remembered vividly checking the fuel gauge which showed to be full.  Then, he realized his mistake.  It was a simple mistake that anyone could make.  Pilot Snodgrass had checked the fuel gauge, the car’s fuel gauge.  He had not checked the airplane’s fuel gauge. 

Sources:

1.     The Fresno Bee, November 12, 1947, p.1.

2.     The Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1947, p.14.

3.     Holdenville Daily News, November 20, 1947, p.4.

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Helen Maxine Boyett
February 13, 1942 — August 30, 2026
Service: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 10am at Cypress Creek Cemetery, Dodson.

Kim Hall
October 29, 1958 — August 29, 2026
Service: Saturday, September 5, 2026, 11am at Morning Star Baptist Church, Winnfield. 

Winn Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or bill@journalservicesllc.com. Must be paid in advance of publication. Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to WinnNewsLa@gmail.com

August 16, 2026
Annie Gooder, 37, of Campti, was arrested for possession with intent to distribute, possession with intent to manufacture, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

August 17, 2026
Nonchala R. Smith, 35, of Winnfield, was arrested for disturbing the peace and simple criminal damage to property. Ronda Williams, 49, of Winnfield, was arrested for domestic abuse battery. Charles Wilkerson, 51, of Winnfield, was arrested for possession of Schedule II (methamphetamine) and no proof of insurance.

August 18, 2026
Kaela Sapp, 22, of Winnfield, was arrested for direct contempt of court.

August 19, 2026
Jason T. Small Sr., 51, of Winnfield, was arrested for direct contempt of court.

August 20, 2026
Kevin Lewis Harren, 30, of Calvin, was arrested for shoplifting.

August 21, 2026
Martin E. Hutto, 68, of Tullos, was arrested for direct contempt of court. Rachel M. Bishop, 36, of Winnfield, was arrested for direct contempt of court. Tony Phillips, 55, of Winnfield, was arrested for driving under suspension.

August 22, 2026
Dominique Walker, 24, of Winnfield, was arrested for false communication with intent to cause an emergency response. Jeremiah Smith, 45, of Winnfield, was arrested for illegal possession of stolen things.

August 23, 2026
Alan Zimmerman, 37, of Winnfield, was arrested for direct contempt of court. Bryan Lamaz Morgan, 32, of Winnfield, was arrested for direct contempt of court.

August 24, 2026
Kevin Herrell, 27, of Winnfield, was arrested for direct contempt of court (failure to appear).

August 25, 2026
Domonique D. Walker, 24, of Winnfield, was arrested for direct contempt of court.

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Arrest Report

8/17/26 Kerri Washington B/F 29- Auto Insurance Fraud

8/18/26 Martin Hutto W/M 69- Obstructing Public Passage, Littering, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Obstruction of Justice

8/18/26 Deteria Davis B/F 28- Failure to Appear

8/19/26 Jason Small B/M 51- Failure to Appear

8/19/26 Rachel Bishop W/F 36- Unauthorized Entry of Building, Criminal Trespass, Damage to Property

8/21/26 April Hanson W/F 43- Improper Supervision of Minor, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile

8/21/26- Heather Urena W/F 56- Speeding, Aggravated Flight from Officer, Reckless Operation of Vehicle, Improper Lane Change, No Seat-belt, Special Restrictions on Lamp

8/21/26- Gerson Luna H/M 43- Driver Must be Licensed, Obstruction to Drivers View

8/21/26- Bryan Morgan B/M 32- FTA x2

8/22/26- Benjamin Brookins Jr B/M 37- Fugitive from Justice (FBI Dallas)

8/23/26- Timothy Robertson B/M 23- Speeding, Flight from Officer, Driving Left of Center, Switched License Plate

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District Attorney Chris Nevils reports the following action was taken in Eighth Judicial District Court on August 3, 2026.

DETAVIOUS KETRAVION HOLMES: Defendant entered guilty plea theft of a firearm first offense, theft of a motor vehicle $5000 but less than $25,000 and battery of a dating partner – child endangerment. Sentence – serve 23 years hard labor with Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, 23 years jail sentence suspended, supervised probation Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections 5 years.

District Attorney Chris Nevils reports the following action was taken in Eighth Judicial District Court on August 4, 2026

JAMIE L. BROWN: Defendant entered guilty plea theft between $1,000.00 and $5,000.00. Sentence – 5 years hard labor Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, execution 5 years suspended, supervised probation Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections 3 years.

JOHNNY RAY NASH, III: Defendant entered guilty plea possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, illegal carrying of weapons – use/possession/control-crime of violence/CDS and illegal possession of stolen firearms 2 counts. Sentence on possession of a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance and illegal carrying of weapons –use/possession/control-crime of violence/CDS – imposition of sentence deferred, supervised probation Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections 5 years, concurrent. Sentence on illegal possession of stolen firearms 2 counts – imposition of sentence deferred, supervised probation Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections 5 years, concurrent.

District Attorney Chris Nevils reports the following action was taken in Eighth Judicial District Court on August 6, 2026

JAMYA VANNICE BURKS: Defendant entered guilty plea operating a vehicle while impaired-first offense. Sentence – deferred imposition of sentence, supervised probation Winn Parish Probation Office 2 years, pay court cost, fine, probation fee, 32 hours community service, complete drug, substance abuse and driver improvement program.

TIMOTHY JAMES CANADY: Defendant entered guilty plea possession of an illegally taken deer or bear. Sentence – 120 days suspended, 2 years probation, pay fine, court cost, probation fee and fee to Office of Public Defender.

JADA JACKSON: Defendant entered guilty plea disturbing the peace by fighting. Sentence deferred, 2 years unsupervised probation, pay fine, court cost, probation fee and fee to Office of Public Defender.

JUAN JOSE SIERRA: Defendant entered guilty plea criminal trespass. Sentence deferred, 2 years unsupervised probation, pay fine, court cost and probation fee.

DUSTIN DEWAYNE THOMPSON: Defendant entered guilty plea criminal mischief. Sentence deferred, 2 years probation, pay fine, court cost, fee to Office of Public Defender and probation fee.

JOSHUA CONLEY WISE: Defendant entered guilty plea entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden. Sentence – 6 months suspended, 2 years probation, pay fine, court cost and probation fee.

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Members of the Kiwanis Club of Winnfield gathered for their regular weekly meeting on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, featuring a recap program centered on the 108th Annual District Convention (DCON 2026). The convention was held from July 31 through August 2 at the Hilton New Orleans Airport in Kenner, Louisiana, bringing together Kiwanians from across the La-Miss-Tenn District under the theme “Laissez les bons temps rouler with Kiwanis!”

A delegation of five Winnfield members attended the annual convention, including Dr. Bill Gaddis, Margaret Coon, Ethel Howell, Club President Mary Lou Blackley, and Kim Futrell. A major highlight of the event was the formal installation of Winnfield’s own Kim Futrell as the incoming Lieutenant Governor for the district on Sunday morning.

During the local meeting, members who attended shared highlights and key takeaways from the weekend’s sessions:

Youth & Service Projects: President-Elect Ethel Howell highlighted her inspiration from the Key Club presentations, expressing a strong interest in establishing youth-focused service clubs, such as a Builders Club or Key Club, within the local middle and high schools. Margaret Coon reported on the convention’s hands-on service project, where attendees packed activity bags for the Ronald McDonald House.

Public Relations & Growth: Coon also summarized sessions on modern public relations, emphasizing the use of social media and AI tools, adhering to Kiwanis International branding standards, and keeping club engagement active.

Keynote & District Grants: President Mary Lou Blackley detailed the keynote address delivered by Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, who spoke on state park preservation and tourism. She also outlined the updated two-step process for applying for Kiwanis Foundation grants, which begins with a letter of inquiry.

District Leadership & Records: Dr. Bill Gaddis summarized the district elections and noted that the convention’s annual gift basket fundraiser raised a record $9,016.

Looking ahead, the club confirmed details for its upcoming local events, including the annual Pancake Supper scheduled for September 24, 2026, Be sure to see a Kiwanian for tickets, followed by the Installation Banquet on October 5.

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WINN PARISH, La. — Winn Parish will see temperatures reach the triple digits Wednesday before chances for showers and thunderstorms increase Wednesday night and Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

Wednesday will be sunny and hot with a high near 100 degrees. Winds will be calm before becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Wednesday night will bring a 40 percent chance of precipitation, with showers and thunderstorms possible at various times. The low will be around 75.

Thursday will bring a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Otherwise, conditions will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 96 degrees. Thursday night will be partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. and a low around 72.

Friday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high near 97. There is a 20 percent chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Friday night will be mostly clear with a low around 72.

Saturday will be sunny and hot with a high near 98 degrees. Saturday night will be mostly clear with a low around 72.

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Winnfield Senior High School football coach Byron Keller has seen the highs and lows in his head coaching career at Natchitoches Central, Lakeview, Red River and with the Tigers last year.

His debut season at WSHS wasn’t what he or anyone else had in mind, but now that he’s had a chance to firmly establish his program and has an experienced team back, the optimism is high.

Winnfield plays Menard of Alexandria Saturday afternoon at 5 in the Second Annual Battle on the Bricks NRMC Jamboree in Natchitoches at Turpin Stadium on the Northwestern campus. The Tigers, Keller said at a Monday press conference in Natchitoches, have the right mindset and have prepared to succeed.

“From this time last year, to where we are this year, is a night and day difference. I’m truly proud of the kids, how much hard work and dedication that we’ve seen out of them, to get to the point where we’re looking forward to a great season,” he said.

Keller is confident that his second season in Winnfield will see a significant upswing from last year’s 3-8 performance and a first-round playoff loss.

“Coming in last year, we had a large junior class, and they weren’t the most experienced, and we took our lumps. Now those guys have grown by leaps and bounds and are doing great things for us right now. Offseason was great. In fall camp, you want to schedule scrimmages against somebody so we can see all aspects of offense and we’ve done that with Lincoln Prep and Grant. We got a really good test last Friday and came out healthy and playing well. We are very excited,” he said.

There’s no doubt that the Winnfield job carries expectations unlike any other place he’s been, rivalled by only a few schools around north and central Louisiana. Keller wasn’t blindsided by that fact and he loves it.

“Living in and anywhere around Winnfield, the talk is Winnfield football. They love the tradition, the legacy, and understandably so. Anytime you stop in town, somebody wants to talk about what happened back in ’82 and the group that was there in ’13.  Those are teams who have played for state championships, not the only ones from here. We are proud to try to rise to that standard. Our guys now might have been 5-year-olds in 2013, but they’ve heard the stories and had dads and granddads, older brothers or uncles who played here.”

It’s the second straight Natchitoches jamboree for the Tigers, who have a rematch with the Alexandria-based Eagles.

“It’s always fun to play in a big stadium, like what they have at Northwestern, and to play on Saturday. We’re saying our prayers right now, hoping for overcast skies and a breeze at 5 o’clock because we know how hot it will be on the turf, but the kids are excited and they’re ready for it,” said Keller.

“Going back to last year, playing against Menard, that game coming down to the last play, and we ended up being able to win the game. I know Coach (David) Perkins. His team’s going to be fighting, ready to get some redemption this year. So it’s going to be another battle.

“I like the test. I like to be able to put the guys in the fire before we get into the actual season, to see how they respond. And so far, we have responded great.”

How important is a jamboree outcome?

“It’s huge,” said Keller. “It’s their last warm up, a dress rehearsal before the season. It’s the kickstarter, and last year was such a boost for us going in week one with that confidence of being able to have a defensive stand, and solidify a game that was hard for us to win. When it came down to it, for the guys to band together and toughen up to come up with their stands at the end, that was beautiful going into the start of the season.

“A year later, these guys can remember being able to feel that, and understanding that every Friday night, there’s probably going to be the chance to feel that way when the clock is on zero. That was great.”

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Hunters hoping for an opportunity to participate in Louisiana’s 2026 black bear hunting season have only a few days left to enter the state’s permit lottery.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is reminding hunters that the deadline to apply for the 2026 Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery is Friday, Aug. 28.

This year, 42 black bear tags will be available through the lottery, with hunting opportunities offered across all Louisiana Black Bear Management Areas.

The 2026 black bear hunting season is scheduled for Dec. 5-20.

Applicants must have a valid Louisiana black bear hunting license before submitting a lottery application. The application fee is $50 and is non-refundable.

Bear harvest permits are divided into three categories: WMA, Private Landowner and General.

Hunters selected through the lottery will also be required to attend an LDWF bear hunter training course before participating in the hunt. Training courses are scheduled for Oct. 16, 17, 22 and 23. According to LDWF, failure to attend the required training could result in forfeiture of the permit.

Louisiana’s black bear hunting season returned in 2024 following decades without a regulated season. The hunt is managed through a limited permit system as part of the state’s black bear management program.

Hunters interested in entering the 2026 lottery should complete the application process before the Aug. 28 deadline.

Additional information, eligibility requirements and application instructions are available through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Louisiana Black Bear Hunting Lottery webpage.

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Louisiana residents planning to take to the roads or waterways during the upcoming Labor Day weekend are being reminded to drive and boat sober as law enforcement agencies prepare to increase impaired-driving patrols across the state.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries hosted the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” press conference on Monday, Aug. 24, in the Joe L. Herring Room in Baton Rouge.

LDWF Enforcement Division Col. Stephen Clark joined representatives from several law enforcement agencies to emphasize that impaired operation of vehicles and vessels will not be tolerated. Officials said DUI enforcement patrols will increase during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

“During Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Louisiana Game Wardens will join our law enforcement partners in maintaining a visible presence statewide,” Clark said. “While our primary responsibility will be on the waterways, we are part of the same coordinated effort to prevent impaired operation and save lives. Through that coordinated effort, we can carry a consistent safety message from Louisiana’s roadways to its waterways.”

Louisiana game wardens will focus much of their enforcement efforts on the state’s waterways, where increased recreational boating is expected during the holiday weekend.

The statewide campaign also involves agencies responsible for highway and local traffic enforcement.

Other speakers at Monday’s press conference included Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col. Frank Besson, New Orleans Police Department Capt. Anthony Micheu, Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas “TJ” Morse Jr., Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman.

Officials are urging residents to make plans for a sober driver before drinking and reminding boat operators that impaired operation on the water can have serious consequences just as it can on the highway.

The message from participating agencies heading into the holiday weekend is simple: Drive sober. Boat sober. Help keep Louisiana’s roads and waterways safe.

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