The Red River Parish Library is inviting the community to celebrate Independence Day a little early with a patriotic-themed Bingo event on today at 1:00 p.m. Participants will have the chance to win patriotic-themed prizes while enjoying an afternoon of fun and friendly competition. The event will be held at the Red River Parish Library and is open to those looking for a festive way to kick off the summer holiday season. For more information, contact the Red River Parish Library.

Residents seeking assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) should be aware of upcoming call-in dates and requirements. The DeSoto Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services is accepting names for the LIHEAP cooling assistance waiting list on the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 8:30 a.m. The first 100 callers will receive a place on the waiting list. Applicants must call (318) 872-8241 and follow the phone prompts to speak with the appropriate case manager, as voicemails will not be accepted. Individuals needing crisis assistance due to utility disconnections may call (318) 872-0880 on Mondays and Fridays, subject to available funding. Applicants should have required documents ready, including identification, Social Security cards, proof of income, utility bills and proof of residency.

Louisiana has issued new animal movement restrictions after New World screwworm was detected in Texas. The flesh-eating parasite was eradicated in the US decades ago. It can infest livestock, pets, wildlife and in rare cases, people. The LSU AgCenter has various links and resources for livestock owners as well as links to up-to-date information from the USDA at https://tinyurl.com/NWSresources26.

The Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State University will present “A Life Spent Singing the Blues: A Music Informance with the Wayne ‘Blue’ Burns Band” on Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m. at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front St. in Natchitoches. The event is free and open to the public.Dr. Shane Rasmussen, professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State, will interview the band about the cultural significance of blues music in Louisiana. Their discussion will include songs performed by the band which will also perform at the 46th annual Natchitoches-NSU Louisiana Folklife Festival, to be held July 18 in air-conditioned Prather Coliseum on the NSU campus. For more information, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to http://www.nsula.edu/folklife/.

Minden & Louisiana Tech alum L’Jarius Sneed is returning to the Kansas City Cheifs.

Ricky Chatman
December 1, 1971 ~ June 1, 2026
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11am at Springville Baptist Church in Coushatta.

The Red River Parish Police Jury discussed library taxes, board appointments, rising parish costs and community projects during its June 3 committee and regular meeting.

Vice President Ben Taylor presided over the meeting with jurors Young, Hillman, Taylor, Davis, Moore and Brown present.

Public discussion centered on the Red River Parish Library millage. Resident Bill Jones urged jurors to consider reducing the current 8.13-mill property tax to 3 mills. Jones cited figures from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor showing the library held a fund balance of more than $16.6 million at the end of 2024, while collecting just over $2 million in tax revenue and spending approximately $635,700 during the year.

A library board representative reminded jurors that the board had previously requested a reduction in the library millage. However, concerns about parish finances and future expenses led officials to leave the rate unchanged. Police Jury Administrator Jessie Davis said similar concerns remain today, noting the parish is facing significant increases in health, building and liability insurance costs. Jurors agreed to table discussion of all parish millages until July and requested committee meetings before the next regular session.

District Attorney Julie Jones also addressed questions regarding Library Board appointments. She reported that legal research indicated the board’s 10-year term limit applies retroactively, potentially affecting most current members. Jurors postponed further discussion until July.

Acting Head Librarian Mary Adkins informed jurors she has assumed leadership following the resignation of former Director Trey Lewis. She requested guidance on advertising the position, and the request was referred to the employment committee.

In other business, jurors reappointed Karisma Williams to a second three-year term on the Northwest Louisiana Human Services District board.

Davis reported that parish sales tax revenues remain steady, but rising costs for fuel, road materials and construction continue to strain budgets. He noted that 2-inch compact asphalt now costs more than $227,000 per mile, while soil cement costs more than $184,000 per mile.

Officials reported progress on the new parish health unit, which is awaiting roof repairs, internet installation and final construction cleanup before moving can begin.

The library also announced several new community programs, including CDL training assistance, workforce development meetings, genealogy workshops, Story Time and the Summer Reading Program.

The next Police Jury meeting is scheduled for July 1 at 10 a.m.

A longtime Louisiana requirement is headed for the history books.

After years of debate and several unsuccessful attempts in the Legislature, state lawmakers have approved a measure that will eliminate traditional vehicle inspection stickers, often called “brake tags,” for most Louisiana drivers. Governor Jeff Landry signed the legislation this week, clearing the way for the change to take effect in January 2027.

Under the new law, the familiar inspection sticker displayed on vehicle windshields will be replaced with a QR code decal linked to vehicle registration information. The new decal is expected to cost $6 annually, less than the current inspection sticker fees.

The issue has been discussed at the Capitol for years. State Representative Larry Bagley of Stonewall has repeatedly introduced legislation aimed at ending the inspection sticker requirement, arguing that the process creates an inconvenience for drivers while providing limited benefits. Previous efforts failed, but support from Governor Landry helped push the proposal across the finish line during this year’s legislative session.

Governor Landry publicly called for the change during his opening address to lawmakers in March, saying the current system is outdated and burdensome for drivers. His proposal centered on replacing the traditional sticker with modern technology that could provide vehicle information through a scannable code.

The change will not apply to every vehicle. Commercial vehicles, school transportation vehicles, and some vehicles subject to federal emissions requirements will continue to face inspection requirements.

For many Louisiana drivers, the end of inspection stickers marks the end of a routine that has existed for decades. Beginning in 2027, motorists will no longer need to make an annual trip to an inspection station simply to obtain a new sticker for their windshield. Instead, Louisiana will join a growing number of states that have moved away from traditional vehicle inspection programs.

Serves: 10 | Time: 35 minutes

June’s recipe of the month is fruit salsa with cinnamon chips. This refreshing sweet salsa is packed with fiber, flavor, and fresh fruit, perfect for Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, or any summer gathering. Louisiana blueberries are in season now, so grab some local berries to make this colorful and delicious snack even better.

Salsa Ingredients:

• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 2 apples, peeled, cored and diced
• 1 pound strawberries, sliced
• 8 ounces raspberries
• 8 ounces blueberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Chip Ingredients:

• 8 (10 inch) whole wheat tortillas
• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 cup cinnamon sugar

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, apples, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, lime juice, white sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes before serving.
3. Preheat oven to 350 F.
4. Coat one side of each tortilla with cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer with the sprayed side up on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
5. Bake 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit salsa.

This recipe is provided by LSU AgCenter Nutrition and Community Health Agent, Elizabeth Martin. For more information about programming happening in your community or if you have any questions, please contact your local extension office or call Elizabeth at (318) 226-6805 or email her at emartin@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong. This summer, Walmart and Sam’s Club are partnering with CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, a part of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), to raise life-changing funds for children’s healthcare.

From June 8 through July 5, customers and members can “Spark Good” for children in their community by donating at the register, online at helpkidslivebetter.org or through the Walmart app by rounding up and selecting your local CMN hospital.

“The Spark Good. Make Big Change for All Kids. campaign plays a critical role in ensuring we can provide high-quality, accessible care to every patient and family, no matter their financial circumstances,” said Kelley Matkins, CMN program director at CHRISTUS Foundation Shreveport-Bossier. “Thanks to the commitment of Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, who actively engage their communities, we are better equipped to meet immediate needs and address today’s toughest pediatric health issues.”

Walmart and Sam’s Club have raised more than $1 billion for CMN since 1987. This year, they aim to build on that legacy and make an even greater impact. Donations made through this campaign stay local, supporting critical medical equipment, innovative research and accessible, family-centered care programs essential to children’s health and healing.

At the heart of the campaign are Walmart and Sam’s Club associates, many of whom have strong ties to the cause. Scottie was born four months early via emergency C-section, weighing only 2 pounds. Due to her prematurity, Scottie needed intensive respiratory assistance and several blood transfusions during her stay. Scottie has defied all odds and is meeting developmental goals with the help of outpatient therapy and her loving and committed family. Scottie’s grandfather, James, is a proud Walmart Associate. James had supported CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System through CMN Hospitals campaigns for over a decade, never imagining one day his family would rely on its care. Today, his efforts carry a deeply personal meaning.

Scottie is now 3 years old and continues to receive specialized care at CHRISTUS. She proudly served as the hospital’s 2024 CMN local Champion, inspiring Walmart and Sam’s Club associates across the community to continue to spark good.

Together, we can make big change for all kids.

Walmart and Sam’s Club Facts:

• The 2026 Walmart & Sam’s Club campaign is June 8 – July 5.

• The 2026 goal is to raise more than $130,000 for CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System.

Golden Tempo has done it again–last to first–to win the Belmont Stakes over the weekend! Trainer Cherie DeVaux becomes the first female trainer to win two Triple Crown races. 

According to multiple reports, no tickets are to be issued for expired Louisiana inspection stickers.

Northwestern State University has named Jason Anderson as the 14th head coach in the history of the Lady Demons softball program. Anderson brings nearly 800 career victories and a reputation for building championship-caliber teams, most recently leading Southern Arkansas to seven conference championships, 10 consecutive NCAA Regional appearances and two trips to the NCAA Division II Women’s College World Series. Over 19 seasons as a head coach, he has compiled a 796-233 record while developing numerous All-Americans, conference champions and national award winners. Anderson said the strong support for athletics at Northwestern State and the opportunity to compete for championships made the position especially appealing. He and his family will now make their home in Natchitoches as he begins a new chapter leading the Demons softball program.

Applications are now open for the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability (ORHTS) Rural Clinician Credit Bank, a new $5.6 million program designed to help rural health care providers recruit and retain physicians, nurses, dentists, EMS personnel, behavioral health professionals, and other clinicians serving in the state’s rural communities.

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The Red River High School Class of 2026 will celebrate graduation tonight, June 4, at 6:00 p.m. at Pat Strother Stadium.

Gates will open to guests at 5:20 p.m. Family members and friends are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for seating before the ceremony begins.

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all attendees, the following items will not be permitted inside the stadium:

• Umbrellas
• Noise makers
• Balloons
• Oversized items
• Other restricted items as determined by school personnel

Standard stadium safety procedures will be enforced throughout the event.

Graduation marks an important milestone for the members of the Class of 2026 as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their lives. Family, friends, faculty, and community members are invited to join in celebrating the accomplishments of this year’s graduates.

Congratulations to the Red River High School Class of 2026!

Ma’Lia Allen
Isis Anderson
Javia Ashton*
Zikeriyia Babers
Tylan Beavers***
Warren Bowman III*
Angel Bradley**
Gaylon Brewer*
Stethan Chatman
Payton Christen**
Roman Cofield
Dravyn Coyle
Angelina Czupich
Jamarion Davis
Tiarha Demease
Fa’Dasia Demery***
Tamija Gant**
Kinya Gray***
Calib Grigg
Emalie Hammond*
Sadie Hammond
Taleha Hill**
Adrina Jackson*
A’Staciyah Jackson
Jamon Jackson*
Calayja Johnson
Dewayne Johnson
A’Zarian Jones
Cameron Jones*
La’Tranity Jones
Tyra Jones***
Chelsey Kellogg**
Laniyah Latson*
Tamia Lavallais**
Alayla Lewis
Carl Lewis Jr.
Journey Lin**
Vincent Martinez
Johnny Meshell
Christian Miles
Isaiah Miller
Njerika Miller**
Denelle Mitchell*
Cedric Moody Jr.
Latravis Moore
Nolan Moore
Emily Morgan***
Elijah Murphy*
Randell Nash
Cherish Newton*
Demarche Newton Jr.*
Viktor Novosad
Hannah O’Rourke
Karrington Owens
Brandon Palmer*
Justin Palmer
Dustin Pickett
Jakeb Pierce*
Kyric Raymond
Skylar Roberson***
Ja’Darylria Smith
Raleigh Smith III
Wy’Breshia Smith*
Zy’Quayvious Smith
Collin Stafford
Trinity Stampley
Kaylyn Stephens**
Bri’Aunna Taylor**
Samanatha Taylor*
Joshua Thomas
Zachary Thompson
Rihanna Washington*
Ga’Leah Williams**
Jaskyla Williams**
Porter Williamson**
Ny’Keriaha Wilson
B’Nodrick Winn Jr.
Colt Wood

*Cum Laude
**Magna Cum Laude
***Summa Cum Laude

Vacation Bible School season is here, and churches across our community are welcoming children for a week of faith, fun, and fellowship. Kids will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the week, including interactive Bible lessons, music, games, and hands-on crafts in a fun and welcoming environment. Families are encouraged to take part as local churches open their doors for VBS programs across the area.

Social Springs Baptist Church is taking this year’s event to the beautiful lush meadows of the countryside and the cobblestone streets of the cities of Ireland. Come journey to the Emerald Crossing: An Irish Adventure Through Psalm 23. June 7 – June 12, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Registration will be Sunday, June 7 at 5:30pm. Family Night will be Friday, June 12, 6pm. So pull on your work boots, grab your walking staff, and get ready for a grand ol’ time at Emerald Crossing! Classes for all ages.

Martin Baptist Church will host VBS, Illumination Station, June 8-12 from 5:30-8:20pm for COMPLETED PK-4 -6th grade (NO 3 yr olds). Register at https://forms.gle/vWCbZurjEqeraV3s5. Contact Brandi Jones or the church for any questions.

Red River Cowboy Church M3 Kids Summer Buckle Series offers a unique twist on Vacation Bible School. Described as “not your ordinary VBS,” the program takes place in the arena and combines fun, western-style activities with lessons about Jesus. Kids who attend three of the four events will earn a buckle. Dates are June 14, July 5, & August 2.

Open Door Fellowship will host Illumination Station June 14-18 from 5:30-8:30pm. Fun for Pre-K through 6th grade. Enjoy Bible time, crafts, music, games and friendships. Come as you are. Leave Shining!

Fairview Baptist Church will host VBS June 22-25 from 6-8:30pm for children in grades PK-3 through 6th grade with Family Night on Friday.

New Ebenezer Baptist Church, in Castor, will host Vacation Bible School, Illumination Station, June 22–26 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. Children in Pre-K through 6th grade are welcome to attend and enjoy a week of VBS fun.

East Point Mt Zion BC is hosting VBS Hooked! Reeled in to serve God June 23-26 at 6pm. Transportation will be provided.

New Life Church in Hall Summit will host a one-day VBS July 11. Registration is at 8am. VBS is from 8:30am until 1pm. There will be a water slide from 1-2pm.

All area churches may share their VBS dates/info with RRPJ at the following email redriverparishjournal@gmail.com

Homer was born in Canada in 1919, but his family moved to Portland, Oregon, when he was a child. After high school, Homer enrolled at Linfield College in McMinnville where he competed on the basketball team and swimming team, though he said he was not the typical jock. He quickly learned that it was easier for him to get girls by making them laugh than by showing off his abilities in sporting events. The girl he eventually got was named Margaret Wiggum. Homer was a talented amateur artist. He drew pictures of common scenes and gave them comical captions. Homer began playing around with product advertisements which were comical, but more importantly, memorable.

In 1941, Homer earned a degree in English, and in the following year, he married Margaret. Homer may have envisioned settling down into family life and working as an ad man, but war was on the horizon. When the United States entered World War II, Homer became a B-17 bomber pilot. He and his B-17 crew dropped bombs on the Germans at Normandy on D-Day and later bombed Berlin. After the war, Homer began his career in advertising as an entry-level production assistant at the Botsford, Constantine, and Gardner ad agency. He climbed the ladder of success quicker than most because he had an unusual approach to advertising and clients loved his work. More importantly, consumers were receptive to his work.

In 1950, Homer’s piloting skills were needed again, and he flew transport missions during the Korean War. During the war, he became infatuated with the filmmaking process. He produced, wrote, shot, recorded the sound, edited, directed, and narrated documentaries. After the war, Homer became vice-president of the ad agency. Former Advertising Federation President Mick Scott referred to Homer as “an absolute creative genius.” Idaho potatoes became famous because of one of Homer’s ad campaigns. In 1958, Homer created his own highly successful advertising agency, but he still made time for his growing family. He and his wife Margaret had five children. To entertain his children, he often brought his work home. He gave them sketch pads and colored pencils and provided part of a story from which they created their own cartoons. Homer’s youngest son, Matt, eventually created a cartoon which has become the longest running American scripted primetime television series in history, and he named many of the characters after members of his own family including his father, Homer, his mother, Margaret went by the name Marge, and his little sisters, Lisa, and Maggie. Rather than using his own name, Matt chose an anagram of brat for the lead character, Bart. That is how Matt Groening, the son of an ad man, created The Simpsons. When Matt and his wife, Deborah, had a son of their own they named him not Bart, but Homer.

Sources:

1. Ash Horn, “Home Groening: The Vanguard Cartoonist, Filmmaker and Ad Man Who Did It All,” Portland Design History, accessed May 24, 2026, https://www.portlanddesignhistory.com/post/homer-groening.

2. “Homer Groening,” Lambiek Comiclopedia, Accessed May 24, 2026, https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/groening_homer.htm.

3. “Homer Groening, Cartoonist’s Father, ‘Simpsons’ Inspiration,” The Seattle Times, March 19, 1996, Accessed May 24, 2026, https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19960319/2319671/homer-groening-cartoonists-father-simpsons-inspiration.

Louisiana high school athletes and fans will see some familiar championship events in new locations beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association recently announced that its boys basketball, powerlifting and wrestling state championships will move to different venues as part of an effort to enhance the championship experience for students, schools and spectators.

One of the biggest changes affects the Boys Basketball State Championships, commonly known as Marsh Madness. Beginning in March 2027, the tournament will be held at the CAJUNDOME in Lafayette. The event has been hosted at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles since 2014. The move returns the championship to the CAJUNDOME for the first time in more than 15 years.

Powerlifting will also have a new home beginning in 2027. The State Powerlifting Championships will relocate to the West Monroe Sports & Events Complex after spending the past two years in Kenner. The larger venue is expected to provide additional space for athletes, equipment, spectators and event operations as participation in the sport continues to grow.

Wrestling fans will see the state championships move back to south Louisiana. Starting with the 2027 championships, the event will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The tournament has spent the past several years in Bossier City and will now return to the New Orleans area, where organizers believe the location can better accommodate the sport’s continued growth.

LHSAA officials said the venue changes are part of a broader effort to improve championship events and provide memorable experiences for student-athletes across the state. The announcement also reflects the organization’s partnership with the Sugar Bowl, which recently became the title sponsor of LHSAA state championship events.

The new sites are expected to offer upgraded facilities, increased capacity and improved accessibility for schools and fans traveling from around Louisiana.

We have a lot of things going on over the next few weeks, so we are including a calendar for the month of June, as well as a listing and a description of the different activities. We hope that all of you will take advantage of some of the events that will be going on at the library.

One of the biggest changes for the library starts with the library being open on Saturday, June 6. We will
be open on Saturdays from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. That gives our patrons some extra hours to visit the library each week.

On Fridays, June 5 and June 12, Storytime will begin at 10:00 am for children and parents or grandparents. Our Summer Reading Program will start at the end of June, so Ms. Sims will be telling the children and adults all about it so they can be prepared.

We will also be open on Saturday, June 13, from 9:00 to 1:00, for some extra hours.

On Wednesday, June 10, our highly popular Bingo will begin at 1:00. At our last meeting, there were about 30 people here, and we all had a great time. There were some light refreshments, and all the winners had their choice of different prizes. We invite everyone to come for the June games to enjoy the fun!

On Tuesday, June 16, the representative from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) will be at the library to help people as young as 14 to 24 with the Out-of-School Youth Program and the WIOA Youth Program which include such things as job skills, work experience, tutoring, and other skills necessary to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce. There is also a CDL training program for those 21 years of age or older. Anyone who is in the 14 to 24 age bracket and needs help finding a job or preparing for a career should stop by the library on June 16, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

If you have a teenager at home or a grandchild who might be interested in these programs, bring them to the library to find out what might be available.

On Wednesday, June 17, our genealogy group meets at 10:00 am. Even if someone has never been to this group before, all interested people are welcome. Anyone who has a laptop may bring it, or we have a few laptops here at the library that can be used if needed. Mrs. Linda Young, one of our librarians, as well Dr. Virginia Webb, a local genealogist, will be available to help anyone who needs it.

On Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20, the library will be closed in honor of the Juneteenth holiday.

On Tuesday, June 23, at 2:00 pm, there will be a presentation from Ms. Erin Staub of the Louisiana Wild Society about native plants in our area of Louisiana. All people who enjoy gardening, who are interested in learning about our local plants, or who are Master Gardeners are invited to attend this presentation. There will be a question and answer session at the end. On Friday, June 26, Storytime will begin at 10:00 am. Remember the library will be open on Saturday, June 27 from 9:00 to 1:00.

Our Summer Reading Program will officially begin at 2:00 pm on the afternoon of Monday, June 29. The program will be presented by Harvey Rabbit, a favorite of children of all ages for many years. There will be music and lots of laughter, so bring your children and grandchildren to join in the fun. Remember, the library will be open on Saturday, June 27, for those who need a little extra time to check out books or movies or magazines.

On Tuesday, June 30, Ms. Elizabeth Martin of the LSU Agricultural Center will be at the library to share information with adults about “Roots and Recipes.” She will discuss the different kinds of plants whose roots are edible, and the ways that they can be prepared to eat. Everyone is invited to attend.

More information on each of these events can be found on the library website at redriverparishlibrary.org. When you get to the website, click on the word Calendar. When the calendar appears, click on the date you want to know about, and the information about that date will appear to the left of the calendar. If you have any trouble using the website, call the library at (318) 932-5614.

Shared by the Red River Parish Library

First Methodist Church Coushatta will host a special summer craft camp July 14-16 for girls entering second through fifth grade.

Led by the ladies of Sewing God’s Love, the camp will give participants the opportunity to learn basic sewing and needlework skills while creating crafts celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

Camp hours will be from 9 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. each day, and all supplies will be provided.

Registration is required through the church’s Google form. Space is limited to 30 participants.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pvYQLNtWZXWzR8tIHimRNtwOXAi8s179QnVpufBZqJA/viewform?ts=6a0e6544&edit_requested=true

Eighty-two years ago this week, thousands of young men stepped onto landing craft and headed toward the coast of France, knowing many would never return home.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched what became known as D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in military history. More than 150,000 American, British, Canadian, and Allied troops crossed the English Channel and landed on five beaches along the Normandy coast in German-occupied France.

The operation, officially called Operation Overlord, marked the beginning of the Allied effort to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control during World War II.

The invasion began before dawn. Paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines while warships bombarded German defenses along the coast. As the first waves of soldiers approached the beaches, they faced heavy gunfire, mines, obstacles, and difficult terrain.

One of the most well-known landing sites was Omaha Beach, where American forces suffered significant casualties while fighting to secure a foothold on the shoreline. Despite the challenges, Allied troops continued advancing throughout the day, gradually overcoming German defenses.

By nightfall, the invasion force had established positions along the Normandy coast. The success of D-Day allowed additional troops, vehicles, supplies, and equipment to pour into France in the weeks that followed. Less than a year later, Germany surrendered, bringing the war in Europe to an end.

For many Americans, D-Day remains a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and determination. The young men who stormed the beaches were farmers, factory workers, students, and small-town residents who answered the call to serve their country during one of history’s most difficult times.

Today, as the number of surviving World War II veterans continues to decline, the anniversary of D-Day serves as a reminder of the price paid for freedom. Communities across the nation pause each year to honor those who participated in the invasion and to remember the sacrifices made by what is often called the Greatest Generation.

Their actions on June 6, 1944, helped change the course of history and remain one of the defining moments of the twentieth century.

Right now, the world of tournament bass fishing has reached a crossroads. If the powers that be (tournament organizations) do not address the key issues that have created this massive drop in tournament participation, the entire bass fishing industry is on the verge of collapse.

Now this may sound a little harsh, and maybe a little overblown, but the time has come to save an industry that needs saving. Bass tournaments, no matter how you look at them, are a necessary avenue for product invention and promotion.

This is how the fishing industry gets the word out about a new lure, or any product related to bass fishing. No other group has the power of promotion more than tournament anglers all across the country, and even around the world, simply by word of mouth.

Look at Japan and how this crisis has impacted the bass fishing community. Nobody has been more creative and responsible for new lures and techniques than the Japanese. They have sent their best anglers to America for the sole purpose of promoting their market and the products they produce.

How have they done it? By winning tournaments here in America. It seems like every year a new Japanese angler arrives on one of the high-level tours and has an immediate impact either by winning or finishing very high in every tournament.

But getting back to the problem at hand, why has tournament participation dropped like the stock market crash of 1929? It hasn’t just fallen off a little, it has plummeted! Anglers have literally walked away overnight with zero signs of them coming back.

So how can we fix the problem? First, we must recognize the problem before we can figure out how to correct it. It’s similar to an alcoholic’s dilemma; they have to realize they have a problem before they can fix it.

Anglers leaving the sport they’ve loved so much basically started right after the COVID 19 pandemic. But during this time tournament participation was high with most events running full fields of 200 boats or more. Today those same events are drawing less than 100 boats while others have lost over two-thirds of their participation.

Also boat sales during COVID exploded to the point that there were one-year waiting lists for all major bass boat brands. Manufacturers struggled to build bass boats fast enough to satisfy the demand.

So, what happened after COVID and why did tournament anglers load their high dollar bass boats and go home, never to return? Well, there’s only one thing that’s had a major impact on the bass fishing world – the invention of Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS)! Bingo!

This hit the bass fishing market like nothing else ever has. Just like American politics, it has also divided us as consumers! Not just a little bit either; anglers around the country continue to argue over the negative impact FFS has placed on our bass fisheries. Some issues have been substantiated, and others are now considered myths.

Most anglers will agree that forward-facing sonar has been a tremendous invention that has totally changed the bass fishing world. But the true anglers who are considered to be purist believe that this new technology has no place in bass tournaments.

The PGA Tour has faced similar technology issues lately with better golf clubs and golf balls that are flying farther than ever before. These adjustments have caused major concerns for the PGA Tour and even have resulted in some golf courses becoming obsolete, or at least, not suitable for pro tournaments.

So, the PGA Tour decided to implement new restrictions on manufacturers and how far golf balls can fly. They did this for the good of sport and the future of the sport. Maybe B.A.S.S. and Major League Fishing (MLF) need to take a page from the PGA Tour.

Let’s take away FFS for all bass tournament competitions and get back to using acquired skills anglers need to have in order to compete at the highest level. You don’t have to eliminate it totally; allow anglers to use it for practice only. But it has no place on the professional level and should be banned on tournament day.

The biggest concern at this time is with the lower entry-level tournaments like the BFL’s, Toyota Series and the Bassmaster Opens. Is it too late to make changes or eliminate FFS for tournaments on the lower levels?

Not really. Every year tournament organizations make changes to their rules, and this would be no different. I just hope the powers that be (B.A.S.S. and MLF) wake up and do the right thing for 2027 in order to save a dying industry — tournament bass fishing!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

If there is one holiday almost everyone can get behind, it might just be National Donut Day.

Today, Friday, June 5, is National Donut Day. While many people see it as a great excuse to enjoy a glazed, chocolate-covered, or jelly-filled treat, the day actually has a meaningful history.

National Donut Day was established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the women known as the “Donut Lassies.” During World War I, these volunteers served fresh donuts and offered comfort to American soldiers stationed overseas. What began as a simple act of kindness grew into a tradition that continues nearly a century later.

Of course, around here, donuts have long been more than just a sweet snack. They’ve been part of early mornings before school, quick stops on the way to work, fishing trips at daylight, and coffee conversations among friends. A box of donuts has a way of bringing people together, whether it’s at the office, the ballpark, or around the kitchen table.

Americans consume billions of donuts each year, and while flavors and toppings have changed over time, the popularity of the classic treat remains as strong as ever.

So today, consider treating yourself to a donut—or maybe even two. After all, some holidays are meant to be enjoyed one bite at a time.

Happy National Donut Day!