Sabine State Bank & Trust Company, a commercial bank headquartered in Many, LA with more than $1.2 billion in assets. The combined entity is expected to provide access to a broad variety of lending products to all communities served by TDECU and will expand TDECU’s presence in lending to small business owners in oil and gas, agriculture, and energy.

At closing, the combined institution will be expected to have approximately $6 billion in assets and 471,000 Members. The acquisition will expand the field of membership for TDECU, which has a significant presence in Greater Houston, and a growing presence in the Dallas, Fort Worth and Victoria areas.

“TDECU is on a growth journey to expand across the state of Texas and beyond,” said President & CEO Isaac Johnson. “Our mission is helping people navigate their financial journeys, and be financial solvers for our Members’ everyday needs. This acquisition extends our reach to more communities, diversifies our commercial portfolio, and makes our balance sheet even stronger. If our balance sheet is stronger that will enable TDECU to continue to deliver and do more for our existing Members. Together, we will strengthen ties with our membership, partners, and local communities”

A strong performing commercial bank

Founded more than 120 years ago, Sabine has a footprint of 51 branches across Louisiana and east Texas. It specializes in commercial loans with industry concentration in oil and gas, forestry, timber and agriculture, and has many long-standing depository relationships.

“We are excited to become a part of the TDECU family and we share their commitment to strengthening our communities and empowering our customers to build better financial futures,” said Lee H. McCann, President and CEO of Sabine. “Our customers can rest assured that they will continue to experience the best-in-class service they count on from us. Best of all, that service will be enhanced with an even wider array of financial products to help them better secure their futures.”

Strengthening the credit union movement

TDECU has a healthy balance sheet that is focused on consumer deposits and lower-risk investment strategies. Sabine’s strong commercial operations will further diversify the credit union’s loan concentration and support TDECU’s overall growth strategy, bolstering stability and resiliency to provide compelling service offerings to its Members during economic and market fluctuations. The transaction is anticipated to be completed early 2025, subject to receiving all required regulatory and shareholder approvals and satisfying all other closing conditions. TDECU members and Sabine customers should continue to conduct their business as usual until the closing.

ALERT!!!! VIP tickets are nearly sold out! Get yours today! If you wait, it may be too late.

Spectacular weather forecast! The official forecast for Friday and Saturday is absolutely perfect!

FRIDAY NIGHT KICKOFF  *REQUIRES A SEPARATE TICKET

​7:00 – 8:30    Lone Star Skynyrd (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band) The crowd is sure to sing along, dance, and sway to a celebration of the original Skynyrd rock ‘n’ roll legacy. Winners of the prestigious 2022 Josie Award for Best Tribute Band in America: Lone Star Skynyrd. More than a tribute! More than a good time party!

​9:00 – 10:30  Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Fans from across the nation claim that Rumours is the band to see if you are looking for an authentic recreation of live Fleetwood Mac shows. In just under 10 years, Rumours has landed itself the reputation of being the best Fleetwood Mac Tribute band and additionally has made fans internationally.

SATURDAY 

​1:00 – 1:50     Mason Trail and Zydeco Rhythm (High-energy Zydeco) Out of Lake Charles, they’ll have the crowd dancing early with an eclectic repertoire of modern zydeco along with traditional authentic zydeco music with an R&B flavor.  

 2:20 – 3:25     On Point Band (Rhythm & Blues) The On Point Band out of Natchitoches will be performing an exciting high-energy, brand of soul and R&B, classics, as well as modern hits, with a little jazz thrown in. Don’t miss this young and entertaining upcoming group!

​3:40 – 5:00    The Young Ones (Jazz & R&B with a Latin flavor)  NSU music students who all hail from South and Central American countries. These super-talented musicians will be performing a unique mixture of rock and roll, jazz, and rhythm and blues, all with a Latin flavor in their tribute to the music of Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and Bruno Mars. 

​5:20 – 6:45     Johnny Earthquake & The Moondogs (High-energy variety show band)  The popular Natchitoches-based nine-piece, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n’ roll band which critics have called: “quite simply, Louisiana‘s best Showband”, will be making this stop on their 30th anniversary “Over the Moon Tour” a special one as after their performance they’ll be inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. 

 Don’t forget about our headliners; America’s got talent Finalists “Chapel Hart” at 7:15pm and County hitmaker, Craig Morgan at 9:00pm.

For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit

https://www.natchjazzfest.com

The 27th annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival will be held in historic downtown Natchitoches on the riverbank of Cane River Lake, the festival will kick off Friday evening, May 10th with “Tribute to Legends Night”. Appearing first at 7:00 p.m. will be “Lone Star Skynrd”, the award nominated Lynyrd Skynrd tribute act from Texas which faithfully recreates the atmosphere and energy of Lynyrd Skynrd concerts. Closing out Friday at 9:00 p.m. will be “Rumours-ATL”, the award-winning Fleetwood Mac tribute band out of Atlanta, Georgia which is widely recognized as the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute with its note for note recreation of the Mac’s hit songs.

Craig Morgan and Chapel Hart are set to headline the Main Stage on Saturday, May 11th.

Craig Morgan has been a country hit maker for over a quarter century and during his award-winning career has had seventeen charting country hits including the number ones “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and “Redneck Yacht Club”. Morgan is known for his high energy performances and is also a huge supporter of the military and veterans causes. He currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Opening for Morgan is the super-hot Nashville group “Chapel Hart” who were finalists on the hit television show “America’s Got Talent” a few years ago and then emerged again on the show’s special “Fantasy League” series which aired just a few weeks ago.

Millions have seen them on TV, they are selling out venues nationwide performing their number one hit “You Can Have him, Jolene” and many others.

Preceding “Chapel Hart” will be regional favorites “Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs” who have been hailed as “Louisiana’s top show band” and are the only band to have appeared in all twenty-six previous festivals. They are making this a stop on their 30th anniversary “Over the Moon Tour” and promise some “special surprises” during their performance. The Moondogs performance is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. As always, they’ll deliver a high quality and high energy mix of rock and roll and R&B horn-driven favorites.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com.

There will be 20 bands in all performing on three stages, which will feature a wide variety of music, including country, rock ‘n’ roll, funk, soul, Gospel, Latin, Celtic, and yes, plenty of jazz and R&B. This is a family event, and as always, there will be plenty of great food and fun activities for the kids.

The 27th annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival will be held in historic downtown Natchitoches on the riverbank of Cane River Lake, the festival will kick off Friday evening, May 10th with “Tribute to Legends Night”. Appearing first at 7:00 p.m. will be “Lone Star Skynrd”, the award nominated Lynyrd Skynrd tribute act from Texas which faithfully recreates the atmosphere and energy of Lynyrd Skynrd concerts. Closing out Friday at 9:00 p.m. will be “Rumours-ATL”, the award-winning Fleetwood Mac tribute band out of Atlanta, Georgia which is widely recognized as the ultimate Fleetwood Mac tribute with its note for note recreation of the Mac’s hit songs.

Craig Morgan and Chapel Hart are set to headline the Main Stage on Saturday, May 11th.

Craig Morgan has been a country hit maker for over a quarter century and during his award-winning career has had seventeen charting country hits including the number ones “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and “Redneck Yacht Club”. Morgan is known for his high energy performances and is also a huge supporter of the military and veterans causes. He currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Opening for Morgan is the super-hot Nashville group “Chapel Hart” who were finalists on the hit television show “America’s Got Talent” a few years ago and then emerged again on the show’s special “Fantasy League” series which aired just a few weeks ago.

Millions have seen them on TV, they are selling out venues nationwide performing their number one hit “You Can Have him, Jolene” and many others.

Preceding “Chapel Hart” will be regional favorites “Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs” who have been hailed as “Louisiana’s top show band” and are the only band to have appeared in all twenty-six previous festivals. They are making this a stop on their 30th anniversary “Over the Moon Tour” and promise some “special surprises” during their performance. The Moondogs performance is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. As always, they’ll deliver a high quality and high energy mix of rock and roll and R&B horn-driven favorites.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to http://www.natchjazzfest.com.

There will be 20 bands in all performing on three stages, which will feature a wide variety of music, including country, rock ‘n’ roll, funk, soul, Gospel, Latin, Celtic, and yes, plenty of jazz and R&B. This is a family event, and as always, there will be plenty of great food and fun activities for the kids.

By Amy Hays/Contributor to the Journal

An exhibit of Kim Mulkey’s 2023 National Championship season at LSU hangs in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Rightfully so, considering Natchitoches is the small town where the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed.

Kim Mulkey is a steel magnolia personified.

If you have never seen the movie or play, then you may not know what that means. In Natchitoches, the term is understood as part of the local vernacular. A metaphor for the contrasting imagery associated with a tough metal and a delicate flower.

A steel magnolia is thought of as an independent woman who faces adversity with strength and dignity. Just like the sturdy steel frame of a fragile magnolia tree.

When you watch Mulkey on the sidelines of a game or listen to her speak in a post-game presser or radio interview, you know that she embodies a combination of toughness yet kindness.

She loves basketball, she loves winning, but most of all she loves her players and her family. Her players are her family, and she states that often. She is a doting mother and grandmother, but also a devoted coach to young, impressionable athletes.

Society wants us to believe that women can’t be both strong and gentle at the same time. But in the South that is the way women are raised. We are taught to fight like hell for what we believe in. We are taught to be compassionate and tender-hearted. And we can be both of those things at the same time.
In a world where women should be equal to men in all areas. That is most certainly not true when it comes to sports. Women have been marginalized spectators watching as men have made millions of dollars and achieved celebrity status as professional athletes.

Mulkey is still the same person she’s always been but since taking the head coaching job at LSU, opportunities have started to change. She gives her players the freedom to be themselves and they have excelled at becoming entrepreneurs in the new world of NIL. Together they have helped to elevate the game of women’s basketball to a level that could never have been dreamed of even a few years ago.
According to ESPN, 12.3 million people watched the Elite 8 game on Monday night between LSU and Iowa. It was the most watched college basketball game ever on ESPN platforms.

Ironically, this broke the previous ratings record for women’s basketball of 11.84 million in 1983 when USC beat Mulkey’s Louisiana Tech team in the NCAA Championship.

Despite such success and progress, the media have critiqued her every move. Talked about her clothing choices, dug up her family history, nitpicked her coaching, made assumptions about her political and personal beliefs, criticized her personality, and now, even questioned her allegiance to the American flag.

Mulkey can withstand the millions of daggers that are thrown at her because her armor is made of steel. She had to overcome obstacles at a young age in the male-dominated world of sports and continues to have to defend herself and her female players nearly 60 years later.

Our only hope should be that she can pass the strength and resolve that she embodies onto her young players.

The relentless media seems to have taken a Clairee (Olympia Dukakis) line out of the movie to heart, “If you can’t say anything nice about anybody, come sit by me.”

But as any true Steel Magnolia would say, “Bless their hearts.”

Contact Amy at AmyHaysJSLLC@gmail.com.

From Louie Bernard

I have always been able to find the right words to convey thanks or appreciation.  But mere “words” somehow seem very inadequate to express the heartfelt gratitude I feel to all of you, for having allowed me to serve as your Senator for District 31 these past four years.

It seems like yesterday that Gayle and I were criss-crossing the parishes of Natchitoches, Sabine, Red River, Winn, Grant, and Rapides, meeting people who are the bedrock of Louisiana.  I asked you for your support and your vote.  I told you I would always call you back, and that I would exhaust every effort to move our state in a more positive direction.  You allowed me to come into your homes . . into your businesses . . to your festivals and parades . . and to the countless number of celebrations of all those events you hold dear.  You reinforced what I have believed all my life . . that government isn’t about Governors, or Senators, or Representatives.  It is about “people” . . folks just like you and me, who sit down at the kitchen table every month and try to figure out how to make ends meet.  The challenge is always about applying common sense to the issues that so affect our lives.

I voted on literally hundreds and hundreds of pieces of legislation during my four years in the Senate.  And, while no elected official pleases all of the people, all of the time, I am proud to have represented the basic conservative belief that government should be accountable, transparent, and a good steward of your taxes.

 I pray that we will continue to prioritize Early Childhood Education, Higher Education, and teacher pay . . that we will focus on workforce training and development . . that we will look for ways to increase funding for our infrastructure system . . that we continue to recognize and assist small business . . and that Louisiana will take great strides to ensure safer cities, towns, and communities across our state.

Finally, I want to state, as I have many times, that Northwestern State University is foundational to the success and quality of life in Northwest Louisiana, and to our state.  I am proud to have been a partner in securing Capital Outlay funding to replace Kyser Hall, and for the renovation of our Health and Performance Center on campus.  By working together with both the Senate and the House, we were also able to secure $13M in “P-5” funding for Warrington Place in Shreveport, which is so necessary to continue Northwestern’s premier role in graduating nurses who help staff hospitals across our entire State .In my farewell address to the Senate on May 15^th, 2023, I reflected on the temptation elected officials have to talk about their achievements.   I said, “The enthusiasm with which we extoll the virtues of our accomplishments, should be tempered by the sobering reality of all that is left to do.”

And so, I congratulate all those who were elected to office this past fall.  I especially extend every good wish to my successor, Senator Alan Seabaugh and his wife, Laura.  Along with our new Governor and the entire Legislature, they have evidenced a willingness to fight the good fight in Teddy Roosevelt’s “arena.” For ourselves, for our children, and for our grandchildren, I pray for their every success!

My heartfelt gratitude for having been allowed to serve you and your families.  It has been the honor of my life!

Sincerely,

Louie Bernard

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application journey is intricate, and for those met with the initial challenge of denial, understanding the nuances of the appeals process becomes paramount.

Delving into the reasons behind denials is a strategic starting point. Denial letters often present complex information, necessitating a meticulous examination to uncover specific issues. Seeking professional assistance can be invaluable, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the grounds for denial. You have 60 days from the date of your denial letter to file for the first stage of your appeal, known as a Request for Reconsideration.

The Request for Reconsideration phase offers applicants a second chance to present their case. This stage allows for the submission of additional medical evidence and a detailed addressal of deficiencies identified in the initial application. Leveraging this opportunity is crucial, as it can significantly strengthen the foundation of your claim. If your case is still denied at this stage, which most likely will be, do not give up as the next stage is where the majority of success occurs! The next stage is requesting a hearing with the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The ALJ hearing stands as a pivotal moment, where individuals can directly present their case to a judge. Here, meticulous preparation is key, and the significance of legal representation cannot be overstated. Understanding the intricacies of this in-person hearing can greatly impact the likelihood of success.

Social Security’s evaluation process considers factors such as age, education, work background, and the severity of the medical condition. Understanding how these interconnected elements contribute to the overall evaluation can empower applicants to strategically present their case.

The Social Security GRID (Grid Rules) and Listings serve as powerful tools in the appeals process. The GRID factors in considerations like age, education, and work experience, while the Listings provide specific criteria for various impairments. Aligning your case with these tools can significantly bolster the strength of your claim.

At The Harrington Law Firm, success in securing SSDI approvals has been a cornerstone of our practice. C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in navigating the intricacies of the appeals process. We are committed to leveraging our expertise to guide applicants towards success in their claims.

Recognizing the importance of informed decision-making, The Harrington Law Firm offers free consultations. This opportunity allows individuals to gain valuable insights into their specific case, empowering them with the knowledge needed to navigate the SSDI appeals journey.

The SSDI appeals process demands a comprehensive approach, combining knowledge, meticulous preparation, and strategic thinking. Denials are part of the journey, not the end. Understanding the intricacies at each stage, leveraging professional expertise, and aligning with Social Security criteria can significantly enhance the chances of a favorable outcome. At The Harrington Law Firm, we stand ready to empower your journey toward securing the benefits you rightfully deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, where your resilience, determination, and our legal expertise converge for a brighter and more secure future.

The Harrington Law Firm handles cases involving Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability, Personal Injury, and Last Wills and Testaments.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you through these challenging times.

Natchitoches- (318) 352-5900
Leesville- (337) 535-0700

For more information go online to theharringtonlawfirm.com or email Eddie.Harrington@theharringtonlawfirm.com.

Staci Scott from the Ware Youth Facility in Red River Parish talks to Billy West about the high cost of juvenile detention – over $9,000 per month ($300.00 per night, per juvenile) in the Ware Youth Facility.

The sense of irony was sick, but Monday was World Kindness Day, and on that autumn morning, four people were stabbed outside Lambright Sports and Wellness Center on the Louisiana Tech campus, a random act of violence by a young man quickly taken into custody.

Outside of a big gym and workout center. A place where people swim and play.

And the night before in Shreveport, there was a shooting in the parking lot of the YMCA that left one victim dead and another in the hospital. 

Not exactly our kind of Kindness Day.

Kindness Day was established in 1998 with the obvious intent of highlighting the good and the positive, of bridging the gap between all our sorts of differences, and to recognize how much we are alike, to encourage unity.

Some of us aren’t getting the picture.

For lots of reasons, the Lambright Center is a special place to me. I remember it being built. I lived in one of the little houses where its parking lot is now. No telling how many hours we were having fun in there, 40 years ago.

The Shreveport YMCA on the parkway is 100 yards from the Little League fields, holy ground to me for about a decade 25 years ago. Sweaty boys and girls running around, eye black smeared, learning the game, making friends. Unbridled joy. Who pulls a gun 100 yards from a bag of baseballs and a concession stand filled with Frito Pies?

I know the people who run the Lambright. The gang who runs the YMCA are friends of mine, and for a long time. Good-hearted people. None of us are naïve enough to think that violence happens only in back alleys, but goodness gracious…  Instead of shooting or stabbing someone, why don’t these people just go work out?

Few if any habitual offenders will read this. So I’m preaching to the choir. But the rest of us are going to have to double-up on the kindness beat, it looks like, and cover for the ones who get their kicks by ruining the lives of people minding their own business. Have these people never held a baby? Played catch with a child? Petted a dog or provided a lap for a cat’s nap? Have they never laughed? Never lived?

We don’t get a pass from trying to make things better just because a fraction of the population is intent on making things worse.  Mark Twain is credited with saying that kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Maybe some hate-filled soul will see your kindness and it will make a difference. 

He passed away several years ago, but Leo Buscaglia was a professor at USC who in the 1980s was called “Dr. Love” because of his popular books and talks on how and why we should connect. This was after a student’s suicide moved him to start a noncredit class he called “Love 1A.” Not a perfect class or a perfect man, I’m sure, but it started a conversation worth contemplating.

“Too often,” he said, “we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

An anonymous quote that has stuck with me is that “what you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.”

So welcome to Kindness WEEK. Maybe we can pull some of the slack and get this turned around a bit. Keep plugging and not growing weary in doing good, that kind of thing, even though lately, the lunatic fringe seems to be winning more than their fair share of games.

Meanwhile at Tech, the University’s Counseling Services are available to students individually and in a group setting at no charge. Appointments can be made by visiting Keeny Hall 310, calling 318.257.2488, or visiting the website at latech.edu/counseling-services/

A campus blood drive is scheduled for Thursday outside Tolliver Hall from 9 until 3.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Experience Legendary Music, Food & History at the Louisiana Legends Fest presented by Car Giant Chevrolet GMC of Homer! This unique festival is this Saturday, October 21st from 10am- 6pm in Downtown Historic Homer, LA!

The music line up this year includes two stages of live music starring multi-platinum singer/songwriter Deana Carter!

9:00 – 12:00 – DJ Haynes
12:00-12:30 – Firm Foundation (GBT Gospel Stage)
12:30 – 1:00 – Edgewood Square (GBT Gospel Stage)
1:00 – 2:30 – Muzikology (Fibrebond Main Stage)
2:30 – 3:00 – Combined Choirs of Homer & Haynesville 1st Baptist Churches, Calvary Baptist and Cornerstone (GBT Gospel Stage)
3:30 – 4:00 –  Sean and the Crew (GBT Gospel Stage)
4:00 – 5:30 –  Deana Carter (Fibrebond Main Stage)

Tours will be available of the historic Claiborne Parish Courthouse and Ford Museum. Enjoynlocal antique shopping, over 50 art and craft vendors and mouthwatering food in the food Court.

There will also be cars on display at the Thomas G. Bourn Memorial Car Show, Art Contest, Farmer’s Market and much more!

The Louisiana Legends Fest honors and celebrates Louisianans’ that have had a significant impact with their life. This year’s honoree is Coach Alton “Red” Franklin who served as Head Coach of Haynesville’s Golden Tornado. From 1966-2000.

FREE General Admission
$25 Super Fan (Special Seating – Artist Meet & Greet Access)
$100 VIP (Covered Special Seating – Artist Meet & Greet Access – VIP Parking – VIP Lounge Access & Complimentary LLF Folding Chair)

Tickets: https://www.legendsfest.us/tickets

Homer is located 45 miles south of El Dorado, AR and is approximately 50 miles east of Shreveport and 65 miles west of Monroe.

More information can be found by visiting legendsfest.us.

At the Harrington Law Firm, we are a Debt Relief agency and we do assist people in filing for Bankruptcy under Federal Bankruptcy Law and also counsel people about non-bankruptcy options when they are suffering from financial problems.

There are lots of “street lawyers” out there who are very quick to give “advice” about the process and the effects of filing for bankruptcy.

First of all, the information those “street lawyers” give you is very likely incorrect. It may be that they or someone they knew filed bankruptcy in the past but bankruptcies are like snowflakes, every one is different. No two financial situations are exactly alike and what may or may not have worked for one person may work the total opposite way for another. In any event, here are some of the most common myths that we come across when counseling our clients about the possibility of filing bankruptcy:

MYTH #1:

If you file bankruptcy you will lose everything you have. That is actually almost never the case. In fact, most of the Chapter 13 Debt Consolidation Bankruptcies we file have the opposite effect. They often allow our clients to keep their property instead of losing it to their creditors.

MYTH #2:

You will never get credit again and you will never be able to own anything again. Both of these myths are absolutely false. We find that in the vast majority of our clients, the filing of bankruptcy actually improves their credit, sometimes dramatically, and that after they finish the bankruptcy, if they otherwise qualify for loans, they can purchase vehicles, homes, and as we like to say: “do anything you’re big enough to do.”

MYTH #3:

Filing will hurt your credit for ten years. This is absolutely a myth. While this may have been true many years ago, our experience has been that our clients’ credit improved dramatically upon receiving their discharge and they start receiving credit cards in the mail and offers from companies wanting to provide them with credit. Of course, we caution our clients to be very careful and conservative before getting themselves in debt again.

MYTH #4:

If you are married, both spouses have to file. This is not the case; we have many cases where one of the spouses in a married couple files while the other one does not.

MYTH #5:

You’ll have to testify in court. This is very, very unlikely. During Covid, the Bankruptcy Courts in our area began conducting the debtors’ meetings with the Trustees by telephone conference and/or Zoom and that continues to this day. That means that you can participate by phone from your home, work or wherever you are. It is rare that a court appearance would be required, and most of those are now are conducted by ZOOM.

MYTH #6:

Even if you file, creditors will still harass you and your family. Upon filing either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, which are the two types of consumer bankruptcies, all of your creditors will be served with what is called the “Automatic Stay,” which is an order issued by the Court prohibiting your creditors from suing you, calling you, writing you, or having any other further contact with you. You will have filed for bankruptcy protection, and protection is what it provides.

MYTH #7:

You can’t get rid of back taxes through bankruptcy. This is not always the case. Although there are some taxes that you cannot discharge through bankruptcy, we are often able to wipe out a good deal of back taxes and even if we can’t, could at least stop the penalties from running and protect our clients from seizures or any other collection efforts by the IRS or the State.

MYTH #8:

Bankruptcy cannot help you get your driver’s license back after suspension for MV fines. Again, this is false. We see many clients who owe thousands in Office of Motor Vehicle (DMV) fines and charges, and who have had their driver’s license suspended. In most cases we are able to file a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, take care of the fines through the plan, and immediately get the suspension lifted.

MYTH #9:

You can only file once for bankruptcy protection. This is definitely not true; debtors can file multiple times for bankruptcy protection.

MYTH #10:

Only deadbeats or bad people file for bankruptcy. This is definitely a myth. We find that our clients see bankruptcy as an absolute last resort and 90+% of our clients file for one of the following reasons: divorce, excessive medical bills, or becoming unemployed or under-employed.

MYTH #11:

When you get behind on your bills and can’t catch up bankruptcy, is your only option. When a client comes to us for a free consultation at The Harrington Law Firm, we discuss all of their options. Often times we will recommend non-bankruptcy options with our clients, such as, allowing us to negotiate with their creditors.

Remember, your first appointment is always free!

In addition to bankruptcy, The Harrington Law Firm handles Automobile Accidents, Medical Malpractice and other type of Personal Injury cases, Successions, Social Security Disability claims, and uncontested Divorces.

The Harrington Law Firm may be reached by calling (318) 352-5900 or going to http://www.theharringtonlawfirm.com

NortheastTel, a leader in rural broadband in Northeast Louisiana, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire CP-TEL Holdings, Inc. of Natchitoches, a leading broadband provider in Northwest Louisiana.  

Mike George, President and CEO of NortheastTel said, “The acquisition of CP-TEL is a significant event for NortheastTel.  CP-TEL’s leadership has built a strong company, focusing on enhancing broadband and other advanced telecommunications services throughout Northwestern Louisiana. Together with our management team, we are confident that we can continue to further these objectives.”

Becky Scott, President of Epic Touch Co.(parent company of CP-TEL), stated, “We are excited that CP-TEL is being acquired by another rural telecommunications company with a long history of doing business in Louisiana.  Like Epic Touch, NortheastTel is a family-owned company that embodies the same commitment to taking care of its employees, customers, and the communities where we live and work.”

Under the agreement, NortheastTel will retain existing CP-TEL management, including Tom Edens, General Manager.  Northeast is committed to continuing to grow CP-TEL and does not foresee  changes in employee count following the acquisition.  

The acquisition will be a stock transaction in which NortheastTel will acquire 100% of CP-TEL’s shares.  The parties expect the transaction to be completed during 1Q 2024 subject to regulatory approval and other conditions set forth in the definitive agreement.

About NortheastTel

NortheastTel, headquartered in Collinston, LA is a full-service telephone and broadband services provider in rural northeastern Louisiana. The history of the current ownership of the company began in 1946 with the purchase of the Collinston Telephone Company. In 1953 the company was reorganized as Northeast Louisiana Telephone Company and has evolved over the years to where it is today.  NortheastTel is a locally owned company offering customers world-class advanced telecommunications services utilizing a state-of-the-art fiber optic network and electronics.

About CP-TEL

Founded in 1933, CP-TEL has grown from a small independent telephone company providing service to the communities of Pleasant Hill, Campti, Pelican and Creston to a progressive telecommunications company delivering broadband and other communications services over state-of-the-art facilities.  

CP-TEL has continued to grow their business by investing in Natchitoches, Sabine, DeSoto and Red River Parishes by expanding and upgrading their fiber-optic network and associated electronics throughout these areas. These investments have enabled CP-TEL to be able to offer customers fiber-optic connectivity with internet speeds up to 1G with no data sharing or throttling.

The success of Northwestern State University is vital to Northwest Louisiana.

My wife, Mrs. Laura, is a 1991 Graduate of NSU and nearly 50 of our close family members are graduates of NSU including three of our four parents. Our great grandparents, grandparents, parents, numerous aunts, uncles cousins and siblings were students, athletes, professors, cheerleaders and graduates of NSU.

The beautiful N that lights the night on top of Turpin Stadium was placed in honor of Mrs. Laura’s grandfather E.H. Gilson. He was the Quarterback for the 1939 undefeated Football Team, her Uncle played in the 1960s and her brother played in the 2000s. Her grandmother was the first band majorette for NSU.

Laura worked for several years in the Admissions office, both as a student and in her first post graduate job. She traveled the state recruiting students to attend NSU. She was also on the original founding team of “Freshman Connectors” for incoming NSU students and helped develop the program.

Our families are from Natchitoches for several generations back. I proposed to Mrs. Laura on Front Street.

Our family has bled purple since it was the Normal School, and before the color orange was added.

In this campaign, our opponent’s supporters are spreading ugly rumors that we are somehow anti-NSU. Nothing could be further from the truth!

We are not naive or blind to the current situation at NSU. Changes must be made if we are going to return NSU to the status it deserves as a top regional university. We are committed to making those changes. Most importantly, we have the experience, insight and team ready to make it happen!

It is time for change. I am asking for your vote on Saturday!

WE ARE NORTHWESTERN! 🤘🏻💜🧡

Alan Seabaugh

Northwestern State University’s School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics announces three upcoming events in which prospective students can explore career opportunities in STEM fields, meet faculty and fellow students and learn about degree programs.  The School of STEM includes the Department of Biology and Microbiology, the Department of Engineering Technology, the Division of Mathematics, the Department of Physical Science and the Department of Veterinary Technology.

STEM Day:

• September 29, 2023
• 8:00am – 12:00pm
• For high school students in grades 9-12, Northwestern State University’s School of STEM is offering an exceptional opportunity to dive deep into their fields of interest. Through engaging and interactive hands-on demonstrations, students can gain valuable insights into the exciting worlds of STEM. Participants will have the chance to choose from several specialized tracks, in biomedical/microbiology, natural science/ecology, veterinary science, chemistry and physics or mathematics/engineering.
• Registration is available at nsu.la/StemDay

We at Journal Services, LLC are pleased to welcome our newest publication, Vernon Parish Journal. This online publication joins 12 others across Louisiana. Join us in welcoming Rick & Mary Lou Barnickel, publishers of the new Vernon Parish Journal.

“We feel the people of Vernon Parish – Leesville, New Llano, Anacoco, North Fort Johnson and South Fort
Johnson, and surrounding towns – deserve their own publication,” said Bill Vance. “At Journal Services LLC, we pride ourselves in covering local parishes with high-quality news and advertising to keep our readers up to date on what’s happening in their communities.”

All Journals cover local news, features, and sports. Subscriptions are – and always will be – free. Please visit www.vernonparishjournal.com and sign up today – CLICK HERE.

Click to visit any of our journals:

Bienville Parish Journal
Claiborne Parish Journal
DeSoto Parish Journal
Jackson Parish Journal
Lincoln Parish Journal
Natchitoches Parish Journal,
Sabine Parish Journal
Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Rapides Parish Journal
Vernon Parish Journal
Red River Parish Journal
Webster Parish Journal
Winn Parish Journal

Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for August 4 – August 10, 2023

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

IRVIN, DAVID ANTHONY JR 45 W M 8/5/2023 01:30
AGGRAVATED SECOND DEGREE BATTERY $20,000.00

MOSLEY, LANARDA R 45 B M 8/5/2023 21:55 8/8/2023 00:25
FAILURE TO APPEAR – TRAFFIC ARRAIGNMENT $692.00
FAILURE TO APPEAR – FINES AND COSTS $580.00

NEWTON, CORNELIOUS DAVIS 57 B M 8/6/2023 22:14 8/7/2023 11:10
FAILURE TO APPEAR – FINES AND COSTS OR BOND

GADDISON, LATOYA S 31 B F 8/7/2023 14:33 8/8/2023 17:13
CYBERBULLYING $1,000.00
CYBERBULLYING

HOOD, VINCENT M 57 W M 8/8/2023 18:09
DRIVING ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC $1,000.00
DRIVING UNDER SUSPENSION
POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA UNDER 14 GRAMS

PENNINGTON, JAMES CADDON 19 W M 8/9/2023 02:36
OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE (MDMA) $5,000.00
OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT
POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II CDS

MILLAGE, DEMARCUS DEON 19 B M 8/9/2023 02:18
OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT
POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA $5,500.00
POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA UNDER 14 GRAMS
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE (MDMA)
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II CDS
RESISTING AN OFFICER BY GIVING FALSE INFORMATION REGARDING IDENTITY
RESISTING AN OFFICER

RELIFORD, WYSHUN LEE 36 B M 8/9/2023 03:40 8/11/2023 13:02
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II CDS $5,000.00
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE (MDMA)
POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
SWITCHED LICENSE PLATE
NO TAIL LAMPS

NEALY, BRENTON 20 W M 8/9/2023 16:32
DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY $10,000.00
DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY

BANKS, IRIS ROY JR 43 B M 8/9/2023 20:20
DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY $10,000.00

GIBSON, JOHN ANDREW 44 W M 8/10/2023 09:16
FAILURE TO APPEAR – ARRAIGNMENT $2,000.00

Make sure you never miss a game by claiming your own FREE Football schedule magnet.

A few years ago The Harrington Law Firm started making football magnets. Ever since then, they’ve become very popular.

“I can’t tell you how many people tell me they see me every morning when they go to their fridge, which I am truly sorry about,” said Rodney Harrington. “I even had a friend send me a picture at an Airbnb in Branson, Missouri showing they had one of the magnets on the fridge there! They’re everywhere. Get them while you can!”

The magnets can be picked up at The Harrington Law Firm office, located at 459 Jefferson Street in Natchitoches.

You don’t live in Natchitoches? No worries! Just fill out the form online at theharringtonlawfirm.com/2023-football-magnet and a magnet will be shipped to you right away!

Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for July 28- August 3, 2023

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

POINDEXTER, TRAVIS MICHAEL 31 W M 7/29/2023 15:10 7/29/2023 15:55
ARRESTING AGENCY: RRPSO OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT TRANSFERRED

PEOPLES, DERRICK 51 B M 7/29/2023 19:40
ARRESTING AGENCY: CPD DOMESTIC ABUSE AGGRAVATED ASSAULT $25,000.00

TINGLE, STACY DIANE 51 W F 7/30/2023 03:38 7/30/2023 04:33
ARRESTING AGENCY: RRPSO OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT TRANSFERRED

TINGLE, KEVIN LANE 33 B M 7/30/2023 03:37
FAILURE TO APPEAR – PRETRIAL $1,000.00
FAILURE TO APPEAR – PRETRIAL
ARRESTING AGENCY: RRPSO FAILURE TO APPEAR- ARRAIGNMENT

LEON, ANTHONY RAMOND 34 B M 7/30/2023 11:30
ARRESTING AGENCY: CPD FAILURE TO APPEAR- ARRAIGNMENT $1,500

PINKSTON, MEREDITH L 20 W F 7/30/2023 20:28 7/31/2023 11:24
ARRESTING AGENCY: RRPSO OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT TRANSFERRED

BAKER, JEFFREY LANE 32 W M 8/1/2023 14:51
SIMPLE BURGLARY $50,000.00
CRIMINAL TRESPASS
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II CDS
FAILURE TO APPEAR – PRETRIAL
FAILURE TO APPEAR – PRETRIAL
ARRESTING AGENCY: RRPSO FAILURE TO HONOR WRITTEN PROMISE TO APPEAR – ARRAIGNMENT

WILLIAMS, KARNESHA D 40 B F 8/2/2023 19:49 8/2/2023 21:32
ARRESTING AGENCY: CPD FAILURE TO APPEAR – TRAFFIC – CRIMINAL TRIAL $699.00

BUSWELL, DUSTIN 29 W M 8/3/2023 23:26
VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDERS
VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDERS
ARRESTING AGENCY: RRPSO POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II CDS

The Town of Coushatta notified the Journal Friday morning that the Boil Advisory for the town’s water system has been lifted.  The Boil Advisory had been initiated on Wednesday after a water leak caused the system to loose pressure.  The leak has been fixed and the water has tested safe for consumption.

On Wednesday August 2, 2023, Red River Fire District was dispatched to the report of a one-vehicle motor vehicle crash on Highway 71 South near Highway 784. The vehicle was reported on fire, with the driver out  of the vehicle.

When units from the Red River Fire District arrived at the scene they found an overturned box truck fully involved.  There was also a downed power pole and lines.

The fire was extinguished by Fire personnel.  SWEPCO was notified. Crews were called to restore power.

The wreck occurred about 8:00 am Wednesday morning.  The downed power lines cut power to much of the area along US 71 up into Coushatta.  Power was restored to SWEPCO customers during Wednesday afternoon.

Also Wednesday morning, another leak developed in the city water system reported as near Dairy Queen on US 71 north.  The leak is one of many that have occurred while workers are replacing the entire town’s water system.

The water system lost pressure for a time.  That prompted a boil advisory to be issued for the entire town water system and forcing school officials to send the children home early due to lack of water at the campuses in town.  As of late Thursday, the boil advisory is still in effect.

Qualifying for the October 14 Gubernatorial Primary Election will be held from Tuesday, August 8 through Thursday, August 10.  Local candidates will qualify at the Red River Clerk of Court’s office.

The Louisiana Secretary of State said, “Local and municipal candidates qualify with the clerk of court in the parish in which they are registered to vote. All candidates for state office will qualify at the Louisiana State Archives located at 3851 Essen Lane in Baton Rouge. Hours of operation for the secretary of state are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. Candidates are encouraged to check with their local clerk of court for specific parish hours.”

There will be a crowded ballot this October with state, legislative, and local offices up for election.  On the statewide ballot will include candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commissioner of Insurance.

Members of the BESE board are also up for election.  Red River voters will vote on the representative from this area of the state.  We are in BESE district 4.

All members of the state legislature are up for election.  This area is involved in redistricting for both the state house and senate.  House district 23 served by Kenny Cox has been moved to south Louisiana and areas included in that district have been moved into other house districts. All of Red River is now in House district 5.  Cox is term limited and cannot run again for the House.

Redistricting also jumbled up the north Louisiana Senate district.  The seat now occupied by retiring Senator Louis Bernard has changed and now includes part or all of 10 parishes.  Red River is included in that newly drawn district 31.

On the local level, the Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Assessor, Coroner and Police Jurors all are up for election.   And there are special elections in Edgefield for Chief of Police and in Hall Summit also for Chief of Police.

By Brad Dison

For hundreds of years, people have created drinkable elixirs and tonics which they claimed had medicinal purposes.  Salesmen, many of whom could be better described as con men, arrived in towns and communities and hawked their tonics.  They would tell tales of the miraculous cures that their product was responsible for, sell their drinks to the locals at a low price, and quickly head to the next town while no one was looking.

In the latter half of the 19th century, salesmen of these concoctions began advertising their goods in newspapers.  In 1882, “Hop Bitters” was advertised as an appetizing drink which was a “blood purifier, clears the brain, gives tone to the stomach, and cures all diseases of the liver, blood, stomach and bowels, nerves, kidneys, and purifies and cleanses the entire system.”  “Beal’s Cure Alls” advertisements claimed that the tonic cured “cough, asthma, bronchitis, spitting of blood, shortness of breath, rheumatism, gout, lumbago, sciatica, sprains, bruises, sore throat, and chilblains.”  Some of the names of these concoctions which are no longer in existence are “Brown’s Iron Bitters,” “Electric Bitters,” “Hartshorne’s Cure-All,” “Taraxacum and Podophyllin,” “Samaritan Nervine,” “Pond’s Extract,” “Egyptian Mystery – the Drink of the Ages,” “Charleston Pop,” “Bruce’s Juices,” “Red Head Flapper,” and “Brad’s Drink.”

Most of the tonics had no real medicinal value and were created to make money.  However, some of the creators were professionally trained and believed that their drinks were medicinal.  Caleb Bradham graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, then attended the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  Caleb was on the path to becoming a doctor until his father’s business went bankrupt in 1890.  Caleb dropped out of medical school and returned home to North Carolina.  He taught public school for a short time, but his interests were still devoted to medicine.  In about 1891 or 1892, Caleb opened the “Bradham Drug Company” in New Bern.

With a host of ingredients at his disposal, Caleb began experimenting with different tonics.  He wanted to create a new drinkable tonic which had some medicinal value.  Many of his experimental concoctions tasted too horrible to ingest more than once and were discarded.  In 1893, he mixed several ingredients in a beaker and handed it to his assistant, James Henry King.  Perhaps Caleb had tried too many bad mixtures on that day.  The hesitant assistant downed the drink.  To his surprise, the drink tasted good, and it seemed to sooth his stomach.  Caleb had done it.

Caleb knew he was on the right track.  He needed a name for his tonic.  As to include his reputation in his tonic, Caleb titled the drink after a shortened version of his last name, Bradham.  He called it “Brad’s Drink.”  He began selling his tonic in his own drug store and eventually sold franchises to other local pharmacies.

After August 28, 1898, however, “Brad’s Drink” was no more.  Well, the name, “Brad’s Drink” was no more.  On that date, Caleb changed the name of his concoction.  The most likely reason for the name change was for marketing purposes.  Caleb used kola nut extract in his recipe and decided to use the term “cola” in the new name.  The new first name of the mixture could almost be called false advertising.  Caleb named the drink after an enzyme which aided in digestion similar to the way in which Caleb believed his drink aided in digestion, but his recipe did not include the enzyme.  “Brad’s Drink,” under its more common name, has become the second most valuable soft drink brand in the world, second only to Coca-Cola.  The name of that enzyme was Pepsin.  Caleb changed the name of “Brad’s Drink” to “Pepsi-Cola.”

Sources:

1. The Daily Telegraph, September 7, 1882, p.4.
2. Essex County Chronicle, August 21, 1885, p.2.
3. The News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina), July 28, 1895, p.5.
4. “The History of Pepsi.” Leader Distribution Systems, pepsibrattleboro.com/the-history-of-pepsi/.