Local high school football scores:

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE! https://form.jotform.com/241823431109146
(Games played on October 25, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash and prizes each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

This will be my final Observations. I have decided to hang up my pen, put away the typewriter and step away from the internet after 68 years of writing columns. The last almost-seven decades have been a great experience overall. I made a lot of people happy, a few not so happy, and some will be even happier still to learn this writes finis.

I am told I hold the state journalism record as the journalist who has written a column for the longest number of years.

The first column I wrote was while a Sophomore at Marthaville High School. That was October 1956, and the column was titled “‘Round Marthaville High School.” It appeared in The Natchitoches Times and the Natchitoches Enterprise. The column ran through March 13, 1958, when I graduated from high school.

While a student at Northwestern State College, I wrote a column in The Natchitoches Times titled “Notes of a Roving Reporter.” The first one appeared on the front page of The Times on June 20, 1963, and it continued regularly until July 25. It was then I changed the name to “Ballyhoo” and began writing about politics. I continued the column until Nov. 5, 1964.

As editor of the Northwestern newspaper, The Current Sauce, in 1963-64, I wrote a column entitled “From the Editor’s Easy Chair.”

I came to Many to run The Sabine Index and on Nov. 13, 1964, wrote my first column for the weekly parish newspaper I would eventually own. That column was also called “From the Editor’s Easy Chair.”

The title “Observations” was first used on Jan. 15, 1965. I changed how the heading looked over the years and eventually added a tagline, “News, Views, Facts and Opinions.”

After I sold The Index to the now-deceased Lovan Thomas who owned The Natchitoches Times and other papers, Tedd Dumas was nice enough to invite me to occupy an office in his radio station building. For several years, I wrote Observations for the BDC website and at that time, started an Observations Facebook page as well. When Tedd first urged me to write it for the BDC site, he said, “You write what you want.” I always did, and I appreciate the opportunity he gave me. We have been friends for many years, and that friendship continues today.

Sometime afterwards, Lovan approached me and asked if I would return to the pages of the Index and once again write Observations for the newspaper. We worked out an arrangement where each column published online would be published in the Index one week later, which seemed to work well. The first Observations column that ran in the Index again after my sale of the newspaper appeared on July 8, 2020. I want to thank Editor Daniel Jones and Jeremy Cheatwood at The Index for always being so helpful and going out of their way to do whatever needed to be done to assist in publication.

A few years ago, I started my own Observations site on the internet. Ryan Roberson, a native of Zwolle, was kind enough to always promote and run articles on his popular news aggregate Facebook page, The Cenla Report. He has always been there for us, and there are not words enough to tell him how much we appreciate all his efforts.

When my good friend, Valmore Byles, died some years back, I published a special issue of Observations about his life. It was posted on a Friday, and more than 7,000 persons read it. That was a record at the time, but after The Cenla Report started sharing Observations each week, readership rapidly increased, and persons from all over the world started reading. It was just amazing. Also, not long after The Cenla Report started posting the column, Observations was recognized by a premier news media and broadcasting platform service as “a shining example of excellence in the industry,” which we appreciated very much.

I am most grateful to the many persons who have read and supported Observations through the years. So many people supplied stories and photos, gave us tips on interesting happenings and provided encouragement. I will never forget all the folks who mentioned to me through the years what the column meant to them and how much they enjoyed it. I am deeply appreciative of each and every one. In many ways, writing the column has been a fun, enjoyable task and has brought a lot of fulfillment.

One of the added benefits to writing a column for such a long time are the wonderful letters, phone calls and, more recently, messages and texts I have received over the years. Only this week I received the following from Max Teasley Jr., son of one of the best friends I ever had, the late Max Teasley of Zwolle.

“Mr. Gentry, I retired at the ripe old age of 70 this June. I live on 23 acres outside of Mena, AR. My sister, Connie Leone of Zwolle, came to visit me this weekend. She told me she had talked to your wife, and she said your wife mentioned that my dad was in one of your recent columns. I quickly looked you up.

“While reading many of your postings, my mind was flooded with wonderful memories of growing up following my dad around and all his friends. Some of my fondest memories involved you, like the time you gave me my first and only ride in a Rolls Royce, the time we took a trip to Nashville, my first and only time I was backstage at the Ryman, and then we went to the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree, and then on to WSM where we were interviewed by Ralph Emery. I don’t remember if it was you or Daddy that got locked out of the motel room in their underwear.

“That trip was a once in a lifetime experience, and I thank you so very much.

“As I’m sure you are aware, the older you get, the more you reflect on the past. I’m now going to be an avid reader of Observations, for they remind me of my raising and all the great men (such as yourself) who influenced me.

“Thanks, Max Jr.”

Throughout the last 68 years, I have attempted to always be a person of integrity and tell the truth. Any failures have been of mind, not of heart. I have always strived to keep the public good at heart while understanding that different people sometimes have very different approaches to address the situations and circumstances of life.

It takes a lot of work each week to do the necessary research, attend meetings and other functions, take photos and do all the things involved in putting a column together. At this stage in my life, I do not choose to devote that much time to the matter.

I would be remiss if I did not mention my wife, Laurie. I couldn’t have done it without her. After the column went online, for over 10 years she spent about a day of each week putting Observations together to be published electronically. Several times, we also published special lagniappe columns on Fridays, in addition to the usual Wednesday offerings. Whenever I needed her to, she would attend an event for me, cover it, take photos and write an article. After online publication each week, she would spend more time making sure the content got updated as appropriate and forwarded to the Index with all the photos for the following week’s newspaper. In the last six years, she did all that while fighting and by God’s grace, overcoming, two unrelated bouts of cancer. I can never thank Laurie enough. She is a jewel.

There are several things that stand out in my mind about writing a column. First of all, I tried to make it interesting to readers and tried to be a reliable, truthful disseminator of news and events. I included many, many items I hoped would serve to encourage people along life’s way.

Often my columns had to do with politics. I have always felt everyone has a duty and obligation to know what is going on in politics and in their government so they can make sound decisions when it is time to vote.

Thirdly, I deliberately used the column to help a lot of people in a lot of different ways. I did my best to always lend a helping hand to anyone who approached me with a worthy cause needing help. I cannot recall ever telling anyone “No.”

Observations has been an effective doorway to meet a lot of interesting people I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise, including a few who became treasured friends along the way. I owe to Observations my friendships with Country music legend Roy Acuff, Louisiana Governors Jimmie Davis and Edwin Edwards, and more recently, “Bridges of Madison County” author Robert James Waller, who stood beside me as Best Man when Laurie and I were married 18 years ago. There are many more, but time and space prevent them from being remembered just now.

For these and many more reasons too numerous to mention, I am blessed to have been lucky enough to write Observations and other columns for all these 68 years. There were weeks I missed writing a column, but in all those years, I figure I wrote somewhere north of 25,000 columns. I hope I helped some people along life’s highway. I hope I provided folks with useful and helpful information. I hope I provided a few laughs, and I hope I stimulated some thought. Most of all, I hope I have shared things that might have led someone to have a closer walk with God. A personal relationship with the Almighty is all that matters in this life, and all that will get you into the next one.

Back in the day, we old-time journalists were taught to use -30- to indicate the end of a story. I have used it all my journalistic life. And with this, I offer my final

— 30 —

Courtesy of Robert Gentry’s Observations newsletter, Sabine Parish, Louisiana

Get your tickets NOW – > Click Here

Prepare for a journey into the heart of darkness as the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction roars back to life in October at Dark Woods Adventure Park. This highly anticipated event promises to deliver unforgettable terror and heart-pounding fun for thrill-seekers of all ages.

This year’s event features the return of the notorious “Buried Alive!” experience, a solo virtual reality burial simulator that pushes the boundaries of fear. Visitors will be plunged into total darkness, lying in a sealed coffin as they endure their own chilling funeral. The experience is designed to test even the bravest souls, ensuring a truly unforgettable night of horror.

Beyond “Buried Alive!”, the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction promises a deep dive into the bloody and disturbing past of Hickory Ridge. The veil between worlds will be at its thinnest, unleashing nightmares that rule the darkness. Visitors will be immersed in a world of terror, confronting the evil that lurks just beyond the edge of town.

Additionally, Dark Woods Haunted Attraction unveils a brand new attraction “Alice’s Madhouse in 3D: Descent”. Step into an asylum where the boundaries of reality twist like Wonderland itself. Experience the madness in vivid 3D Chroma-Depth, a hauntingly immersive journey where nothing is as it seems. The only attraction of its kind in Louisiana, this descent into madness will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s nightmare.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring back the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction for another year of unforgettable scares,” said Jason Summerlin, Owner/Operator of Dark Woods Adventure Park. “Our team has worked tirelessly to create an experience that will push visitors to their limits and leave them screaming for more. Whether you’re a horror fan or just looking for a unique night out, this event is not to be missed.”

Don’t miss your chance to face your fears and experience the ultimate night of horror. Secure your tickets now for the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction at darkwoodshaunt.com, opening on October 4th at Dark Woods Adventure Park in Natchitoches.

About Dark Woods Adventure Park
Dark Woods Adventure Park is a family-friendly outdoor destination in Natchitoches, LA, featuring a variety of activities and attractions from March to December. In addition to the Dark Woods Haunted Attraction, the park offers seasonal events, delicious food, retail shops, and outdoor activities like gem mining and mini-golf. Whether you’re looking for a day of fun or a weekend getaway, Dark Woods Adventure Park has something for everyone.

The 2024 APHN Fall Tour of Homes is set for the second weekend of October, offering a unique glimpse into historic residences in Natchitoches. The event will take place on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, featuring two separate tours.

The Candlelight Tour on Friday, October 11, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, includes four homes located within a two-block radius, making it an easy walk for visitors. Guests can enjoy a wine and cheese reception at the Jefferson Street Townhouse to conclude the evening. Maps and directions will be provided to guide attendees through the picturesque tour.

On Saturday, October 12, the Town Tour will be held from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring another set of four homes. This tour requires driving between venues, with maps and directions provided. Each tour costs $25.00, and tickets can be purchased at www.Givebutter.com/APHNTourOfHomes.

Candlelight Tour Venues:

• Laureate House (225 Poete Street): Built in 1840, this European-style townhouse features a wide central hall, separate room entrances, and a beautiful garden.
• Grenaux-Bishop House (200 Pine Street): Completed in 1914, this charming Queen Anne cottage retains its original features and has an extension added in the 1920s.
• The Nakatosh House (210 Jefferson Street): Built in 1923, this stucco-and-cypress home boasts four bedrooms, four baths, and a sunroom.
• Jefferson Street Townhouse (230 Jefferson Street): A Colonial Revival bungalow with a grand front veranda and high ceilings, this venue will host the wine and cheese reception following the tour.

Town Tour Venues:

• Lemee House (310 Rue Jefferson): A c.1830 home with Mediterranean-style architecture, it will also feature arts & crafts vendors in the garden.
• H.A. Cook Guesthouse (128 St. Denis Street): A converted 1920s commercial building now serves as a three-bedroom guesthouse filled with period antiques.
• Hill Haven (1525 Rue Washington Street): This home, over 100 years old, showcases regional artwork, including pieces by Clementine Hunter.
• Keegan House (225 Williams Avenue): A Colonial Revival home built in 1850, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Additional Weekend Activities:

• Melrose on the Cane (3533 LA-119, Melrose, LA): Tours will be offered at this National Historic Landmark on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Show your Fall Tour ticket for a $5 discount.
• St. Augustine Church Fair (2262 LA-484, Natchitoches, LA): Celebrate Creole culture with food, music, and games on October 12 and 13, starting at 10:00 AM each day.

Melissa Robinson serves as the Chairman for the 2024 Fall Tour of Homes. For more information, call 318-458-2485.

Congratulations are in order for Ms. Debbie Bamburg winning Week Two of the Football Pick-Em Contest in the Red River Parish Journal.

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 20, 2024)

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

Week 1: Pam Williams
Week 2: Debbie Bamburg

Congratulations are in order for Ms. Pam Williams winning Week One of the Football Pick-Em Contest in the Red River Parish Journal.

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 13, 2024)

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 13, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash and prizes each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

The river run starts at noon on Saturday, September 14th 

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 6, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash and prizes each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank is proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance & C&K Bar-B-Q for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

Martinez Land Offering

Offers Due by:  Friday, September 13, 2024 at 3:00 pm Central Time

Closing Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm Central (or sooner)

Land Offered: Approximately 2,837.896+/- acres. (comprised of several tracts)

Contact: henry@echotitlecompany.com

Phone: 318-236-6000

VIEW & DOWNLOAD BID PACKAGE

VIEW & DOWNLOAD THE TRACTS

The river run starts at noon on Saturday, September 14th 

WHEN: Saturday, August 31, 2024
TIME:  9 AM
WHERE: 100 Starkway Rd, Coushatta, Louisiana

Partial Listing: (8) Power Generation 30KW Generators, Cummings Engine ~ Approx 50 Solar Solutions Panels ~ Job Boxes ~ Bottle Racks ~ Testing Equipment ~ Valves & Fittings ~ Fuel Tanks ~ Power Units ~ Truck Beds ~ Metal Tables ~ Pipe Racks ~ Lots of Rolls of Electrical Wire ~ Approx 2000 Joints of 2 3/8 inch pipe (lots unused) ~ 500 Joints 2 inch Pipe ~ Log Mats ~ Approx 200 Joints of 3 & 4 inch pipe ~ Approx 300 Joints of 6 inch pipe ~ 50 Joints 10 inch Pipe ~ GN Flatbed Trailers ~ Haul Mark Bumper Enclosed Trailer ~ Cat D5G Dozer, cab/air ~ Ford 575 Loader Backhoe ~ (5) Ford Service Trucks ~ Several other trucks ~ (2) Diamond T GN Dump Trailers ~ Several Bumper Trailers ~ Approx 15 Big Standup Metal Vessels ~ (7) 10,000 Gallon Water Tanks on Skid ~ Irrigation 6 inch Pipe Reels ~ 40ft & 20ft Metal Storage Containers

For more information, call Rex at 318-648-8509 or 318-471-0962 or visit us online at:
www.proxibid.com/lasyone

There’s something for everyone!! We hope to see you there!!
Rex Lasyone, LA lic#:1549, TX lic#: 16267

(Liquidation of Coushatta equipment yard location only)

Directions to Auction Site ~ From Coushatta:

Hwy 71N, go 1 mile, Take Y in the road to the right on Hwy 371 North, go 4 miles, take right on Hwy 786, sale site will be 2 miles on the left. Follow the SWN Entergy signs.

To enter this week’s contest, CLICK HERE!  https://tinyurl.com/RRPJPickem
(Games played on September 6, 2024)

Are you ready for some football?!?

Bigger question. Are you ready to win $100.00 in cash and prizes each week?

The Red River Parish Journal and American Bank are proud to bring you the 2024 High School Football Pick’em Contest presented by American Bank.

Anyone is eligible to participate for FREE and each week’s winner will go home with a $100.00 cash prize.  Each week the winner will be the participant with the best record out of 10 selected high school football games (ties will be broken by two separate tiebreakers consisting of guessing the total points scored in two of our weekly contests).

The American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency High School Football Pick’em Contest will be conducted over the 10 regular season weeks of the High School season starting with Week 1 games (Sept. 6) and running through the end of November.

There is no entry fee, just like there is no cost to subscribe to the Red River Parish Journal.

All contest decisions by Red River Parish Journal (RRPJ) management are final. Weekly winners will be notified on Monday and will be requested to take a photo that will run that week in the RRPJ.

Every participant will receive a FREE subscription to the RRPJ, if you’re not already signed up for the easily-navigated, convenient 6:55 a.m. Monday-Wednesday-Friday e-mail. Enjoy it all, for FREE, and enter each week’s contest. You could collect $100.00 each week!

________________________

The Red River Parish Journal wants to thank American Bank & Tyler Insurance Agency for their title and presenting sponsorships of this year’s High School pick’em contest.

We also want to thank Better Finance and C&K BBQ for their Pick’em Partnerships within the contest.

WHEN: Saturday, August 31, 2024
TIME:  9 AM
WHERE: 100 Starkway Rd, Coushatta, Louisiana

Partial Listing: (8) Power Generation 30KW Generators, Cummings Engine ~ Approx 50 Solar Solutions Panels ~ Job Boxes ~ Bottle Racks ~ Testing Equipment ~ Valves & Fittings ~ Fuel Tanks ~ Power Units ~ Truck Beds ~ Metal Tables ~ Pipe Racks ~ Lots of Rolls of Electrical Wire ~ Approx 2000 Joints of 2 3/8 inch pipe (lots unused) ~ 500 Joints 2 inch Pipe ~ Log Mats ~ Approx 200 Joints of 3 & 4 inch pipe ~ Approx 300 Joints of 6 inch pipe ~ 50 Joints 10 inch Pipe ~ GN Flatbed Trailers ~ Haul Mark Bumper Enclosed Trailer ~ Cat D5G Dozer, cab/air ~ Ford 575 Loader Backhoe ~ (5) Ford Service Trucks ~ Several other trucks ~ (2) Diamond T GN Dump Trailers ~ Several Bumper Trailers ~ Approx 15 Big Standup Metal Vessels ~ (7) 10,000 Gallon Water Tanks on Skid ~ Irrigation 6 inch Pipe Reels ~ 40ft & 20ft Metal Storage Containers

For more information, call Rex at 318-648-8509 or 318-471-0962 or visit us online at:
www.proxibid.com/lasyone

There’s something for everyone!! We hope to see you there!!
Rex Lasyone, LA lic#:1549, TX lic#: 16267

(Liquidation of Coushatta equipment yard location only)

Directions to Auction Site ~ From Coushatta:

Hwy 71N, go 1 mile, Take Y in the road to the right on Hwy 371 North, go 4 miles, take right on Hwy 786, sale site will be 2 miles on the left. Follow the SWN Entergy signs.

Martinez Land Offering

Offers Due by:  Friday, September 13, 2024 at 3:00 pm Central Time

Closing Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm Central (or sooner)

Land Offered: Approximately 2,837.896+/- acres. (comprised of several tracts)

Contact: henry@echotitlecompany.com

Phone: 318-236-6000

VIEW & DOWNLOAD BID PACKAGE

VIEW & DOWNLOAD THE TRACTS

By Jeannie Petrus

Overall, the look was effortless chic with a twist of color.

A white Twin Sister dress that fit Gabby Godfrey like a glove.  It was the first photo shoot created by the then 17-year-old aspiring model from Natchitoches that would be the foundation of a portfolio for a hopeful future career in modeling and fashion design.

Halfway into the photo shoot, the photographer, Jess Roberts, suggested wearing a colorful headband that Gabby had packed in her bag that day.  It was the headband her grandmother, Ginny Carbo of Alexandria, had purchased for her as a Christmas gift in a local boutique.

Oh, that headband.

It was that headband that catapulted Gabby onto an exciting and…totally unexpected…path to fulfilling her dream of becoming a model.

“After receiving the photo gallery from Jess, I immediately chose my favorites and posted them on Instagram; tagging all of the designers of each piece I wore,” said Gabby.  “I received hundreds of likes and comments, many of which asked about the headband.  They loved the photos, but LOVED the headband and wanted to know where I got it.”  

Gabby could have just told everyone it was purchased at a small boutique in Alexandria, but she wanted to know more.  She began researching the company that made it and was blown away by what she discovered.

Alivia, a company started by Jovana Mullins in 2018, turns artwork, created by individuals with disabilities, into inspiring fashion apparel. 

It was this headband piece that began with artwork created by an individual with a disability participating in art therapy.  Alivia pays each artist for the use of his/her artwork, and then 10 percent of every purchase is donated to their associated nonprofit art therapy program.  Also, each garment includes a scannable tag which credits the artist responsible for the design.  Jovana then uses her own expertise and inspiration to create the fashion apparel.

Gabby was touched to learn the origin of the headband she wore, and it was not long before she was honored to receive a response from Jovana.

“We would love to work with you,” read the response.

At the time, Gabby was a senior at St. Mary’s Catholic School, leading a busy life with classes, extracurricular activities and leadership roles at school and in the community.  It was hard for her to break away from her studies and school activities.

But as soon as Gabby graduated from high school in May of 2024, she was invited by Jovanna to come to New York for a photo shoot to model the Alivia brand and to meet some of the talented creators behind the designs.  

During planning, it was discovered that Gabby and Jovana had a mutual family friend, Peyton Tillman, founder of and designer for the New York clothing company, Taylor Tillman.  Jovana and Peyton worked together to coordinate a combined photo shoot for Alivia and Taylor Tillman in Greenwich Village in New York City.  

“Having the opportunity to work with Jovana and Peyton was an experience I will never forget. Their overall mission and passion to give back through fashion was very inspirational, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity and guidance that they have given me.  

“I also had the privilege to meet Charlotte and Victoria,” said Gabby; “two absolutely beautiful girls who inspired the prints for the dresses I modeled that day.  Victoria was fun, very kind, and focused; Charlotte was outgoing and full of personality.  I instantly fell in love with both of them.”

Since the recent photo shoot in New York, Gabby continues to work with Jovana, helping to bring awareness to the mission of Alivia.  Jovana, who was impressed that Gabby researched the Alivia brand, shares a passion for not just doing what she loves, but doing it with a purpose.

“I love the story behind Alivia and how it showcases the talents of artists with disabilities,” she said.  “If I am going to have modeling opportunities, I would love to continue in the direction of doing so for a cause, or for brands that give back to the community.  

For now, Gabby is holding on to the lucky Alivia headband she wore in that first photo shoot.  She has brought it along on every photo shoot in the last two years.  

Some of her modeling and work experience includes attending the Coco Rocha Model Camp in New York, and the Mad Hatter’s Luncheon and Style Show in Lafayette, which benefitted Acadiana Symphony Orchestra music education programs.  She also modeled for Ames Layne and Zepp Air at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Natchitoches Regional Airport, which along with Lynn Sanders Art and Alivia, were featured in the Fall 2023 edition of LOLA Magazine.  

In December of 2023, she modeled for the Church Street Inn in Natchitoches, and Jovana sent Gabby several items from Alivia to incorporate in a holiday photo shoot that took place at the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans.  

In the fall, Gabby plans to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and pursue a degree in Textiles, Apparel Design and Merchandising.  Gabby also continues to work with Simone Foreman of Images Model & Talent Agency in Lafayette.  She is hoping that her schedule will allow her to intern for Alivia in New York next summer, and to attend the European Model Showcase in Paris.  In the future, she aspires to create and design her own fashion apparel and accessories, similar to Alivia.

“It is surreal to think about how all of this came together from wearing a unique headband in my first portfolio photo shoot,” she said.

That Alivia headband.

Pelican Broadband, the newly rebranded internet service provider, is excited to announce its official launch, following a recent purchase and rebranding effort. The company, NortheastTel, recently acquired the Louisiana operations of EpicTouch, marking a significant milestone in its growth and commitment to providing superior internet services to Natchitoches and other local communities.

The purchase, finalized in February, brings together the legacy of two telecommunications companies that date back to the 1930’s and 40’s, when the original companies began as Campti-Pleasant Hill Telephone Company and Northeast Louisiana Telephone Company. The new entity, Pelican Broadband, is working to implement and improve internet services in the communities of Campti, Creston, Natchitoches, and Pleasant Hill. Along with the planned improvements, Pelican Broadband is dedicated to continuing to provide outstanding service to DeSoto, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Red River, and Sabine Parishes.

A Commitment to Better Connectivity

Pelican Broadband is currently replacing legacy copper infrastructure with state-of-the-art fiber optic technology to ensure faster, more reliable internet and telephone services. This ambitious project aims to cover approximately 300 miles of fiber optic cable over the next five years. The upgrade will bring minimum speeds of 100 Mbps to underserved areas, with plans for up to 1 Gbps of speed.

Community Focus and Affordability

As a local, family-owned business, Pelican Broadband understands the unique needs of its customers. The company has made significant strides in making its services more accessible, including reducing the prices of most residential packages and simplifying the sign-up process with a flat deposit and no credit check requirements.

“We want to ensure everyone has access to reliable internet, especially in today’s world where connectivity is crucial,” said Mike George, President and CEO of Pelican Broadband.

Expanding Services and Community Involvement

Pelican Broadband is not just about internet and traditional telephone services. The company also offers Hosted PBX phone systems, and will be rolling out Managed IT Services, a new offering to the Natchitoches area.

Additionally, Pelican Broadband is committed to supporting their communities, sponsoring events such as the NPSB Expo in July, a 4-mile run/walk in Morehouse Parish in October, various K-12 organizations & athletics, Natchitoches Christmas Festival, and the annual Tappedtober and NRMC Foundation Gala events.

Trusted Local Service

“Our team remains the same dedicated group of professionals our customers have come to know and trust,” said Chief Operating Officer, Rick Darsey, who joined the company in 2010.

“We pride ourselves on providing personal, reliable service and being an integral part of the communities we serve.”

Pelican Broadband invites current and prospective customers to learn more about their services by visiting their website or contacting either of their offices. As the company looks to the future, it remains focused on expanding into new areas and continuously improving its network to meet the needs of all customers, ensuring that even the most rural areas have access to high-quality internet services.

For more information, please visit pelicanbroadband.com or contact Pelican Broadband at 318-352-0006.

About Pelican Broadband

Pelican Broadband is a local, family-owned internet service provider dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable internet and telephone services to communities in Louisiana. With a rich history dating back to 1933, the company is committed to enhancing connectivity through state-of-the-art fiber optic technology and a focus on customer satisfaction.

C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have previously been awarded an “AV Preeminent” rating by Martindale-Hubbell Rating Service which is the service’s highest possible designation of professionalism and ethics.  This rating was generated by a survey of Harrington’s peers and only 10% of attorneys across the United States receive this coveted designation.  

Martindale-Hubbell is widely recognized as the world’s most respected service for rating attorneys.  They have been conducting and publishing attorney ratings for over 130 years and are regarded the “Gold Standard” of attorney ratings. 

Now, the Harrington Law Firm is proud to announce that attorney C. Rodney Harrington and the firm have also been awarded by the same rating service the highest possible distinction by the judiciary.

C. Rodney Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm have added to their previous award the Special Edition Judicial Award which is especially noteworthy because it is based upon the confidential opinions and recommendation of members of the judiciary familiar with Mr. Harrington and the Harrington Law Firm.  The Judicial Edition Award indicates perfect ratings from the judiciary on the attorney’s legal ability and ethical standards.

According to Harrington, he is particularly proud of this recognition because it is based upon reviews from other attorneys and area judges who are familiar with his and the firm’s legal standards and professional ability, and not some “Buy an Award” marketing ploy.

“We’re a small, family law firm in a small town and we strive every single day to be ethical and professional in the representation of our clients,” said Harrington.  “That’s why it’s so gratifying to learn that we have received the highest possible rating by our fellow attorneys and now by judges as well.  We must be doing something right.”

C. Rodney Harrington has been practicing law in this area for over 45 years and his son and partner, C. Edward “Eddie” Harrington for over 14 years.

The Harrington Law Firm handles a wide range of cases, but primarily all types of personal injury, including Automobile, Motorcycles, and Big Truck Wrecks and Medical Malpractice, along with Bankruptcy, Social Security Disability Appeals, and Wills and Estates.

The firm’s website is http://www.theharringtonlawfirm.com

In 1990 Julie Evans gained employment with WPSB as school bus driver for Calvin High School. The position was perfect, “I brought my kids to school and home again” Julie laughs and states “I always knew they arrived safely”. Julie retired after 23 years of service to fulfill the requirements of a higher education.

Julie graduated from Northwestern State University in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Addiction Studies, with a minor in Psychology, and again in 2014 with a Master’s degree in Counseling with concentrations in school counseling.

After graduation, Evans enter the school system again as student counselor with RRPSB. “It was a blessing to begin my professional career with such a supportive administration”, shared Evans. She later gained employment with Winn Community Health Center where she humbly serves as student counselor for the Winn Parish students. She went on to say, “I am thankful for my employer, Mr. Deano Thornton, and my position within the school-based clinic”.

In 2020 Julie enrolled into the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans in the Ph.D. Counseling, Leadership, and Education program. Having graduated with her Ph.D. Evans calls it her last degree while her family just nods and laughs.

In 2022, with a nudge from the Holy Spirit, Julie began forming a private practice offering Christian counseling services. Evans says, “There is such a need, people want more than what the secular world can offer”. She counts her practice, Ash Street Ministries LLC, as a blessing from the Lord and without Him, she states, it “just wouldn’t work”. Evans admits being called Dr. Evans will take some getting used to, as she humbly says, “Ms. Julie works just as well”.

Julie is a wife, mother, grandmother, and a child of God. ASM takes all insurances, and welcomes new patients.

Julie Evans, Ph.D.
National Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor
Certified Telemental Health Provider

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call Dr. Evans at 318-471-1221 or email her at ministriesllc@yahoo.com

Lesh Nettles Brown, Jr, 59, sadly passed away unexpectedly on Monday, June 3, 2024.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 15^, 2024 at 10:00am at

First United Methodist Church in the Sanctury, 411 Second Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana.  The family will receive friends at 9:00am before the service.  Rev. Gary Willis will be officiating.

Lesh was born to Lesh Nettles Brown and Glenelle Pearce Brown of Natchitoches, LA on October 13, 1964.

He is survived by his two sons, Harrison Lesh Smith Brown and Cory Smith Brown and former spouse, Kari Smith, of Lake Oswego, OR.; his partner in life, Jackie Carroll of Shreveport, LA; sister, Breanna Brown Shumpert, and her husband, John David Shumpert, of Sykesville, MD and their son, Caleb Thomas Shumpert and his wife, Rebekah Woodard Shumpert of Charlotte, NC; aunts and uncles- Mary Brown Cody, Baytown, TX; Linda and Don Pearce, Dallas, TX; Sharon and Carl Pearce, Richardson, TX; Jean Bodenhamer, Shreveport, LA; Trina and William Brown, Coushatta, LA and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is predeceased by his brother, Shannon Pearce Brown; his grandparents, Rev. George Pearce and Frances McCoy Pearce and B. L. “Jack” Brown and Sarah Laura Nettles Brown; and uncle, Byron Leonidas “Leon” Brown.

Lesh graduated from Natchitoches Central High School where he enjoyed football, basketball, KNCH Radio and concert choir.  He attended LSU and graduated from Northwestern State University.  After working in Dallas several years, he spent many years in northern California before settling in Oregon.  The past few years he spent his time connecting with old friends in Louisiana.

Lesh truly enjoyed playing his bass guitar in multiple bands throughout his life.  Music was his passion. In addition to music, he enjoyed cooking and all present enjoyed the fruits of his labor.  

Lesh dearly loved being a dad and was extremely proud of his two sons.  He often said they were his greatest legacy.  He spent hours coaching and helping not only his two boys, but also many others in travel baseball and basketball.

Helping others was important to Lesh, and he never met a stranger.  He would happily talk to anyone and would make them feel loved and included.  He was fun-loving with a kind and heart-felt spirit.  He loved everyone and everyone loved him.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 411 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 or to Shannon Pearce Brown Memorial Endowed Choir Scholarship, Centenary College of Louisiana, 2911 Centenary Boulevard, Shreveport, Louisiana 71104.

Opportunity available:  Account Executive

Areas include: Natchitoches, Sabine, DeSoto and Red River Parishes.

Qualifications:  Self-motivated, willing to learn, reliable transportation.  Training provided.

Income: Based on 25% sales commissions plus mileage.  Paid Weekly!

If you want to work your own schedule, set your own hours, build a lifetime income and Fridays off, then this is the opportunity for you!

Send resume to:  P. O. Box 2611, Natchitoches, LA 71457

By TONY TAGLAVORE, Journal Services

 “Well, I’ve been known to write a few songs
Lovin’ and leavin’ and getting’ too stoned
Bottle and a pistol by my side
The devil’s always along for the ride”

 Last Saturday, he opened for country music star Jason Aldean.

June 20^th, he will take the stage ahead of Morgan Wallen – the first of a few dates with one of country music’s biggest names.

Not bad for a guy from Logansport, who twice attempted to kill himself.

“I try not to even stop and think about (my success),” Bryan Martin told the Shreveport-Bossier Journal, a few hours before performing in Oklahoma on Aldean’s Highway Desperado tour. “I’m afraid I’m going to wake up and go, ‘Oh, shi_. I just stumped my toe trying to get in the camper one night and this has all been a dream.’  It’s been amazing. It’s been crazy.”

Martin, who was born in Shreveport and grew up in DeSoto Parish, has Billboard Country’s 16^th ranked song with We Ride, from his album Poets and Old Souls. Other charts have the hit song ranked even higher.”

“It just blows me away to be sitting in the Top 10 on country radio and thinking about where all I’ve been and what all I’ve been through. Never in a million years would I have thought I would even be sitting here talking to you about it. It’s just crazy.”

The fact that the 36-year-old, who bounced between schools in Logansport and Stanley before dropping out, is “even sitting here” is something of a miracle. Martin went to work on an oil rig for almost a year before enlisting in the Army. Confusion about whether he should have been accepted led to an uncharacterized discharge, which led to Martin trying to kill himself. He wrote We Ride based off a suicide written when he was 19 years old.

“I felt like a failure. I’ve never quit a job – never been sent home from a job. When I came back home, that’s when I took (30) Percocet’s, and I misfired a .357 Magnum . . . . I remember waking up the next morning and not feeling the effects of the drugs or the alcohol. That blew my mind . . . . I put that bullet back in the gun and took out all the other bullets. I pretty much cussed God and asked, ‘Why are you saving me now? It’s too late to save me.’”

But as many a preacher will tell you it wasn’t too late. Martin was saved. He went into the ministry and was sober for six years. But later, Martin went through a divorce. Then came Covid, which kept him from working.

“Same thing like the military. I just felt like a failure sitting at the house. I couldn’t draw a check. I was going crazy. I couldn’t make the music make sense. I couldn’t make money. I was pulled apart. I went back to drinking again.”

That led to another suicide attempt just three years ago – two days before his divorce was became final. Martin drove off an embankment.

“I went through a really bad brain injury and lost most of my memory. I couldn’t remember any of my songs (he had written close to 800) . . . . I had to pretty much re-teach myself how to play my own songs.”

In the process, Martin proved his doctors wrong.

“They told me I wasn’t ever going to be able to write again because of that brain injury. When I went to writing again (Martin credits medicine for ADHD), I couldn’t stop. The last three years, I’ve done what they told me I couldn’t do in the next 15 (years). The last six months, I’ve done what they said I couldn’t do in the next 10 (years).”

Martin was discovered while performing with some of his Tic Tok friends, who put together a music and comedy tour. But Martin’s current success came fast.

“A year and a half ago, I was on a barstool playing for $400 a night.”

Needing to be close to Nashville, Tennessee, Martin now lives in a town south of the country music capital. His schedule doesn’t allow him to return to Logansport often, where his mother (Donna) and father (David) still live. Martin has been back home four or five times in the last two-and-a-half years.

“When you catch a little breeze, you’ve got to ride with it. It’s a dream come true. Right now, it’s been able to afford me to retire my dad. I’m a long way from retiring, but to retire my dad is something I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

During his younger days, Martin was a frequent visitor to Bossier City.

“I would always spend my money at the arcade at the (Louisiana) Boardwalk. I went to the movies, and anywhere else I could get into. I got into the Rockin’ Rodeo (nightclub) one night. I sang Tracy Lawrence’s Sticks and Stones. That was my first time singing in front of people, at karaoke at the Rockin’ Rodeo.”

Right now, Martin is living the dream, a long way from singing karaoke. But if Martin ends up being a one-hit-wonder, that will be just fine with him. Martin has his songwriting talents to fall back on.

“If people are living life and going through struggles, somebody out there will relate to what I’m going to write next, or what I have coming out next. As long as real life is happening, I think I’ve got a pretty good chance at (staying successful), now that I’ve broke through and gained a few ears.”

But Martin’s professional life isn’t the only thing that’s better than ever.

“I’ve been dating my ex-wife (Bobbie Jo) for three years. It’s been going good. It’s the best it’s ever going to be. We get along good. If we don’t, it’s like, well, we’ll get over it. This time, you ain’t taking everything when you leave.”

Hmmm . . . . Sounds like the makings of a good Brian Martin-writte song.

Contact Tony at SBJTonyT@gmail.com.