(ARK-LA-TEX) – Athletic trainers play an essential part in keeping student athletes across our communities healthy and prepared, from injury prevention to response and treatment.

CHRISTUS Health is celebrating National Athletic Training Month and highlighting the professionals who keep student athletes thriving and build confidence in safe return-to-play decisions across the region.
Athletic trainers are licensed health care professionals specializing in injury prevention, emergency care, clinical evaluation and rehabilitation. At CHRISTUS Health, more than a dozen certified athletic trainers serve more than 30 schools across the Ark-La-Tex, supporting the safety and performance of thousands of student athletes.

“Athletic trainers are often the first on the field when an injury happens, and they remain with our athletes through recovery,” said Casey Reed, sports medicine coordinator with CHRISTUS Sports Medicine in Shreveport-Bossier. “We are deeply committed to keeping students healthy year-round and ensuring they return to play safely and confidently.”

As part of National Athletic Training Month, CHRISTUS Health encourages athletes, parents and coaches to prioritize injury prevention and proper care.

With schools soon to close for the summer, CHRISTUS Health offers the following tips for summer workouts:

• Warm up and cool down properly before and after the activity.
• Stay hydrated and maintain balanced nutrition.
• Maintain a consistent sleep and rest schedule, ideally at least eight hours a day.
• Report injuries early and follow return-to-play guidelines.
• When possible, work with certified athletic trainers for safe training and recovery.

“Our athletic trainers play a critical role in bridging the gap between sports and health care,” said Colby Barron, athletic training manager at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System. “We work closely with athletes, families and coaches to make sure injuries are recognized early, treated appropriately and prevented whenever possible.”

To learn more about athletic training services or find a sports medicine specialist, visit our website.

Suki S. O’Neal, Public Relations
CHRISTUS Health – Alexandria | Shreveport | Texarkana
903.278.8867
suki.oneal@christushealth.org

Matt Vines
The Red River softball team had work to do to put itself back in the playoff picture, and the Lady Bulldogs got to work in a big way.

Red River (11-8) has won seven of its last eight games to vault 10 spots to No. 17 in the Division III Non-Select power rankings.

What looked like a fight to even get in the playoffs now has the Lady Bulldogs thinking about a home playoff game.

The crux of Red River’s success came in a 4-0 performance in its home tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs beat Lakeview (16-1 score), Castor (7-6), Dodson (9-3) and Mansfield (3-0).

Perhaps most importantly, Red River leaned on its pitching to win three of those four games.

The Lady Bulldogs scored at least 10 runs in their first eight wins this season, but they pulled out three tournament wins in games in which they averaged just more than six runs per game.

That’ll make Red River a bigger threat in the playoffs.

Other results this past week include a sweep of Plain Dealing (14-0, 10-3) and a 12-1 loss to powerhouse Many.

Many and Winnfield will tussle for the district title this week.

Red River is scheduled to play eight games over the final two weeks of the regular season with Monday’s home doubleheader against Pleasant Hill kicking off that stretch.

Red River baseball looks for rebound this week
The Red River baseball team is looking for a rebound this week after a tough 1-3 slate this past week.

The Bulldogs (8-12) slid out of the playoff picture to No. 27 in the Division III Non-Select rankings as they attempt to vault back into the top 24 with roughly two weeks left in the regular season.

Red River heads to Pleasant Hill on Monday before a two-game series against Many (18-6).

The Bulldogs host the No. 8 Tigers on Tuesday and make the trip to Sabine Parish on Thursday.

Red River fell to 2-2 in District 3-2A play with a 4-3 loss on Wednesday in a makeup game from earlier in the season.

Red River is the only thing standing in between Many and a district title as the Tigers are 6-0 in league play.

Other results from this past week include a 10-7 win against Calvin, a 16-6 loss to North Webster and a 10-7 loss to Quitman.

Monday:

Partly cloudy with a high around 85F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. 

Clear skies early will become overcast later during the night. Low 64F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday:

Mostly cloudy. High 86F with S winds 10 to 15 mph.

Partly cloudy skies early with increasing clouds overnight with a low of 66F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

One of the most popular writers in our library is C. J. Box, the author of the Joe Pickett series, consisting of 26 books about game warden Joe Pickett and his family in the mountains of Wyoming. An avid outdoorsman, Box has hunted, fished, hiked, ridden and skied throughout Wyoming and the Mountain West, so he knows about what he is writing.

Box has created a number of characters in his Joe Pickett novels, the first of which is Joe Pickett himself. Box presents Joe Pickett as a hero who is tough, but by no means perfect. He has his flaws, but he is truly connected to his family. His wife Marybeth is an intelligent woman who never fails to support her family. His children, daughters Sheridan and Lucy, manage to stay busy, love their dad fiercely, and always ask a lot of questions.

Other memorable characters include Joe’s friend Nate Romanowski, who carries a really big gun, and Wyoming Governor Spencer Rulon, who likes to send Joe on impossible missions. There is also Joe’s mother-in-law Missy Vankeuren, whose goal is to break up her daughter’s marriage. The books are filled with suspense, danger, and lots of action, as well as laughter as Joe laughs at himself.

The ideas that Box includes in his Joe Pickett novels include environmental conservation. Joe enforces environmental laws, protecting nature against poachers and greedy developers. Box’s novels also include the struggle between rural tradition and new development. Joe must often work to reduce the tension between the traditional, rugged lifestyle of Wyoming and the rich newcomers buying up the land. Box also shows the struggles of a principled game warden in modern Wyoming. Joe Pickett is often seen as an ordinary, decent man simply trying to do the right thing.

The first book of the Joe Pickett series is entitled Open Season, and it begins with Joe finding the body of a known poacher on his stack of firewood in his backyard. Joe has no idea how the body got there, but he has to find out because the dead man was someone with whom Joe did not get along. Joe knows that he did not kill the man, but it sure did look suspicious, even to Joe.

Open Season is followed by 25 additional novels about Joe Pickett and his adventures. Our library contains all of the Joe Pickett books, including the most recent novel The Crossroads in which Joe is found on a rough, backcountry road in his beat-up game warden truck. He has been shot several times, the worst being in the head. No one knows when or why or by whom Joe has been shot, but his wife and their three daughters (yes there is another one since the first book) are determined to answer all of the questions about what happened to Joe. Will Joe survive the brutal attack?

A note to all of our patrons:
If a patron comes to the library for a particular book, such as one of the Joe Pickett books, but is unable to find it, there are other options available. A patron can ask for a hold to be placed on a book. When the book is returned to the library, the patron will be notified and the book will be held until the patron comes for the book. In addition, books can be ordered from other libraries in the state through the Interlibrary Loan program. The books will usually come to our library in about a week. Then the patron may check out the books and can keep them for up to two weeks. The books must be returned to our library when the patron is finished with the them, so that they can be returned to the loaning library. Also, patrons are encouraged to check the Red River Parish Library website for information on upcoming events, such as workshops, as well as information about new books which arrive on a regular basis.

Shared by Red River Parish Library

Northwestern State University is sponsoring two high school contests this year. In addition to the NSU Louisiana High School Essay Contest, now in its 18th year, the university will also sponsor the NSU Louisiana High School Creative Expressions Contest. Both contests are now open for submissions until June 1. The contests are open to all Louisiana students in grades 9-12 regardless of type of school institution, including students in all types of private educational environments, as well as home schooled students.

The 2026 theme for both contests is “Remembering Louisiana.” The 2026 NSU Louisiana High School Creative Expressions Contest is an opportunity for Louisiana students to display their talents at interpreting Louisiana through photography. Entrants are invited to submit up to three photographs inspired by and taken in Louisiana. Each photo entry should have a title and an accompanying page or two of writing by the student; this writing should explain the significance of the subject of the photograph to the theme of Remembering Louisiana, as well as the student’s connection to that subject. Photos need not be shot on professional equipment. For example, photos taken on cell phones are acceptable. Photos should be submitted as individual image files such as jpegs. The accompanying writing(s) should be submitted in standard Microsoft Word files.

2026 NSU Louisiana High School Essay Contest entrants are invited to address one of the following prompts: Interview any member of your family or surrounding community as long as your interviewee is at least one generation older than yourself, such as, for example, your parent or guardian. What does this person feel is the most significant historical event or societal change they have experienced over their lifetime? Personal reflections and experiences are valid as part of the essay content. Essays may be in narrative form if the student chooses. The second option is if you could meet and talk with any Louisianan from the past, present or future for one hour, who would you choose and why? Personal reflections and experiences are valid as part of the essay content. Essays addressing either prompt may be in narrative form if the student chooses.

Entries to either contest should include a cover sheet with the student’s name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address, school affiliation, and the title of their entry. Entries to both contests may be mailed to the Louisiana Folklife Center, NSU Box 5688, Natchitoches, LA 71497. Creative Expressions Contest entries may be sent via e-mail to Dr. Rebecca Macijeski, macijeskir@nsula.edu with the subject line “2026 NSU Louisiana High School Creative Expressions Contest.” Essay Contest entries may be sent via e-mail to Dr. Shane Rasmussen, rasmussens@nsula.edu, with the subject line “2026 NSU Louisiana High School Essay Contest.” The deadline for contest submissions is June 1. Prize-winning students will be notified by July 15.

The top three winners of both contests will be awarded both cash prizes and a $200/per semester NSU scholarship with a value up to $1,600 if they attend NSU for four years (these NSU scholarship awards are in addition to other scholarship awards that the student may receive from Northwestern State). Winning entries of both contests will be published in the Louisiana Folklife Journal, an academic journal produced by the Louisiana Folklife Center. Contest winners will be invited to share their entries with attendees at the 18th annual Louisiana Studies Conference to be held on the NSU campus on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The winning entries will also be published in the Louisiana Folklife Journal. Submission of an entry to the Contest entails granting permission to publish their entry in the Louisiana Folklife Journal. Entries may be subject to minor revision prior to publication. By entering the contest, students acknowledge that they also grant permission for their photos to be used in future promotional materials (posters, covers of programs, etc.) in association with the Louisiana Folklife Center. Additional information is available on the website for the Louisiana Folklife Center at Northwestern State at https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/highschoolessay/.

The contests are sponsored by the Louisiana Folklife Center, the Department of English, Languages, and Cultural Studies, the Office of Financial Aid, and the Office of Recruiting at Northwestern State.

Shreveport Regional Airport released a social media statement addressing travelers interested in supporting TSA personnel during the ongoing partial government shutdown, under which employees are working without pay.

The airport noted, “We have received numerous inquiries from individuals wishing to assist Shreveport TSA staff during the partial government shutdown. For those interested, here is how you can contribute.”

The guidance encourages donations of grocery store or gas gift cards; cash donations cannot be accepted by TSA employees. Additionally, all gift cards should be presented directly to the TSA Supervisor or Manager on duty.

Donors are advised to limit gift card values to $20 each and avoid purchasing Visa or Mastercard gift cards.

Currently, 49 TSA employees are actively working at Shreveport Regional Airport. The airport has commended their dedication and professionalism in maintaining daily security screening operations.

Red River Parish Public Schools are in Intersession this week, Mar 30 – Apr 2 and Spring Break from Apr 3 – 10. School resumes Monday, Apr 13.

The Bakowski Bridge in Shreveport will “Light It Up Blue” to support autism awareness at 7:15pm on Tue Mar 31 at Riverfront Amphitheater. 

Family Harvest Church will host their 3rd Annual Bass Tournament Sat Apr 11 at Grand Bayou Resort. A $500 guaranteed first place prize. Contact Justin at 318.990.9420 or Jennifer at 318.511.7509 for more information or to preregister.

Lindley Creek, a family singing group, will perform at Social Springs Baptist Church Sat Apr 18 at 6pm.

Multiple sources report the US Army has raised enlistment age and eased marijuana policy.

Bobby Lane Holley
April 8, 1957 – March 25, 2026
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 1pm at Rockett Funeral Home in Ringgold.

Douglas Roberson
October 13, 2003 – March 27, 2026
Services pending

Funeral services for Rose Lawrence Johnson, 67, of Coushatta, LA will be held at 3:00 P.M., Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ken McLaren officiating. Interment will follow in Holley Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00P.M. until service time at the funeral home on Sunday.

Rose was born November 25, 1958 in Coushatta, LA and passed away March 27, 2026.

Rose was special to a lot of people in the medical field. She taught and encouraged new young nurses. Rose had a passion for emergency medicine having served on the Louisiana Emergency Nurses Association Board. Even in her last days as a patient, she encouraged her doctors, nurses and caregivers. They enjoyed visiting, joking and talking to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, J. A. “Bud” and Sammie Lawrence; 3 brothers, Sam, Donny and Ronny Lawrence. Rose is survived by her son, Jeremy Lawrence; five grandchildren, Maggie Lawrence, Gabbie Gibson, Abbie Ellender, Addison Lawrence, and Michael Hayden Lawrence; two sisters, Jamie Lawrence and Mary Ann Longino, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Longino, Steven Longino, Trevyn Ogden, Zachary Laborde, Jiggs Wood, and Dawson Wood.

The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Sarah Herbel and the doctors, nurses, and staff of Christus Coushatta Health Care Center.

Release Date: March 27, 2026
The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred early Friday morning on University Parkway.

On March 27, 2026, around 2:54 a.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to the 3800 block of University Parkway in reference to a gunshot victim. Upon officers’ arrival they located the victim, Douglas Roberson (B/M, 22 y.o.a. of Coushatta), suffering from several gunshot wounds and immediately began to render aid while waiting for other first responders to arrive. Despite their efforts, Douglas Roberson was pronounced deceased by the Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office as a result of his injuries.

Investigators and officers canvassed the crime scene and were able to speak with several witnesses. They also collected numerous pieces of digital and physical evidence that will be sent to the crime lab for analysis.

This investigation is ongoing and the Natchitoches Police Department will release more details as they become available.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to thank the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Northwestern State University Police Department for their assistance during this incident.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Davanta Stevenson at (318) 357-3817. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

 
Sergeant John Greely
Public Information Officer
Natchitoches Police Department: source

The Red River Parish School Board has approved the 2026-27 school calendar, giving families an early look at key dates for the year ahead, including the first and last day of school, intersession breaks, and the continued hybrid schedule. According to the approved calendar, students will begin classes on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, and the final day of school will be Friday, June 11, 2027.

The calendar keeps the parish’s hybrid model in place, with students attending school in person Monday through Thursday and learning virtually on Fridays. Staff will return ahead of students, with new teacher induction set for July 27-29 and professional development on July 30-31. 

Families will also want to note the three planned intersession periods built into the calendar. Those are scheduled for Oct. 5-8, Feb. 8-11, and March 22-25. The calendar lists those as workdays for 10- and 12-month employees.

Several major holiday and break periods are also included. Fall Break is set for Oct. 9-16, Thanksgiving Break for Nov. 20-27, Christmas Break for Dec. 16-Jan. 4, Winter Break for Feb. 12-19, and Easter Break for March 26-April 2. A one-day Spring Break is also scheduled for April 30.

The calendar also marks important milestones during the school year. The first grading period ends on Oct. 2, the second grading period ends on Jan. 12, and the third grading period ends on April 9. Seniors’ last day is listed as May 26, and high school graduation is scheduled for June 4.

In addition, the calendar includes early dismissal and parent-teacher conference days on Oct. 29, Jan. 21, and April 22, followed by staff virtual workdays on Oct. 30, Jan. 22, and April 23.

With the 2026-27 calendar now approved, Red River Parish families can begin planning around the major dates and breaks that will shape the upcoming school year.

Churches, community groups, and local organizations are beginning to announce their annual events, giving families several opportunities to celebrate the season with candy-filled eggs, prizes, and outdoor fun. Below is a look at the local egg hunts already planned in and around the area.

First Baptist Church Coushatta Mar 28 at 10am.

Ashland Fire Department Mar 28 at 11am. This event is to raise money to purchase fireworks for the Christmas Open House. The community event, in partnership with Ashland Baptist Church, will also feature hamburger & hot dog plates, a fun jump, cake walk and obstacle course. Arm Bands are $10 (includes the jump house, obstacle course and one meal). Egg Hunt age groups: 0-5 and 6-11. 

Hall Summit Community Center & Park Mar 28 at 3:30pm. 

First Methodist Church Coushatta Apr 3 at 10:30am. Egg hunt open to babies through 12 years old. The Easter Bunny will be there for photos.

Fairview Baptist Church Apr 3 at 5pm. Birth – 4th grade will enjoy the egg hunt while 5th-6th grade will participate in the Escape Room. Fried fish will be served to all.

Gator Country in Natchitoches Apr 4 will host 2 hunts; 11am and 2pm. Age groups 1-3 years, 4-5 years and 7 years and up. Regular park admission applies.

Share you event details with the journal at redriverparishjournal@gmail.com

Red River Parish 4-H competed in the 2026 4-H Northern Regional Food Challenge in Ruston, LA with four teams. These kids worked very hard preparing for this very competitive contest!

They prepare a dish in 40 minutes, without a recipe and do not know the ingredients until their time starts. Then they give a presentation on their dishes.

Congratulations on the job well done to all teams. Participants were Camren Barbo, A’lanah Demery, Adalyn Dulaney, Colt Dulaney, Maura Dupree, Kyleigh Frazier, Riyanna Frazier, Dusty Halbmaier, Emmylou Halbmaier, Michaela Henderson, Lucien Jordan, Victor Novosad, TeAunna Taylor, and Alyssa Young.

The “Squish Kabobs” and the “Blue Diamonds” were finalists, scoring 1st and 3rd place in their heats!

After round two, congratulations to the Squish Kabobs for their 2nd place win in Division 1. They will advance to the state finals in May!

Shared by Red River Parish 4-H

Friday:

Partly cloudy with a high around 83F with west winds around 5 to 10 mph. 

Tonight will be a mostly cloudy sky with a low near 50F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph.

Saturday:

Some cloudy in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. Cooler. High around 67F with NE winds 5 to 10 mph.

Mostly clear skies overnight with a low of 46F. Winds light and variable.

Sunday:

Mainly sunny with a high near 80. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.

Partly cloudy overnight with a low around 60F. Winds light and variable.

It was the most elaborate presidential inauguration in the history of our country at the time. An estimated one million people witnessed the peaceful transition of power in person. There was a 10-mile, two-and-a-half-hour inaugural parade which escorted incoming president Dwight D. Eisenhower from the Capitol to the White House. The parade was comprised of about 22,000 servicemen and women, 5,000 civilians, 50 state and organizational floats which cost a total of about $100,000, 65 musical units, 350 horses, three elephants, an Alaskan sled dog team, and the first public showing of our military’s most devastating piece of artillery at the time, an 85-ton atomic cannon called “Atomic Annie.” Overhead, a continuous stream of aircraft including 1,100 jet fighters and a fleet of super bombers flew over the parade route. To handle the huge crowds, two formal balls were held simultaneously at opposite sides of the city with President Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower having to be shuttled back and forth between the two for maximum effect. While at previous inaugurations, one or two film stars made appearances, at least 40 stars of film and stage entertained or were guests at the inauguration, more than at any previous inauguration. Newspapers around the world reported that it was the “biggest show ever staged in Washington.”

Hotels charge premium prices, and many desperate people had to pay a “black market bonus” of $100 just to make a hotel reservation. Adjusted for inflation, that would be over $1,200 in today’s money. Some of Washington’s “old families” rented out their luxury homes to millionaires and their friends for up to $3,000 for the week. That would be nearly $37,000 in today’s money. 60 special trains set up “Pullman Cities,” named after the 600 Pullman parlor and sleeper train cars which accommodated about 10,000 visitors. Forty steam locomotives kept constant “full heads of steam” to provide heat and hot water for the Pullman cities. The accommodation committee set up for the purpose of housing the influx of visitors to our nation’s capital referred to it as Operation Headache.

Rather than paying exorbitant fees and fighting the maddening crowds, most people chose to watch the inauguration from the comfort of their own homes. It was broadcast on all three major television networks: ABC, CBS, and NBC. An estimated 29 million people tuned in throughout the day for at least part of the inauguration.

President Eisenhower’s inauguration should have been the highest rated program on television during that era, but it was overshadowed by a regularly scheduled television sitcom shown the night before which depicted something that has happened to every living human being—a child was born. More than 70% of American households, some 44 million people, 15 million more than watched the inauguration, watched the 30-minute sitcom which aired on CBS, a single network. It remains one of the most watched sitcoms in television history. The episode was filmed two months earlier and starred an actress who was really pregnant, a first for television. This comedy showed the fictional chaos that happened leading up to the actress having a baby. The actress in the sitcom went into labor and had a son, named after his father, on the day the episode aired. The episode was titled “Lucy Goes to the Hospital” and starred Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz.

Sources:

1. The Mail (Adelaide, Australia), January 17, 1953, p.23.

2. Press-Telegram (Long Beach, California), January 20, 1953, p.3.

3. The Roanoke Times, January 21, 1953, p.18.

4. “Inaugurations: 1953 Inauguration,” Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, National Archives, accessed March 15, 2026, https://www.eisenhowerlibrary.gov/eisenhowers-presidential-years/inaugurations.

5. “Lucy Goes to the Hospital,” IMDb.com, accessed March 15, 2026, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0609259/.

Melrose, Louisiana – Get ready to experience the magic of handcrafted wonders at the 52nd Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place on April 18th from 9 am to 5pm, and April 19th from 10 am to 3 pm. The festival will be held at Melrose on the Cane where attendees can immerse themselves in a vibrant showcase of unique treasures crafted by talented artisans, savor a variety of delicious foods, sip on beer, wine, and other refreshing beverages such as fresh squeezed lemonade. Homemade ice cream
returns to the festival this year as a long standing fan favorite as well as iron and wood works for your home and garden. We are also excited to feature local authors throughout the festival, along with live demonstrations that highlight traditional crafts such as basket weaving and quilting. These interactive experiences offer guests a chance to connect with the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Additionally, Randolph “Randy” Deaton will be presenting a special talk on Clementine Hunter on Saturday, April 18 at 11 AM. Guests are encouraged to bring any photos or personal stories they may have of Clementine Hunter, which can be scanned and added to his growing collection.

Tickets for this exciting event can be purchased at: https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026.

Attendees will be able to shop for: stunning jewelry, exquisite paintings, savory salsa, intricate woodwork, delectable desserts, and much more. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking
for something special, there’s something for everyone to discover and cherish at the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival.

“We’d love for y’all to come out, shop, and support historic Melrose. Take in the views, check out all the vendors, and just enjoy a good day together at the festival. Tours of the Big House and African House will be available- so bring your friends and family and make it a day to remember, ” said Ariel Rachal event organizer.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence at the 52nd Annual Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival. Purchase your tickets today and join us for a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration!

For ticket information and event updates, please visit https://givebutter.com/MelroseArtsAndCrafts2026.

Media Contact: Ariel Rachal, EmailMelrosePlantation@gmail.com

About the Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival: The Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival is an annual celebration of artistry, creativity, and community spirit. For 52 years, the festival has showcased the talents of local artisans and provided a platform for visitors to discover unique handcrafted treasures. Join us as we celebrate over five decades of artistic excellence and continue to inspire creativity for generations to come.

With over 30 years of bass tournament experience, I know that every bass angler that wets a hook has one goal in mind when they enter a tournament — win! While we all strive to bring winning sacks to the scales, the stars do not always align and allow that to happen.

My background as an athlete has proven to be beneficial when it comes to the mental side of tournament bass fishing. The “never give up” mentality is so important as a tournament angler.

Playing on a Texas state championship high school baseball team was one of my greatest accomplishments as an athlete. Twice during that special run in 1978, our backs were to the wall, but we never gave up and persevered on our way to winning it all.

We never panicked no matter what the situation was. We stayed strong and committed to each other, making sure things went our way. Tournament bass fishing is no different. There will be days when things just don’t go the way you thought they would.

But the guys who have a strong mindset, and the “never give up” attitude, seem to always find a way to put fish in the boat. Even if they don’t catch the winning fish, they still make a good showing.

One of my recent trips to Lake of the Pines brought me so much joy — eventually! It began when the fish I found in practice just did not pan out. Oh, I had lots of excuses as to why they did not bite, but to sum it up, I just did not catch them.

At 10:30 that tournament morning, I did not have a fish in the boat. I had caught a few, but none that would reach the 14-inch minimum. But I did not panic as I felt the fish would bite a little better in the afternoon due to the full moon we were fishing under.

I finally put three fish in the boat between 10:30 and noon and then decided to move out of the area where I had found quality fish during practice. There was so much fishing pressure on the lake, I was sure that a lot of the fish I had found the day before had been caught.

So, I pulled up on a point and made a long cast, and low and behold I caught a solid 3-pounder! I’m thinking, “hmmm, this is a good sign and maybe there’s a good school of bass on this point.” Sure enough, it was loaded with good keeper-size fish including a 5-pounder that threw my bait back to me on one particular cast.

I anchored down on this spot and for three hours I began to catch over 35 bass off this one point. It was a day you don’t have all the time as an angler and even though I did not catch the winning bag, I had an awesome day on the water and enjoyed a trip I will never forget!

I’m wondering if age has anything to do with how I think now as an angler. At 65 years old, winning tournaments is just not as high on my priority list as it used to be. Oh, I’m still competitive and want to beat the pants off all these young bucks, but then there’s reality.

But one thing I can say for myself, no matter how much longer I continue to fish bass tournaments, my desire to compete and win will never wane. I just have to remember; it’s not always about winning.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com.

A special event honoring local veterans and their families is planned for Friday, April 3, at 11:30 a.m. at the Council on Aging Building, 1825 Front Street in Coushatta.

Hosted by the Better Together Veterans Support Coalition, the Veterans & Family Prayer Lunch will offer a time of fellowship, encouragement, prayer, and gratitude for the men and women who have served the nation, as well as the families who have stood beside them.

Organizers describe the event as a chance to come together as a community and recognize those who have protected the country. The program will include prayer, guest speakers, and a free meal for those attending.

The event’s theme, “Honoring Those Who Protected Our Nation!” reflects its focus on appreciation and support for veterans and their loved ones.

The lunch is open to all veterans and families. For more information, contact Charlotte Collins at 318-617-4998 or Pastor Tedie Nelson at 318-471-8476.

The Better Together Veterans Support Coalition meets every third Thursday at 1pm in the Jack and Laura Center on Front Street. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Alverster Barfield at 318-426-9288.

The Lady Bulldogs are hosting their annual tournament this weekend. Games begin at 3:30 this afternoon with the host team playing at 6:30. Games continue tomorrow beginning at 10am. The Lady Dawgs finish the evening with a 5pm game time. Admission is $10.

Clara Springs Fourth Friday Fish Fry will be held Friday, Mar 27 from 5-7pm. Cost is $15 ($10 for kids 10-17). Dinner includes All you can eat fried fish, coleslaw, french fries, hushpuppies, pinto beans, lemon bread pudding, homemade ice cream and drink. Robeline First Baptist will host.

Abundant Life Worship Center is hosting ALL-IN-5th Sunday service Mar 29 at 2pm. Guest speaker is Mandy Holloway. There will be no 10:30am service that day.

Liberty Baptist Church & Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church are hosting a 5th Sunday Singing Mar 29 at 6pm at Liberty Baptist Church. Everyone is invited to join for song, food and fellowship.

Clara Springs Baptist Camp is holding their Annual Campers on Mission work week Mar 30-Apr 3. Work begins everyday at 8am. Meals provided daily. Volunteers are needed for a day, afternoon or the full week. Contact Bro Bubba 318-796-3875 for more information.

Red River Junior High will host a Track Meet Apr 2. Field events begin at 3pm followed by running events at 4:15pm. Admission is $10.

Women’s Prayer Brunch will be held at Zion Chapel BC Apr 4 at 10am. The theme is a Praying Woman. Program mover is Minister Kimberly Babers. Guest Speaker is Cora Banks Pinesett. All women are asked to wear white. All churches are invited.

LSU Women’s Basketball plays Duke in the Sweet 16 matchup in a late night matchup tonight at 9pm.

More than 450 TSA officers have quit during the partial government shutdown according to DHS.

NFL says New Orleans must upgrade aging hotel stock to boost chances to win bid for 2031 Super Bowl.

Delta suspends travel perks for members of Congress as partial government shutdown continues. 

LSU has re-hired Will Wade as the men’s basketball coach. Wade previously was head coach from 2017-2022.

Netflix is raising prices on all streaming plans for the second time in just over a year.

Hayden Price
August 1, 2016 – March 23, 2026
Funeral Services will be held on March 27, 2026 at 3pm at Aulds Funeral Home in Shreveport

Katherine Guy
01/17/1935 – 03/17/2026
Funeral Services will be held Saturday March 28, 2026 at 11am at Springville B.C. in Coushatta.