On Christmas Eve in 1870, a group of people, including about 16 prominent citizens of Hamilton, Ohio, gathered in a gambling room on the second floor of “the American Saloon,” an “aristocratic” drinking saloon on High Street directly opposite the Butler County courthouse.  Some of the men were playing casino at one table and others, including Thomas “Tom” Myers, were playing a game called faro at another table.  Suddenly, a gunshot rang out.  With the exception of E.D. Banister and Peter Schwab who were in the fervor of the game of casino and Tom who was seated at the faro table, the men began running from the room.  Tom stood up, leaned against the wall, and fired his pistol.  The bullet from Tom’s pistol struck the ceiling just above the faro table.  Mr. Bannister fled from the room and Mr. Schwab slunk to the floor for his own protection.  Tom fired another shot which struck the opposite wall.  Once sure that Tom was unable to fire his pistol again, Peter approached him and realized Tom had been shot in the abdomen.  Peter tried only briefly to get Tom to tell him who had shot him before he ran to get help.  Peter soon returned with Dr. Huber, who had been in the room but had fled when he heard gunshots.  Dr. Huber also tried to get Tom to explain who had shot him, but Tom was unable to speak.  Dr. Huber located a gunshot wound on Tom’s upper abdomen which had severed a main artery.  Within moments, 29-year-old Tom died.  

Immediately following the affray, all of the witnesses said that Tom “must have either did it himself or had it done.”  Based on the testimony of a young boy, Tom’s brother Joseph swore out a warrant for five men including Deputy Marshal Ich Sheely and Thomas McGehan.  Before the coroner’s jury, none of the witnesses could identify who shot Tom, but all said that Thomas McGehan had not been in the room before the shooting began.  When the accused men learned of the warrant, they turned themselves in.  In January 1871, the five men were indicted on the charge of first-degree murder.  Clement Vallandigham was one of the four defense attorneys in the trial which began on June 6, 1871.  The trial was long because over 120 witnesses had been called to testify.      

At about 9 p.m. on June 15, 1871, Clement Vallandigham and fellow defense attorney Andrew McBurney were in their hotel room discussing the case.  Clement was sure that Tom had shot himself and decided to show Andrew how Tom could have done it.  Clement pulled a pistol from his pocket, turned it towards himself, and pulled the trigger.  To his surprise, the pistol discharged.  The bullet struck Clement in almost exactly the same place Tom’s bullet had struck him.  The wound was fatal.  In trying to defend Thomas McGehan by explaining how Tom Myers had killed himself, Clement Vallandigham accidently killed himself too.  Based at least in part on Clement’s unfortunate accident, the jury found Thomas McGehan not guilty.    

Sources:

1.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, December 27, 1870, p.8.

2.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, January 31, 1871, p.8.

3.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, February 15, 1871, p.8.

4.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 6, 1871, p.8.

5.     The Evening Post (Cleveland, Ohio), June 17, 1871, p.2.

6.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, June 19, 1871, p.1.

7.     The Cincinnati Enquirer, December 28, 1871, p.8.

8.     “Thomas S. Myers,” Find A Grave, accessed May 25, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/106977757/thomas-s-myers.

9.     “Clement Laird Vallandigham,” Find A Grave, accessed May 25, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2526/clement-laird-vallandigham.

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By Brett Rowland | Jun 9, 2026

(The Center Square) – Social Security’s retirement trust fund will be depleted in 2032, triggering an automatic 22% reduction in benefits for about 70 million Americans unless Congress acts, federal trustees warned Tuesday.

Social Security paid $1.6 trillion in benefits to 70 million Americans in 2025. The program provides a majority of income for 43% of older Americans, more than 25 million families, according to AARP, an advocacy organization representing older Americans. Any reduction would apply across the board to all beneficiaries.

The combined Social Security retirement and disability trust funds are projected to be depleted in 2034. At that point, payroll tax revenue and other income would be sufficient to pay about 83% of scheduled benefits, according to the 2026 annual report of the Social Security Board of Trustees.

The program’s financial outlook worsened over the past year. Trustees said Social Security’s 75-year funding shortfall increased to $29.3 trillion, while the long-range actuarial deficit grew from 3.82% to 4.42% of taxable payroll.

The projected depletion date for the retirement trust fund moved one year earlier than last year’s estimate. The $29.3 trillion shortfall is about equivalent to three-quarters of the current national debt of $39.2 trillion, according to Treasury Department data, and about 15 times the $1.9 trillion federal deficit projected for this year by the Congressional Budget Office.

The trustees attributed the deterioration to three factors: lower long-range fertility assumptions, reduced projected immigration levels and provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a Republican-passed tax and spending law signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025. Lower projected immigration translates into a smaller future workforce and less payroll tax revenue.

The trustees also said changes affecting the taxation of benefits reduced projected income to the trust funds. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget projected in June 2025 that the legislation would reduce revenue from the taxation of Social Security benefits by roughly $30 billion annually, enough to accelerate depletion of the retirement trust fund by one year.

Commissioner of Social Security Frank Bisignano said improving service and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse remain priorities for the agency.

“To protect the promise of Social Security, it is important for lawmakers and the Social Security Administration to work together to ensure the trust funds continue to provide financial stability now and for future generations,” Bisignano said.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the board’s managing trustee, said the reports “reinforce the need for lawmakers to take action to support the long-term viability of these programs.”

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said in a radio interview Monday that mandatory spending programs must be addressed.

“That’s your entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and then things like Social Security – they have to be adjusted and fixed,” Johnson said on “The Moon Griffon Show.” “We have a plan to do that next year.”

Romina Boccia, director of budget and entitlement policy at the Cato Institute, said the administration’s focus on fraud does not address the program’s underlying financial challenges.

“Social Security’s long-term shortfall is driven by demographics and benefit promises that outpace dedicated revenues – not by widespread fraud,” Boccia told The Center Square. “Focusing on waste, fraud, and abuse is good governance, but it should not distract from the structural reforms needed.”

She added that “delaying reform only makes the eventual adjustments more difficult” and that “every year of delay means fewer choices, steeper adjustments, and a larger burden on younger workers and future taxpayers.”

Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said policymakers continue to underestimate the urgency of the situation.

“In just six years – during the next Senate class’s term – Social Security’s retirement fund will run out of money,” she said. “Yet our leaders have no plan to prevent the abrupt 22% benefit cut that would ensue.”

Michael Peterson, CEO of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, echoed the concern.

“The senators we elect this year will be in office when Social Security becomes unable to pay out full benefits,” he said.

House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal, D-Mass., and two Democratic colleagues said in a joint statement that the report “demonstrates the urgent need for Congress to act to protect Social Security and Medicare.”

“This crisis is both highly predictable and fully avoidable, as there are many well-known solutions available,” Peterson said. “Now is the time for responsible, bipartisan leadership to strengthen Social Security and Medicare.”

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The City of Minden is hosting a patriotic celebration “America’s 250th & Minden’s 190th” June 12-13. The event will feature live music, family activities, food vendors, competitions, fireworks and community events honoring both America’s 250th birthday and the City of Minden’s 190th anniversary. Highlights include Run Minden on Main 5K, a duck derby, block parties, parades and a fireworks finale. June 12 activities are from 6-9pm and June 13 the run begins at 8am followed by multiple events throughout the day with the fireworks display at 9pm.Organizers invite families and visitors from across the area to come enjoy the celebration and community spirit throughout the weekend.

First Methodist Church Coushatta is inviting the community to a Spiritual Gifts Workshop on Tues June 16 at 5:30pm. The event will be held at the church, located at 2018 Front Street in Coushatta. Participants will learn about spiritual gifts found in Scripture, receive guidance in identifying their own gifts, and enjoy fellowship with others. Organizers say the workshop is designed to help believers better understand how God equips each person to serve and encourage others. A red beans and rice dinner will also be provided. The event is open to all, and additional information is available by contacting Pastor Trevor Blair at (318) 780-0433.

Fairview Baptist Church is hosting a fun-filled Build & Create Night June 19 from 5:30-8:00pm. Kids will have the chance to build, paint, craft, and explore through hands-on activities and woodworking stations.

New Life Church will host a Kids & Youth Night on July 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at New Life Church, located at 5047 Duke Avenue in Hall Summit. The event is open to children and youth ages 4 years old through 12th grade and will feature fellowship, Bible lessons, activities, and opportunities for spiritual growth. At the same time, adults are invited to attend a Bible study led by Bro. Collin in the sanctuary. Families are encouraged to attend together and bring friends for an evening of faith, learning, and fellowship.

Martin Baptist Church will host its 5th Annual Basketball Camp July 12-14 for students who have completed Pre-K4 through 7th grade. The camp will be held each evening from 5:30 to 7:30pm, with drop-off beginning at 5:15pm. Participants will have the opportunity to develop basketball fundamentals, build teamwork skills, and enjoy a positive environment. Free snacks and drinks will be provided each day. All children must have a completed waiver on file to attend. For additional information, contact Dan Dupree at (318) 464-5303.

Area educators are invited to take advantage of a special Teacher Resource Day at Mansfield State Historic Site on July 15 and July 22 at 10am. The program is designed to help teachers discover ways to incorporate local history, social studies, and science resources into their classrooms. Participants will learn about available educational materials, lesson opportunities, tours, and hands-on activities that can enhance student learning. Admission fees will be waived for teachers who present a current school identification badge. Organizers encourage educators to attend and explore resources that can bring classroom lessons to life while connecting students to local history and science.

Louisiana Carrot Initiative is now available at Walmart stores statewide. SNAP recipients can earn bonus benefits for purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at Walmart and Walmart Neighborhood Market locations across Louisiana.

Southern Baptists vote to remove and ban churches that have women pastors.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill shared that the Biden administration’s 2024 Title IX rule is no longer moving forward after legal challenges from Louisiana and other states. Murrill said Louisiana was the first state to challenge the rule, arguing it would change Title IX protections for schools. She called the outcome a victory for women and girls, stating that Louisiana fought to preserve the protections originally guaranteed under Title IX.

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

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Louisiana will have a new U.S. senator next year to succeed Sen. Bill Cassidy, who finished third in the May Republican primary. Both the Republicans and the Democrats will have a runoff.

U.S. Senator (DEM)
• Gary Crockett
• “Jamie” Davis
Davis was the top vote-getter in May, with 47% of the vote compared to 26% for Crockett.

U.S. Senator (REP)
• State Treasurer John Fleming
• Congresswoman Julia Letlow

Rep. Letlow recieved 45% of the vote compared to 28% for Fleming. Cassidy finished 3rd with 25%.

Voters will have to vote in the party primary that they are registered in or the party they voted with in May. Voters who did not vote in the May election can vote in the June party runoff for U.S. senator. Those who are “no party” will have to declare which party they want to vote for if they want to vote for a U.S. Senator. You do not need to be registered with a party or declare a party to vote for other races or propositions.

The June 27 sample ballots for Red River Parish are now published

Early voting runs from June 12 to June 20 at the Registrar of Voters’ office.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day.

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Wednesday:

A few clouds early, otherwise mostly sunny. Hot. High 93F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

Mostly clear skies overnight. Low near 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday:

Sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. Hot. High 94F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

A few clouds from time to time overnight. Low near 75F. Winds light and variable.

Louisiana’s youngest students are continuing to make significant progress in reading, according to new literacy screener results released by the Louisiana Department of Education.

State data from the 2025-2026 school year shows that 66.2 percent of students in kindergarten through third grade finished the year reading on or above grade level. That represents a 16.5 percentage-point increase from the beginning of the school year, when just under half of K-3 students were reading at grade level.

Kindergarten students posted the largest gains. At the start of the school year, 29.1 percent of kindergarten students were reading on or above grade level. By the end of the year, that number had climbed to 69 percent, an increase of nearly 40 percentage points.

Students in first, second and third grades also showed improvement. First grade students increased from 51.4 percent to 67.5 percent reading on grade level, while second grade students improved from 58 percent to 64.4 percent. Third grade students rose from 59 percent to 64 percent.

Students with disabilities also demonstrated growth during the school year, improving by more than 10 percentage points.

State education leaders credited the gains to Louisiana’s continued focus on early literacy instruction and the science of reading. Schools across the state have implemented literacy screeners, high-quality instructional materials, tutoring opportunities, coaching support and targeted intervention plans designed to help struggling readers receive assistance early.

The latest results continue a trend of improvement seen over the past several years. Louisiana has earned national recognition for its reading growth, including leading the nation in reading growth on multiple national assessments and ranking among the top states for early literacy policies.

Literacy screeners are administered to all Louisiana public school students in grades K-3 and are designed to help teachers identify reading strengths and areas where additional support may be needed. The assessments provide educators with information throughout the year so instruction can be tailored to meet students’ individual needs.

With two-thirds of Louisiana’s youngest students now reading on or above grade level, state leaders say the focus remains on building early literacy skills and helping even more students become successful readers in the years ahead.

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SHREVEPORT – For the third straight season, the LSU Shreveport Fishing Team can call itself one of the best in the nation.

The Pilots finished the campaign ranked No. 9 in the Bass Pro Shops School of the Year Standings following the Association of Collegiate Anglers national championships in May.

The No. 9 ranking comes on the heels of a No. 6 finish in 2024 and No. 7 in 2025 in a sport that has no divisions based on college size.

The biggest difference from previous top finishes is that the program has undergone a changing of the guard, shifting from experienced anglers as part of coach Charles Thompson’s early recruiting classes to the younger but extremely talented later recruiting classes.

“To have three top-10 finishes in the first (six years), that sends the message that we are performing the way we need to perform,” Thompson said. “I can’t be happier for these guys.

“Even through the tough times in the middle of the year, they stood up at the end of the year and fought back.”

LSUS anglers typically put together strong finishes as late spring fishing tends to match the styles of fishermen who grew up on shallow water with plenty of grass and other cover.

The team rallied to score a host of points late in the season, which included a 13th-place finish from junior Mason McCormick and freshman Colton Caskey at the ACA national championships on Pickwick Lake in northern Alabama.

The pair sat in fourth place after a huge first day, and the high ranking helped the program fend off other teams trying to crack the top-10 in the season standings.

Caskey is one of eight freshmen on this season’s roster, part of a youth movement on a roster that does have a few experienced hands, including Caskey’s partner McCormick.

“The freshmen had to adjust to so many things,” Thompson said. “I can’t imagine the tough times having to adjust to school, adjust to the high caliber of college fishing, and for some, adjusting away from home.

“Then the thought process of having to hold up to the tradition of being a top-10 team in the country as a freshman. It’s a lot, but I’m really excited about our future.”

All six of LSUS’s boats finished in the top 100 of a 197-boat championship field, including No. 28 (Johnny Hudson and Triston Richardson) and four total in the top 65.

Richardson is a junior and Hudson a sophomore. Top finishers also included a freshmen pair in Carsen Adcock and Will Powell (No. 57).

These anglers were attracted to LSUS because of the initial surge of success, which included a 20th-place finish in 2022 and 15th-place standing in 2023 before the three top-10 showings.

While Thompson would say the leadership transition from the old guard who built the foundation hasn’t been flawless, he saw a resilience this season that will help LSUS push further toward a top-five standing.

“They responded, and they never quit,” said Thompson, who referenced a slow start to the spring season. “They stayed resilient and they closed strong.

“Even our four boats who weren’t in the championships, they were asking to go just to watch and support. They wanted to be there, and that’s the type of team they wanted to build.”

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Hall of Fame’s Round Table Luncheon will provide up-close, memorable moments

The “youngest” event during this month’s Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration is the most exclusive, yet casual, opportunity for the public to enjoy hearing from the Class of 2026 inductees.

It’s the Round Table Luncheon Saturday, June 27, at noon at Riverside Reserve, 104 Mill Street, in Natchitoches. There are still seats available for the eighth annual Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

Registration is available for the luncheon can be made by visiting LaSportsHall.com, or by calling 318-238-4255. It is a ticketed event.

Festivities begin Thursday evening, June 25 with the free of charge Welcome Reception from 5-7 open to all, no registration necessary, at the Hall of Fame museum facing the traffic circle at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

The BOM Celebrity Bowling Bash is at midday Friday, June 26 at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. Friday evening brings the free Rockin’ River Fest concert on Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches, from 6-10:30, with the Class of 2026 introduced at 9:15 right before a sports-themed fireworks show over the water.

Events Saturday, June 27 include the free Saints and Pelicans Junior Training Camp for kids, the Round Table Luncheon, and the Induction Reception and Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center.

The Round Table Luncheon starts with tremendous Louisiana cuisine and quickly kicks into gear with Fox Sports announcer (and 2020 LSHOF inductee) Tim Brando interviewing small groups of inductees on stage in a very informal and fast-moving setting.

A poignant scene at the 2019 luncheon unfolded before the program when Peyton Manning, being inducted later that day, stopped by to greet LSU legend Johnny Robinson, who was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame two months later.

Scenes like that, up-close access and the fun-filled dialog between Brando and the 2026 inductees combine to provide a memorable 90 minutes.

The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group:  Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.

Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.

LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.

The Hall of Fame Round Table Luncheon shapes up as a highly entertaining opportunity for guests to have a up-close-and-personal experience and be entertained and well fed in a casual setting, with a touch of elegance at the Riverside Reserve on the banks of Cane River Lake just a mile from downtown Natchitoches.

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This week I’m celebrating fifty two years as a licensed driver. Like most men, I naturally assume I’m a superior driver. The truth is I’m just competent enough not to injure myself or innocent pedestrians. I also spend far too much time reading bumper stickers and watching what other drivers are doing while they’re supposed to be driving. Once upon a time I could read a bumper sticker from a safe distance. Now, if I want to read your bumper, I have to tailgate you. I won’t comment on the silly things you’re doing behind the wheel, but I am working on a book.

Recently I was driving a loaner while my car was being serviced—a luxury model from a certain company that apparently believes drivers need more buttons than a NASA vehicle. It was keyless, of course. To start it, you put your foot on the brake and push a button. I’m used to that with my hybrid. But this wasn’t a hybrid. This was an old-fashioned internal combustion engine, the kind that used to require a little finesse and a lot of prayer.

My grandfather turned me loose behind the wheel about three years before the State of Alabama thought it was a good idea. I learned on what we called the “lonesome road”—a gravel stretch with only one real hazard: the creek running alongside it. Where I grew up, a bayou was a creek, and a creek was something you didn’t want to drive into. The only traffic on that road consisted of grandparents giving driving lessons and children learning how to scare them.

Most of my self-taught Drivers-Ed happened in a 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe. You didn’t so much drive that car as point it in the general direction you hoped to go. Its only luxury was an AM radio. It had a starter button too—but starting that car on a cold morning was a full-body athletic event. You turned the key, depressed the clutch, pushed the starter button, and pumped the gas pedal like you were trying to churn butter. Getting that engine to fire was one of the early rites of male competency.

So imagine my amusement when I started the loaner car with a gentle tap of a button. No pumping the gas. No choke. No carburetor to flood. No vapor lock. If automakers are going to bring back push-button starters, they could at least bring back some of the drama. Cars have changed a lot in fifty-two years. Sometimes I feel like I’m not keeping up. When the service manager asked if I wanted a tutorial on all the features, I said, “I would rather not.”

And that’s when it hit me.

There are times I feel like I’m not keeping up with Jesus either. He asks me to go and do, and I would rather not. He asks me to love and forgive, and I would rather not. He asks me to look honestly at my life, and I would rather not. Sometimes the hardest thing to face is the mirror, and I would rather not.

Preachers feel it too. Some Sundays we leap out of bed ready to preach the love of God. Other Sundays we pull the covers over our head and think about calling in sick to ourselves. On those mornings, “I would rather not” feels like a full liturgy.

And you know what? Jesus understands. In the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the cross, He prayed a prayer that sounds an awful lot like “I would rather not.” But He went anyway. For you. For me.

So this Sunday, when you wake up and think about church and feel that tug of “I would rather not,” know this: you’re in good company. Preachers feel it. Jesus felt it. But blessings live on the other side of pushing past it.

How about it.

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The Red River Parish School Board will receive bids for price quotations on the following:

Milk, Bread, and Meat and Select Spices for a period beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.

And Request for Proposals for Food Products for a period beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.  

Invitation to bid and proposals, general instructions, and specifications can be obtained at the Red River Parish School Board Office, School Food Service Department, 100 Bulldog Drive, Coushatta, Louisiana 71019, Telephone Number (318) 271-3144 or e-mail Katie Bethard at kbethard@rrbulldogs.com.  Deadline for submission and opening of the bids will be held at 10:00 a.m., Moday, June 15, 2026 at the Red River Parish School Board Office, School Food Service Department located at 100 Bulldog Drive.  Bidding vendors do not need to be present at the opening in order to qualify.  Formal awarding of Milk and Juice Products, Bread and Bread Products, and Pest Control bids will be done at the next regular Red River Parish School Board Meeting in the Red River Parish School Board Meeting Room, 100 Bulldog Drive, Coushatta, Louisiana 71019.

The public is invited to attend bid openings.

The Red River Parish School Board, School Food Service Program is funded with 98% federal funds for a total of approximately $990,000.00

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A longtime Louisiana requirement is headed for the history books.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Serves: 10 | Time: 35 minutes

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

Salsa Ingredients:

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

Chip Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Together, we can make big change for all kids.

Walmart and Sam’s Club Facts:

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

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

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