Brad Dison, a lifelong resident of Bienville Parish and writer whose history column “Remember This?” runs weekly in the Journal, has released a new book about Sheriff Henderson Jordan’s pursuit and capture of notorious gangsters Bonnie and Clyde.

“The Trap: The Untold Story of Sheriff Henderson Jordan and the Final Pursuit of Bonnie and Clyde” is now available for purchase at www.HendersonJordan.com. 

“There has been more fiction than fact written about their crime spree,” Dison said. “For 91 years, people have assumed that former Texas Ranger Frank Hamer used his superior tracking skills to locate Bonnie and Clyde. This is another bit of fiction. It was Bienville Parish Sheriff Henderson Jordan who located two of their hideouts in Bienville Parish. It was he who set three traps to capture the gang.  It was he who used an ‘undercover man’ and a ‘man on the inside’ to determine where they would be on that fateful morning of May 23, 1934. It was he who led the ambush posse and ended their violent crime spree.”

I had it but it is gone now.

You read these articles days after I send them. My habit is to write and send them on Monday morning before noon. So, I start thinking about them on Sunday afternoon. I had the greatest idea in the history of these articles for an article. The idea was brilliant. It was illuminating. It was humorous. It was less than six hundred words. I remember exactly where I had the idea. I was sitting in traffic at Walgreens. I was on my way to Tractor Supply to look at things I will never use in my life. I call this “expanding my horizons.” I smiled to myself and asked myself if I should write the idea down. Somewhere in my brain the voice told me that this idea was so brilliant, illuminating, and humorous there would be no way I could ever forget the idea.

Never ever trust that voice in your head. The voice lies. I have no idea what I was going to write. I do not have a clue. I do not know if it was animal, mineral, or vegetable. I lost it. The idea is gone or has landed in someone’s Instagram feed, and they are claiming it as their very own idea. Today, if you read something brilliant, illuminating, and humorous, it was probably my idea!

The idea for the article had something to do with a Yiddish proverb. The Yiddish proverb teaches, “If one man calls you an ass pay him no mind. If two men call you an ass—go and buy a saddle.” I thought it was brilliant, illuminating, and humorous. I forgot what else went with it.

Do you forget?

As I grow more mature and notice all the physical stuff that does not work anymore, I have noticed that my mind is not as quick as it once was. I forget things. I just remembered that I forgot to read an Internet article on remembering not to forget.

Here is the truth in all this. God remembers you! He loves you, knows you, and remembers you as if you were His only child!

When you confess your sins to Him, He forgets them. Since God has forgotten your sins, why do you keep carrying them around?

I am glad God remembers and forgets!

Get ready for the first ever Rumble on the Bayou Saturday, June 14 at Grand Bayou Resort. All cars, trucks, motorcycles and Rat Rods are welcome. Registration starts at 10am with awards at 2:30pm. There is a $25 registration fee. Free admission for spectators. Vendors are needed. If you are interested contact Jacqueline Martin 318.471.8370 or Patrice Harper 318.471.4714.

Dixie Maze Farms will host the Sunflower Fest Saturday, June 14 from 9am until 3pm. Everyone is invited to a day filled with free-spirited adventures and over 20 attractions. Admission is FREE and includes access to the sunflowers and most farm activities. There are a few activities that require a $5 wristband. See the full schedule here.

Natchitoches was chosen as one of the 7 most scenic small towns in Louisiana by WorldAtlas.

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum in Baton Rouge announced the continuation of its year-round free admission program for veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families through the Blue Star Museums initiative. This offering is made possible through the generous support of Special Risk Insurance dba VFIS of Miss/Lou, in memory of Bo James, Fire Chief of Galvez-Lake Volunteer Fire Department. To learn more about this program and year-round free admission to LASM, visit lasm.org.

Morgan Wallen becomes the first artist in history to claim the entire Top 10 of the Hot Country Song Chart.

FUN FACT: On July 2, 2025, we will officially reach the halfway mark of the year. At that point, we will be closer to the year 2025 than the year 2000. 

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A final decision will be made on Wednesday, June 11 at 3pm. 

Due to the possibility of inclement weather, Red River High School shared on social media it is prepared to move the graduation ceremony to the school’s gymnasium. 

RRHS shared in the event graduation must be moved the following will apply:

• Each senior will be assigned 10 tickets for guest attendance.
• Any person attending the ceremony, regardless of age, must have a ticket to enter.
• To conserve space for guests, no gifts or baskets are allowed in the gym
• Doors will open at 6pm and close at 6:30pm to allow graduates to be seated. Once they are seated the doors will be reopened.

The school will continue to monitor the weather. 

Please see the complete statement from RRHS below.

The Umbrella Foundation presents the Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 21 from 8am until 8pm at the Coushatta Ball Park.

Activities include vendors, food vendors, entertainment, games and an ancestor walk.

For more information contact Johnny 318.332.9940 or Alexis 318.471.8109.

Matt Vines

EAST POINT – The Riverdale football program is acutely aware of how the health of every player can impact their season.

Quarterback/linebacker Ashton Almond battled injuries throughout this past season, and the Rebels had to drastically change their offense particularly when Almond couldn’t play.

It was a key factor in Riverdale’s 5-6 season, and the Rebels aim to stay as healthy as possible this coming season.

Every player’s health will be crucial as the Riverdale roster lists just 12 players currently to play eight-man football, although seven of those players are seniors.

There weren’t enough players to conduct spring practice again this year, and coach Nathan Edie hopes he can add players through the summer.

“Our numbers are unfortunately dropping,” Edie said. “The takeaway from the spring and summer is that we need more players.

“It looks like we’re losing some of our younger players as we don’t have any seventh-graders, two eighth-graders and one ninth grader. We have good players returning, but even good players need a break. Hopefully we find a way to build some depth.”

Almond and Tanner Carlisle are key returning skill players with senior linemen Ben Moseley and Remington Dabbs paving the way.

But every player will be counted on to play both ways in some fashion, and that’s before any potential injuries incurred throughout a physical season.

Healthy bodies are also crucial to productive practices as the current setup wouldn’t allow for full offense vs. defense repetitions.

The coaching staff must be selective on if and how much live tackling happens in practice, which affects the quality of tackling in games.

Edie and his staff will seek to increase numbers while fortifying their current players to play as many snaps as possible.

Red River Junior High Performing Arts Program will present a Performing Arts Concert, “End of Year Flashback,” Wednesday, June 18 from 9:30-11am.

Performances will include choir, dance, art and FCA.

Parents are invited to attend.

Best Friend Day (BFF Day) is a time to enjoy and appreciate your good old buddy, your pal. On this day, honor and cherish the relationship you have with your Bestie. And, while you are at it, it’s a good opportunity to nurture better relations with all of your friends, from your BFF to casual relationships.

If you’re lucky, you have a best friend. Not everyone does. If you are really lucky, you have several best friends. Yes, you can have more than one. They are very, very special people. You spend countless hours with your best friend going to events and activities or just hanging out. You share secrets, hopes, dreams, aspirations, and disappointments with your best friend.

Celebrate by hanging out with your Bestie. If you aren’t lucky enough to live close to him or her, then call them or send a card.

“Friends can help each other. A true friend is someone who lets you have total freedom to be yourself – and especially to feel. Or, not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at the moment is fine with them. That’s what real love amounts to – letting a person be what he really is.” – – Jim Morrison

The VISTA (Visual Integration of Science Through Art) Center at Louisiana Tech University celebrated a decade of innovation and student achievement earlier this month with its annual Scholarship and Award Celebration, marking the occasion with the launch of Louisiana’s first interdisciplinary degree program in scientific communication.

The new Bachelor of Science in Scientific Visual Communication, approved by the University of Louisiana System in December and the Louisiana Board of regents, is set to launch in fall 2025. It will prepare students to enter careers in medical illustration, scientific visualization, biomedical animation, and digital communication. The program builds on the center’s successful minors in pre-medical illustration and scientific visualization and is designed for students who want to bridge the gap between science and art.

“Over the years, we’ve seen many students come to Louisiana Tech with a passion and talent for art who think they have to give it up to pursue a career in science or medicine,” said Dr. Jamie Newman, associate director of the VISTA Center. “This new degree program not only solidifies a curriculum for these students, it also offers a concentration for premedical and predental students, making it that much easier for them to balance their commitment to both art and science.”

This year’s scholarship and awards event featured student showcases, faculty-led tours of the VISTA Labs, and interactive exhibits highlighting the center’s work, from anatomical illustrations and immersive digital models to educational tools used across Louisiana. Attendees included alumni, local educators, nonprofit leaders, and industry partners.

Among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Dr. Joseph and Charlotte Barron Endowed Scholarship to Kaylee Davis for excellence in scientific illustration. The newly established Jeanette and Justin Hinckley VISTA Scholarship, funded by Louisiana Tech alumni, was awarded to Teagen Griffin for outstanding work in digital painting and client-based collaborations.

“This event was a vibrant celebration of the VISTA Center’s growth and impact,” said Professor Nick Bustamante, director of the VISTA Center. “It brought together university leadership, alumni, faculty, community partners, student clients, and mentors, each of whom plays a vital role in our journey. It was especially meaningful to see our talented students proudly showcase their scientific illustrations and design work. The evening truly captured the spirit of collaboration, creativity and community that defines the center’s mission.”

“I’m incredibly proud of the scholarships awarded to our students,” said Tom Futrell, director of design for the VISTA Center. “The support from our community has been truly inspiring. These students are blending science and art in ways that are not only creative but also deeply practical, opening doors to careers in scientific illustration, research-driven information design, and more. Projects like the Greenway interpretive signage show just how powerful it can be when data and design come together to tell stories everyone can understand.”

VISTA students have already made a significant impact across Louisiana and beyond. Recent projects include:

• A full redesign of the History of Flight exhibit at Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport, incorporating dynamic visuals and interactive storytelling.

• An illustrated children’s book for MedCamps of Louisiana to help young campers feel welcomed and confident.

• Interpretive signage along Ruston’s Rock Island Greenway that blends ecological data with engaging design to connect the public with local biodiversity and history.

The VISTA Center continues to seek new community partners, project collaborators, and scholarship supporters to help expand student opportunities and increase its statewide reach.

For more information, contact the VISTA Center at vista@latech.edu.

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On May 19 and again on May 29, Red River High School EMR students were able to attend two different ambulance operations and helicopter landing zone classes presented by Pafford Air One/Pafford Ground Ambulance and Life Air/Red River EMS.

Topics covered in both classes included: patient care, loading and unloading patients into the ambulance/helicopter, equipment variances, set-up for helicopter landing zone, when to call for a helicopter, radio communications, and safety concerns.

Wednesday, June 4, was the regular monthly meeting of the Red River Parish Police Jury. All members were present.  

The CVU report included permit receipts of $44,238 and fines of $5,716 for the month. A discussion was introduced to consider raising permit prices to bring the parish more in line with other parishes. The decision was to gather information and bring it to the next meeting for further discussion.  

An update on the new joint construction with the Red River Sheriff informed the members that all core samples have been completed. Initial renderings are complete, and engineers are now working to finalize building plans. Jessie Davis updated everyone on the demolition of the old building on the property and the breaking up of the concrete.  

Jury members discussed creating a special committee to approach other municipal entities to create cooperative endeavors for tourism and economic development. The committee includes Ben Taylor, Shane Young, and Brandon Hillman.  

All other routine items were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.  

Social Springs Baptist Church will host VBS,  “Wonder Junction” June 8-13 from 6:30 until 9pm, June 8-13. Family night will be Friday, June 13.

Hickory Grove Baptist Church will host VBS “Camp Firelight” June 9 – 13 from 5:30-8pm for grades PK3-12. Gather ’round the campfire for a week full of adventure, friendship, and discovery. At Camp Firelight, kids will learn how God’s light guides us through every challenge and adventure. Through inspiring Bible stories, fun games, crafts, and music, kids will grow in faith and courage–all while making memories that will shine for years to come. The fire is burning bright, and they’re saving a spot just for your kiddos! Contact Melissa Allen, VBS Director, for more information (318.205.8362).

First Methodist Church Coushatta will take kids on a “True North” adventure from June 23-26, from 5:30-8:00 p.m., for ages 4 years through 5th grade. Join FMC on the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. True North VBS shows kids that Jesus is a faithful friend we can always trust. He’s our True North! Dinner is provided each night.  Register online or in person.  

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

Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are alerting residents about another text message scam that has the potential to steal personal information and charge unnecessary fees. In the latest iteration of the scam, many Louisiana residents have received text messages claiming the recipient has an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fee or face repercussions. The OMV recommends that customers ignore and delete such messages.

The Louisiana OMV offers the following tips to help residents avoid scams:

• DO NOT click on links in an unsolicited message from an unverified source
• DO NOT respond or send your personal information via text
• Delete all suspicious texts and emails and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov
• Exercise caution with all communications you receive from anonymous sources
• Confirm the message was generated from a legitimate source
• Keep an eye out for signs of scams (rewards, vague URLs, incorrect grammar)

The Louisiana OMV does not send text messages or emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations. To process legitimate online services safely and securely, Louisiana residents can visit the official OMV website at www.expresslane.org.

Contact Information:
Lt. Jared L. Sandifer               
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 925-6202                      
jared.sandifer@la.gov

At 75 years old, Loretta Wiley walked across the stage at Louisiana Tech University to receive her master’s degree in counseling and guidance with a specialization in human services, completing a goal nearly twenty years in the making.

“I’ve always had a passion to help people and make a positive impact on lives,” Wiley said. “This degree is something I’ve wanted for a long time.”

Wiley first enrolled in the program in 2006 but was unable to finish at that time. Life circumstances forced her to step away from the classroom, but the desire to finish never left her. In 2021, she returned to the College of Education and Human Sciences and began working toward her educational goal.

She first earned an undergraduate certificate in forensic psychology, followed by a graduate certificate in domestic violence. Those accomplishments led her to re-enroll in the master’s program and complete the degree she originally set out to earn.

While balancing school, Wiley continued to work as a substitute teacher in Bossier Parish schools. She says the classroom is where she finds purpose.

“Every day, I try to show the students that there are so many opportunities out there for them,” Wiley added. “I want them to know that with hard work, they can accomplish anything.”

“She has the biggest heart in helping others and has shown great determination in pursuing her graduate work,” Dr. Mary Livingston, professor in the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, said. “I believe she will always be a great asset to her community.”

Wiley leaned heavily on her faith, family, and support system to push through the tough moments during her education.

“My biggest supporters were God, who gave me the strength and guidance to keep going, and my family, who believed in me,” Wiley said. “I’m especially thankful for Dr. Livingston, my advisor. She gave me courage, wisdom, and support every step of the way. I’m also grateful to the instructors and staff who created an environment where I could learn and grow.”

Wiley’s story made an impact far beyond the classroom. Her determination and perseverance inspired fellow graduates and faculty alike, resulting in a standing ovation as she accepted her diploma at the 2025 Spring Commencement ceremony.

Now, with her degree in hand, Wiley plans to continue substitute teaching while exploring other opportunities to support and guide others through counseling or mentoring.

“I hope others can look at my story and see that it’s never too late to pursue something meaningful,” Wiley said.

On September 12, 2019, Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan’s 18-carat solid gold work of art with an estimated value of up to $6.5 million was put on display at Blenheim Palace, the English country mansion where Winston Churchill was born. Unlike many art pieces which exist only as a work of art to be admired, Maurizio’s creation had a function. It served a purpose while being a work of art. Maurizio’s creation had already impressed audiences at the Guggenheim Museum in New York where a reported 100,000 people had waited to take their turn using Maurizio’s creation. For two days, the artwork had been impressing the visitors to the sprawling mansion in the same manner when something unexpected happened.

Before daylight on the morning of September 14, 2019, five masked thieves in two stolen cars drove through a wooden barrier fence and onto Blenheim Palace grounds. They sped up to the palace where three of the thieves exited the cars. The two getaway drivers remained in their stolen cars and kept the engines running. The three thieves quickly broke into the mansion and ran directly to Maurizio’s creation. It took the strength of all three men to rip Maurizio’s 215-pound creation from the wooden floor on which it had been mounted and to carry it to one of the waiting cars. They loaded it into the hatchback of one of the cars and the thieves sped away. Blenheim Palace’s security cameras captured the heist on video and their security system alerted police, but the thieves were gone by the time police arrived. Of all of the art on display in the antique-filled mansion, Maurizio’s creation was the only item stolen.
The thieves had carefully planned the heist. They knew the palace had a good security system, but no other precautions had been put into place to protect the piece. After the artwork was installed in the palace, Edward Spencer-Churchill, chairman of Blenheim Strategic Partners and direct descendent of Winston Churchill, told the York News-Times that the artwork would not be easy to steal since it was physically connected to the palace, and added, “So, no. I don’t plan to be guarding it.”

Another representative of Blenheim Palace tweeted, “We knew there was huge interest in the Maurizio Cattelan contemporary art exhibition, with many set to come and enjoy the installations. It’s therefore a great shame an item so precious has been taken, but we still have so many fascinating treasures in the Palace and the remaining items of the exhibition to share.”

Several men have been convicted in the theft and disposal of Maurizio’s creation, but the artwork has never been recovered. Most recently, on May 19, 2025, a man was convicted for trying to help a burglar sell scrap gold believed to have been from Maurizio’s creation.

Maurizio intended the artwork to be a pointed satire about excessive wealth. Before the artwork was stolen, Maurizio explained, “Whatever you eat, a $200 lunch or a $2 hot dog, the results are the same.” You see, Maurizio Cattelan’s stolen 215-pound artwork made from 18-karat solid gold was a fully functioning, fully plumbed toilet.

Sources:
York News-Times, September 17, 2019, p.A2.
The Guardian, April 3, 2024, p.13.
Brian Melley, “Man who tried to sell $6.4m gold toilet stolen from English country house is spared jail,” AP News, May 19, 2025, accessed May 27, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/britain-gold-toilet-theft-court-trial-sentence-3a3955da078af343596606e07addc305.

Each year, on June 6, we pause to remember one of the most pivotal days in modern history—D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944 during World War II. This massive military operation marked the beginning of the end of the Nazi occupation in Western Europe and was a turning point in the war.

On that day, over 156,000 Allied troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other nations landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. Facing immense resistance and brutal conditions, these brave soldiers demonstrated incredible courage and determination. Many never returned home, making the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for freedom.

D-Day is more than just a date in history—it is a solemn reminder of the cost of liberty and the power of unity. We remember the fallen, honor the veterans, and teach future generations about the strength of perseverance, sacrifice, and hope in the face of adversity.

Let us take a moment to reflect, give thanks, and ensure their legacy lives on.

Lest we forget.