Funeral Tuesday in Leesville for LSHOF member, legendary rodeo figure T. Berry Porter

Visitation is this evening and a Tuesday morning funeral is set in his hometown of Leesville for Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame member T. Barrett “T. Berry” Porter, Louisiana’s first professional rodeo cowboy.

Porter, 99, passed away Saturday morning. He was the first rodeo figure to enter the state sports hall, joining Peyton Manning, Les Miles, five-time Olympic volleyball star Danielle Scott and Peabody High School basketball coach Charles Smith, among others, in the LSHOF’s Class of 2019. At the time of his induction, he was the oldest person ever enshrined, and he was the oldest surviving Hall of Famer when he died. He attended most Hall of Fame induction ceremonies since he was honored.

He was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City in 2015.

The funeral will be Tuesday at 11 in the East Leesville Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery on Porter Road under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Visitation will be held this evening from 5-9 at East Leesville Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family said donations may be made to the Louisiana Lions Camp, 292 L Beauford Drive, Anacoco LA 71403.

At the age of 16, Porter became a member of the first professional cowboy association in the country, the Cowboy Turtle Association, which developed into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (he held PRCA membership card No. 325). His events were tie-down calf roping and steer wrestling.

At 22, Porter won a month-long competition at Madison Square Garden to become the 1949 World Champion Calf Roper title, presented his trophy saddle by “The Singing Cowboy” Gene Autry after becoming the first world championship “rookie” to win the title. He quickly added the calf roping title at the 1949 World Rodeo in Boston in front of 6,000.

He won numerous titles at major rodeos around North America, including the famed Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Calgary Stampede and in Fort Worth, Denver and Houston, along with Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Salinas, California.

In 1959, Porter became the first Louisiana cowboy to participate in the inaugural National Finals Rodeo. He was a member of the Wrangler Rodeo Team in the early 1950s, and his silhouette was placed on the back pocket of every pair of Wrangler jeans put on sale for years.

His career earnings were over $100,000 in 22 years.

In a May 1, 1963 columnShreveport Journal sports editor Jimmy Bullock called him “the Pelican State’s Mr. Rodeo” and said he was “famed as one of the nation’s foremost calf ropers.” In 1978, the PRCA presented him with his gold membership card and a plaque in appreciation of his promotion of the sport of rodeo at the high school, collegiate and pro levels.

As an advocate for the Louisiana high school rodeo athletes, he lobbied for funding to help them compete at the national level. He worked as a volunteer timed-event barrier judge for every high school rodeo in Louisiana from the early 1960s until 1976. During this time, he also worked as a volunteer timed-event barrier for nine National High School Rodeos —1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975. His ranch provided teaching opportunities and even temporary lodging for cowboys of all ages for decades.

A Lions Club member for over 70 years, he served on many local and state project committees and held many offices. The Lions Camp for Handicapped Children was the most dear to him. As a cattleman, he served on many committees and offices on the local, state, and national Cattleman’s Association. He has been on many Farm Bureau local and state committees. As a cattleman, he operated a 250 head cow-calf operation. He was one of the working cowboys that loaded the last load of Gray Ranch steers to leave Louisiana on railcars.

Born in Pineville March 9, 1927, Porter landed in Leesville two years later when his parents moved the family so his father could work at a Texaco gas station.

They lived in the back of the filling station. On site was a small roping pen, and it was there that T. Berry Porter would perfect his skills that would one day lead him to become a world champion.

“I don’t remember when I started roping, I just always did it,” he said in a 2019 interview with the LSWA’s Raymond Partsch III, a former Alexandria Town Talk sportswriter and editor. “There are still folks at the Lion’s Club here that call me the ‘goat roper.’ ”

That’s because, at the age of three, he won the goat-roping competition at the Vernon Parish Fair —signaling the start of a career that he honed as a youngster and throughout high school.

Of his LSHOF induction as the first rodeo figure, Porter said; “It is a very humbling honor. … Not many people can be the very first anything nowadays. I always thought that somebody else was better than me or more deserving than me.”

In 1949, he claimed his sport’s highest honor: World Champion Calf Roper.

The 22-year-old rookie drove to New York City in his 1948 Pontiac, pulling his homemade horse trailer behind him for a competition that lasted nearly an entire month. Porter would take part in 42 performances in 28 days at Madison Square Garden.

“It took a lot longer in those days,” he said. “My horses stayed underneath the Garden itself and I stayed for the month at the old Capitol Hotel on Broadway across from the Garden.”

Despite getting his picture taken with a celebrity and riding his horse down Broadway to become a national figure in his sport, Porter never got away from Vernon Parish for long. In addition to working the circuit, Porter ran the family filling station, hauled garbage, drove a school bus for three decades, ran a sporting goods/western store, moved houses, and ran his own massive ranch.

Porter also made rodeo a family affair as all four of his children — daughters Judy, Cathy, Lindy, and son David — became high school and amateur rodeo champions. That was passed down to his grandchildren as well.

“I did the best I could,” Porter said. “I was just hoping that I could win. As a rodeo cowboy, you always got to feel like you are going to win.”

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The Leesville Police Department has announced the appointment of Michael Campbell as its new chief of police.

According to the department, Campbell brings a commitment to public service and community safety, with a focus on supporting officers and staff who work daily to protect residents of Leesville.

Officials said they are optimistic about the future of the department under his leadership and emphasized continued efforts to build strong relationships between law enforcement and the community.

The department congratulated Campbell on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the agency moving forward.

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Louisiana motorists will no longer be required to display vehicle inspection stickers on personal, non-commercial vehicles beginning Jan. 1, 2027, under a new state law approved during the 2026 Regular Legislative Session.

House Bill 1085 was passed by the Louisiana Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry. The law eliminates the inspection sticker requirement for personal, non-commercial vehicles registered in Louisiana starting Jan. 1, 2027.

The law also creates a transition period beginning June 30, 2026. From June 30, 2026, through Jan. 1, 2027, law enforcement officers may not issue citations solely for failing to display or produce a certificate of inspection.

As a result, Louisiana State Police announced that it has immediately stopped enforcing inspection sticker violations.

Even though inspection sticker enforcement has ended, other traffic and vehicle laws remain in effect. Drivers are still responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe and properly maintained, including working lights, brakes, tires and other required equipment.

Louisiana State Police said its focus during the transition period will be on educating motorists and helping the public understand how the new law affects them moving forward.

• June 30, 2026: Officers can no longer issue citations solely for missing inspection stickers or certificates.
• Jan. 1, 2027: Personal, non-commercial vehicles in Louisiana are no longer required to display inspection stickers.

If you drive a personal, non-commercial vehicle in Louisiana, you do not need to worry about receiving a ticket for an expired or missing inspection sticker during the transition period, and the sticker requirement will officially end on Jan. 1, 2027. However, your vehicle must still meet all other safety and equipment laws on Louisiana roadways.

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Soldiers, families, and leaders gathered at Fort Polk for a change of command ceremony for the 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

During the ceremony, command of the brigade was officially transferred from Col. Joshua Glonek to Col. Ian Ginty.

Installation officials expressed gratitude to Col. Glonek and his family for their leadership, commitment, and service during what was described as a demanding and successful period focused on training and readiness at the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk.

Col. Ginty was also welcomed back to the brigade as he assumes command and continues leading efforts to prepare soldiers for operational readiness and future missions.

The brigade emphasized its continued mission of developing disciplined and combat-ready soldiers prepared to meet national defense requirements.

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The Rosepine Police Department recently received a donation of comfort items from a Louisiana-based youth nonprofit organization, Lila’s Patrol Pals.

According to the department, Officer Hext met with Lila and members of her organization, who delivered several boxes of donated stuffed animals intended for use by first responders when assisting children in crisis situations.

Lila’s Patrol Pals is a child-led nonprofit founded by 9-year-old Lila, inspired by her father’s work in law enforcement. The organization collects, cleans, and distributes donated stuffed animals to local police officers and firefighters, who keep them in patrol units to help comfort children during emergencies.

Rosepine Police said the items will be distributed among officers and kept in vehicles to provide reassurance to children during stressful or traumatic events.

The department expressed appreciation for the donation and thanked Lila for her efforts, noting they look forward to continued visits and partnership with Lila’s Patrol Pals.

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Vernon Parish 4-H has recognized Superintendent James Williams for more than 40 years of dedicated service to the students, families, educators, and communities of Vernon Parish.

During a recent presentation, 4-H members and representatives presented Williams with a commemorative plaque highlighting his long-standing commitment to education and youth development. The inscription noted his support of Vernon Parish 4-H and his role in helping students develop leadership skills, explore new opportunities, and grow into productive citizens.

According to the organization, Williams’ leadership helped strengthen the partnership between Vernon Parish Schools and 4-H, creating opportunities for generations of students to participate in programs focused on life skills, leadership, and community engagement.

4-H officials expressed appreciation for his decades of service and extended congratulations on his retirement, noting the lasting impact of his work across the school district.

The organization also acknowledged the transition in leadership within Vernon Parish Schools, expressing enthusiasm for continued collaboration under incoming Superintendent Joey Bartz.

Williams was thanked for his dedication and wished well in his retirement following more than four decades in education.

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The Town of Anacoco will hold its annual Dumpster Days June 11–14 providing residents an opportunity to dispose of large household items.

The dumpster site will be located behind Town Hall beside the fire station and will be staffed during operating hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Anacoco residents.

Officials said acceptable items include appliances, mattresses, and furniture. Paint cans will only be accepted if the paint has been completely dried out.

Items not accepted include liquids, hazardous materials, oil of any kind, tires, and batteries.

Town officials encourage residents to follow the guidelines to ensure safe and efficient disposal throughout the event.

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Amanda Lee Perkins
Service: Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 2:30 pm at Blackjack Cemetery in Pitkin

Vernon Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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Sheriff Sam Craft of the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office announces recent arrests made by VPSO.

June 2, 2026

Shelby Lynn Howell, age 34, of Rosepine, was arrested and charged with one count of Identity Theft and one count of Exploitation of the Infirmed. Bond was set at $ 10,000.00. Howell remains in the VPSO jail.

Kole Maattala, age 17, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Theft over $ 1500.00. Bond was set at $ 5000.00. Maattala remains in the VPSO jail.

June 4, 2026

Michelle Coker, age 35, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant and one out of Jurisdiction Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Coker remains in the VPSO jail.

June 5, 2026

April Dawn Wright, age 41, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic, one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and one count of Possession of a Schedule IV Narcotic. Bond was set at $ 7750.00. Wright remains in the VPSO jail.

Jaala Alexis Savoy, age 27, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass, one count of Possession of a Schedule II , and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond has not been set and Savoy remains in the VPSO jail.

Elijah Corvon Ray Wiggins, age 19, of DeRidder, was arrested and charged with one count of Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile. Bond has not been set and Wiggins remains in the VPSO jail.

June 7, 2026

George Denby Jr., age 62, of DeRidder, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Mischief and one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond was set at $ 2576.00. Denby remains in the VPSO jail.

June 8, 2026

Joseph Storozyszyn, age 42, of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding traffic Bench Warrant. Bond was set at $ 1000.00. Storozyszyn remains in the VPSO jail.

Ronald Dean Hastings, age 59, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond was set at $ 1561.00. Hastings remains in the VPSO jail.

Henry Reeves, age 62, of Pitkin, was arrested and charged with one count of Criminal Trespass. Bond was set at $ 1295.00. Reeves remains in the VPSO jail.

William Parvin Johnson, age 26, of Pitkin, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant. Bond has not been set and Johnson remains in the VPSO jail.

Demetra Dwan Hickman, age 49, of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Attempted Theft. Bond was set at $ 2500.00. Hickman remains in the VPSO jail.

June 9, 2026

Jarron Paul Purpera, age 33, of Hessmer, was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault and one count of Possession of a Firearm on Premises of Alcoholic Beverage Outlet. Bond was set at $ 15,000.00. Purpera remains in the VPSO jail.

ALL PERSONS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.

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Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft was among six law enforcement and legal professionals inducted into the Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame during the organization’s 21st annual ceremony held June 5 at the LSU Lod Cook Center in Baton Rouge.

The 2026 induction class included Liz Murrill, former U.S. Attorney Brandon J. Fremin, Sheriff Sam Craft of Vernon Parish, Bienville Parish Sheriff John E. Ballance, Ninth Judicial District Court Judge Loren Lampert and Farmerville Chief of Police and Town Marshal Ernest “Bim” Coulberston.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office congratulated all of the inductees and recognized Craft for his service and dedication to the citizens of Vernon Parish.

Officials praised Craft’s professionalism and commitment to law enforcement throughout his career as sheriff.

Pictured following the ceremony are Louisiana State Representatives Chuck Owen and Rodney Schamerhorn alongside Sheriff Sam Craft.

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By Chief Michael L. Kuk, PhD – Firehouse.com

In the 4^th edition of the NFPA’s “Fire Department Terminology” book, published in 1970, there is a definition posted on page 25 that should bring interest to many of us in the fire service.

That definition is noted as “Firemen’s Memorial Sunday”.  Further reading of the definition notes the wording: “The second Sunday in June on which memorial services are conducted for deceased fire fighters and their graves decorated.”

The history here is well established and goes back approximately 300 years on the North American continent.  Early America was built almost entirely of wood, as the wilderness produced a seemingly endless supply of timber.  The growth of large cities, with little regulation of the combustible construction, saw to the development of organized bodies of men and machines to deal with the constant threat of fire.

Volunteer, part-paid, and fully paid fire departments came about, and without question, stood against serious fires and the always present concern of a potential conflagration. Their early apparatus consisted of hand drawn pieces.  Hand-tubs and hose reels came first, followed by steam fire engines, horse drawn hose carriages, hook’n’ladder trucks, and chemical companies.  The great cities even sported water towers, searchlight companies, squads, and fire boats on their respective rosters. 

If one would review the early histories and journals of many fire departments of a young America back then, one would find mention of firefighters being killed in the line of duty.  Their deaths back then parallel what still claims the lives of today’s personnel.

There are also writings of active duty members who fell to other fire service related diseases and injuries.  Sometimes they lingered for months that turned into years before they passed on. Many of them were very devoted members of their fire companies, and were sorely missed from their rosters.  Close friendships abounded in these tightly woven fire departments.

Some larger departments secured and established a special section of a local cemetery just for firefighter internments.  In a number of cities, both large and small, special funds were raised for this cause.  These funds permitted the construction of a memorial statue and other permanent pieces of artwork to enhance the overall site of burial.

The second weekend of June became a good time to hold and conduct memorial services for each department’s missing members.  School was out for the summer, crops were planted, and the overall spirit of the firefighting community was lifted, as the early summer weather brought a renewal of life to everyone.

Firemen’s musters were also starting to get underway.  It was not uncommon for whole communities to come and watch the various events of their local firemen.  Hose and ladder drills, the fastest individual fire company turnout time, the best appearing fire apparatus, and the best-dressed uniformed fire company always drew a crowd of onlookers. 

Since there was a collection of fire service personnel already assembled, the idea came about to add a memorial service to the closing of this timeframe.  This became a solemn time to reflect and remember everyone’s teammates and friends.  Thus, it was ideal for these early smoke-eaters to designate the second Sunday of June as that honored time of ceremony and remembrance.

Our tradition, ritual, and customs of the American firefighting profession has deep roots and strongly includes our memorial services.  Today’s fire service membership is surrounded by improved technology that has greatly increased the efficiency of the profession.  Yet we still speak the basic language of what this all means to us.

We truly stand on the shoulders and graves of those who fought fire well before us in our time.

It is only fitting that we remember their sacrifice, courage, and devotion to duty.  

PICTURED: Standing in front of the Louisiana State Firefighter Memorial in Baton Rouge are Assistant Chief John Saucier, Chief Michael L. Kuk, Ph.D., and Captain Lindsey Saucier. John Saucier and his son Lindsey performed music during the annual memorial ceremony, with John serving as a guitarist and vocalist and Lindsey playing lead guitar. Kuk, a founding participant in the ceremony since 2005, serves as both a musician and protocol advisor, performing on keyboards and Zydeco accordion. The memorial is located on the grounds of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office on the east side of the Louisiana State Police complex.

Michael L. Kuk retired as fire chief for the Joint Readiness Training Center and U.S. Army Garrison at Fort Polk. In his more than 60 years of fire service experience, he also led volunteer, combination, industrial and federal fire departments, with 50 years of chief officer tenure. A U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, Kuk has been a published fire service author since 1972, including his book “An Army Firefighter in Vietnam 1970–1971,” which tells his military service story. He is a lifetime member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Kuk can be reached at combatfirefighter.com.    

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The Vernon Parish Police Jury has announced a temporary road closure on Cypress Church Road from Highway 3226 to Cypress Cemetery Road on Tuesday, June 16, weather permitting.

The closure is necessary to allow crews to replace culverts in the area.

Motorists will be detoured to Cypress Cemetery Road while work is underway.

Residents who live along Cypress Church Road are encouraged to make any necessary travel arrangements in advance of the closure.

The Vernon Parish Police Jury thanked residents and motorists for their cooperation and patience during the project.

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A new Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles office has opened at Fort Polk, providing a convenient location for eligible patrons to access a variety of OMV services.

The office began operations June 8 and is located in Building 250 on the second floor in Rooms 218 and 219. Services are available by appointment only on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 to 4 p.m.

The office is open to active-duty service members, military families, retirees and Department of Defense identification card holders.

Available services include driver’s license issuance, renewals and duplicate licenses; identification card issuance, renewals and duplicates; REAL ID services; commercial driver’s license renewals and duplicates; vehicle registration issuance and renewal; reinstatement of driving privileges, including DUI and DWI-related reinstatements; and installment payment arrangements for suspended or blocked licenses.

Appointments can be scheduled through Louisiana’s OMV online services portal.

Fort Polk officials said the new office is intended to provide easier access to motor vehicle services for the military community by reducing travel time and improving appointment availability.

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The Pilot Club of Leesville has completed a new StoryWalk project at Dogwood Park after receiving a matching grant from Pilot International.

The club was awarded a $385 matching grant through Pilot International for its project, “StoryWalk at Dogwood Park.” The Pilot Club of Leesville matched the grant amount to help fund the initiative, which is designed to promote brain development, literacy, physical activity and STEAM learning opportunities for children and families in the community.

Through the project, club members installed books and interactive activities in StoryWalk display boards located along the walking path at Dogwood Park.

Pilot International’s mission focuses on creating positive change in communities through friendship and service, with an emphasis on brain health, brain safety and support for caregivers.

Local club leaders said the grant provided an opportunity for members to enhance educational and recreational opportunities for residents while encouraging reading and outdoor activity.

The Pilot Club of Leesville is currently seeking new members interested in community service and volunteer opportunities. More information is available through the club’s Facebook page or by contacting club president Susan Swofford.

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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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If you have ever experienced a summer bass tournament, then you understand the downside of one of these events. IT’S HOT! As a kid, I loved summertime, but as an adult I probably dread this time of year more than any other.  

I’ve always said that I would rather fish on a 30-degree day than a 95-degree day. Why? Because I can put enough clothes on to stay warm in the winter, but I can’t take enough clothes off to cool down in the summer.

Early mornings are usually not as bad, as temperatures will range from 75 to 80 degrees. As the morning warms up, by 10 o’clock you’re starting into the hot zone of 88 to 90 degrees. Then around noon, you’re looking at 90 to 95 degrees and starting to fry like a Natchitoches Meat Pie!

Sweat is now running down your back and into places we won’t mention. It’s dripping off your nose every time you bend over to lip a fish or change a bait. You have now entered the “miserable zone” of summertime fishing.

The problem is there’s no shade to retreat to unless you’re lucky enough to find a bridge somewhere on the lake. But the problem with bridges is that’s where all the crappie fishermen are, as they too are retreating to shade.

But there are ways to help you stay cool, or should I say cooler, depending on how you dress. First, a good wide brim hat is a must to help keep the sun and its intense UV rays off your head and neck region. 

Pull on a long-sleeve hooded shirt with built in UV protection like the ones I wear produced by Columbia Sportwear. They offer a variety of great UV protection shirts. There’s one I wear that it is truly unique; it’s made from plastic water bottles and is called the Columbia Omni Shade.

This shirt is like wearing an air conditioner, especially when you crank the big engine and run across the lake. It has a way of cooling you down quickly and giving you muchneeded relief from the heat while protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Even when you’re not running across the lake, just a slight breeze will help to cool you down wearing these shirts.

I wear long lightweight pants from both HUK Apparel and Columbia that also have built-in UV protection. The key to staying cooler on those upper 90-degree days is keeping the direct sunlight off the skin.

Now most people can’t comprehend or even imagine wearing long sleeves or long pants on a hot summer day. I used to be one of those guys. But ever since my Melanoma diagnosis in 2023, I have come to realize that long sleeves and long pants not only help me to stay cooler but also protect me from the sun’s UV rays

While I still hate fishing a tournament on hot summer days, I have found ways to cope with those high temperatures from June through August.

 I’ve also found that I maintain a better concentration level throughout the day by wearing clothes to help keep me cool. Nothing is worse when fishing than being too cold, too wet or too hot, as it can make for a long miserable day. 

‘Til next time, good luck and good fishing!

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Cleco is launching its Watt Matters energy-saving campaign to help customers reduce their energy usage and lower their monthly bills during the hot summer months. 

“Each summer, Cleco shares programs, resources and practical tips to help customers reduce their energy usage,” said Tracy Daigrepont, director of customer experience at Cleco. “While customers can’t control the weather, they can control how they use energy, and during the summer months, every watt matters.”

The campaign focuses on three key areas. 

Manage It

Cleco’s Budget Billing program allows residential customers to pay approximately the same amount each month, making it easier to manage household budgets year-round.

Save It

Small changes, such as using a ceiling fan, turning off and unplugging unused appliances and switching to LED lights can help customers use energy more efficiently.

Know It

Cleco’s MyAccount platform and free mobile app allow customers to track current and projected energy use, helping them make informed decisions and manage usage. Customers can sign up for daily email and text alerts through their MyAccount profile. “Cleco also offers its Power Wise energy efficiency program,” said Daigrepont.

“The program provides energy-saving solutions to residential and business customers, including an on-site residential weatherization assessment at no out-of-pocket cost, appliance and device rebates, and an online store, Clecomarketplace.com, where residential customers receive instant rebates and manufacturer discounts on items like smart thermostats, advanced power strips, showerheads and more.” 

For more information on these programs, visit https://www.cleco.com/wattmatters

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What starts as one streaming service and a free trial can quickly become a monthly budget line item of its own. As subscription-based services continue to multiply, consumers everywhere are discovering that convenience often comes with a recurring charge attached.

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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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Whether you combine finances or keep things separate, one thing matters most—having honest, regular conversations about money before it becomes a problem.

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Long before the infamous Salem Witch Trials captured the public imagination, the first recorded execution for witchcraft in what would become the United States took place on June 10, 1648.

On that date, Margaret Jones of the Massachusetts Bay Colony was executed after being convicted of witchcraft. Historians consider the case one of the earliest documented witchcraft prosecutions in colonial America and a precursor to the more widely known Salem Witch Trials that occurred more than four decades later.

Jones, a midwife and healer, was accused of using witchcraft after some of her patients reportedly experienced unusual reactions to treatments she administered. Court records from the period cited testimony from neighbors and community members who claimed to have witnessed suspicious behavior or unexplained events connected to her.

The execution reflected a period in colonial history when fear of the supernatural, religious beliefs, and limited scientific understanding often influenced legal proceedings. Accusations of witchcraft were not uncommon in Europe and the American colonies during the 17th century, and many individuals faced trials based on circumstantial evidence, rumors, and superstition.

Historians note that the case of Margaret Jones serves as an example of how fear and misinformation can shape public opinion and government actions. Today, scholars continue to study colonial witchcraft cases to better understand the social and cultural forces that contributed to such prosecutions.

The anniversary also arrives at a time when public interest in true crime, historical mysteries, and folklore remains strong. Museums, historians, and educational institutions across the country continue to examine the legacy of witchcraft trials and the lessons they offer about justice, evidence, and public fear.

While the events of June 10, 1648, occurred nearly four centuries ago, they remain an important chapter in early American history and a reminder of the consequences that can arise when suspicion outweighs facts.

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