The following arrests were made by local law enforcement officers from May 11 through May 17.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Marksville Fire Department has announced the passing of Fire Chief Jerry Bordelon, prompting an outpouring of condolences from the local emergency services community and residents.
In a public statement, the department expressed its deep regret over the loss and asked the community to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Visitation has been scheduled for Monday, May 25, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Hixon Brothers Funeral Home in Marksville. Visitation will resume Tuesday morning prior to services, which are expected to conclude at approximately 9:45 a.m.
Officials said additional details will be shared as they become available.
The department noted that Chief Bordelon’s passing is a significant loss for the agency and the community he served.
Avoyelles Parish is heading into a prolonged period of unsettled weather, with repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected from Wednesday through at least Tuesday of next week.
The pattern begins Wednesday with partly sunny skies and increasing storm chances by the afternoon. Showers and thunderstorms are likely later in the day, with highs in the mid 80s and light southeast winds around 5 mph shifting southwest in the afternoon. Rain chances sit near 70 percent.
Wednesday night brings lingering storm activity early, followed by mostly cloudy skies and a continued chance of showers. Overnight lows will settle near 70 degrees with light and variable winds. Rain chances remain around 50 percent.
Conditions become more active Thursday as humidity increases and storm coverage expands. After a partly sunny start, showers and thunderstorms are likely by the afternoon, with highs in the mid 80s before temperatures fall closer to 80 later in the day. Rain chances climb to 90 percent.
Thursday night stays mostly cloudy with showers likely, especially during the evening, and a continued chance of rain overnight. Lows will hold in the lower 70s.
The most impactful weather is expected Friday through the weekend, when widespread showers and thunderstorms are likely each day. Friday stands out as the wettest period, with rain chances near 100 percent and highs in the lower 80s. Storms may continue into Friday night with only brief breaks in activity.
Saturday and Sunday will remain unsettled with additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Highs range from the lower to mid 80s, while overnight lows stay near 70. Rain chances remain high, generally between 70 and 80 percent, with Sunday once again trending toward near-continuous rainfall.
The wet pattern continues into Memorial Day and early next week. Scattered to likely showers and thunderstorms are expected each day, with highs in the lower to mid 80s and continued rain chances between 50 and 90 percent.
Overall, Avoyelles Parish will remain under a persistent storm system for several days, bringing frequent rain, occasional thunderstorms, and limited dry periods.
The Avoyelles Parish School Board is offering students a summer opportunity focused on building digital design and career-ready skills through Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator training at Marksville High School.
The program is open to current Avoyelles Parish students entering 10th, 11th, or 12th grade who do not already hold an advanced credential. Sessions will run June 2 through June 26 at Marksville High School, meeting Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
According to the school system, participating students will have the opportunity to earn Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator credentials, receive Carnegie credit, gain up to $800, and develop hands-on experience in graphic design and digital media.
School officials say the program is designed to help students build practical, workforce-aligned skills while still in high school, with an emphasis on creative industries and digital technology.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the school system to expand career and technical education opportunities for students across the parish.
The Town of Mansura is officially welcoming residents to enjoy its splash pad, which is now open for the summer season.
The recreational water feature will be available daily, Monday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing families with a free local option for summer activities and outdoor fun.
Town officials are encouraging residents to bring children out to enjoy the facility as temperatures rise, highlighting it as a seasonal attraction designed to offer a safe and accessible way to cool off during the summer months.
The splash pad is part of ongoing efforts to enhance recreational opportunities within the community and provide family-friendly amenities for residents throughout the parish.
The Avoyelles Arts Council has announced the recipients of two of its annual scholarship awards, recognizing local students for their academic achievement and dedication to the arts.
Arianna Gerace was selected as the recipient of the Norma Roy Scholarship, while Braylon Pierite was named the recipient of the Avoyelles Arts Council Scholarship.
In announcing the awards, the organization highlighted the students’ hard work, passion, and commitment, noting that both individuals stood out during the selection process.
Officials with the Avoyelles Arts Council said the scholarships are intended to support students as they continue their education and pursue future opportunities in their chosen fields.
The organization encouraged the community to join in congratulating the recipients on their accomplishments.
Louisiana has emerged as a national leader in academic recovery, becoming the only state in the country to surpass its 2019 pre-pandemic reading benchmarks. According to the latest Education Scorecard, a collaborative report from Harvard, Stanford, and Dartmouth, Louisiana also ranks 3rd in the nation for academic growth in math.
The report, which combines state test results from 35 million students nationwide with national assessment data, provides a high-resolution look at the state’s educational landscape between 2022 and 2025.
Reading Leadership: Louisiana is the only state in the nation where students are performing above pre-pandemic levels in reading (+.29 grade equivalents over 2019).
Math Growth: Louisiana is one of only two states performing above 2019 math levels, ranking 3rd out of 38 states in growth.
Economic Impact: Gains in high-poverty districts were largely driven by federal pandemic relief (ESSER) funds, which provided roughly $6,000 per student.
Challenges Ahead: Chronic absenteeism remains a significant hurdle, rising from 18.8% in 2022 to 22% in 2025.
Based on the technical report from the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford and Harvard universities, here is a summary of academic performance and trends for Avoyelles Parish:
Overall Academic Performance (2022–2025)
Student Subgroup Trends
Chronic Absenteeism
Recovery Context
While the “learning recession” of the last decade has been severe, the recovery has officially begun in Louisiana. Harvard Professor Tom Kane, faculty director of the Center for Education Policy Research, noted that while a small group of state leaders have started “digging out” by changing how students learn to read, the work must continue.
With federal relief funds expiring, the report suggests Louisiana focus future school improvement dollars on middle- and higher-poverty districts that still trail their pre-pandemic levels.
Northwestern State University awarded 890 degrees to 860 graduates during Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies May 13-14. Spring graduates listed by hometown (In Our Journal Services Coverage Areas) are as follows.
Alexandria – Kellie Crain, Breanna Kirts, Abigail Lachney, Magen Pierite, Associate of Science in Nursing; Guymeka Bowers, Luke Compton, Maggie Creamer, Kailyn Price, Associate of General Studies; Mia Speed, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Seddricka Furlow-Hawthorne, Bachelor of General Studies; Joseph Cain, Maggie Creamer, Bianca Dixon, Leila Ford, Dexteria King, Joseph Jordan, Benjamin Joseph, Shelby Palmer, Kailyn Price, Sydney Smith, Reshida Tate, Bachelor of Science; Colton Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Christopher Doney, Mary Doney, Janice Williams Master of Arts; Cassandra Armstrong, Sarita Kathayat Ghimire, Ciji West Master of Science in Nursing
Anacoco – Caslyn Farquhar. Amanda Shores, Associate of Science in Nursing; Madison Blackburn, Haylee Gilbert, Kyle Hillman, Sylvia Ross, Associate of General Studies; Karlea Welch, Bachelor of Science; Emily Montes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Arcadia – Anayah Allen, Associate of General Studies
Ball – Andrea Laudun, Master of Science in Nursing
Barksdale, AFB – Brandon West, Bachelor of Science
Benton – Diana Mccabe, Associate Degree; Kendall Nattin, Associate of General Studies; Juliana Miller, Bachelor of Arts; Katharyn Evans, Sierra Khaled, Amber Long, Diana Mccabe, Bachelor of Science; Stephanie Adair, Angela Cameron, Master of Science in Nursing
Blanchard – Kimberly Clemmons, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bossier City – Jada Dudley, Jordan Pennington, Olivia Spruell, Tashia Zeigler, Associate of Science in Nursing; Trinity Browder, Associate of General Studies; Kalyah Rushing, Associate of Science; Cody Davenport, John Gray, Kierra Nelson, Bachelor of Arts; Richard Salzer, Bachelor of Music; Solon Burris, Allie Denton, Devin Ennis, Layla Havis, John-Michael Head, Haley Henderson, Bryant Holmes, Cing Kim, Ariana Lee, John Lewis, Kalyssa Mall, Madysen Morgan, Reva Ott, Abigail Petermann, Karla Sanchez Hernandez, Paige Smith, Toni Sullivan, Bowen Vardeman, Jessica Watters, Bachelor of Science; Baylin Berry, Melaney Berry, Hollie Gohl, Jennifer Marr, Imani Mosley, Patrise Polley, Melanie Robinson, Katerina Rooker, Ashley Woodfin, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Laura Jorgensen, Master of Arts; Jennifer Drygas, Master of Education; Lauren Ashcraft, Beau Bevan, Madison Brown, Master of Science
Willie Herrington, Madison Kach,Travis Kach, Sha’Darius Plummer, Master of Science in Nursing
Boyce – Kortney Carlock, Scott Davis, Averie Rachal Associate of General Studies; Victoria Fatula, Lauren Holt, Olivia Melroy, Bachelor of Science
Bunkie – Tiona Jenkins, Bachelor of Science; Megan Pickett, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Jill Tassin, Master of Education
Campti – Julia Clark, Tralyn Lofton, Associate of General Studies; Syreetta Evans, Faith Matthews, Bachelor of Science
Castor – Kaylyn Long, Bachelor of Science
Center Point – Curtis Bertrand, Associate of General Studies
Cheneyville – Tara Perkins, Master of Education
Choudrant – Holly Ford, Master of Science in Nursing
Cloutierville – Aleeya Jefferson, Bachelor of Social Work; Tonya Masson, Master of Science
Colfax – Jaclyn Edwards, Galen Loyd, Bachelor of General Studies; Ananda Flanagan, Bachelor of Science; Dyana Edwards, Master of Education
Converse – Justin Rushing, Bachelor of Arts; Emiley Pratt. Master of Science in Nursing
Cottonport – Bryce Juneau, Bryce Juneau, Bachelor of Science
Coushatta – Brett Danzy, Bachelor of Arts; Latoya Gray, Bachelor of General Studies; William Almond, Bachelor of Science
Deville – Olivia Downs, Associate of General Studies; Peyton Fuller, Bachelor of Science; Aimee Butler, Master of Science in Nursing
Dodson – Caroline Boyett, Bachelor of Science
Doyline – Amaris Buitrago, Bachelor of Science
Dry Prong – Patience Martinez, Associate of Science in Nursing; Cameron Remrey, Bachelor of Arts; Kallie Evers, Bachelor of Science; Hannah Peppers, Master of Arts
Dubberly – Jayde Burks, Bachelor of Arts
Elmer – Alex Alston, Bachelor of General Studies
Eunice – Chelsea Guillory, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Florien – Shaelon Miller, Eric Rutherford Associate of Science in Nursing; Tia Holmes, Abigail Thomas, Bachelor of Arts; Cesaleigh Hall, Bachelor of Science
Forest Hill – Baronica Gunter, Bachelor of General Studies
Fort Polk – Tamara Brekke, Lauren Eubanks, Lindsey Moser, Michiya Shoels, Associate of Science in Nursing; Katherine Clay, Madelynn Flint, Aidyn Gagnos, Kiana Mas’sa, Charlie Owens, Elizabeth Wyatt, Associate of General Studies; Danika Dingus, Bachelor of General Studies; Kyle Reyes, Bryanna Stebane, Bachelor of Science; Amanda Sinders-Lewis, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Glenmora – Jaliyah George, Associate of General Studies; Katie Dupre, Bachelor of Social Work; Jolie Chevalier, Master of Science in Nursing
Goldonna – Hillary Burke, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Michael Johnson, Master of Science in Nursing
Grand Cane – Sandra Kimble, Master of Science in Nursing
Greenwood – Jacob Sullivan, Bachelor of Science
Hall Summit – Seth Wimberly, Master of Science
Haughton – Kaylan Washington, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lawson Turner, Bachelor of Arts; Taylor Eggleton, Paige Pruett Bachelor of Science; Hannah Pourteau, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Anna Vaughn, Master of Arts; Gracie Simonton, Master of Education; Brandice Bowers, Jordan Logan, Danielle Potter, Master of Science in Nursing; Victoria Lodrini Post, Baccalaureate Certificate
Haynesville – Brylee Foster, Camren Marsh, Associate of General Studies
Hineston – Jamie Kile, Aiden Lewis, Kennadie Thacker, Zoey Wilson, Associate of General Studies; Maria Juarez-Rubio, Bachelor of Arts; Rebecca Dousay, Tinley Steedman, Natalie Taylor Bachelor of Science
Hornbeck – Logan Lawrence, Bachelor of Science
Ida – Britney Mitchell, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Jena – Taylor Brown, Jacobie Wilson, Associate of Science in Nursing; Brittany Crooks, Ella Jensen, Alyson Overstreet, Bachelor of Science; Rosalyn Hall, Educational Specialist; Chelsea Morris, Master of Science in Nursing
Jonesboro – Georgia Robinson, Bachelor of General Studies; Amber Melton, Bachelor of Social Work
Keithville – Dorissa Pennywell, Associate of Science in Nursing; Walker Holland, Gabriele Williams, Bachelor of Science; Kaci Green, Bachelor of Social Work
Lecompte – Mason Doughty, Associate of General Studies; Shuntavica Busch, Associate of Science in Nursing; Amanda Hobart, Master of Education
Leesville – Brittany Counts, Mustachia Everett, Morgan Owens, Associate of Science in Nursing; Avery Bealer, Luke Beaubouef, Ashton Chandler, Addison Coffman, Gryphon Cooley, Seth Dukes, Crystal Gomez, Kane Hagan, Anthony Isley, Jayvan Jackson, J’layah Jones, Jennifer Kudla, Micah Merchant, Dakota Miller, Audrey Robbins, Kyler Slaughter, Natalie Somers, Sydnee Sturm, Jayde Wilbanks, Keagan Williams, Conner Wilt, Kylie Wolff, Associate of General Studies; Jaya Chenevert- Jones, Abigail Williams, Bachelor of Arts; Tessa Blackwell, Chelsea Bornowski, Jeffrey Keys Bachelor of General Studies; Michael Bell, Matthew Rieger, Maria-Theresa Ross, Bachelor of Science; Ellen Daily, Bachelor of Social Work; Kendall Collins, Elizabeth Rios, Master of Arts; Charles Myers, Laila Salas Master of Science
Lena – Lashae’ Lucas, Master of Science in Nursing
Mansfield – Tina Richardson, Associate of Science in Nursing, Christopher Addison, Paulette Rambin, Kemariya Thomas, Bachelor of Science
Many – Patrick O’Neal, Brianna Wade, Associate of General Studies; Kaylee Herr, Bachelor of Arts; Kristen Hammontree, Emma Peace, Kelsey Sepulvado, Bachelor of Science
Marksville – Koby Brevelle, Bachelor of Arts; Mia Rodriguez, Makenzie Scroggs, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Marthaville – Aaron Manasco, Associate of Science; Aaron Manasco, Amelia Strahan, Bachelor of Science
Minden — Makenlee McCall, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lacoya Hawkins, Bachelor of Science; Jenna Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Adrianna Maddox, Bachelor of Social Work; Mary Simms, Doctor of Education; Michel’le Coleman, Sharde Evans, Lawanda Jefferson, Master of Science in Nursing
Montgomery – Elizabeth LaCroix, K’lashia Nash, Associate of General Studies; John Tucker-Howell, Bachelor of Arts; Ethan Jones, Zackary Racine, Bachelor of Science
Moreauville – Mylesha Jones, Associate of Science in Nursing
Natchez – Victoria Hatten, Associate of Science in Nursing; Spencer Yellott, Associate of Science; Josiah Conant, Anastasia Nelson, Spencer Yellott, Bachelor of Science
Natchitoches — Austin Jordan, Associate of Science in Nursing; Kenyetta Jackson, Bachelor of Arts; Natasha McHenry, Associate of General Studies; Morgan Myers, Kanda Ryals, Cameron Taitano, Associate of Science in Nursing; Cheyenne Bertrand, Luis Cervantes, John Jett, Matthew Mayeux, Associate of General Studies; Norman Martinez Reyes, Dequallin Newton, Associate of Science; Albert Benner, Sophia Brossett, Brendan Campbell, Shanice Hutson, Maria Lopez Macias, Andrew Perrilloux, Christopher Richard, Mya Williams, Shakera Williaims, Bachelor of Arts; Caleb Burton, By Bui, Ashley Harkey, Ariyonna Sarpy, Tyler Sibley, Bachelor of Fine Arts; LaQuita Collins, Silet Gray, Miranda Harrison, Lolita Hukasian, Craig Sylvia, Teresa Tilley, Tavis Wilson, Bachelor of General Studies; Lennon Cooke, Ever Naun Galeas Antunez, Kevin Juarez Lopez, Norman Martinez Reyes, Fernanda Morales, Nohelia Ramos Vallencillo, Ronald Zaldaña Sánchez, Bachelor of Music; Eileen Ashley, Dominick Saldivar, Bachelor of Music Education; Karmyn Babineaux, Haleigh Bertrand, Abigail Bevill, James Burrell, Brendan Campbell, Benjamin Castro, Cameron Churchman, Jaylen Coleman, Aaliyah Creekmore, Angelisa Dobbins-Taylor, Aryel Durr, Phillip Evans, Sileena Farrell, Sofia Garcia, Brody Garlington, William Jordan, Mackenzie Kanehl, Kayden Larkins, Madison Martin, Norman Martinez Reyes, Kyleb Mcmahon, Cameron Possoit, Preston Rasco, Madison, Raymond, Heather Schrock, Taylor Shephert, Santiago Tobon Cardona, Mekenna Tryon, Emily Ware, Shakera Williams, Starla Williams, Madeline Williford, Ariel Wilson, Bachelor of Science; Lacy Byles, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Lane Alford, Logan Boline, Logan Bordelon, Kyle Perkins, Brendan Ritter, Laura Rogers, Master of Arts; Micheal Cox, Master of Education; Parrel Appolis, Walker Libbe, Victor Mata Zepeda, Kathryn Wilkinson, Master of Music; Kolby Burrell, Bryce Fink, Christopher Gistarb, Jalivia Johnson, Kirsten Knobloch, Taylor Maust, Andrew Perrilloux, Macy Vascocu, Master of Science; Bailey Gaspard, Anna Jordan, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
New Llano – Bhavi Patel, Associate of General Studies; Lexi Arellano, Bachelor of Science
Olla – Jensyn Walters, Associate of Science in Nursing
Otis – Waylon Crooks, Alayna Dauzart, Allie Marhsall, Associate of General Studies; Andrew Vincik, Bachelor of Arts
Pineville – Kenzie Basco, Hallie Below, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jayla Armstead, Josie Cleary, Kaylee Cotton, Olivia Edwards, Reese Favors, Hunter Kelone, Parker Maddox, Jaxson McCurtain, Amber Michot, Gabriel Michot, Kamri Powell, James Shepherd, Amie Tran, Dua Waqas, Ryan Woodruff, Associate of General Studies; Isabella Deville, Karly Stansell, Bachelor of Arts; Breanna Melancon, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Wendi Bray, Tayvon Fennix, Kenyetta Jordan, Kylee Mott, Sterling Player, Ashlyn Saucier, Kirstyn Smith, Katarina Transier-VanGossen, Bachelor of Science; Isabella Sisneroz, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Mikaylah Littleton, Master of Arts; Rhett Thiels, Master of Arts in Teaching; Jeri Thiels, Master of Education; Wendi Bray, Tyjianna Sherman , Master of Science; Hannah Mackey, Avery Ryan, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
Pitkin – Rickie Cook, Charlene Graham, Associate of General Studies; Logan Cheever, Connor Goleman, Alexis Thetford, Caitlin Thetford, Bachelor of Science
Plain Dealing – Hayden Baldwin, Bachelor of Science
Plaucheville – Alise Clausen, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Pleasant Hill – Alexander Stewart, Associate of General Studies; Micah Armstrong, Skylie Harris, Bachelor of Science
Pollock – Kaitlyn Abrams, Associate of Science in Nursing; Abigail Marcul, Bachelor of Arts; Lien McGehee, Emily McGehee, Andrew Morrison, Bachelor of Science; Josie Fowler, Bachelor of Social Work, Jennifer Peckmore, Doctor of Education; Jaclyn Lambright, Master of Arts in Teaching; Brittany Atwell, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
Princeton – Constance Underwood, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Raynell Sheild, Master of Science in Nursing
Provencal – Kassidy Dowden, Associate of General Studies
Quitman – Kaitlyn Williams, Bachelor of Science
Ringgold – Autumn Smart, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Robeline – Jaykob Harrison, Associate of General Studies; Kristin Bull, Bachelor of Arts; Brycen Jones, Associate of Science; Christopher Paligo, Isabella Young, Bachelor of Arts; Andrew Austin, Kandis Kay, Tucker Vascocu, Bachelor of Science
Ruston – Mae Holyoak, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lorelei Freling, Bachelor of Science; Joseph Craighead, Master of Arts
Sarepta – Katie Ingle, Master of Science in Nursing
Shreveport – Brianna Bradford, Justin Burge, Elaine Ezell, Jakiya Hollins, Jacinta Jemeli, Kacee Poole, Candra Robinson, Associate of Science in Nursing; Sheena Rose, Associate of General Studies; Samuel McCray, Christiyon Moore Douglas, Rashunda Morrison, Bachelor of Arts; Demarcus Reid, Bachelor of Science; Stone Smith, Bachelor of Arts; Anna Kent, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Averi Garner, Troy Hayes, Christian Holmes, Sheena Rose, Eric Appleton, Sawyer Benson, Taja Bolds, Anyah Cowan, Quianna Daniel, Jaydon Evan, Olivia Horrell, Olivia Horrell, Donald Johnston, Ashlyn McClain, Alex Melvin, Mi’Chael Miles, Kristie Miller, Jabari Muhammad, Katherine Randolph, Zariah Ray, Virginia Santiago, Halie Stevenson, Haley Streeter, Lorien Thomas, Kaleb Tucker, William Wilson, Bavhelor of Science; Ali Gill, Khadijah Lockett, Spayne Moore, Baylee Parnell, Allie Pitre, Betty Reeves, Kenyaya Russell, Stephanie Williams, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Shayla Campbell, Shelbey DeLouche, Emily Frataccia, Kenberly Jones, Amanda Spraggins, Ava Ward, Bachelor of Social Work; Elisabeth Cason, Roishene Johnson, Doctor of Education; Steven Turner, Master of Education; Lillie Christaw, Naydu Daza Maya, Dana Wainwright, Master of Science; Matthew Anderson, Charmon Bates, Tonconia Blow, Carla Drain, Kari Harris, Sheryl Jeter, Olivia Lanclos, Alexis Leslie, Camille Mayfield, Tiffany Mills, Justin Morehead, Tiffany Murray, Dione Ngwen, Susan Pesnell, Adam Rinaudo, Breah Seazer, Master of Science in Nursing; Jessica Plunkett, Post Baccalaureate Certificate; Amie Wilson, Post Master’s Certificate
Sikes – Kaylee Parker, Associate of Science in Nursing, Brandi Tolbert, Bachelor of General Studies
Stonewall – Alexandria Cole, Associate Degree; Lauren Becton, Alexandria Cole, Bachelor of Science; Sonya Edelen, Past Master’s Certificate
Trout – Callie McDowell, Bachelor of Science
Vivian – Bridget Duncan, Bachelor of General Studies; Brandon Garner, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Gavin Kendrick, Gavin Kendrick, Tonya Sedrick, Post Baccalaureate Certificate
Winnfield – MaKayla Shelton, Selena Villalobos, Associate of General Studies; Ella Price, Bachelor of Arts; Tolbert Triplett, Bachelor of General Studies; Ashlyn Beaubouef, John Spikes, Landon Thompson, Bachelor of Science
Woodworth – Caroline Blanchcard, Bachelor of Science; Valerie Devillier, Master of Science in Nursing
Zwolle — Ahyuana Harris, Associate of General Studies; Cynthia Johnson, Kamaryn Rivers, Bachelor of General Studies; Nahliyah Boykins, Erin Escott, Gracie, Bachelor of Science, Malachya Lilly, Bachelor of Social Work
No one has more secrets than bass fishermen, especially tournament bass fishermen! If you’re an angler fishing for bass, crappie or anything else, there are certain things you never reveal. For bass tournament anglers, it’s considered a cardinal sin to reveal how and where you’re catching bass. Since the beginning of competitive bass fishing, anglers have always been very secretive about what they know.
So why are anglers sworn to such secrecy and not telling others about what they do and how they do it? Well one reason would be, it’s about finding fish and making sure other anglers don’t figure out where their secret locations are.
For tournament bass fishermen, the practice of being hush-hush has gone on forever. The problem is some anglers can’t find their own fish and will resort to whatever means necessary to poach another angler’s location.
One thing that separates a great angler from an average one is the ability to find bass. Guys that develop this skill have a major advantage over those that can’t. Some anglers who are desperate will pay other anglers or fishing guides for waypoints and locations that hold bass.
Some anglers are very tight-lipped about where and how they are catching fish. Forever, anglers have exercised their right to remain silent about information that someone can use against them in a tournament.
So why are anglers so compelled to withhold this valuable information or sometimes try and mislead other anglers they are competing against with false information?
First, it’s the money and prizes anglers are fishing for today. Some tournaments offer cash payouts while others offer both cash and prizes like a new bass boat! Isn’t it funny how when there’s money involved, morals and ethics go out the window.
Several circuits have high payouts with the winner taking home $100,000 or more for a win. Also, if it’s a high-level tournament trail, it’s not just about the money, but it’s the points they can earn that allows them to qualify for a championship at the end of the season.
Pretty much every circuit has a points system that will reward anglers who finish in the circuit’s top 20 or 30 percent at the end of the regular season, with an opportunity to fish for a championship which has an even greater payout.
One thing that has been practiced forever on all tournament trails is the bond between small groups of anglers who, in most cases, room together on the road. These are guys that trust each other and feel confident that no matter what information they share, they know it won’t leave the group.
With this being said, there are a few exceptions on who an angler will tell where and how he is catching bass. The thing about tournament bass fishing is that it creates a comradery among a select few anglers who TRUST one another.
They trust the fact that while they might give away locations and how they are catching bass among each other, they know no one in their group will encroach on the location they have been told about during the tournament. But they will take this information and try to find a spot similar and catch their own fish.
This secrecy among anglers is what makes the sport of tournament bass fishing so unique, along with the comradery that is seen in only a few select sports.
But this trust or bond can be a problem if just one angler decides to go outside the group and share information they promised not to tell. It’s like a marriage, once the trust is broken, the relationship is over! Bass tournament anglers are no different!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
Fifty years ago, a much younger, much more nervous version of me stepped into a pulpit for the very first time. My sermon was too long, my theology was too thin, and my confidence was too high for someone who had no idea what he was doing. In other words, I fit right in with every preacher who ever lived.
Half a century later, I stand amazed — not only that God has been faithful, but that congregations have been too. Some of them even stayed awake. If you want to understand humanity, don’t study psychology. Don’t read philosophy. Just preach weekly for fifty years and watch what happens in the pews.
I’ve seen:
People sleeping so soundly during my sermons that I considered checking for a pulse. One gentleman snored in perfect rhythm with the Doxology. I took it as a compliment. Parents losing control of toddlers who suddenly discovered their spiritual gift was interpretive dance in the center aisle. Teenagers communicating entirely by eyeroll, a language I now speak fluently. Peppermint unwrappers — the saints who believe they can open a candy “quietly,” which somehow takes seven minutes and sounds like a raccoon rummaging through aluminum siding. Folks, at this point in my ministry, I beg you: grip it and rip it. The Lord already knows.
After fifty years, I owe some congregations an apology. Not for theology, not for leadership decisions, not for pastoral missteps — though I’ve had my share of those — but for some truly lousy sermons. There were sermons that wandered. Sermons that limped. Sermons that should have been humanely euthanized. Sermons that were so confusing even I wasn’t sure what I meant.
To the churches who endured them: Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your grace. And thank you for not forming a search committee.
Through it all — the laughter, the tears, the baptisms, the funerals, the potlucks, the revivals, the meetings that should’ve been emails — I have been surrounded by people who loved Jesus and tried their best to love one another.
I’ve watched congregations rally around the grieving, celebrate the newly married, welcome the newborn, and feed the hungry. I’ve seen the church at its most beautiful: ordinary people doing extraordinary things because Christ lives in them.
Fifty years of ministry has taught me this: Following Jesus is less about perfection and more about direction. Less about knowing all the answers and more about trusting the One who does. Less about preaching great sermons and more about living a faithful life.
I’ve stumbled, learned, grown, laughed, cried, and kept walking — because Jesus kept leading. And somehow, by grace alone, I’ve made it to this milestone. If the next years bring more sleeping saints, more peppermint concerts, more toddlers on the loose, and more holy moments of grace — I’ll count myself blessed.
Thank you for letting me preach, love, learn, and laugh among you. Thank you for fifty years of community. Thank you for walking with me as I’ve tried to walk with Christ. And if you happen to fall asleep during this article, I’ll take that as a sign of spiritual peace.