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The road that brought Kenechi (Ken) Anuligo to Trinity Community Health Centers in north Louisiana was not a direct route but it seems that their Medical Director has made a perfect landing here, relating tales to the Journal of “growing up like Huckleberry Finn” in small town Michigan where summers were spent outdoors with a slingshot, chasing cows and playing in the tall grass.

He is guided by the principle of treating every patient with the same respect and attention he would give to himself. His career in family medicine since finishing at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) in 1999 has allowed him to work in numerous areas, including under Federally Qualified Health Center programs. “The model fits my mindset. These are often small, rural, underserved areas. They may be on Medicare, Medicaid or have no insurance at all.”

Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, Dr. Anuligo was a toddler when they moved to the USA then 15 when he moved back to Nigeria for schooling. He ended up in Los Angeles for university at USC. His travels and acquired experience weren’t over. He did some medical school training in Ireland and finished his internship and residency in Wisconsin in 2011.

Through those years, he has worked with family medicine with his own clinic, worked with jails in Wisconsin, with private practices in several states, with villages in Florida and as medical director of a state prison in Florida.

“Why Trinity?” he was asked. “I decided to look for a directorship outside of Corrections. I heard about this opportunity and like the mission of CEO Deano Thornton. I like people and can bring my FQHC experience to this post. Here, my role is to oversee the medical care of all patients served by the Trinity group. I work with all the providers within Trinity but I continue to see family medicine patients myself.”

Dr. Anuligo describes his style by saying, “I imagine that the patient is me. I want to find what is the most effective and least expensive treatment and medications for each individual. I like the small town atmosphere where you can walk down the street and actually see some of the people you help.”

He is married with four children and makes his home in Alexandria. The tall (6’6) physician is often asked if he played basketball during his school years, only to hear, “No. My mom made me practice piano one hour a day every day.” But that paid off, for today he’s a church pianist and organist. He does enjoy other outdoor activities of jogging, swimming, cycling, roller skating and (in the colder climates) downhill skiing and ice skating.

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A Dry Prong man was arrested after an alleged road rage incident that began on U.S. 167 southbound near Tioga on Sept. 12, 2025, around 6 p.m., according to the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said a motorist reported another driver was acting aggressively and fired a handgun while driving. The victim left the area, stopped in a safe location and called law enforcement. Patrol deputies took the initial report, and detectives at the Tioga substation opened an investigation.

Detectives identified the suspect as Thomas Manuel Lopez, 37, of Dry Prong, and obtained a warrant for two counts of assault by drive-by shooting and illegal use of a weapon. Because Lopez lives in Grant Parish, Rapides detectives worked with the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Dry Prong Police Department. On Sept. 16, Lopez was found and taken into custody without incident, booked into the Grant Parish Jail, then extradited to the Rapides Parish Detention Center. He was later released on a $15,000 bond.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Dry Prong Police Department for their assistance.

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Grant FFA hosted its annual Forestry Invitational at Stuart Lake, drawing 37 teams from across Louisiana and Arkansas.

The Forestry Career Development Event tests students in diagnosing forest disorders, managing forests and forest inventory, and applying approved silviculture practices. Organizers said the contest gives participants experience connected to careers in forestry and natural resources.

Louisiana Tech University staff attended to share information about the university’s forestry program.

Sponsors included Roy O Martin, Hunt Plywood and Boise Cascade. Organizers expressed appreciation for the support that helps students explore potential career paths.

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Verda Elementary 4-H members spent this week preparing for National 4H Week with a lesson on sharing positive words and a campus-wide kindness activity.

Students painted green and white rocks marked “4H,” then wrote a positive word or phrase on index cards. Each rock and card were bagged together for members to hide around campus for others to find during National 4H Week.

Thanks to Lauren and Erica for joining Mrs. Kassie to help lead the project.

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New Prospect Baptist Church will host its 3rd annual Taste of Louisiana Cook-Off and Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church’s community park, 111 Prospect Road.

The family-friendly event will begin with a 10 a.m. prayer walk along the park trail, followed by a lineup of activities including free food, live music, trunk-or-treat stations, games and face painting.

Guests can support participants in the cook-off by donating to the People’s Choice station, with all proceeds benefiting Reaching Forward Ministries and the Grant Parish Detention Center’s Chapel and inmate ministry program.

Organizers invite community members to register for free as part of the cook-off crew or to host a trunk-or-treat station. Registration is available online at https://forms.gle/HH1me6V2P9CjBegSA.

For more information, call 318-640-9712.

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Local junior high students will have the chance to dress up and dance the night away at the Jr. High Dance, set for Saturday, Oct. 25, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Colfax Civic Center.

Tickets are $20, with photos available for $10. Photographer Virginia O’Neal will handle pictures, which will be shared through an online album.

The event will also feature a Mum Contest, with the winner crowned queen. A king will be chosen by vote. Wristbands will be required for entry, with sale details to be announced at a later date.

Students are expected to follow a formal dress code. Jeans with holes, leggings, shorts, hoodies, T-shirts and sagging pants are not allowed. Anyone not adhering to the dress requirements will not be admitted.

Organizers stressed that no alcohol, vaping, fighting, horseplay, public displays of affection or inappropriate behavior will be tolerated. Rules also limit bathroom access to one student at a time.

Chaperones will be present, though parents are not allowed inside unless granted prior permission. Once inside, students may not leave until their names are called during pickup. Parents are asked to be patient with the line to ensure safety as students are released.

For more information, contact Aimee White at 318-321-8285.

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The Town of Pollock will host its annual Spooktacular Halloween celebration Friday, Oct. 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

Local businesses, organizations and volunteers are invited to take part by handing out candy and treats. Spots are free, and those interested can sign up by calling Stacey at 318-765-3796 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by emailing utilityclerk@townofpollockla.com.

The event is open to the community and designed to provide a safe and festive Halloween night for families.

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Choosing a college can feel overwhelming for students and families. With so many questions about programs, admissions, campus life, and cost, the search often begins online. But if a university website feels dated or confusing, that first impression can create more stress than clarity.

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches has recognized this challenge and responded with a bold solution: a redesigned website that puts students and families first.

Unveiled this month, the new nsula.edu is built to guide prospective students, parents, and the community through a clear, engaging digital experience.

“Our enhanced site is dynamic, mobile-friendly, and designed with users in mind,” said Cole Gentry, Chief Marketing Officer. “Whether you’re a high school student exploring majors, a parent reviewing financial aid, or a faculty member sharing research, the website is your first step into NSU.”

The redesign highlights admissions, academic programs, and campus life while showing the long-term value of an NSU degree.

“The website is more than just a facelift,” Gentry explained. “It’s a living, adaptable platform that will continue to grow alongside our students, faculty, alumni, and the broader Natchitoches community.”

Features include:

• Simple admissions navigation
• Interactive views of academic offerings
• Mobile-first design for families on the go
• Accessibility to ensure every visitor has a seamless experience

For President James T. Genovese, the project signals NSU’s forward momentum.

“This new digital front door reflects who we are today and the bright future we’re building,” Genovese said. “It shows students across Louisiana and beyond that NSU is a place where they can belong, grow, and succeed.”

While prospective students are the primary audience, the refreshed website also serves alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and the local community. From campus events to academic updates, nsula.edu is designed to be a central hub for all who are part of the NSU family.

“Our goal is for everyone who visits the site to feel connected,” said Gentry. “For prospective students especially, we want them to see themselves at NSU from the very first click.”

As students and families look ahead to the next chapter of education, a strong first step can make all the difference. Northwestern State University’s new website is designed to open doors, answer questions, and showcase the opportunities waiting in Natchitoches.

Discover the redesigned experience today at www.nsula.edu.

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On September 24, 1908, history shifted gears when the first factory-built Ford Model T rolled off the assembly line. It wasn’t just a new automobile—it was the beginning of mass mobility for millions, setting in motion transformations in work, culture, cities, and even leisure. 

Henry Ford had spent years tinkering with designs, experimentation, and small-scale production. But by 1908 he refined the process enough to introduce a car that was affordable, simple, and rugged. The Model T would soon be dubbed the “Tin Lizzie,” acknowledging its utilitarian charm more than anything to do with luxury.

What made the 1908 date especially noteworthy was that this was the first time factory-built Model Ts were produced—not custom or semi-custom units, but vehicles coming straight off (or down) the assembly line, with parts standardized, labor specialized, and production going into full swing.

What makes the Model T’s debut weird in retrospect is how foreign the idea seems now: a car built not for the ultra-wealthy, but for average people. It flew in the face of automotive thought at the time, where cars were often custom-built, expensive, and labor-intensive. The Model T forced a rethinking of what cars could be.

Additionally, the manufacturing methods used began to reshape entire economies: assembly lines, standardized parts, and cost-cutting without sacrificing reliability (though with plenty of compromises by later standards). Ford’s innovations laid groundwork not just for the auto industry, but for industrial production in many sectors.

By making cars accessible, Ford changed how people lived: where they could work, how far they could travel, what jobs were possible, and how communities were structured. Roads, gas stations, suburbs, road trips—all owe something to that moment when the Model T became a real possibility for millions.

Culturally, too, the Model T became a symbol: of progress, but also of questions about the trade-offs of mass production—environmental, social, and economic. Critics at the time and since have noted both the benefits (mobility, jobs, growth) and the costs (pollution, urban sprawl, car dependency).

The debut of the Model T wasn’t just about a car—it was a turning point in how societies move, work, and think about technology as a tool for everyday life. On this day, over a century ago, something ordinary and revolutionary began rolling off a factory line in Michigan that would change the world for anyone with a roadside.

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There are no recent deaths to report for this edition, please check back 10-1-25. Thank you.

Grant Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com)

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Pollock Elementary fourth grader Thea Sapp has earned national recognition for her poetry.

Sapp, a student in Grant Parish’s Gifted and Talented program, entered the Appelley Student Poetry Contest last school year. Her poem was selected for publication in the 2025 Appelley Rising Stars Collection, a national anthology highlighting exceptional student poetry from across the country.

She brought her copy of the book to school last Friday, where teachers and staff celebrated her accomplishment.

Sapp is known for her creativity and passion for writing, and school officials said they are confident she will continue to achieve great things in the years ahead.

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An investigation by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer.

Katie McLaughlin, 40 years old, of Colfax, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Tamazepam, Illegal Carrying of a Weapon with Drugs, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

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On September 14, 2025, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a fatal crash on U.S. Highway 165 north of Louisiana Highway 524. This crash claimed the life of 54-year-old Derrick L. Mason of Woodworth. 

The initial investigation revealed that a 2020 Freightliner, driven by Mason, was traveling south on U.S. Highway 165.  For reasons still under investigation, Mason lost control of the vehicle, which caused it to leave the roadway and impact several trees before overturning. 

Mason, who was not restrained, sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. 
While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state.  Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving.  A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.

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Grant Parish Schools is welcoming Mrs. Jayme Lee as the district’s new educational diagnostician.

Lee brings 14 years of experience in education and a strong commitment to helping students succeed into her new role. Most recently at Pollock Elementary, she now joins the district team to work with teachers, families and students to ensure every child has the tools they need to thrive.

A Georgetown native, Lee is married to a fellow educator, and together they have four children, ages 16–20. She said one of her greatest joys in education has been sharing the same schedule as her family while also making a positive impact on children, youth and families she meets along the way.

This school year, Lee said she is eager to grow in her new role, learning more about the laws and criteria used by diagnosticians and how to best serve as part of a decision-making team.

District officials said they are thankful to have Lee step into this position and encouraged the community to help welcome her into her new role.

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Investigations by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of several people for drug arrests.

Joseph Ducote, Jr., 30 years old, of Jonesville, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Resisting an Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Damage to Property.

Jessica Crooks, 36 years old, of Bentley, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine and an outstanding warrant.

Stuart Shovan, 55 years old, of Dry Prong, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Contempt of Court.

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A Memphis, Tennessee woman was arrested by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office for attempting to smuggle drugs into the Federal Prison.

Lametria Burchett, 32 years old, of Memphis, Tennessee, was arrested for Possession of Suboxone with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution.

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The first fishing tournament of the year on the Red River drew a strong turnout and an exciting day of competition.

Results:

First place: C. Nation and C. Constance, nine pounds sixteen ounces

Second place: C. Smith, six pounds seventy-nine ounces

Third place: E. Watkins and W. Atwell, six pounds seventy-seven ounces

Big bass: C. Nation and C. Constance, three pounds nine ounces

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