Journal Services Staff

Thanksgiving has always been more than a holiday. It is a pause button placed firmly near the end of the year—a reminder that despite the speed, noise, and pressure of modern life, there are some things too important to neglect. Chief among them is family.

In a world that constantly pushes us toward the next deadline, the next notification, the next obligation, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down long enough to truly see the people in front of us. It reminds us that our connections with one another are not distractions from life—they are life. The table we gather around, the conversations we share, and the traditions we pass from one generation to the next form the foundation of who we are and who we hope to be.

For many families, this year has not been easy. Economic uncertainty, rising costs, health challenges, and the lingering strain of national division have all taken their toll. Yet Thanksgiving teaches us that even in difficult seasons, gratitude can anchor us. It helps us focus not on what is missing, but on what remains: love, loyalty, shared memories, and the people who continue to stand by us even when the world feels unsteady.

Putting family first does not require grand gestures. It can be as simple as setting our phones aside for a few hours, listening without distraction, or offering a sincere thank-you to someone who quietly keeps everything running. It means showing up—with patience, with kindness, and with a willingness to forgive the small imperfections that every family carries. It means recognizing that time is precious, that moments are fleeting, and that the relationships around us deserve our best attention, not just our leftover energy.

This Thanksgiving, let us choose to be fully present. Let us remember that family is not defined solely by blood, but by commitment, compassion, and the people who walk beside us through every season. Let us honor the elders who shaped us, encourage the children who are watching us, and embrace those who may be feeling the weight of the holidays more than they want to admit.

Above all, let us make the conscious choice to put family first—not just on Thanksgiving Day, but throughout the year ahead. Because long after the dishes are washed and the leftovers are gone, it is our bonds with one another that will sustain us, steady us, and shape the stories we pass down.

May this Thanksgiving bring warmth to your home, peace to your heart, and a renewed appreciation for the people who make your life meaningful.

---

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that three deputies have officially graduated from the police academy, marking an important milestone in their law enforcement careers.

Deputies Gabe Chelette, Frankie Meaux, and Mason Scroggs successfully completed their academy training and will now begin serving the parish in their expanded roles.

Deputy Gabe Chelette distinguished himself among his peers, earning the academy’s Academic Award for achieving the highest grade point average in his class — an honor the Sheriff’s Office says reflects his dedication and commitment to excellence.

---

 A joint investigation conducted by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Prisons resulted in the arrest of four men from the Acadiana region who are accused of attempting to smuggle contraband into the Federal Prison located in Grant Parish.

Authorities report that the operation led to the arrest of:

Joshua Gray, 31, of Lafayette — charged with Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution

Nathaniel Mouton, 36, of Lafayette — charged with Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution

Kameryn Robertson, 20, of Breaux Bridge — charged with Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution

Christian Fitzgerald, 42, of Lafayette — charged with Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution

Sheriff’s Office officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing and additional details may be released as the case progresses.

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office thanked federal partners for their cooperation and emphasized that smuggling attempts pose serious risks to the safety and security of correctional staff, inmates, and the public.

---

A Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Canadian man accused of attempting to lure what he believed to be a juvenile in Louisiana.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, 35-year-old Eddy Butler, of Canada, engaged in online conversations believing he was communicating with a young girl from Grant Parish. In reality, Butler was corresponding with a Grant Parish detective assigned to the case.

Investigators say Butler made plans to travel to Grant Parish to meet the minor. Before he could do so, the Ontario Provincial Police took Butler into custody. He has been charged with five counts of Child Luring under Canadian law.

The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the case highlights both the reach and potential dangers of online communication.

“This investigation shows just how powerful—and dangerous—the internet can be,” officials said.

“Someone in another country was attempting to groom and lure a child for sexual purposes in our own community.”

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities urge parents and guardians to stay vigilant about their children’s internet activity.

---

A joint investigation conducted by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons resulted in the arrest of two Texas men accused of attempting to smuggle drugs and cell phones into the federal prison facility in Grant Parish.

According to authorities, one of the suspects was in the United States illegally, while the other was identified as a member of Paisas, a Mexican national prison and street gang known to operate both inside and outside correctional facilities.

Jose Alberto Castillo, 24 of Donna, Texas, was arrested on multiple charges, including Criminal Street Gangs and Patterns of Criminal Gang Activity, Criminal Conspiracy, Littering, and Attempting to Take Contraband into a Penal Institution.

Juan Carlos-Salazar Aguilar, 24 of Edinburg, Texas, was arrested on charges of Criminal Conspiracy, Attempting to Take Contraband into a Penal Institution, and Littering.

Federal officials confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued an immigration detainer for Aguilar.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether additional individuals or criminal networks were involved in the attempted contraband operation.

---

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that three separate attempts to smuggle illegal drugs into the Federal Prison over the weekend resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of narcotics intended for distribution.

According to authorities, each incident involved individuals attempting to introduce contraband into the facility, triggering swift response and investigation by deputies.

Arrests Made:

Madison Olsen, 26, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, was arrested and charged with:
Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution

Brenda Bishop, 64, of Athens, Georgia, was arrested on multiple charges, including:
Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute
Possession of Schedule IV Controlled Dangerous Substances
Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution

Darrisha Chew, 30, of Pineville, was arrested for:
Possession of Marijuana
Taking Contraband into a Penal Institution

Deputies say the cases remain under investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming as evidence is reviewed.

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office emphasized that efforts to intercept contraband entering correctional facilities remain a top priority to ensure the safety of staff, inmates, and the community.

---

The Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee will conduct a legislative public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. The purpose of the hearing – commonly referred to as the annual DOTD Road Show – is to review the highway construction priorities for the fiscal year 2026-2027.

Location:

Pineville City Hall
Council Meeting Room
910 Main Street
Pineville, LA 71360

District 08 (Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, & Winn Parishes)

Each DOTD District will be hosting its own Road Show to allow legislators, other elected officials, DOTD representatives and the general public to discuss and obtain information about construction projects in the preliminary FY 2026-2027 Highway Priority Program and how those projects will affect each area of the state.

All those interested are invited to attend the Road Show and will be afforded an opportunity to express their views.

Oral testimony may be supplemented by presenting important facts and documentation in writing. Written statements and comments should be handed to the committee conducting the hearing, or mailed to the following address, postmarked within 45 calendar days following the hearing:

Joint Transportation, Highways, & Public Works Committee
C/O LA DOTD (Section 45)
P.O. Box 94245
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245

To read more information about planned construction projects for District 08 in the preliminary FY 26-27 Highway Priority Program, go online to bit.ly/4ohVkUj.

---

The Louisiana Department of Education has released its School and District Performance Scores for the 2024–2025 academic year, and Grant Parish Schools earned an overall “B” rating, reflecting continued academic progress across the district.

Districtwide Highlights

Grant Parish posted several top-tier results in key performance areas:

A ratings in Graduation Rate, Strength of Diploma, and Interests & Opportunities

Ranked #4 in Louisiana for literacy growth

Early Childhood programs rated High Proficient

Superintendent Stokes praised the district’s accomplishments, noting that despite a modest 2.6-point decrease in the overall performance score, the data show “focused, meaningful work” taking place across classrooms.

Elementary Literacy Gains

Several schools demonstrated dramatic improvement in early literacy benchmarks (DIBELS):

Georgetown: +25 points

Pollock: +27 points; earned a Growth Index A and named a Top Gains Honoree

South Grant: +22 points; also earned a Growth Index A and Top Gains Honoree distinction

Verda: +26 points

Middle & High School Growth

Older grade levels also posted steady gains:

Grant Jr. High: Increased LEAP proficiency overall, with a +7 average improvement in 6th and 7th grades

Grant High: +2 ACT index points; named an Opportunity Honoree

Montgomery High: +2.5 in School Performance Score and +6.7 ACT index point growth

District Leadership Responds

“We are proud of our schools and remain committed to continuous improvement,” Superintendent Stokes said. “While we acknowledge the slight decrease in our total performance score, the progress we see in literacy, graduation outcomes, and early childhood programs reflects focused, meaningful work.”

Stokes added that the district has implemented strong measures to ensure future academic growth. “Just wait — the best is yet to come.”

What’s Next for School Accountability

Beginning next year, Louisiana will transition to a new accountability model titled Grow. Achieve. Thrive. The updated system will include higher expectations and more transparent reporting. Any changes in school letter grades will reflect the revised statewide baseline rather than a decline in performance.
Grant Parish Schools says it is prepared to meet the new standards head-on as it continues its mission to strengthen academic achievement for all students.

---

Grant High School announced that it’s been selected as one of only 48 schools in the nation to receive a $5,000 grant from the Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, providing a major boost to its growing culinary arts program.

The announcement marks a significant step forward for the school’s newly established ProStart Program, which focuses on culinary arts and restaurant management. School officials said the funding will be used to purchase new equipment, update curriculum resources, and expand hands-on learning experiences for students.

“This grant is instrumental in building the foundation for our brand-new ProStart culinary arts program,” school leaders said, noting that the investment will help broaden opportunities for Grant High students interested in pursuing careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.

Administrators expressed gratitude for the national recognition and support, emphasizing that the program aims to prepare students with real-world skills and industry-level experience.

Grant High School encouraged the community to stay tuned as ProStart students begin putting the grant to work in the coming months.

---

A talented group of Verda Elementary School students brought home a major victory this season as members of the Winnfield Flag Football League (WFFL), competing as the Yellow Jackets.

The team—made up entirely of Verda Elementary students except for one player from Georgetown—finished the season with just a single loss, securing 1st place in the league’s 7–9 age division.

Coaches Kimber Call and Corey Young led the Yellow Jackets through a strong season of disciplined practice, teamwork, and determination.

Team members included: Conley Miller, Leigham Powell, Jackson Call, Brantlin Young, Raymond Cotten, Chance Sims, Barrett Sanders, Micah Outlaw, JP Davis, and Axel Berry.

---

With Thanksgiving approaching, Acadian Ambulance is reminding families to follow simple safety tips to avoid fires or injuries and enjoy time with loved ones.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, on Thanksgiving Day alone, an estimated 1,446 home cooking fires were reported to U.S fire departments in 2023, reflecting 388 percent of the daily average.

General Safety

Stay in the kitchen when cooking and check the food often.

Keep children at least three feet from the stove and hot foods/liquids.

Keep knives, matches, lighters, and appliance cords out of children’s reach.

Never leave children or pets alone with lit candles.

Keep floors clear and test smoke alarms.

Turkey Fryer Safety

Never leave the fryer unattended; keep children and pets away.

Wear eye protection and heat-resistant gloves.

Completely defrost and dry the turkey before frying.

Keep a grease-related fire extinguisher nearby.

Use the fryer outdoors, away from structures, trees, rain, or snow.

Set on a level surface and don’t move it once heated.

Keep the propane tank and burner separated.

Turn off the burner if oil smokes before lowering the turkey.

Let the oil cool overnight before disposing.

Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and a member of the American Ambulance Association, dedicated to safeguarding the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. Its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.

---

In the summer of 2021, a new neighbor moved into what had been a peaceful mobile home park in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, a suburb just north of Minneapolis. Until then, the residents of the mobile home park held regular barbecues and other outdoor gatherings when the cold Minnesota weather allowed. Their kids played outside and walked to and from the bus stop without the slightest hint of hesitation. The trailer park residents got along well with each other. That all changed when the new neighbor moved in.

The new neighbor was a bully who victimized the residents of the mobile home park. The bully chased them, taunted them, and sometimes attacked them. The residents were unable to relax even when they were inside their own homes because the bully peaked through their windows and made sounds that they said became terrifying to them. One day, 41-year-old Rachael Gross was carrying her groceries from her car to her home when the bully dropped down from her roof and knocked her to the ground. During the struggle that followed, the bully ripped her jacket before Rachael was able to escape into her house. Her groceries lay scattered on her front lawn. The bully even followed Rachael to the nearby nursing home where she worked and to her favorite local restaurant. Each time, Rachael rushed inside to safety. The bully always stopped just shy of following her in. During another attack, Rachael slung water from her water bottle onto the bully. The shock from the water gave her just enough time to get inside before the bully ran back toward her. After numerous attacks, Rachael and her neighbors began to carry sticks, brooms, golf clubs, and baseball bats anytime they went outside. Rachael and her neighbors called the authorities on several occasions, but the bully continued to terrorize the neighborhood. Because Rachael was most often the target of the bully, her neighbors began to suspect that she was somehow helping him despite her emphatic denials.

Rachael felt trapped. She said, “I’m pretty stressed out and pretty anxious all the time. I can’t even have peace. I’m so exhausted. I hope this gets a solution and somebody comes to help so I don’t have to deal with this anymore, and so that we can all have a peaceful summer with our kids and our grandkids and actually have a barbecue and just relax.” Summer turned into fall and there was no relief from the bully. Parents had to walk their kids to and from the bust stop armed with a variety of weapons. The kids used their backpacks as shields. The neighborhood cancelled all of their usual outside activities including trick-or-treating at Halloween. For two years, the residents of the trailer park lived in fear of the bully. In the fall of 2023, reports of the bullying ended. Rumors persist that someone in the mobile home park murdered the bully. Perhaps they were all involved in the murder conspiracy. Some of the rumors go as far as to say that there is no evidence to be found because the residents ate the bully during a Thanksgiving celebration. The new neighbor which plagued that mobile home park was a wild turkey. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Sources:

1. Kirsten Mitchell, “‘This turkey has literally taken over our life’: Wild turkey terrorizing neighbors in Coon Rapids,” CBS News, January 21, 2023, accessed November 16, 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/wild-turkey-terrorizing-neighbors-in-coon-rapids/.

2. The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), March 5, 2023, p.5M.

---

British archaeologist Howard Carter knelt before a newly uncovered doorway deep in the Valley of the Kings on November 26, 1922. With trembling hands, he peered through a small hole, held up a candle, and saw what he would later describe as “wonderful things.”

Moments earlier, Carter and his team had broken the seal to the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun — a 3,000-year-old resting place untouched by grave robbers. Inside were chariots, gilded shrines, jewelry, and the solid gold coffin of the boy king.

Carter’s discovery, funded by British nobleman Lord Carnarvon, became an international sensation. Newspapers worldwide splashed photographs of glittering treasures and mysterious hieroglyphs, sparking “Egyptomania” across the West.

Beyond the headlines, the find transformed archaeology. Tutankhamun’s tomb offered an unprecedented glimpse into Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, revealing burial rituals, art, and craftsmanship of extraordinary sophistication.

The work of cataloging and preserving the artifacts took a decade. Even today, much of Carter’s meticulous documentation guides modern Egyptologists.

November 26, 1922, remains a defining date in archaeological history — the day the modern world reconnected with one of antiquity’s most famous rulers, and when “wonderful things” reignited humanity’s fascination with ancient Egypt.

---

---

Monroe “Goose” Gray Jr.
August 6, 1948 – November 22, 2025
Services: Saturday, November 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Restland Memorial Gardens

Robert Howard Gray, Jr.
August 7, 1947 – November 24, 2025
Visitation: Friday, November 28 from 9:00 a.m. until time of services.
Services: Friday, November 28 at 12:00 noon in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home

Melborne Skip Crawford
August 20, 1944 – November 23, 2025
Services: Saturday, November 29 at 2:00 p.m. at River Outreach Church

James Paul Delrie Jr.
November 25, 1988 – November 20, 2025
Services: Wednesday, November 26 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home

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)

Don Broussard, representing the Pollock Masonic Lodge, and Charlotte Elmer, representing the Eastern Star, recently presented checks to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office in support of the Sheriff’s Toys for Kids program and the department’s new K-9.

Sheriff’s officials said the donations will help brighten Christmas for local children and assist with expenses related to training and caring for the K-9.

---

The Grant Parish Police Jury has renewed its contract with Acadian Ambulance to provide emergency and non-emergency medical services. The exclusive five-year contract solidifies Acadian’s long-term commitment to the citizens of Grant Parish.

Acadian has been the primary emergency response provider for Grant Parish since 2014, building strong relationships with hospitals, medical personnel, community leaders, and local fire departments while supporting fellow first responders through supplies, training, and medical direction. With continuous coverage and advanced life support (ALS) ambulances in the parish and Air Med support from Alexandria, Ferriday, and Monroe, Acadian is equipped to respond quickly by ground or air. More than 20 paramedics and EMTs serve the parish.

In addition to emergency and non-emergency service, Acadian Ambulance provides medical standby support at high school football games at no charge. They also participate in career fairs and host community CPR training events.

“We are honored to continue serving the residents of Grant Parish with trusted, high-quality emergency care,” said Regional Vice President of Louisiana West Taylor Richard. “This renewal reflects our ongoing commitment to saving lives, as well as the strong partnership we’ve built with the community and our first responder partners.”

Acadian Ambulance is the largest employee-owned ambulance service in the nation, providing transportation and medical services to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and a member of the American Ambulance Association, dedicated to safeguarding the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. Its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.

---

Grant Parish schools came together Tuesday to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

Verda Elementary School and South Grant Elementary hosted Veterans Day programs that featured patriotic songs, flag presentations and special recognition for veterans in attendance. Teachers and students expressed pride and gratitude for those who have worn the nation’s uniform.

At Pollock Elementary School, Mrs. Leggett’s classes learned about the meaning of Veterans Day, discussing what it means to be a veteran, the sacrifices service members make and ways to show appreciation. Students then wrote letters to veterans at the VA hospital in Alexandria as a gesture of thanks for their service.

---

Grant Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Samantha Allen has graduated from the police academy, completing training in Louisiana law, defensive tactics, firearms and other essential skills.

Allen will now serve as a school resource officer, working with students and staff to help provide a safe learning environment.

---

Grant Parish communities are lining up a full slate of Christmas events this December, with parades, festivals, fireworks and family activities planned in Montgomery, Colfax, Pollock and Georgetown.

The season kicks off in Montgomery, where the Town of Montgomery will hold its Christmas parade Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at 3 p.m. After the parade, families can meet and greet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate near Montgomery Town Hall. Those interested in participating in the parade are asked to contact Wendy Harrison or Montgomery Town Hall.

The following weekend will bring a flurry of activity across the parish. On Friday, Dec. 13, Colfax will host the first annual Jingle Mingle from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Front Street. The event will feature festive booths from local makers, artists and small businesses, along with a lineup of food trucks offering hot meals and sweet treats. A children’s parade will begin at 5:30 p.m., and holiday entertainment is planned to keep the evening “merry and bright.”

Also on Dec. 13, the Town of Pollock will hold its Christmas event at Lacroix Park. Food vendors will open at 4 p.m., followed by a night parade at 6 p.m. Fireworks will begin immediately after the parade. The event is free and open to the public.

The Village of Georgetown will host its annual Christmas in the Park Festival on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, as well. The festival opens at 10 a.m., and the parade will roll at noon at the park. Craft vendors, food vendors, games, entertainment, fireworks and a visit from Santa are all planned. For information on participating in festival activities, call Melissa at 318-827-5400.

Colfax will close out the weekend with the Town of Colfax Christmas Parade on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 2 p.m. The parade will include cookies and hot chocolate with Santa, hosted by Colfax Young Women. For entry information, residents may contact any member of the Colfax Town Council.

Together, the events offer families across Grant Parish multiple chances to enjoy parades, shopping, food and fellowship while celebrating the Christmas season close to home. Happy Holidays! 

---