Republican state Rep. Gabe Firment has advanced to a Dec. 12 runoff against Democratic state Rep. Patricia “Pat” Moore for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat following Tuesday’s Nov. 3 election.

According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, Moore led the nine-candidate field with 40,789 votes (18%), followed by Firment with 39,131 votes (17%).

The two candidates finished just 1,658 votes apart in a contest that drew 227,917 votes across the 24 parishes reporting results in the district.

With no candidate receiving more than 50% of the vote, Moore and Firment advance to a runoff election scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026.

Firment, a Republican from Pollock who represents District 22 in the Louisiana House of Representatives, finished ahead of several other Republican candidates, including Misti Cordell, who received 33,366 votes (15%), and state Rep. Michael Echols, who received 32,902 votes (14%).

Stewart Cathey Jr. followed with 28,160 votes (12%), while Democrat Antonio Wilson received 27,364 votes (12%).

The election was held to fill the congressional seat previously held by Julia Letlow, who pursued the U.S. Senate seat.

Unofficial 5th Congressional District Election Results

Reporting: Early and absentee complete — 24 of 24 parishes | Election Day — 791 of 791 precincts reporting

Candidate	Votes	Percent
Patricia “Pat” Moore (DEM)	40,789	18%
“Gabe” Firment (REP)	39,131	17%
Misti Cordell (REP)	33,366	15%
Michael Echols (REP)	32,902	14%
Stewart Cathey, Jr. (REP)	28,160	12%
Antonio Wilson (DEM)	27,364	12%
Dan McKay (DEM)	16,047	7%
Austin Magee (REP)	7,920	3%
Oscar “Omar” Dantzler (REP)	2,238	1%
Total	227,917

Unofficial Turnout: 47.1%

The two candidates advancing to the December runoff are shown in bold. Percentages are those reported by the Louisiana Secretary of State and may not total exactly 100% because of rounding.

December Runoff Will Decide Congressional Seat

The runoff will place Moore and Firment in a two-candidate contest to determine who represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Both candidates currently serve in the Louisiana House of Representatives, with Moore representing District 17 and Firment representing District 22.

The district includes portions of Northeast and Central Louisiana, along with additional parishes extending into the southeastern part of the state.

The runoff election is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026.

All results from the Nov. 3 election remain unofficial and subject to certification.

Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.

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Warren Daniel “Danny” Willett received a decisive majority of the votes cast in Grant Parish during Tuesday’s Nov. 3, 2026, election for judge of the 35th Judicial District Court.

According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, Willett received 4,156 votes (65%), compared with 2,203 votes (35%) for fellow Republican Renee “Dugas” Nugent.

Willett finished 1,953 votes ahead of Nugent in Grant Parish, where a total of 6,359 votes were cast in the judicial contest.

All 31 Election Day precincts have reported, along with early and absentee voting returns.

35th Judicial District Court — Unofficial Results

Reporting: Early and absentee complete — 1 of 1 parish reporting | Election Day — 31 of 31 precincts reporting

Candidate	Votes	Percent
Warren Daniel “Danny” Willett (REP)	4,156	65%
Renee “Dugas” Nugent (REP)	2,203	35%
Total	6,359	100%

Unofficial Turnout: 49.3%

All Grant Parish Precincts Reporting

With all 31 precincts reporting, Willett received nearly two-thirds of the votes cast in the judicial race, securing 65% of the reported total.

The election results reflect a 30-percentage-point margin between Willett and Nugent.

The judicial contest is identified as a multiparish race. The figures presented above are the reported Grant Parish returns and should not be interpreted as complete districtwide totals without confirmation.

All results are unofficial and remain subject to certification by the appropriate election authorities.

Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.

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Voters across Grant Parish went to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, to decide several elections, including district judge, district attorney, school board, justice of the peace and municipal council races.

According to unofficial results from the Louisiana Secretary of State, all Election Day precincts and early and absentee voting returns have been reported for the contests listed below.

In the 35th Judicial District Court judge’s race, Warren Daniel “Danny” Willett received 65% of the vote against Renee “Dugas” Nugent, who received 35%.

In the 35th Judicial District Attorney’s race, James Patrick Lemoine received 61% of the vote against “Ed” Tarpley, who received 39%.

Grant Parish voters also decided a School Board District 4 contest, where Mason Briggs received 56% of the vote against Kevin Simmons, who received 44%. In the Justice of the Peace District A race, Vera “Susie” Waters received 52% of the vote against Gretchen Miller, who received 48%.

Municipal voters in Montgomery and Pollock also selected five council members in each town.

The following results are UNOFFICIAL and remain subject to certification.

Grant Parish Election Results

District Judge — 35th Judicial District Court

Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 31 of 31 precincts reporting

Candidate	Votes	Percent
Warren Daniel “Danny” Willett (REP)	4,156	65%
Renee “Dugas” Nugent (REP)	2,203	35%
Total	6,359	100%

Unofficial Turnout: 49.3%

Note: This contest is identified as a multiparish race. The figures above reflect the Grant Parish returns provided.

District Attorney — 35th Judicial District Court

Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 31 of 31 precincts reporting

Candidate	Votes	Percent
James Patrick Lemoine (REP)	3,819	61%
“Ed” Tarpley (REP)	2,440	39%
Total	6,259	100%

Unofficial Turnout: 48.5%

Note: This contest is identified as a multiparish race. The figures above reflect the Grant Parish returns provided.

Member of School Board — District 4

Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 3 of 3 precincts reporting

Candidate	Votes	Percent
Mason Briggs (REP)	405	56%
Kevin Simmons (REP)	319	44%
Total	724	100%

Unofficial Turnout: 45.7%

Justice of the Peace — District A

Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 8 of 8 precincts reporting

Candidate	Votes	Percent
Vera “Susie” Waters (REP)	508	52%
Gretchen Miller (REP)	474	48%
Total	982	100%

Unofficial Turnout: 44.0%

Council Members — Town of Montgomery

Five to be elected

Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 1 of 1 precinct reporting

Candidate	Votes	Percent
Joyce Dubois (REP)	116	17%
Sabrina Fletcher (REP)	106	16%
Charles “Chuck” Lacroix (REP)	100	15%
Tonya Pennywell (DEM)	100	15%
Jayme Freeman (REP)	94	14%
“Eleanor” Sheffield (NOPTY)	92	14%
Teresa “Waters” Trichel (NOPTY)	66	10%
Total	674

Unofficial Turnout: 33.4%

The five highest vote recipients in the Montgomery Town Council race were Joyce Dubois, Sabrina Fletcher, Charles “Chuck” Lacroix, Tonya Pennywell and Jayme Freeman.

Dubois led the seven-candidate field with 116 votes, followed by Fletcher with 106. Lacroix and Pennywell each received 100 votes, while Freeman secured the fifth position with 94 votes, just two votes ahead of sixth-place “Eleanor” Sheffield, who received 92.

Councilmen — Town of Pollock

Five to be elected

Reporting: Early and absentee complete | 3 of 3 precincts reporting

Candidate	Votes	Percent
“Daryl” Henry (REP)	109	17%
Richard “Rick” Draper (REP)	105	16%
Sheldon Smith (REP)	89	14%
Mattison Brevelle (NOPTY)	87	14%
Alan Williams (REP)	78	12%
Misty Kinn (REP)	67	11%
Timothy Kinn (NOPTY)	62	10%
Kassandra Hooter (REP)	41	6%
Total	638

Unofficial Turnout: 42.1%

The five highest vote recipients in the Pollock Town Council race were “Daryl” Henry, Richard “Rick” Draper, Sheldon Smith, Mattison Brevelle and Alan Williams.

Henry led the eight-candidate field with 109 votes, followed by Draper with 105. Williams secured the fifth position with 78 votes, finishing 11 votes ahead of sixth-place Misty Kinn, who received 67.

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About These Results

All contests listed above have reported 100% of their Election Day precincts, along with early and absentee voting results.

Candidates are listed in order of votes received, with the leading candidates shown in bold. In the municipal council races, the five candidates receiving the highest vote totals are identified based on the number of positions to be filled.

The district judge and district attorney contests are identified as multiparish races. The figures presented reflect the Grant Parish returns supplied for those contests and should not be interpreted as districtwide totals.

The percentages shown are those reported by the Louisiana Secretary of State and may not total exactly 100% because of rounding.

All results are unofficial and subject to certification.

Source: Louisiana Secretary of State — Unofficial Election Results, Nov. 3, 2026.

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The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Chase Team assisted Grant Parish authorities in successfully locating a missing hunter near Dry Prong on Friday, October 30.

According to a November 2 release from the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Winn Parish Chase Team at approximately 9 p.m. Friday after a hunter was reported missing in an area off Kisatchie Forest Road 133.

The hunter had reportedly left his residence around 8 a.m. that morning and failed to return home. After several hours without hearing from him, concerned family members contacted Grant Parish authorities for assistance.

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Chase Team responded with its trained K-9 units to assist Grant Parish deputies in the search. Through the coordinated efforts of deputies from both agencies and the capabilities of the Chase Team’s K-9s, the missing hunter was located a short time later.

Authorities confirmed that the hunter was found unharmed and safely reunited with his family.

Winn Parish Sheriff McAllister emphasized the importance of maintaining strong working relationships with neighboring law enforcement agencies. He noted that these partnerships are essential during emergencies and situations requiring additional personnel, equipment and specialized resources.

McAllister also expressed appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office Chase Team, recognizing the members’ commitment to ongoing K-9 training and readiness.

The Chase Team plays an important role in law enforcement operations throughout the region, assisting with searches for missing or lost individuals and helping deputies apprehend fleeing suspects.

The sheriff’s office credited the team’s continued training, dedication and cooperation with neighboring agencies for helping bring the search to a successful conclusion.

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Narcotics Investigation Leads to Arrest of Two Dry Prong Residents

GRANT PARISH, La. — A joint narcotics investigation conducted by the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and Rapides Area Drug Enforcement has resulted in the arrests of two Dry Prong residents on multiple drug-related charges.

According to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the investigation led to the arrests of 42-year-old James Transier and 38-year-old Tiffanie Byrd, both of Dry Prong.

James Transier, 42, of Dry Prong, was arrested on the following charges:

Possession of methamphetamine

Possession of steroids

Possession of Xanax

Possession of marijuana

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Tiffanie Byrd, 38, of Dry Prong, was arrested on the following charges:

Possession of Suboxone with intent to distribute

Possession of Xanax

Possession of methamphetamine

Possession of marijuana

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Illegal carrying of weapons with drugs

Outstanding warrant

The arrests were the result of a collaborative investigation between the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office and Rapides Area Drug Enforcement targeting suspected illegal narcotics activity.

Authorities did not release additional details regarding the circumstances of the investigation, the quantities of drugs involved, or the location where the arrests occurred.

Both individuals face multiple charges stemming from the investigation.

All individuals arrested are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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GRANT PARISH, La. — Residents across Grant Parish can look forward to a pleasant stretch of fall weather this week, with plenty of sunshine, mild afternoon temperatures, and cool overnight lows. While most of the forecast period will remain dry, slight rain chances are expected Thursday and Saturday nights as temperatures gradually cool heading into the weekend.

Wednesday will bring sunny skies and a high near 76 degrees. Northwest winds around 5 mph will become calm during the afternoon. Wednesday night will be mostly clear, with temperatures dropping to approximately 47 degrees.

Thursday is expected to be the warmest day of the forecast period, with sunny skies and an afternoon high near 79 degrees. A slight chance of rain will develop Thursday night, with a 20 percent chance of showers before midnight. Skies will be partly cloudy, with an overnight low around 50 degrees.

Friday will bring mostly sunny skies and a high near 77 degrees, providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities and the start of the weekend. Friday night will be partly cloudy, with temperatures falling to around 45 degrees.

A gradual cooling trend will arrive over the weekend. Saturday will feature mostly sunny skies and a high near 72 degrees. Saturday night will bring partly cloudy conditions and a 20 percent chance of showers, with overnight temperatures dropping to around 42 degrees.

Sunday will round out the forecast period with mostly sunny skies and a high near 70 degrees, offering another comfortable fall afternoon across Grant Parish.

Overall, residents can expect favorable weather conditions throughout much of the week, with daytime highs ranging from the lower to upper 70s and overnight lows generally falling into the 40s and near 50 degrees.

Those attending Friday night high school football games or planning outdoor weekend activities should prepare for cooler evening temperatures, particularly Saturday night when lows are expected to reach the lower 40s.

Although rain chances remain limited, residents are encouraged to monitor updates from the National Weather Service for any changes in the forecast.

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The Louisiana Pecan Festival brings a celebration of local heritage, agriculture and community spirit to Colfax, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy food, entertainment and family-friendly festivities.

The annual festival honors the pecan industry and its importance to the region while showcasing the traditions and hospitality of Grant Parish.

The celebration traditionally features a variety of activities designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, with festival attractions highlighting local culture, community involvement and the agricultural heritage of central Louisiana.

The 58th annual Louisiana Pecan Festival is scheduled for Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 8, 2026, with three days of parades, carnival rides, live music, contests, shopping and food in downtown Colfax.

Friday, November 6

Festival activities will begin at 8 a.m. with vendors opening along Front Street. The traditional Blessing of the Crops is scheduled for 9 a.m. on the Main Stage, along with the festival cooking contest at Colfax Banking Company.

Children’s Day activities will take place from 10 a.m. until noon, providing entertainment for younger festivalgoers. The carnival and antique tractor show will open at noon, and cooking contest winners will be announced.

Friday evening will feature the Trail Ride Associations Parade at 5 p.m., followed by live entertainment from Alphonse Ardoin & The Zydeco Kings. Born To Boogie will headline the Friday Night Street Dance beginning at 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 7

Saturday’s activities will begin at 8 a.m. with vendors and the antique tractor show. One of the festival’s signature attractions, the Grand Parade, is scheduled for 10 a.m.

The Country Store and Pecan House will open at 11 a.m., offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy pecan-related products and local specialties.

The carnival will open at noon, along with a pie-eating contest on the Main Stage.

Live entertainment will continue throughout the afternoon, featuring Blue Crab Redemption at 1 p.m. and Ben Ragsdale at 4 p.m.

The Adam Leger Band will provide music for Saturday evening’s street dance beginning at 6:30 p.m. A fireworks display is scheduled for 9 p.m., concluding one of the festival’s busiest days.

Sunday, November 8

The final day of the festival will begin with gospel music at 9 a.m.

At noon, the carnival, vendors, Country Store and Pecan House will reopen for visitors to enjoy the final afternoon of festivities.

Live entertainment from Few Blue will begin at 1 p.m., with the festival officially concluding at 5 p.m.
Grant Parish Journal

A Longstanding Grant Parish Tradition

Since 1969, the Louisiana Pecan Festival has celebrated the region’s agricultural heritage and the families involved in growing and harvesting pecans.

The annual event draws visitors from across Louisiana and beyond, providing an opportunity to enjoy local food, arts and crafts, entertainment and the hospitality of the Colfax community.

This year’s festival will also celebrate newly crowned royalty, including 58th Louisiana Pecan Festival Queen Immani Esclovon of Sulphur and Teen Louisiana Pecan Festival Queen Abigail Dunigan of Delcambre.

Festival organizers remind attendees that four-wheelers and golf carts will not be permitted on Front Street during the celebration.

Additional information and festival updates are available through the official Louisiana Pecan Festival website at www.lapecanfest.com.

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GRANT PARISH, La. — It was a challenging Friday night for Grant Parish high school football as the Grant Cougars and Montgomery Tigers both suffered losses during Week Nine of the 2026 season on October 30.

Grant fell to Bunkie 49-14 in district competition, while Montgomery faced a powerful Logansport offense in a 65-22 defeat.

With the regular season approaching its conclusion, both programs will look to regroup and finish their schedules on a positive note before the Louisiana high school football playoffs begin.

Grant Cougars Fall to Bunkie, 49-14

The Grant Cougars traveled to Bunkie Friday night for a District 2-3A matchup against the Panthers but were unable to overcome a strong first-half performance by the home team.

Bunkie established an early advantage, scoring seven points in the first quarter before adding 21 points in the second to take a 28-0 halftime lead.

The Panthers continued their offensive production in the third quarter, adding another 21 points to extend their lead to 49-0.

Grant found the end zone in the second half, scoring six points in the third quarter and eight in the fourth, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.

The 49-14 loss dropped the Cougars to 2-7 overall, while Bunkie improved to 5-4.

The setback marked Grant’s third consecutive defeat following losses to Jena and Marksville. Earlier in October, the Cougars delivered one of their strongest offensive performances of the season with a 73-41 victory over Buckeye.

Grant will look to close the regular season with a victory when the Cougars travel to face West Ouachita on Thursday, November 5.

Montgomery Tigers Fall to Logansport, 65-22

The Montgomery Tigers faced one of their toughest opponents of the season Friday night, hosting the Logansport Tigers in a District 3-1A matchup.

Logansport entered the contest with a 7-1 record and a three-game winning streak, having recorded consecutive victories over St. Mary, Lakeview and Ringgold.

Montgomery was unable to contain Logansport’s high-powered offense, which produced 65 points on the night. Although Montgomery managed 22 points, the visiting Tigers secured a decisive 43-point victory.

The loss dropped Montgomery to 4-5 overall, while Logansport improved to 8-1.

Montgomery entered the game hoping to rebound from a 36-6 loss to Jonesboro-Hodge on October 22. Earlier in the season, the Tigers had demonstrated their offensive capabilities with consecutive victories over Lakeview, 44-12, and Ringgold, 64-30.

Despite Friday’s setback, Montgomery will have an opportunity to finish the regular season with a .500 record when the Tigers travel to Natchitoches to face St. Mary on Friday, November 6.

The two Grant Parish teams combined to score 36 points during Week Nine, while their opponents totaled 114.

Looking Ahead to Week Ten

Both Grant Parish football programs will conclude their regular-season schedules with road contests.

Grant will travel to West Monroe to face West Ouachita on Thursday, November 5. The Cougars will attempt to snap their three-game losing streak and finish the season with their third victory.

Montgomery will travel to Natchitoches on Friday, November 6, to face St. Mary. The Tigers will be seeking their fifth win of the season and an opportunity to close out the regular season on a positive note.

With the Louisiana High School Athletic Association playoffs approaching, the final games will provide both teams an opportunity to improve their postseason outlook.

Although Week Nine presented difficult challenges for Grant and Montgomery, both programs will have one final regular-season opportunity to demonstrate their progress and finish the 2026 campaign with momentum.

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MONTGOMERY, La. – The Montgomery High School boys cross country team has earned the title of District Champions, highlighting a successful season of hard work, determination and athletic achievement.

In addition to the team’s district championship, several Montgomery High School runners received individual All-District honors for their performances.

Three members of the boys team earned First Team All-District recognition: Kia Valencia, Gavin Lavespere and Daniel Reeves.

Representing the girls cross country team, Izzie Brown also earned First Team All-District honors, while Kyle Allen received Second Team All-District recognition.

Montgomery High School officials praised the athletes for their dedication and commitment throughout the season, recognizing their accomplishments as a source of pride for the school and community.

The school also extended special appreciation to Coach Paige for her continued dedication, encouragement and commitment to developing the cross country program and supporting its student-athletes.

School officials congratulated the district championship team and all All-District honorees, emphasizing that their achievements reflect the hard work and determination of Montgomery High School’s student-athletes.

The district championship and individual honors mark another successful chapter for Montgomery High School athletics.

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Ladies, here’s some information that probably won’t shock you. Most men don’t look at how much something costs if it’s something they really want. THEY BUY IT NO MATTER WHAT!

A few men might know the actual price, but it doesn’t factor into the equation or their decision as to whether they buy it or not. It’s a bottom line question — how bad do they want it?

Men are simple and selfish creatures and will not allow the price of something to decide if they purchase it. They will buy it, then ask for forgiveness later if their significant other handles the finances.

We, as men, do have a few considerations that might affect our decision. Will I be the only one of my friends that has one of these? Is this a product that will help me put more fish in the boat or more meat on the table to feed my family? Will this product help me win a bass tournament?

This also applies to men who grocery shop. While the rest of the nation is complaining about the high price of eggs and beef products, men are more concerned about making sure they get enough to feed everyone. If we’re having a hamburger cookout, we don’t look at how much ground beef is per pound. WE JUST BUY IT!

Even at the check-out counter, especially self-check-out, men don’t always pay attention to how much a product costs that we just scanned. We scan it, bag it and move on immediately. Whatever price is on the screen, that’s what we’ll pay. Very seldom do we stop and consider if that’s the right price or not.

I’m not saying we don’t care, because that’s not true. But we’re just not as conscious as we should be.

My wife brought this to my attention recently when she was checking out and had an issue with a tomato she was buying at the local grocery store. As she weighed it, the price came up way more than the tomato was supposed to be.

She contacted the clerk overseeing the self-check-out area and they made sure the right price was charged. But had that been me, I would have never looked at the price and would have walked out as if nothing was wrong … until my wife checked the receipt.

After watching several TV reports lately about how people are being overcharged at supermarkets and discount stores, there’s no telling how many times I have walked out of a store overcharged for whatever was in my buggy.

But with the economy still in distress and grocery prices unstable, the time has come to pay attention to what we are being charged. Some stores are in survival mode and are trying to stay in business.

While I don’t think a lot of this is intentional, it’s up to all of us to make sure we are not being taken advantage of as consumers and pay closer attention to what the register is showing.

So ladies, if you want to make sure your household budget stays intact, don’t ask your man to go shopping.

‘Til next time, to all the men out there, be aware of what you’re paying at the cash register and be more conscious of what things cost; our reputation is at stake.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office is celebrating a successful community fundraising effort after raising $10,810 through a pancake fundraiser benefiting its Toys 4 Kids Program.

In an announcement on October 30, the sheriff’s office expressed its appreciation to everyone who participated in and supported the event, crediting the community’s generosity for its success.

The fundraiser generated $10,810 in pancake sales, with proceeds supporting the Toys 4 Kids Program, an initiative aimed at bringing joy to children during the holiday season.

Sheriff’s office officials described the event as an example of what can be accomplished when a community comes together for a common cause.

The department extended a special thank-you to the individuals, families, volunteers and supporters who helped make the fundraiser successful.

The money raised will help support the Toys 4 Kids Program as the holiday season approaches, demonstrating the continued generosity and community spirit of Grant Parish residents.

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Welcome to the holiday season officially known as New Hallowsthanksmas!

I am not certain how official it is. I believe I named it sometime in the 1980s, and, as far as I know, I remain the only person using the designation. Still, every tradition has to begin somewhere. Usually, in my family, it begins with somebody saying, “Are you going to eat that?”

New Hallowsthanksmas stretches from Halloween through New Year’s Day. Calorie counting is suspended. Sound nutritional advice disappears beneath a layer of cream cheese. Family members suddenly rediscover the road to your house, especially if you have a guest bedroom and dependable Wi-Fi.

It is a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the people we love. Occasionally, it also reminds us why we usually love a few of them from a distance.

Somewhere along the way, however, we turned celebration into a competitive sport.

How many dishes are necessary for Thanksgiving dinner? At what point does a meal become an agricultural exposition? Must we serve sweet potatoes in three different forms? Apparently, a sweet potato cannot enter the kingdom of Thanksgiving unless it has been baptized in butter and covered with marshmallows.

Then comes Christmas. How tall should the stack of presents be? Should we still be able to see the tree? How many parties constitute a successful season? And who decided every organization we have ever joined needs to hold its Christmas gathering during the same eleven days?

By January, we are exhausted, overdrawn, and eating leftover cheese ball because nobody has the strength to find a vegetable.

Someone asks, “How were your holidays?”

“We survived.”

That ought to tell us something.

Survival is a reasonable goal for a shipwreck. Surely we can hope for more from the celebration of our Savior’s birth.

Perhaps this year we could begin with a different question: What would help us receive the gifts God is actually giving?

Thanksgiving invites gratitude. Gratitude requires enough attention to notice what we already have. That is difficult when we are busy making lists of everything we still need to buy.

Christmas announces that God has come near. Yet we can become so occupied preparing for Christmas that we have little time to pray, worship, or notice the person beside us.

The first Christmas ought to give us permission to simplify. God entered the world in the vulnerability of a child laid in a manger. We keep acting as though the occasion requires matching pajamas, six coordinated wreaths, and a dining room that qualifies for a magazine cover.

There is nothing wrong with decorations, presents, or a good casserole. I am a Methodist minister. I would never recklessly endanger the casserole.

But we ought to ask whether our celebrations leave room for the love Jesus teaches us to practice.

Could we prepare one fewer dish and spend a little longer at the table? Buy one fewer gift and help a neighbor keep the lights on? Decline an invitation and visit someone whose calendar is painfully empty?

Could we listen to a relative without preparing our rebuttal? Offer an apology before passing the rolls? Remember that the people in our homes need kindness more than they need a flawless centerpiece?

Make a little room now. Leave an evening open. Spend within your means. Worship with your church. Welcome someone who might otherwise be alone.

When New Year’s Day arrives, may we have something better to say than “We survived.”

May we be able to say, “We gave thanks. We made room for Jesus. We loved the people he placed before us.”

And if there are only two kinds of pie, I believe the family will recover.

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On Nov. 4, 1922, a discovery beneath the sands of Egypt’s Valley of the Kings set off one of the greatest archaeological stories in history, revealing a treasure-filled tomb, a long-forgotten pharaoh and a mysterious curse that would capture the world’s imagination.

British archaeologist Howard Carter and his excavation team uncovered a stone step buried beneath ancient debris. That single step led to a staircase and eventually the sealed tomb of Tutankhamun, the young Egyptian pharaoh who had been buried for more than 3,000 years.

Carter had spent years searching for the tomb, and financial support for his excavations was running thin. His discovery would become one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century.

On Nov. 26, 1922, Carter and his financial backer, Lord Carnarvon, entered the tomb’s interior chambers.

Inside, they discovered an extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian treasures, including furniture, jewelry, ceremonial objects and elaborate burial equipment. Among the most remarkable discoveries was a stone sarcophagus containing three nested coffins. The innermost coffin, made of solid gold, held the mummified remains of Tutankhamun.

The young pharaoh had died approximately 3,000 years earlier, at around 18 years old. Unlike many ancient Egyptian royal tombs that had been looted over the centuries, Tutankhamun’s burial chambers remained largely intact, providing an unprecedented look into the burial traditions of ancient Egypt.

The discovery soon became associated with one of history’s most famous supernatural legends: the curse of the pharaohs. In 1923, just months after the tomb was opened, Lord Carnarvon died following complications from an infected mosquito bite. His death helped fuel sensational newspaper stories suggesting that disturbing the resting place of an Egyptian pharaoh could bring deadly consequences.

The legend spread worldwide, with reports connecting other deaths and unusual events to the opening of the tomb. However, researchers have found no convincing scientific evidence that a supernatural curse was responsible. A study published in 2002 found no significant difference in survival among Western visitors exposed to the tomb compared with those who were not.

More than a century later, the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb remains one of archaeology’s most recognizable achievements. The treasures uncovered by Carter’s team provided historians and researchers with invaluable information about ancient Egyptian royalty, religious beliefs and burial practices.

What began with the discovery of a single buried step on Nov. 4, 1922, ultimately revealed a remarkable collection of ancient treasures and gave rise to a mystery that continues to fascinate generations.

And while the legendary curse remains a story of superstition rather than established fact, the discovery itself forever changed our understanding of ancient Egypt.

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George Baldwin Selden was a brilliant New York patent attorney, but his passion was inventing. George only became an attorney at the insistence of his father, Henry Selden, a prominent attorney who defended Susan B. Anthony in her 1873 trial for voting as a woman. It was around that time that inventors began looking for a way to replace horses as transportation. Horses required constant care and horse manure was a constant sanitation problem. George designed a “gasoline and oil type” automobile and submitted his patent request on May 8, 1879. For George, a patent attorney, the process to attain a patent was almost second nature, but George intentionally delayed the finalizing of his patent. George’s strategy was to stall the patent process until interest in automobiles was peaking. After 16 years of intentional delays, on November 5, 1895, George was granted patent No. 549,160 for “a road vehicle, the motor being a liquid hydrocarbon gas engine of the compression type.”

George’s plan worked well. His patent granted him the exclusive right to manufacture, sell, and use gasoline powered automobiles for 17 years. It was considered “the pioneer invention” in the automobile industry. In 1899, George transferred rights to his patent to the Electric Vehicle Company in exchange for compensation which included future royalties. In another clever move, George made a huge profit and would continue earning royalties while the task of collecting royalties was done by the Electric Vehicle Company. In 1903, thirty-two members of the Manufacturer’s Mutual Association formed the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers (ALAM) and leased the right to manufacture and sell gasoline powered automobiles. Lessees eventually included manufacturers such as Buick, Cadillac, Hudson, Packard, Pierce Arrow, and Studebaker. Notice that Ford was not included in the list. Henry Ford had applied for a license through the ALAM, but his application was rejected. A large group of independent manufacturers refused to pay royalties on the Selden patent and Henry Ford joined them. At one point, Henry tried to lure the ALAM into court to have the patent thrown out because of its “monopolistic control and exploitation by the automobile trust.” In a bold move, Henry Ford offered the ALAM $1,000 if they would file suit against him. He got his wish in October 1903 when the ALAM filed suit against the Ford Motor Co. and C.A. Durer & Company for manufacturing automobiles, the O.J. Gude Company for advertising their cars, and John Wanamaker, an owner of a Ford car. The court case dragged on for years and the Selden patent was upheld until January 9, 1911, when the United States Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the lower court and concluded that Selden’s patent was limited to a particular type of engine, which Ford’s automobiles did not use. George and the ALAM said they would take the case all the way to the United States Supreme Court if they had to but ultimately decided against it because the exclusive rights provided by the patent were set to expire in September of the same year. George B. Selden’s plan was brilliant. His plan is even more impressive when you learn that at the time he received the patent which granted him control over the automobile industry, he had never built a single car.

Sources:

1. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, November 12, 1900, p.12.

2. The Flint Journal, October 24, 1903, p.1.

3. The Union and Advertiser (Rochester, New York), September 16, 1909, p.9.

4. The Rochester Herald, January 10, 1911, p.1.

5. “Selden Automobile Patent Model, 1879,” National Museum of American History, accessed October 25, 2026, https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/object/nmah_1305689.

© 2026 Brad Dison. All rights reserved. Remember This? is distributed for licensed publication only.

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Bula Mae Dobernig
February 24, 1949 – November 2, 2026
A memorial visitation will be held at a later date at Gallagher Funeral Home.

Grant Parish Journalpublishes 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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Local voters head to the ballot box today, with neighborhood precincts open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. State law ensures that anyone waiting in line by 8 p.m. is permitted to vote.

Area residents should verify their designated polling precinct and review a sample ballot before heading out by using the GeauxVote mobile app or visiting GeauxVote.com.

When checking in at your precinct, election commissioners will request an approved photo ID, such as a Louisiana driver’s license, a state special identification card, the LA Wallet app, or a U.S. military ID. Voters who do not have an approved photo ID can still cast their ballot by completing a standard voter identification affidavit with election workers.

Local election officials ask voters to show patience and respect toward our community’s poll workers and commissioners. With multiple local and state candidate races alongside ballot measures, selections may take longer to complete, which can cause lines at peak hours.

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Louisiana voters head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, with precincts opening at 6 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. statewide. Under state law, any voter waiting in line by 8 p.m. is permitted to cast a ballot.

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s office urges voters to check their precinct locations and review a sample ballot before arriving at the polls by using the GeauxVote mobile app or visiting GeauxVote.com.

Voters are also asked to practice patience and show courtesy toward election commissioners and precinct workers. Because ballots feature numerous candidate races and proposed constitutional amendments, voters may need extra time to complete their selections, potentially extending wait times at polling locations.

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At 2:00 am on Sunday, November 1st, Louisiana residents must set their clocks back one hour as Daylight Saving Time ends. Known as the time to “Fall Back” it is the second clock adjustment made each year to shift an hour of sunlight from the morning to the evening, aligning natural daylight with normal human waking and working. On March 8, residents “Spring Forward” and set their clocks ahead one hour.

While the United States implemented temporary daylight saving measures during World War I and World War II, and Congress passed the Uniform Time Act in 1966, records show that the first time that started recognizing Daylight Saving Time was in 1970. Louisiana passed Act 133 in 2020 to make Daylight Saving Time permanent year-round, but the change cannot take effect until Congress amends the federal Uniform Time Act

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Sunday, November 1, Daylight saving time (DST) ends as all but a few states set back their clocks by one hour.

DST is the practice of advancing clocks by one hour during warmer months so that evening daylight lasts longer.

Current Schedule in the U.S.

• Starts: Second Sunday in March at 2 a.m. (clocks move forward 1 hour).
• Ends: First Sunday in November at 2 a.m. (clocks move back 1 hour to standard time).

Most of Arizona and Hawaii, along with U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands to not observe DST.

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GRANT PARISH, La. – Two New Orleans residents were arrested after a Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy discovered an alleged attempt to smuggle tobacco and cell phones into a federal correctional facility.

According to the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, a deputy discovered one of the suspects moving through a wooded area while carrying a bag containing tobacco products and cell phones.

Investigators reported that the individual intended to throw the bag over the fence of the federal prison, allowing the prohibited items to enter the facility.

The investigation resulted in the arrests of two New Orleans residents.

Larenzo Johnson, 30, of New Orleans, was arrested and charged with Taking Contraband to a Penal Institution.

Paige Taylor, 27, of New Orleans, was arrested and charged with Taking Contraband to a Penal Institution and Possession of Marijuana.

The Sheriff’s Office did not specify the number of cell phones or the quantity of tobacco recovered. Additional details regarding the circumstances of the arrests were not provided.

Cell phones and unauthorized tobacco products are considered contraband in federal correctional facilities, where such items can create security concerns for inmates, correctional officers and prison operations.

The arrests are the latest reported effort by Grant Parish law enforcement to prevent unauthorized items from entering a correctional institution.

Both individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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COLFAX, La. – The Louisiana Pecan Festival has announced its newly crowned royalty following a successful pageant, setting the stage for the 58th Annual Louisiana Pecan Festival, scheduled for November 6–8, 2026, in Colfax.

Immani Esclovon of Sulphur, Louisiana, was crowned the 58th Louisiana Pecan Festival Queen, while Abigail Dunigan of Delcambre, Louisiana, earned the title of 2026 Teen Louisiana Pecan Festival Queen.

The pageant marked an important milestone in preparations for the annual festival, bringing excitement and anticipation as organizers prepare to welcome visitors to Grant Parish for the three-day celebration.

Festival organizers congratulated the newly crowned queens and expressed appreciation to everyone who helped make the pageant a success.

With the competition complete, Esclovon and Dunigan will join festival organizers and participants in celebrating the upcoming event, which honors Louisiana’s pecan industry and the traditions associated with the annual Colfax celebration.

The Louisiana Pecan Festival has become a longstanding community tradition, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate local heritage, agriculture and community pride.

The festival’s royalty plays an important role in representing the celebration and promoting the event.

Organizers expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the new queens to festival weekend and thanked pageant participants, supporters and volunteers for their contributions.

The 58th Annual Louisiana Pecan Festival will take place November 6–8 in Colfax, with festivities centered on celebrating the pecan and the community traditions that have made the event an annual attraction.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars and join the celebration as Colfax prepares for another year of Louisiana Pecan Festival activities.

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By JIM BUTLER

Bankruptcy Judge John Hodge finds the Diocese of Alexandria’s disclosure statement for Chapter 11 resolution falls short of requirements.

He ruled Monday that he believes the statement has “significant legal defects, not deficiencies that additional disclosure can cure.”

Consequently he denied the diocese motion for approval of the disclosure statement and its motion regarding solicitation procedures and other relief.

The disclosure statement outlines how a debtor proposes to settle its affairs emerging from bankruptcy. Solicitation procedures outline the how’s and when’s for voting on the plan by eligible parties.

“Soliciting votes on the plan as currently drafted would be futile and needlessly expend estate resources,” Hodge said.

Several plaintiffs objected early this month to the proposed statement. A hearing was held last week.

A major sticking point appears to be perceived restrictions on plaintiffs’ rights to pursue claims against parishes formerly part of the diocese.

Documents indicate there are about 50 such petitions involving parishes shifted from the Alexandria Diocese to the Shreveport one 40 years ago.

Sexual abuse allegations involving clergy were the catalyst for the bankruptcy filing a year ago this week.

Two years ago the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Bankruptcy Code doesn’t permit a Chapter 11 plan to release claims against non-debtors (third parties who have not filed for bankruptcy) without explicit consent of the claimants.

Monday’s ruling appears to put on hold a timetable that envisioned November-December voting, resolution and reorganization.

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