Thomas FieldsThomas “Tuffy” Fields is an author and regular contributor to The Gazette. He can be reached by email at thelouisianaexplorer@yahoo.com. America is losing a certain edge that has made it such a unique place to live, such a wonderful example for other countries to aspire to be.In the 1770s America was made up of 13 colonies; 13 colonies that …

Jim BrownJim Brown is a former Louisiana state senator, Secretary of State, Commissioner of Insurance and a regular contributor to The Gazette. Do you think that our candidates for national office are weird? That word — “weird” — has become the new attack buzz word for both Democrats and Republicans. So how did all these “weird” attacks” begin? Democratic Vice Presidential …

The following article is the second part of a historical piece written by Jacyln Tripp and Dr. Gary Joiner about the history of Willie Rainach, a conservative, segregationaliist politician from Claiborne Parish. Rainach’s political skyrocketWillie Rainach was a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives (1940-1948) and the Louisiana State Senate (1948-1959.) During his time in office, he brought a Louisiana …

Johnny Dollar Even though a community is overtaxed, sometimes consultants are a necessary expense. Sometimes they are also a waste of money and a racket to rip off taxpayers. For example, if specialized knowledge is needed to determine what to do to a municipal sewage treatment plant to get it into environmental compliance, one would hire a person with expertise …

Glynn HarrisGlynn Harris is a long-time outdoor writer from North Louisiana and has won more than 50 writing and broadcasting awards during his 47 year career. BLACK BAYOU – Fishing is slow. A few crappie have been caught around the trees. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information. BUSSEY BRAKE – Hot weather has slowed things a bit. …

Glynn HarrisGlynn Harris is a long-time outdoor writer from North Louisiana and has won more than 50 writing and broadcasting awards during his 47 year career. Glenn Wheeler is a longtime friend of mine. As a fellow outdoor journalist, our friendship developed over the years through our association with outdoor writer conferences. In addition to being a journalist, Wheeler is …

Thomas FieldsThomas “Tuffy” Fields is an author and regular contributor to The Gazette. He can be reached by email at thelouisianaexplorer@yahoo.com. We have just been introduced to a future that is full of enjoyment, lollipops, life without stress, success without work, rainbows and unicorns. The new world order for America is not one of freedom to attempt to achieve, it …

Sallie HollisSallie Rose Hollis is a native of Rocky Branch and retired Journalism Professer from Louisiana Tech University. Contact her at sallierose@mail.com. The recent Olympics have set me thinking again about my potential competitive eating skills. Basically, I eat like a dog. Have you seen those Facebook reels where a dog totally wolfs down food in a nano second, without …

In loving memory of a man whose presence was a beacon of strength and wisdom, Thomas Larkin Bayles peacefully departed this earthly realm on August 12, 2024. He was born in the serene town of Farmerville, LA, one of 7 siblings, on August 3, 1933, to Gertie Williamson Bayles and Thomas Jefferson Bayles. Thomas was a devoted husband to Louise …

Dr. Richard Ingram Ballard was born on February 19, 1957 to Ingram Ramsey Ballard and Catherine Canterberry of Farmerville, La. He passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024 with his loving wife by his side. Dr. Ballard was a graduate of Farmerville High School and attended Northeast Louisiana University for his undergraduate degree on a track and field scholarship. He …