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 …

The author of this letter has requested to remain anonymousIf you have a story you would like to share, contact editor@fgazette.com The article about the town of Farmerville’s sewage system caught my notice. This is & has been a serious health issue for individuals recreating in the Eagle Point (& surrounding) area. Case in point… about 18 years ago, my …

Congratulations to Vickie Wheelis, Ed. D. The Board of Directors of Union Museum of History and Art-Discovery Place is pleased to announce that Vickie Wheelis, Ed.D., will serve as the first-ever director of the museum beginning September 3. “We are delighted that Dr. Wheelis will become our director and use her considerable leadership skills to guide the museum in achieving …

The following article is the first half 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. When recording Civil Rights history, historians and journalists often focus on those who fought for civil rights. And the stories of civil rights heroes are crucially important to our heritage …