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Articles by Deborah Mayo
One Classy Hen
Today I am lamenting the loss of one of my fine feathered chickens. I found her this morning when I went to gather the eggs and quickly realized she had scratched her last bit of corn and fluffed her last feather. Although nameless, as I do not name any of my flock, I felt I was losing a familiar ‘friend’ and confess I will certainly miss seeing her clumsily strut around the chicken pen like a queen among her subjects. She was one classy hen.
Churches in three parishes gear up for Operation Christmas Child
Somewhere overseas this winter, a child will lift the lid of a shoebox and find a soccer ball, a toothbrush and a note from a stranger in central Louisiana. That hope drives more than 80 churches across Catahoula, Concordia and LaSalle parishes as Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week arrives Nov. 16-23. Gift-filled shoeboxes can be dropped off at First Baptist churches in Jena, Tullos and Jonesville during set hours that week. The full schedule appears at the end of this story.
Beyond the Melody: The Searcy Baptist Church Praise Team
Long before the first microphone is switched on or the final chord of a song is practiced, the Searcy Baptist Church Praise Team has practiced, planned, and prayed over the songs they will sing in the forthcoming service. When they step on the platform they have one thought in mind: to turn the notes and melodies into an offering of worship and praise to God.
No Hands - No Problem!
Last week I found myself taking an unexpected trip to a Christian Women’s Conference in TN. A close friend needed a travel partner and who am I to turn down such an invite? It would be relaxing, restful and provide an opportunity to get away from the routine of everyday life... so I packed my bags in haste and made a quick two-and-a-half drive to meet her so she could chauffer us away.
City Hall Transitions - Part IV: Urania Mayor Jay Ivy to Retire from Office
Mayor Ivy was first elected in 2023 after serving six terms on the Urania Town Council and one prior term on the LaSalle Parish School Board. Public service has been his calling and heartbeat for many years with motivation stemming from his dedication to his hometown. After many years as a public servant and his industrious efforts as mayor to make the Town of Urania ‘a place where folks are proud to live and call home’, he will end his term at the end of 2026.
Baby Harley’s Miracle in the Making
Like all parents, mom, Alyssa, and dad, Aaron (Spicer) treasure each smile and celebrate every milestone their 16-month-old baby girl makes. The difference lies in the fact that Harley has been on what her mom describes as a ‘healing journey’ after experiencing a ruptured brain aneurysm in her Basilar artery followed by 2 brain bleeds, a stroke, hydrocephalus, and vasospasm – all before her first birthday which was celebrated a few weeks later in the PICU.
Talking to God
My Grandma Bailey was a woman of prayer: not just in word but in action and deed. She always told me, “Deborah, you can pray your way through anything.” I have found great truth, advice, and wisdom in her words, and I have found myself praying my way through many things in this life. No doubt, you have done the same. Prayer is a solace when a solace can’t be found anywhere else. It gives us hope because we are praying to a God who is faithful and who can’t fail.
A Sweet tooth or two
I have a sweet tooth: in fact, I am highly suspicious that I have more than one. My sweet tooth is especially fond of all things chocolatemilk chocolate that is. I inherited this particular trait from my daddy who is a lifetime connoisseur of all things sugary. I got a double dose from my mom who was renowned for putting 4-5 teaspoons of sugar in each cup of morning coffee. It’s just in my DNA and who am I to fight genetics? My problem was farther compounded in my early childhood.
City Hall Transitions - Part III: Tullos Mayor Karla Cockerham
Elected in 2019, Mayor Cockerham has many key accomplishments during her tenure in office including obtaining the first permanent facility for the Tullos Police Department, installing new cellular water meters for Tullos residents, reconstructing the Tullos Town Hall, and improving the financial status of the town of Tullos and its subsequent removal from the state’s financial distress list.
He Leads; We Follow
Living in Louisiana, you learn to deal with storms. The Gulf Coast waters and winds ‘bless’ us with hurricanes and spinoff tornadoes that blow our way without our permission. It wasn’t that many years ago that one of those lovely storms landed a very large pine tree through the middle of our home leaving behind tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. We had to deal with the aftermath and rebuild after the storm. It wasn’t fun. Life is that way too, even when we live for Jesus.
City Hall Transitions Ahead - Part II: Olla Mayor Rhonda Elliott
This change of the guards will leave its footprint in the history of each of the local municipalities and the legacies left behind will impact local citizens and townships as each moves forward to build upon the strong foundations provided by the current office holders. Among those choosing not to seek re-election is Olla Mayor Rhonda Elliott. She will be leaving her post after 12.5 years of faithful public service as Mayor Pro-Tem beginning in 2010 and as Mayor from 2015 until the present.
He Leads; We Follow - The Jena Times
He Leads; We Follow Living in Louisiana, you learn to deal with storms. The Gulf Coast waters and winds ‘bless’ us with hurricanes and spinoff tornadoes that blow our way without our permission. It wasn’t that many years ago that one of those lovely storms landed a very large pine tree through the middle of our home leaving behind tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. We had to deal with the aftermath and rebuild after the storm. It wasn’t fun.
City Hall Transitions Ahead – Part II: Olla Mayor Rhonda Elliott - The Jena Times
Olla Mayor Rhonda Elliott will conclude 12.5 years in office this December, and chose to not seek re-election as mayor. She describes her tenure as “one of the greatest honors” of her life. City Hall Transitions Ahead – Part II: Olla Mayor Rhonda Elliott The upcoming November elections will bring many changes to the four townships in LaSalle Parish with the announced retirements of all four town mayors.
The Party Line - The Jena Times
The Party Line Some of you might recall the dispensation of time when there was no such animal as a cell phone: no texting, no messaging, no instant connections - no nothing. Landlines ruled and all phones had a curly cord that connected the detachable handset (into which you spoke and listened) to the cradle. Phones were stationary and only one person could use the home phone at a time, and the entire family had to share one or two devices, and you couldn’t take them with you.
The Next Chapter: The Jonesville Soybean Festival
The 2026 Jonesville Soybean Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, October 9-10 in downtown Jonesville. The festival was revived in 2025 after a 30-year absence. The Next Chapter: The Jonesville Soybean Festival The 2026 Soybean Festival is on the calendar for the 2nd straight year on Friday and Saturday, October 9-10 in downtown Jonesville. An entry fee will be charged at the gate, and a wristband will be issued at payment.
Love Bug Dissertation - The Jena Times
Love Bug Dissertation I hate love bugs: those annoying little insects that hang on to each other with unnatural affection and gargantuan gusto - which have infiltrated the air with a density so thick it makes one’s eyes water and breathing difficult. Just yesterday, I took a deep breath and al-most sucked one down my nasal cavity into my lungs. It was not a pleasant experience. It just added to my disdain for their species.
City Hall Transitions Ahead – Part I: Jena Mayor LaDawn C. Edwards - The Jena Times
After three terms, Jena Mayor LaDawn C. Edwards will retire at the end of 2026 marking a new chapter in her life and the Town of Jena. City Hall Transitions Ahead – Part I: Jena Mayor LaDawn C. Edwards In an unusual turn of events, four LaSalle Parish town mayors will not be seeking re-election for office this November resulting in city hall transitions across the parish.
Tiny Birds – Colossal Journey: The Great Hummingbird Migration - The Jena Times
Tiny Birds – Colossal Journey: The Great Hummingbird Migration September and October are the months each fall when thousands of beautiful hummingbirds across certain parts of North America — including those in Louisiana — begin their annual migration to Mexico and Central America in search of a warmer climate. Following the same routes as their ancestors, local ruby-throated males are the first to leave Central Louisiana, with females, migrants and juveniles following later.
The Cat’s Meow - The Jena Times
The Cat’s Meow There’s an old stray cat on my road that has recently adopted me. He’s such a thoughtful feline making sure that when I drive up, he’s there to greet me with his deceptively mournful meow and his soulful eyes.
43 Years and Counting – The Bridal March Sonnet - The Jena Times
43 Years and Counting – The Bridal March Sonnet I went to a wedding recently and to my dismay, the bridal march was missing...not the bride, mind you, but the traditional bridal march. Now I adhere to the philosophy ‘each to their own’ and respect the right of every bride to do her wedding as she wishes, but it was a little discombobulating for an old gal like me. This was a first and while the chosen melody was lovely, it didn’t fill me with that warm cozy feeling of nostalgia. Not one goose bump.
Backyard Beauty & Beasts - The Jena Times
An impressive Swallowtail butterfly feasts on area flowers. Backyard Beauty & Beasts The heat of summer is at its peak, and most landscapes are struggling to keep up. Flowers and shrubs need daily watering, trees are already shedding leaves due to lack of rain, and insects and animals rely on natural water sources for a cool drink.
Jambalaya, Crawfish Pie - The Jena Times
Jambalaya, Crawfish Pie I remember the first time I ate boiled crawfish – or crayfish if you’re sophisticated and cling to proper terminology. I was 11 years old, and thousands upon thousands of crawfish were doing their best to escape the flood waters of 1973 by crawling to higher ground as a means of survival.
The Great Flood of 1973
An old house on French Fork sits filled with water during the Flood of 1973. The Great Flood of 1973 Floods, high water, and back water are nothing new to LaSalle and Catahoula Parish residents, but some floods stand out in extremity and severity. Such is the case with the Flood of 1973, noted at the time as the worst flooding experienced in a period of over 150 years.
Painting a Garden Masterpiece
Mrs. Glenda Cooper stands in front of one of the many beautiful garden beds she has added into her home landscape. A self-taught gardener, Glenda has spent the last five years transforming her outside living space. Painting a Garden Masterpiece Glenda Sandifer Cooper is a self-taught gardener who has spent the last five years transforming her home terrain into a stunning landscape.
Is it hot or what?
Is it hot or what? I do believe we are living in the dog days of summer; perhaps ‘dog days’ is an inappropriate description of the scorching heat and current drought we are presently experiencing. Most of the outside dogs are panting and perspiring along with the rest of us, their little tongues hanging -drinking water then collapsing in the shade.
Why Don’t We Have A Minimum Social Security Benefit? - The Jena Times
Why Don’t We Have A Minimum Social Security Benefit? Dear Rusty: I think we should have a Social Security baseline of $2,500 for each person. When I retire, my Social Security benefit will not be enough to survive. There are many of us who worked low paying jobs all our lives because we raised families and only started saving later in life.
“Keep Louisiana Beautiful” urges early start - The Jena Times
“Keep Louisiana Beautiful” urges early start With just weeks remaining before the official kickoff of Love Our Waterways on September 1, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) are calling on more Louisianans to register cleanup events and volunteer for the state’s first coordinated, month-long shoreline and waterway cleanup initiative.
Decades of Dedication – Part 2 - The Jena Times
Ward 3 LPSB member Fred Book will conclude 9 years on the board at the end of 2026, for a total of 41 years of public service (32 years as Mayor of Tullos). Decades of Dedication – Part 2 (EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story is Part 2 of a Two-Part Series about five parish school board members who will end their final months of service this year due to term limits and a sixth who retires from public service.)
Hooray, It’s Boo Ray!
Hooray, It’s Boo Ray! A few years back I bought and lost a robotic vacuum cleaner that I affectionately called ‘Boo Ray’. Little Boo Ray was still in his youth, about two weeks old, when he mysteriously and unexplainably disappeared while vigorously vacuuming my home. I looked and searched for him for months and months.
The ABCs of School Personnel - The Jena Times
The ABCs of School Personnel Thank the Lord for teachers, principals, paras, bus drivers, custodians, lunchroom techs and all the other school employees who walk the halls, teach the lessons, cook the meals, transport the kiddos and fill all the other important roles that it takes to have school.
Decades of Dedication – Part 1 - The Jena Times
Ward 2 LPSB member Jonny Fryar will conclude 24 years of public service to the school system and the citizens he represents this year. Fryar notes that LaSalle Parish schools are among the best in the State of Louisiana. Decades of Dedication – Part 1 (EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story is Part 1 of a Two-Part Series about five parish school board members who will end their final months of service this year due to term limits.)
LaSalle Legends and Lore: Local Drive-Ins, Diners & Elvis - The Jena Times
LaSalle Legends and Lore: Local Drive-Ins, Diners & Elvis While the social fabric of LaSalle Parish and its citizens has evolved over the years, local eateries, diners and such have always been front and center, playing an important role in the tapestry of eats, treats, entertainment, and catching up on the local news.
Just call me “The Quilt Lady”
Just call me “The Quilt Lady” To those who know me, I am the unofficial ‘quilt lady’ and this has been a month of nonstop quilting for me! I have repaired a treasured quilt made by a precious grandmother, I made a baby quilt for my youngest grandson, created and sewed a few t-shirt quilts, and finished a patriotic quilt for a Vietnam War veteran. While keeping me on my tippy toes, I must confess that I have quite an affinity for piecing together fabric in a meaningful and purposeful way.
New book celebrates the legacy of Sammy Jones Franklin
The Legend of Sammy Jones Franklin, pictured above, has been compiled and published by his daughter, Ashley Franklin Keene. The book is a collection of 29 writings and additional editorials by the late publisher/ editor of The Jena Times.
Medi- ‘Who Cares’ - The Jena Times
Medi- ‘Who Cares’ As previously noted, I am soon to join the millions of Americans who have reached the magical age where Medicare kicks in....’kicks’ being the operative word. I feel like a tin can rolling downhill in the direct pathway of an 18-wheeler called ineffective governmental ineptness and confusing jargon. My fellow and soon-to-be 65ers can identify. (Pardon me, gentle readers, while I put on my whiney face and complain and lament unapologetically.)
Bargain Shopper - The Jena Times
Bargain Shopper My husband thinks I’m a cheapskate. Just the other day he requested that I pick up some Q-Tip’s for him at the local mega retail store. He didn’t just leave the conversation at a simple request but specifically noted that he wanted the name brand kind not the bargain equivalent. In his words, “I want the real thing not those counterfeits that dig in your ears like a stick picked up from the front yard.” Hmmm... just what was he trying to tell me?
Almost Home Behavioral Ministries – Part III: Stacy’s Road to Recovery - The Jena Times
An on-site resident of Almost Home Ministries in Jonesville, Stacy shares her road to recovery to help and strengthen others in their efforts to become drug free. She is pictured in front of her tiny home located on the Almost Home site where she is a ‘House Mom’ for residents.
My faithful God - The Jena Times
My faithful God I’m into my fifth decade of Jesus and all that He entails, and I must admit I do not have one regret! He has been perfectly perfect, awesomely awesome and faithful and true beyond human definition of ‘faithful and true’. I wish that I could say that I have been without failure, fault, bad attitude and such, but I cannot.
Almost Home Behavioral Health Ministries: Part II: Jodi’s Story
Jodi Lambert, pictured above, is a graduate and employee of Almost Home Behavioral Ministry. She attributes her recovery journey to the efforts of the program and her relationship with Jesus Christ. Almost Home Behavioral Health Ministries: Part II: Jodi’s Story There’s a life story in the face and smile of Jodi Lambert that is worth reading. It is one of struggle, triumph and determination and of loss and gain.
Loving Jesus: A Southern Bond - The Jena Times
Loving Jesus: A Southern Bond For those who do not know, I feel compelled to share a historically and culturally correct tidbit with you: most Southerners love Jesus. It is a common bond that hardens and holds us together like the gum off a sweetgum tree. Once it dries, it’s there to stay through thick or thin, ugly heat or bitter winter cold. Whether black or white, Asian or otherwise, Baptist, Pentecostal, or Methodist, sinner or saint, our cores cut the same: Jesus is King.
Almost Home Behavioral Health Ministries: A Haven of Hope, Recovery and Support
Debbie McClure (center) is the founder and director of Almost Home Behavioral Health Ministries, a non-profit organization that provides physical and spiritual opportunities for women and their families who need guidance and support in becoming drug free. The ministry is supported by donations from individuals, churches and businesses. She is pictured with Stacy Denny (left) and Jodi Lambert (right) who both completed the program and now serve as employees.
The Sound of the Screen Door - The Jena Times
The Sound of the Screen Door There’s something special about a squeaky screen door that hangs crookedly on a faded wooden frame and closes with a well announced ‘bang’. It’s a sacred symbol of past family and people togetherness — an icon of what could and maybe should be today. Anybody wearing more than a few decades of age can identify what appears to be a bygone relic as much more. The old screen door once stood valiantly as a guard against outside annoyances, and its presence was priceless.
LaSalle Legends and Lore
During the 1930s thorough the 1940’s, organized health care for LaSalle residents was non-existent and when it became present, was administered by local physicians doing house calls. Pictured above is the late Edith Bailey (holding baby), wife of J.G. Bailey and her children who experienced such early home care.
A Community Cornerstone
The Mount Nebo Baptist Church, pictured above, has been a symbol of faith for Nebo residents for the last 171 years. It is noted as one of the longest serving churches in the local area. A Community Cornerstone The Mount Nebo Baptist Church, located on LA 777 around nine miles south of Jena, has been a light and a cornerstone of faith in the Nebo community for well over 100 years. Its roots go back more than a century to the year 1855 before LaSalle Parish was carved from Catahoula Parish.
Yo-del-lay-ee - The Jena Times
Yo-del-lay-ee There are some family habits that never go away, regardless of how old you get. One day out of the clear blue, without expectation or warnings of any kind, you’ll suddenly find yourself catapulting the past into the present through what you thought was a long ago, forever forgotten behavior. I found myself in this very scenario last week. I heard myself yodel.
A Slice of Summer
Homegrown tomatoes, like the ones pictured above, have many health benefits. A Slice of Summer The definition of ‘fine dining’ is often subjective to the area of the country in which one resides or visits. The tastebuds acclimate to area recipes and offerings. While there are those who define finer cuisine to such rarities as caviar, wagyu beef, truffle pasta, or the like, Southerners know the true meaning of exquisite table fare: homegrown tomatoes.
A Marriage Miracle
A Marriage Miracle After 43 years of wedded bliss, my husband has made a new discovery that has changed our marriage intensively for the better: the dry cleaners. I know it sounds trivial in nature, and many of you are probably already wondering as to the authenticity of my proclamation, but this newfound laundry service has opened a whole new world for him and relieved me of hours of laundry duress and duties.
Creating Works of ‘HeART’
LaSalle native Kathryn Rachal Woodruff When artist and talented art educator Kathryn Rachal Woodruff looks at an empty canvas, she envisions more than a mere painting. She sees a unique opportunity to connect with others in some of their most important and life-changing moments through art, with a focus on memorial portraits.
Music Feeds the Soul
Music Feeds the Soul My family gathered for a lovely visit this past week at my home in the great providence of Trout. My sister breezed in from up north, my brother and his wife drove in, and my young 89-year-old daddy was among the crowd. Of course, my sons and their wives, my girl Vic, and all the grand ‘kiddos’ were present. Toward the end of the visit, we pulled out the guitars and strummed a few songs, voices singing along and toes tapping.
Green Thumb Gardening
Growing trees, fruit, and a host of other plants on her home property are among this Master Gardener’s pursuits. Stephanie is shown above tending grape vines that are currently loaded with new grapes. Green Thumb Gardening Stephanie Cooper McDowell’s love of the garden and all things green surpasses that of casual interest. Her pursuit of excellence in growing beautiful flowers, vegetables, native plants, and trees of all kinds distinguishes her gardening skills to the level of mastery.
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