Columns

Youth Pastor Micah Granger: On a mission

When Pastor Charlie Allo called and asked if I would be interested in traveling to Kenya to help establish CALLED within the Kenya Assemblies of God, my answer was immediate: absolutely. This was more than another missions trip.

Reflections: Persecuted

From the beginning, Christians have faced persecution. Jesus predicted it. “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well,” (John 15:20).

Botched execution denied justice for victim

Last Wednesday, the state of Tennessee botched the execution of convicted first-degree murderer Christa Pike. After several attempts to administer an injection of lethal pentobarbital failed, Pike was taken to a hospital, where she remains unconscious and on a ventilator.

America needs more heroes!

Psychologist Carl Jung wrote that we are born to need heroes. Having a hero in our lives nurtures us, gives us hope, lifts us up, gives us reasons to dream and be inspired. Every kid has a special champion they admire and look up to. I was no exception. Early on they were sports superstars.

As November election approaches, what’s really on the ballot?

As November 3rd comes closer, I wanted to address what is actually on the ballot in many parts of the country this year.  In many of our “blue” liberal states, socialism is on the ballot.

A town without a paper

During National Newspaper Week, we should ask what would happen if our local newspaper suddenly disappeared. Our community would lose more than headlines. We would lose the public record of who voted for what, how tax dollars are spent and which promises were kept.

The rules nobody wrote down

My kids love Olive Garden – a lot. With an Italian last name like Barranco, I’ll admit I’m slightly embarrassed by how much they love what may be the most generic Italian restaurant in the country. But I keep that to myself and indulge them.

Promises ketp as ICE sets record for most arrests

Data released Sept. 2 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) finds that after breaking the threshold for the most illegal alien arrests in a single month in July 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) surpassed that number again in August.

Louisiana’s Kennedy in the Presidential race?

The next election for president is two years away, but there are candidates in both parties who are positioning themselves for a possible run. A new candidate on the list, and a guy from Louisiana, is current U.S. Senator John Kennedy, who is 74.

Home again: Loewer family returns to Rue Dauphine

By Saydie Stanley Staff Writer Construction on the house at 702 Rue Dauphine started in 1976. Erich Loewer Jr. and Jane Loewer put a sawmill on the property and cut the beams to size. All woodwork including cabinets, doors, and windows were cut and built on site.