On Feb. 19, Acadian Air Med partnered with Tensas Parish Fire District #1 to host a Landing Zone Safety Class at the department’s training site on Highway 65. Representatives from Tensas Fire, the Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police and Northeast Louisiana Ambulance Service attended the session, which focused on prepar‑ing local responders for safe and efficient helicop‑ter operations.

Acadian Air Med, part of Acadian Ambulance Service, has been a leader in air medical transport since 1981 and now flies more first‑response mis‑sions than any other air medical program in the country. With the clos‑est aircraft stationed in Ferriday and Monroe, the goal of the training was to strengthen coordination between local agencies and flight crews during critical emergencies.

According to Acadian Communications Specialist Natalie Robert, the class covered estab‑lishing safe landing zones, including night operations, along with aircraft safety and emergency procedures. The training also outlined when it is appropriate to activate Air Med for situations such as strokes, heart attacks, or serious trauma. Participants also reviewed how and when to transport patients to higher-level facilities in Alexandria, Monroe, Baton Rouge, or Jackson.

Tensas Fire Deputy Chief Danny Lance expressed appreciation for the collaboration. “We had participants from the Tensas Sheriff’s Office, NELA Ambulance Service, and Tensas Fire in attendance,” he said. “Thank you to Mikalyn Rymer and Air Med 8 for putting this together. We look forward to working with you in the future.”

Just days later, the department shifted from aerial operations to fire behavior with a two-night Flashover Training presented by the Louisiana Fire and Emergency Training Academy (FETA) on Feb. 23 and 24. FETA’s mission is to train and certify emergency responders through high-quality, accredited instruction that meets the evolving needs of the fire and EMS community.

The first evening consisted of classroom instruction focused on reading smoke, understanding fire development, and recognizing the warning signs of a potential flashover— a dangerous event in which superheated gases ignite almost simultaneously. The second night brought firefighters face-to-face with those concepts during a live-burn demonstration using FETA’s flashover prop.

“We were able to watch the fire grow from the incipient stage to fire and temperatures of 1,000 degrees just a few feet above our heads,” Lance said. “We saw up close the effects of ventilation on a fire. A big thanks to the volunteers who showed up to train and to FETA for bringing the prop and burning it for us.”

Together, the Landing Zone Safety Class and the Flashover Training represent a significant investment in readiness for Tensas Parish’s volunteer firefighters and partner agencies. From coordinating medical air transport to understanding the most dangerous stages of structural fire behavior, February’s training series strengthened the skills and teamwork that local responders rely on when seconds matter most.

Well yes, but while most of us think of salads in this vein, there is a world of options available to us and many of them are hearty enough to satisfy our cool-weather cravings. Even though we are on the cusp of springtime, it will be a while before any local produce shows up so now might be the perfect time to explore winter salad ingredients and warm “salads.” To start, let’s think about items we may not typically use to build a salad.

DRIED FRUITS Cranberries are a favorite, but LOTS of options are easily found and any of them would be delicious in a salad. Apple and mango slices, chopped dried apricots, figs, or dates, dried cherries or blueberries, or any variety of crunchy freeze-dried fruits such as strawberries, pineapple or peaches would be delightful. Probably keep your fruit add-ins to one or two types per salad if building a vegetable-forward bowl.

NUTS & SEEDS - Again, we have our common salad components like sunflower kernels, pecans and walnuts, but try toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped peanuts for an Asianinspired mix, or even cashews. These additions will bump up the protein content of your salad and give a different type of crunch.

BEANS - Such an easy way to add a little more protein! You could save a cup from your next batch of bean soup, but the quickest option is canned beans. Drain and rinse them well, and if you feel they need more flavor you can sauté briefly with a touch of olive oil and whatever seasonings you like - blackened seasoning on chickpeas is one of my favorites.

BLANCHED or ROASTED VEGGIES Steam briefly over boiling water or in the microwave, leaving them a bit crunchy if you like. Or toss with olive oil, salt & pepper and roast just until tender in a 400-degree oven. Some great ones include small broccoli florets, chopped green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes and onions.

GRAINS - Something about the addition of grains veers off into “grain bowl” territory to me instead of the salad genre. BUT, we do commonly use corn in salads, and that’s a grain as well. I say follow your heart here and find out if you enjoy a sprinkling of quinoa or toasted brown rice in your salad.

This list of recommendations is far from inclusive. I’m sure once you begin to think outside the bowl, you’ll find even more interesting ways to switch up your salad routine. The warm salad recipe I’m sharing this week has been a hit each time I served it. You could add a meat protein if you wish, serve as a meatless entree or as a hearty side dish.

Let’s Eat!

Jessica Mobley is owner and chef of the Walking Pig in St. Joseph.

It was a mention of some photographs published in The Illustrated Sunday Magazine. This was an addition to the Sunday Times-Picayune newspaper from New Orleans. It referenced several photographs, or what it called “likenesses of various views in Tensas Parish.” Unfortunately, none of those “likenesses” were reprinted in the Tensas Gazette.

This placed me on the search to find them. And luckily, they were found in an online archive. The scanned images were very dark, as many old newspapers scanned images were. I was able to save copies of the images and scan them into a photo editor which brought them into a viewable condition.

One of the most impressive images was of the first steam traction plow in Tensas Parish. In the images, Mr. James P. Harrison of Delta Plantation, was standing next to a flatbed train car with the implement still onboard, about to be unloaded.

This Reeve’s Steam Traction plow was massive. It occupied the entire train car. Upon doing a little research into this “tractor,” it was an impressive modern marvel of the time. The cost of the unit in 1908 was in the range of $3,000 to 3,500 depending on the package. In today’s money that is in the $110,000 to $145,000 bracket.

The rear wheels on the Reeve’s Traction plow were huge. They were solid steel and measured 24 inches wide and stood six feet tall. The entire weight of the unit was upward of 10 tons, and that wasn’t including implements or coal and water weight. The 1908 model could carry up to 600 gallons of water for steam production, which added another 4,800 pounds when the unit was full of water.

The steam boiler operated between 140-160 pounds per square inch. The speed of the traction plow was up to two and a half miles per hour.

At this pace and burning around a ton and a half of coal, the steam plow could cultivate up to sixty acres per day.

It would have been a true sight to see this massive piece of equipment working in the field of Tensas Parish. Fortunately, the Times-Picayune was able to take a picture and capture the moment in history when Tensas Parish received its first steam traction plow.

Percy, the son of Willie Percy and Anna Hemphill, has long been known for his versatility on the court. Though officially a shooting guard, he steps into any position the Panthers need, bringing leadership and intensity to every role. His favorite performance of the season came in a hard‑fought game against St. Frederick, where he poured in 33 points and recorded a double‑double. Even in a loss, Percy considers it his best game. “It was a great game and my best performance,” he said. For Percy, the 1,000‑point milestone is more than a sta‑tistic. It’s a reflection of discipline, growth, and gratitude. “Without God it wouldn’t have happened,” he said. “My teammates helped me do it. Basketball got me where I am today. I have a better mind than I had before I started. It made me more disciplined.” He also offered a heartfelt “special shout out” to his girlfriend, Zaria Boxley, for her support. As the Panthers prepare for the LHSAA Division IV Boys Basketball playoffs, Percy is locked in. “Tensas is playoff‑mode ready. Ain’t no playing. Straight pressure from here. Whoever switched up stay on their side,” he said with the confidence and fire that have defined his senior season. The playoff results will come after this issue goes to print, but Percy’s achievement stands on its own — a milestone no one can take away. Tensas High School Principal Dr. Mateo Lopez praised Percy’s impact both on and off the court. “He is a great student and strong leader. I think he’s going to accomplish remarkable things,” Lopez said. Head Coach Hollis Meadows echoed that sentiment. “Since I’ve been with Deon, he’s shown strong leadership characteristics,” Meadows said. “He motivates the team to pull together and has helped us get to the playoffs. Deon leads by example and is a big brother to others both on and off the court.” With graduation approaching, Percy already has his eyes on the future. His goals are simple and bold: go to college and become a millionaire. Given his drive, discipline, and determination, few would bet against him. For now, though, the Panthers celebrate a senior who has left his mark – a player whose 1,000‑point milestone reflects years of work, heart, and hometown pride.

Many added costumes or props to deepen their presentations, giving the event a lively, imaginative atmosphere. Hol Guthrie made a memorable appearance as a remarkably convincing Theodore Roosevelt, complete with period appropriate attire, while Harper Schauf brought in a set of antlers from a deer she harvested— an eye catching detail that tied directly into her chosen book, First Deer Cheer. These touches helped bring the stories to life and showcased the students’ engagement and creativity.

Judges Mary Claude Glass and Kristin Manning selected first, second, and third place winners in both the Board and Best Character divisions for Fiction and Nonfiction across all grade levels. In the Fiction Board category, first grade honors went to Israel Alexander and Elsie Burnside, while second grade was led by Harper Schauf and Jayden Sikes. Third grade top spots were earned by Henry McDonald and Dannie Alexander, followed by Sophie Alexander and Sutton Crigler in fourth grade. Fifth grade rounded out the Fiction winners with Allen Crigler taking first and Will McDonald placing second.

In the Nonfiction Board division, first grade winners were Boyd Crigler and Knox Gandy. Jack Crigler and August Nagem led the second grade group, while third grade was topped by Hugh Guthrie and Brighton Gandy. Fourth grade winners included James Capdepon in first and Mack Nettles in second, and the fifth grade category was headed by Hayden Dubois and Maycie Garner. The first and second place winners in the Board category for each grade advanced to the District Reading Fair on February 24 at Northeast Baptist in West Monroe, representing Tensas Academy with their outstanding work.

At the district level, Tensas Academy students continued to shine, earning several placements in both Fiction and Nonfiction categories.

In Fiction Board, first grader Elsie Burnside captured first place while Israel Alexander earned third. Second grader Jayden Sikes placed second, third grader Henry McDonald took third, and in fourth grade Sophie Alexander earned first place with Sutton Crigler taking third.

In the Nonfiction Board division, first grader Boyd Crigler earned second place recognition, while second grader August Nagem placed second and Jack Crigler earned third. Third grader Brighton Gandy secured a third place finish, and in fourth grade James Capdepon earned second place.

The top first and second place winners in the Board category now advance to the Overall Competition on March 26 at Hinds Muse in Pearl, Mississippi, marking another exciting step for Tensas Academy’s young readers and researchers.

What is your favorite memory at THS? My favorite memory at Tensas High School is being a part of the Homecoming court with my sister.

What are your plans after high school? If going to college, what college (if you know) and what do you want to study there? My plans after school are to attend Grambling State University and study business. Also, I would like to become a real estate agent and start my own clothing business one day.

If your life was made into a movie, what actor would you want to play you? Would the movie be a comedy, drama, action, or something else? If my life were made into a movie, I am not sure what type or who I would like to play my part.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know? A fun fact most people don’t know about me is that I love anything Spiderman.

What advice would you give younger students?

To younger students, I advise them to be themselves. Exploring interests through new clubs, choosing supportive friends, prioritizing self-care, and enjoying each moment of high school, because the years go by faster than you think.

What’s one dream you have for your future? One dream I have for the future is to become successful and rich and buy my mom a house.

What is your favorite memory at THS? My favorite memory at Tensas High School is sitting in class and anticipating the next adventure.

What are your plans after high school? If going to college, what college (if you know) and what do you want to study there? My plans after high school are to get my commercial driver’s license and haul hopperbottom trailers.

If your life were made into a movie, what actor would you want to play you? Would the movie be a comedy, drama, action, or something else? If my life were made into a movie, it would be a comedy, and Clifton Powell (Pinky) would play my part.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know? A fun fact about me most people don’t know is that I like to smell good.

What advice would you give younger students?

To younger students, I advise them to stay in school, do their best, and not to give up.

What’s one dream you have for your future? One dream I have for the future is to one day be able to own my own big rig and give back to those who helped me along the way.

My favorite memory is homecoming week and all the festivities.

What are your plans after high school? If going to college, what college (if you know) and what do you want to study there? After I graduate I plan to attend Delta Community College for my prerequisites then transfer to ULM and join the rad tech program.

If your life was made into a movie, what actor would you want to play you? Would the movie be comedy, drama, action, or something else? If my life were made into a movie, I’d want Ellen Pompeo to play me because she’s strong, confident, and caring. My movie would be a comedy-drama because my life has funny moments and serious goals.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know? I’ve had my cat Bella for 10 years, so she has basically grown up with me.

What advice would you give younger students? Be kind, stay focused and remember mistakes help you learn.

What’s one dream you have for your future? Build a career I’m proud of and be successful doing something I love.

The event marked a spe‑cial milestone — 100 years of Black history, 1926– 2026 — and the stage décor reflected that sig‑nificance with bold colors, historical imagery, and a warm, welcoming atmo‑sphere for the many guests in attendance.

Students from every grade level participated in the celebration, many wearing specially designed T‑shirts created for the 100‑year commemora‑tion. The program opened with the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer offered by Rev. Ernest Newman.

Tensas Elementary Student of the Year Aiden Martin delivered the wel‑come, reminding the audience that Black history is both a celebration of the past and an inspiration for the future. He spoke of “standing on the shoulders of giants” and encour‑aged everyone to honor the courage, strength, and determination of the lead‑ers who helped shape the nation.

The morning con‑tinued with a full slate of performances high‑lighting the talent and enthusiasm of Tensas Elementary students.

Pre‑K students pre‑sented “Dr. Martin Luther King,” followed by Kindergarten’s perfor‑mance of “Glory.” The T.E.S. Ensemble, under the direction of Terry Wells, offered a musical selection before first graders took the stage with “ABC’s of Black History.”

Second graders contin‑ued the celebration with “Hey Black Child,” and additional performances from grades K–5 included “Sing About Martin,” “I’ll Smile,” “Love Is the Key,” and “Stand Up, Speak Out.”

A special tribute hon‑ored the memory of W.T. Winston and Reverend Jesse Jackson, accom‑panied by the T.E.S. Ensemble. The program also recognized Madison Bass, Ambassador of Louisiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, for her achievements.

Mayor Frankie Robinson introduced the guest speaker, Mayor Alice Wallace of Winnsboro, who centered her message on three keys to success: work hard, be kind, and stand up for others. She encouraged students to “let your yes be yes and your no be no,” reminding them that many heroes of Black history did not wear capes — they were ordinary people who made extraor‑dinary contributions. Wallace emphasized that the world is waiting on the next generation of leaders, including future teachers, presidents, and mayors.

Wallace later shared, “It was an absolute pleasure to be the guest speaker at today’s event. The children did an awesome job com‑memorating Black History Month and its significance. I am in awe of how this school put in such an awe‑some program and the food was delicious.”

Following the program, guests were treated to a generous soul‑food meal featuring fried chicken, pork chops, barbecue chicken, ribs, neckbones, pig feet, greens, green beans, red beans and rice, cornbread, corn soup, yams, dressing, banana pudding, rice pudding, and cake, along with water, soda, and strawberry tea.

The event was supported by dedicated commit‑tees who helped bring the celebration to life. The Program Committee included Tammy Brown, Doris Gibson, Chris Jackson, Annie Marshall, and Frankie Robinson. The Décor Committee — Tiffany Johnson, Myesha Martin, Warnetta Walker, and Brandy Wilson‑Williams — cre‑ated the striking visual backdrop that set the tone for the day.

Principal Sharon Robinson closed the cer‑emony with words of gratitude and pride, noting the importance of honoring Black history and the stu‑dents’ role in carrying that legacy forward.

The 2026 program not only celebrated a cen‑tury of Black history but also showcased the unity, creativity, and spirit of the Tensas Elementary community.

If the tables were turned, they might feel the same way about your supper. How? Why? There are two basic reasons, one of which is in our national news today.

The first, and simplest explanation to the disparity in tastes is necessity. Your ancestors, even as recent as 50 years ago, possessed a frugal mindset when it came to food. By and large they grew at least some of their own food, so they were very intentional about not wasting that resource. From hogs to tomatoes, effort and money went into raising food for the family. Thus every bit of it was utilized - buttermilk from churning milk into butter, organ meats from the farm animals, and some fish and game that was plentiful, if not necessarily desirable.

Purchased food items were also relatively expensive. For as much as we are aware and concerned about food prices now, families 150 years ago had to dedicate an even larger portion of their household income to groceries than we do. “Luxury” items like sugar and white flour were used sparingly due to the cost.

A second, and more nefarious reason for the taste gap is industrialized food. It beckons to us with its low cost, convenient preparation and addicting flavor profiles. I could spend the day discussing its perils, but generally, there is no real food in that “food.”

Your forefathers wouldn’t know what to do with boxes of stuffing or macaroni and powdered cheese. They wouldn’t recognize chicken nuggets as meat, and I’m sure they’d think our modern snack foods look and taste awful.

The inspiration for this article came from an innocent curiosity about why we tend not to make and eat “certain old-fashioned” dishes anymore, like hog’s head cheese and blood sausage. It’s natural for a population’s tastes to change.

As civilized people, we drive progress in all areas of our world and it shapes how we live. But I think it’s important that we stop and look around once in a while to be sure our advances are truly helping us to live better. Some things just can’t get faster, cheaper, and easier without losing their integrity.

A French chef friend of ours used to drop in at the restaurant periodically with some of his chicken pâté in a little mason jar, along with a homemade baguette.

It’s a wholesome, nutritious, AND old-fashioned treat that is really simple to make. This recipe comes close to Alain’s, and I hope you’ll try it.

Let’s Eat!

I’m not a big fan of designated months for history, as we all share a unified past. Designating months for different histories can be beneficial in the classroom, but for a historian, it’s difficult to separate them. They are all interconnected.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with DeVante Martin to discuss Tensas Rosenwald Training School for a story he was working on for KNOE. DeVante, a Tensas Parish native, is one of our own, and it was a pleasure to share some of the facts I’ve learned about the school.

With the push by the Rosenwald Foundation in the early 20th century, Tensas Parish became fertile ground for establishing better-equipped high schools for the African American community. When Saint Joseph High School was built in 1924, an existing building was left vacant. In 1925, it was relocated to the site known as the baseball diamond in the school section just west of St. Joseph.

Much work went into giving the building new life. Unfortunately, the Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927 soon followed. The newly remodeled Tensas Rosenwald sat in four to five feet of water before the floodwaters began to recede. By the end of 1927, operations were running smoothly again.

One of the most influential members of the Rosenwald Committee was Mary Sykes. She planned to bring dormitories to the Rosenwald campus. Rural schools typically taught only through the eighth grade, and continuing one’s education meant traveling into town where high schools were located. This posed a problem for families living 35 to 40 miles away.

Students often stayed with friends or relatives who lived closer to town. The effort to build dormitories ended with the untimely death of Sykes in 1928 before the project could be completed.

By the 1930s, Tensas Rosenwald was well established. The school’s trophy case stands as evidence that it was a well-rounded institution. Mementos from the era include trophies not only in sports but also in drama, speech, band and choral singing.

The list of graduates from Tensas Rosenwald Training School is long. Through the 1950s and 1960s, graduating classes sometimes included more than 100 students walking the aisle to receive their diplomas.

A few achieved national prominence.

Andrew Brimmer became the first African American governor on the Federal Reserve Board and later a distinguished professor of economics, teaching at institutions such as Harvard University.

Emmitt Douglas served as president of the Louisiana NAACP and was a successful businessman.

Morgan Watson was among the first African American engineers to work for NASA and helped design and build the rocket engines that put man on the moon.

The list could continue. Tensas Rosenwald Training School has touched nearly every state in the nation, with graduates relocating across the country.

Council members Marvin Brady, Deborah Parson and Richard Harris were present along with Mayor Frankie Robinson and Clerk Lacy Washington.

The most exten‑sive discussion of the evening centered on resi‑dential garbage collection. Residents noted garbage had not been picked up for approximately three and a half weeks before service was temporarily restored the previous week by Super D.

The council voted to authorize a second week of contracted service with Super D at a cost of $2,200. Mayor Robinson explained Newellton’s garbage truck is currently out of service, requiring the town to seek outside assistance. She reported speaking with Waterproof Mayor Jarrod Bottley, Wolf Disposals, Waste Pro and Super D, and said she is awaiting additional quotes as the town works to secure a longer‑term solution.

Earlier in the meeting, the council heard from resident Leslie Alexander Smith during the public comment period. Smith expressed concern that correspondence she mailed to the village had been returned and appeared not to have been collected.

Council mem‑bers responded the mailing address she used was correct. Smith noted one earlier piece of mail had been signed for by Police Chief Desmond Ford, but she has received no confirmations since. She also informed the council that she has been in communication with the Louisiana Legislative Auditor regarding the Village’s financial status and said she has dis‑cussed the possibility of a public meeting to provide residents with additional clarity. Smith emphasized she does not blame the current administration, stating the issues predate the present mayor.

Mayor Robinson also addressed ongoing efforts to improve property con‑ditions throughout the community. She reminded residents to remove debris from their proper‑ties, including inoperable vehicles, old appliances and other discarded materials. Her remarks prompted questions from citizens regarding where debris should be taken, how soon removal efforts might begin and whether previously assessed storm-related debris would be collected.

A representative from Tensas Water Distribution provided an update on the Village’s water system and billing. He reported the readometer currently in use is believed to be functioning properly and that recent bills reflect accurate readings. He confirmed the village has an active water supply and chlorine is present in the system, but noted the boil advisory will remain in place until further notice.

He also clarified Tensas Water Distribution is not managing Newellton’s system. Although Tensas Water supplied water to the village on three occasions, Newellton is currently operating from its own water tower. Discussions about possible consolidation remain ongoing.

Following public discussion, the council entered executive session in accordance with standard procedures. The meeting was adjourned upon its conclusion.

What began as a morn‑ing of service continued into a strong afternoon of community partnership, making the day a pow‑erful reminder of what happens when people come together.

The day started at the Newellton Housing Authority on Verona Street, where Alpha Connection Youth and Family Services hosted a free water giveaway under the supervision of Alma McMillian. By 11 a.m., all 500 cases had been distrib‑uted to the many residents who arrived early and in steady numbers. Alpha Connection representa‑tive Barron Wilson shared the heart behind the effort, noting that every commu‑nity deserves a win and no family should be left with‑out water. What unfolded that morning was more than a distribution — it was neighbors helping neighbors, families sup‑porting one another and a town showing its resilience and pride.

That spirit carried into the afternoon as Walmart on Front Street in Winnsboro delivered a major contribution to Newellton’s residents. Two semi‑trucks filled with pallets of bottled water arrived at the old firehouse building, where grateful families picked up cases throughout the day. Walmart associates joined local volunteers on the ground, working side by side to ensure the donation reached as many households as possible.

Newellton resident Kelly Gossett expressed the community’s appreciation, extending sincere gratitude to Walmart for its generous donation and to the associates who came in person to help distribute water. Their hands-on support made a meaningful difference during a time of real need.

The Village of Newellton also recognizes the many volunteers whose dedication kept the last-minute distribution running smoothly: Chad and Kelly Gossett, Walker Head, Rob Burnside, Frankie Burnside, Heath and Kylie Herring, Vance Herring, Walker McDonald, Alderman Richard Harris, Clayton Head, Karney Thomas, and Richard Dunmore. Special thanks go to the Walmart team members who assisted on site: Store manager Chantel Cherry, Paula Staple-Fairley, Catherine Reed, Wannekia Island, and Javandalyn Richard. Appreciation is also extended to the Winnsboro Walmart for its continued support.

From Alpha Connection’s early-morning outreach to Walmart’s large-scale afternoon delivery, Feb. 7 became a day defined by teamwork, generosity, and community pride. When the water stops, Newellton steps up — and on this day, so did every partner who stood with them.