Month: November 2026

Cynthia Lue “Cindy” Worry

/ Eli Gentry

Cynthia Lue “Cindy” Worry, age 61, of San Augustine County passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at Titus Regional Medical Center in Mount Pleasant.

“Cindy” was born October 5, 1965, in Houston to parents Melvin Lee “Buddy” and Emma Lue (Burns) Martin. She had lived in the San Augustine area since 1997 and had worked several years as a truck driver. Cindy had a great passion for fishing and gardening.

Her survivors include her husband, Joe Worry Sr. of San Augustine; Sons, Joe Worry Jr. and Arlinda of San Augustine, and Cody Worry of San Augustine; a sister, Patty Page and Freddie; and grandchildren, Craig Worry, Olin Worry, Kalissa Worry, and Mary Worry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin Lee “Buddy” and Emma Lue Martin; and a brother, Marcus Lee Martin.

Private arrangements have been under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFH.com for memories and condolences.

https://www.wymanrobertsfh.com/obituary/CynthiaLue-Worry

Sarah Louise House

/ Eli Gentry

Funeral services for Sarah Louise House, 84, of Bossier City, LA, will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Zwolle with Bro. Marty Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Zwolle City Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 9:30 AM at First Baptist Church of Zwolle.

Sarah Louise House was born on Thursday, January 1, 1942 in Many, LA. She passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Colonial Oaks Nursing Center in Bossier City, LA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim House; parents, Sam and Louise Hayes and her brother, Bryan Hayes.

She is survived by her children: Hayes Alexander and girlfriend Laura DeMann of Bossier City, LA, Alena Burress and husband Brian of Benton, LA, Bonnie Thomas and husband Gary of San Antonio, TX and Debbie Anderson and husband Mike of Florien, LA; grandchildren: Wesley Alexander of Taylor, AR, Nathan Alexander of Taylor, AR, Riley LaBorde of Bossier City, LA, Dylan Thomas and wife Belle of San Antonio, TX, Britton Thomas and wife Abbie of San Antonio, TX, Marilyn Knopps and husband Matthew of Ruston, LA and Tessa VanderKuy and husband Leo of Shreveport, LA; great grandchildren: Anna Thomas, Cooper Thomas, Addyson Thomas, Caily Thomas and a baby on the way, Oliver Knopps; honorary grandson, Jason Savage; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be: Dylan Thomas, Britton Thomas, Matthew Knopps, Leo VanderKuy, Wesley Alexander, and Nathan Alexander.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Ladies Sunday School Class of the First Baptist Church of Zwolle.

Medicaid Changes Taking Effect Jan. 1

/ Eli Gentry

LOUISIANA (Nov. 6, 2026) — Changes to Louisiana’s Medicaid program are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 for many recipients.

Under the new requirements, most working-age adults receiving Medicaid coverage will be required to document at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities, including:

  • Employment
  • School attendance
  • Job training
  • Volunteer work
  • A combination of approved activities

State officials say the goal is to encourage workforce participation and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse within the program.

Another significant change affects retroactive Medicaid coverage, which currently allows eligible applicants to receive coverage for qualifying medical expenses incurred up to three months before applying.

Beginning Jan. 1, that retroactive coverage period will be shortened.

Officials encourage recipients to:

  • Keep contact information current
  • Monitor mail and electronic communications from Medicaid
  • Respond promptly to requests for documentation

Failure to update information or respond to notices could result in interruptions in coverage.

46th Annual Sabine Freestate Festival Underway in Florien

/ Eli Gentry

FLORIEN, La. (Nov. 6, 2026) — The 46th Annual Sabine Freestate Festival is underway in Florien, with three days of activities, entertainment and competitions scheduled through Sunday, Nov. 8.

Friday’s activities include a Veterans Breakfast, Educational Day and Veterans Program featuring a guest speaker from the American Warrior Initiative. The evening schedule includes shootouts, performances by Bad Bob the Bone Butcher, Freestate Bingo and a block party dance.

Saturday’s schedule begins with festival activities at 10 a.m., followed by the parade at 11 a.m. Events immediately following the parade include the announcement of festival queens, posting of colors by the Sabine Rifles Camp, a Toledo Cruiser Car Show, the 5th Annual Ben D. Peterson Memorial Trail Ride and a shootout.

Other Saturday activities include the Wondering Show, a Studio B Dance Company performance, a stick shoot tournament, an acoustic jam session with the Stewart family, and the No Man’s Land BBQ Championship announcement.

Saturday evening entertainment includes Shane Pons Band and Cypress Royale. Additional activities throughout the day include roller car races, laser tag, championship horseshoe racing, putt-putt golf, historical demonstrations, chuckwagon wagon travel and Louisiana mechanical bull riding.

Sunday’s schedule includes gospel singing at 10:30 a.m., a community church service at 11 a.m., another shootout at 2 p.m. and a movie night at 6 p.m. The movie selection is listed as to be announced.

The festival features the theme of history, heritage and community, with shootouts scheduled throughout the weekend.

Sabine Parish Community-Wide Call to Prayer Set for November 8

/ Eli Gentry

MANY, La. (Nov. 6, 2026) — A community-wide Call to Prayer gathering is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. at 850 Highland Avenue in Many.

Organized as a non-denominational gathering, the event will bring together churches, pastors, ministers, faith leaders and community members under the theme, “One Community, One Heart, One Voice, One Prayer.”

The gathering will focus on families grieving the loss of loved ones, healing for the sick, strength for seniors, protection and guidance for children and youth, peace in homes and neighborhoods, and unity throughout Sabine Parish and surrounding areas.

The event’s theme scripture is 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV).

The gathering is open to all churches and community members, regardless of denomination. The Call to Prayer was requested by Deacon Carrius Waller.

Sabine Parish America 250 Committee to Host D-Day Film Screening Nov. 8

/ Eli Gentry

MANY, La. (Nov. 6, 2026) — The Sabine Parish America 250 Committee will host a screening of the historical film Pressure on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. at the Many Community Center.

The film examines the events and decisions leading up to the D-Day invasion during World War II.

The screening is part of the committee’s activities leading up to America’s 250th anniversary and will provide an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history and the sacrifices made during the war.

Veterans attending the event will be recognized and honored for their service.

The public is invited to attend. Families and friends are encouraged to participate.

Aliya Green named 69th Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet

/ Eli Gentry

NATCHITOCHES – Aliya Green of Haughton was crowned the 69th Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet during Northwestern State University’s annual scholarship competition Thursday, Nov. 5, in A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.

Green, a junior majoring in vocal music education with a K-12 concentration, will represent NSU at the Miss Louisiana Scholarship Contest.

“It means so much to me,” Green said. “I’m ready to represent my university and go before people and share my community service initiative.”

Green’s community service initiative, “It Doesn’t Take the Rich, It Only Takes the Willing,” encourages young adults to make a difference through service and acts of kindness. During the competition, she shared how growing up in a low-income household, experiencing mental health challenges and losing a friend to suicide inspired her commitment to helping others. Through Friendly Fridays and random acts of kindness, Green serves members of her community and encourages others to do the same.

Ten students competed for the title. Chloe Rachal of Natchez was named first runner-up, and Meijah Cains of Baton Rouge was named second runner-up. Kaleigh Standley of Livingston, Texas, was third runner-up, and Sariah Braxton of Natchitoches was fourth runner-up.

Rachal also received the Carley McCord Miss Congeniality Award. Kaylee Dubroc of Livonia received the Liz Carroll People’s Choice Award, and Standley received the talent award.

As Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet, Green will receive a $2,000 scholarship per semester for spring and fall 2027, a meal plan, a $1,000 cash prize to assist with Miss Louisiana preparation and a trip to the state competition.

The Lady of the Bracelet tradition dates to 1959, when Kahne Dipola became the first titleholder. Each winner receives a bracelet passed down through generations of students representing the university. The competition has served as a preliminary to Miss Louisiana since 1971.

Photo 1:

Aliya Green of Haughton was crowned the 69th Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet during the scholarship competition Nov. 5 at Northwestern State University.

Photo 2:

Outgoing Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet Nilah Pollard, right, presents the bracelet to newly crowned Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet Aliya Green during the Nov. 5 scholarship competition at Northwestern State University.