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Petty Officer 1st Class Rickey Dykes, a native of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, is one of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard the self-contained mobile airport, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Dykes graduated in 2002 from Pleasant Hill High School. The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pleasant Hill.

“The home training we had growing up had a big influence on me,” said Dykes. “Growing up learning Southern Hospitality, we grew up with respect for others. It was easy for me to transition into military life because I grew up with ‘Yes ma’am’ and ‘No ma’am.’” Dykes joined the Navy 21 years ago. Today, Dykes serves as a masterat- arms.

Wipe your nose! Sit up straight! Do your homework! Clean your room! Come and eat! You have cancer.

Most of the three little words strung together don’t make you feel like your life is about to be over. However, those last three little words are ones you never want to hear, right? But when you do, it’s not the end of your world, even though initially you may think it is. Trust me. Been there. Done that. Got the tee shirt. Actually, several tee shirts over the past three years. That’s right. I’m a survivor! Was the journey tough? You bet. But my faith is tougher than any diagnosis I could ever get including triple negative, stage II breast cancer. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me.” That was one of many scriptures I clung to and repeated daily throughout my journey.

On Thursday, September 7th, the 2023 Zwolle Tamale Fiesta Poster was unveiled to a capacity crowd in the activity building at the festival grounds in Zwolle. Following the greetings by Board of Directors’ President, Chris Loupe, a prayer was offered, and the Pledge of Allegiance was said He reflected on the years of service by Mrs. Phyllis Murdock to the fiesta and community. He pointed out the memorial table set up in the building with pictures to visit in her memory.

Mistress of ceremonies Mia Curtis was introduced to begin the events of the night. She began by introducing the 2023 Fiesta Royalty for this coming year. Those introduced were King-Sylvester Martinez, Queen-Landri Leach, First Lady-Linnie Sepulvado, Teen Queen-Kaylee Chreene, Junior Miss-Reba Springer, Deb Miss-Carmen Pearce, Little Miss-Chesa Bell, Petite Miss-Savvy Tyson, Toddler Miss- Brynlea Kelly, Tiny Miss-Kalani Willias, Baby Miss-Everlynn Rivers and Royal Pages Gabe Killingsworth and Bryce Rivers.

At 77 years of age, Linnie Ruth Sepulavdo has been named this year’s Tamale Fiesta First Lady.

She was born on November 2, 1945 to Amos Parrie and Myrtle Sepulvado Parrie, she attended Ebarb High School but couldn’t complete her education due to her commitment to raising her nephew.

Remarkably, she began cooking full-course meals at the tender age of ten, assuming the role of preparing every meal for her father while her mother worked. Her introduction to making tamales came at fifteen, when she observed and assisted her Aunts in the process.

I would appreciate your vote and support to allow me to continue serving as your Police Juror in district 6.

It is proven that my experience and dedication is unmatched. I have accomplished and reached many goals for the citizens of district 6.

I own and operate a logging business, where I have been employed for 25 years. This has allowed me to gain knowledge in business management and budgeting, first hand; road building and maintaining roads while being certified in Best Management Practices (BMP).

When re-elected I will continue to get the results we deserve in district 6, while providing honest, fair and impartial treatment. I will also continue to have an open door policy.

The Mayor and Aldermen along with the Events Committee of the Town of Many have announced the date and times for the 2023 Halloween activities. On Tuesday, October 31 the local businesses in town will be handing out candy 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., and neighborhood/church trick-or-treating will be 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Sylvester Martinez was born in Converse, La, on August 8, 1946, to Rosie and Wilson Martinez. He was raised in Zwolle where he attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Zwolle High School where he graduated in 1965. Soon after. Rock-NRoll came knocking in the form of The Savage Roses Band After high school he worked part time at Lowrey Chevrolet in Many while attending Many Trade School where he finished with a degree in automobile mechanics. In early 1967, Syl volunteered for the U.S. Army and did basic and advanced training at Ft. Polk, La. and Ft. Sill, OK. The fall of that same year, he was assigned to duty in Vietnam where he served for two years, one month and one day. He returned to the US and was honorably discharged from the Army in December 1969.

My name is Cailin Landri Leach and I am the 47th Annual Miss Zwolle Tamale Fiesta. It is truly a significant honor to have the opportunity to represent this title and fulfill all responsibilities that come with it. I am the nineteen year old daughter of Courtney Jones and Micheal Leach. My maternal grandparents are Dennis and Lisa Pilcher. My paternal grandparents are Harlan and Jan Leach . Being the oldest of three siblings has taught me a lot about family, faith, and self-respect. I have a younger sister Lexie who attends Zwolle Elementary school, a younger sister Aubree, and a younger brother Asa, who both at- tend Florien High school. My siblings mean the world to me, I am a very family oriented person.

All the hard work from numerous persons and parties has come to fruition, and the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta is set to roll this week, with festivities beginning with carnival rides at 4 p.m. on October 11 and closing out with the South 70 Band at 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 14.

This is easily one of, if not the biggest fiesta weekend ever, and numerous activities are planned for people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Thursday begins actibities with a senior citizen day at 10 a.m. before the kick-off supper and opening ceremonies are held at 6 p.m.

Friday is always a big favorite, as local school children are welcomed to the fiesta grounds for a day of both fun and education. Bands begin at 4 p.m. and end at 11:30 p.m. on Friday.

Readers of your newspaper should find extra value in reading your paper this week when the State Treasurer’s Office will publish the names of individuals for whom we received new, unclaimed property money in the preceding year.

The State Treasurer’s Office is holding more than $1 billion in unclaimed funds for current and former Louisiana residents. We are responsible for getting this money back into the hands of citizens to whom it belongs. Whether it was 10 days ago, or 10 years ago, this is their money and we will hold it for them until they claim it.

Common examples of unclaimed property include unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, stock dividends and utility deposit refunds. When checks are not cashed or accounts go dormant, and the company is unable to locate the owner, the funds are sent to the Treasury for safekeeping.