The Cody Wayne Band, which consists of several local musicians, recently hit an extreme milestone in their career: That of bringing their brand of “Red Dirt” music to President Donald J. Trump’s November 26 Homecoming Rally at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida.

“It was all kind of a whirlwind,” said bassist Trent Procell, who, along with lead guitarist Zach Early sat down with the Index for an interview following their return home. They also spoke on behalf of Converse drummer Tyler Williamson.

“Your Zwolle boy played music for the President of the United States,” Trent exclaims.

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CENSUS 20/20

Soon you will have the opportunity to participate in the 20/20 census. It is very important for us to respond. Louisiana has seen our representation in Washington drop from eight Congressional seats from the 1980 census to seven seats from the 1990 census and six following the 2010 census. You must respond to be represented. It appears Louisiana will retain its six Congressional seats this time for us to get our fair share of the tax dollars, They must know where we live and a little bit about us.

Another question is not necessarily what our population has grown over the past decade, but what our state has kept up in growth rate with the rest of the country. According to statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor, Louisiana has lost approximately 5,500 jobs over the last year, while neighbors in Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi have all gained a significant number of jobs.

Somehow, I am about four weeks behind in my Christmas preparations. Unheard of in our house! By December 1, I usually have most of my presents purchased. The tree is dragged out of storage and I spend an afternoon decorating.

Traveling, sickness and just plain laziness has resulted in being unprepared for the holidays.

I had convinced myself that I had a bin full of presents that I had gathered over the year. First of all, I couldn’t find the bin. Hubby and I ventured out to the storage building and there it was! I was relieved until I opened the bin. No presents. It was filled with wrapping paper, tissue paper and bows.

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Cleco reminds customers to keep safety top of mind when decorating their homes and businesses this holiday season. Taking the necessary precautions when installing holiday decorations, especially lights, help keep you and your family safe.

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, incidents of home fires and electrical accidents typically increase during the winter holiday season.

“While holiday decorations help make the season festive, customers should be mindful of potential hazards,” said John Melancon, Cleco general manager of corporate safety. “Reading and following manufacturer instructions when setting up electrical decorations, as well as periodically checking them throughout the season, is one easy way customers can help keep their families, homes and businesses safe this holiday season.”

City Bank employees delivered water for the “Free Thanksgiving Dinner” sponsored by the Black Heritage Festival. The dinner was held on Thursday, November 28, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the old Many Junior High Cafeteria at 850 Highland Avenue in Many. Pictured with City Bank employees, Jamie Vincent and Kristy Miller are Mary Perry and Pearl Maxie.

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Funeral services for William Dean Callens, 51, of Natchitoches, LA, will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Old Pisgah Baptist Church with Rev. Dean Johnson and Rev. Ben Isgitt officiating. Burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at 10:30 AM at Old Pisgah Baptist Church.

William Dean Callens was born on Tuesday, July 2, 1968 in Many, LA. He passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019. He was preceded in death by his father, William Clyde Callens and son, Nathan Callens.

He is survived by his four sons: William Michael Callens of Many, LA, Joshua Johnson of Freeport, FL, Nicholas Callens of Benton, LA and Matthew Callens of Keithville, LA; daughter, Shelby Callens of Keithville, LA; mother, Janette Callens of Natchitoches, LA; sister, Wanda Callens Megee of Natchitoches, LA; eight grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services for Kathy McComic, 71, of Belmont, were held on November 27, 2019 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Kenneth Leach, Sr. and Rev. Tim Leach officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Kathy Lorraine McComic was born on Monday, July 19, 1948 in Many. She passed away on Monday, November 25, 2019 in Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Freeman, Sr. and Rosa (Knippers) Freeman; and grandson, Caleb List.

Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Bissell were held on December 01, 2019 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield with Rev. Jimmy Price officiating. Interment will be held at Old Union Cemetery in Benson, Louisiana.

Margaret was born on January 12, 1931 in Converse, Louisiana to Earl & Helen Champion Ward. She entered into rest on November 28, 2019 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Teaching children was Margaret’s passion as she taught the small children Sunday School at Beulah Baptist Church. She loved flowers and enjoyed just sitting and watching them grow.

Funeral services for Mrs. Sandra Winfree were held on November 30, 2019 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield with Rev. Jimmy Price officiating. Interment was held at Converse Cemetery in Converse.

Sandra was born on October 5, 1951 in Zwolle to Tullos P. and Jennie Alice Shaw. She entered into rest on November 26, 2019 in Converse.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jamie Glenn Winfree; along with three brothers and three sisters. Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 49 years, R.D. Winfree of Converse; sons, Johnny L. Winfree and wife Kimberly of Mansfield, Justin A. Winfree and wife Angela of Denham Springs, Louisiana, Josh Winfree and wife Terri of Converse, and Jordon Winfree and wife Reanna of Gloster, Louisiana; brothers, Clayton Shaw of Mansfield, and Dwayne Shaw and wife Barbara of Stonewall; 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Nathane Callens, 28, of Frierson, Louisiana, were held on December 3, 2019 at Old Pisgah Baptist Church with Rev. Dean Johnson and Rev. Ben Isgitt officiating. Burial followed in the Belmont Cemetery.

Nathane Dean Callens was born on Thursday, March 14, 1991 in Shreveport. He passed away on Sunday, November 24, 2019 in Shreveport. He was preceded in death by his father, William Dean Callens; grandfather, William Clyde Callens.