We have reached the six-week mark after heart surgery and things are slowly getting back to normal, or close to what normal used to be. Once you’ve gone through open heart surgery, life is never the same. There are still many challenges I’m looking to conquer, and some will only be conquered with time. 

The physical challenges were tough, especially right after surgery, with all the tubes hanging out of my chest and just trying to find the right position to be comfortable. But once those tubes were taken out two days after surgery, I was a new man as it was such a stress relief to have those removed. 

One pleasant surprise has been the lack of pain. Every person I talked with who had been through open heart surgery said the leg where they take the vein out would be painful and hurt a lot. Well, not for me. I have not had the first ounce of pain from day one. While the chest has been sore, no pain there either! Just a lot of discomfort, especially when trying to lie down. 

Now don’t kid yourself, a slight cough or sneeze can send you to a place of pain that will remind you of some form of torture. The best relief for this is to squeeze the heart-shaped pillow they issue after surgery, as it truly becomes your best friend. 

But even more difficult for me have been the mental challenges that come with this type of surgery. My body has gone through a complete transformation with a weight loss of 30 pounds while trying to adapt itself to all the new changes and medicines. 

Anxiety was extremely high after returning home, not having nurses checking your vitals every hour of the day and night. When they say the mind is a very powerful thing, it’s true, as your mind tends to race and wonder 24/7. Emotions run high and rampant as one minute you’re crying and the next you’re so happy you’ve survived.

Trying to sleep at night has been my biggest challenge as I’ve truly been afraid I would stop breathing if I fell asleep. Taking a nap was a major challenge even though I knew and understood that my heart was as good as new. I had trouble trusting myself and the work I had done on me. 

Next is the adjustment to the medications … and I mean lots of medications. I think this also plays a huge role in your mental stability as it’s just another thing your body must adapt to. 

Now that we are at the six-week mark post-surgery, things are getting much better daily. The anxiety issues have slowly faded away especially since I have a low dosage of medication for that. 

But sleeping at night continues to be an issue as I tend to wake up every night at 3:00. Some nights, I’ll eventually go back to sleep and other times I’ll turn on the TV and just lay there hoping to fall back asleep.

This is very frustrating as I end up taking a long nap during the day just to regain energy. Food is still the enemy for me as nothing tastes like it’s supposed to. Soups seems to be the one thing I tend to like over anything else. 

Presently, I continue to try solid food, even the things I really enjoyed before the surgery. Slowly the appetite is returning, and things are starting to taste better even though I’m on a low sodium diet. 

One thing I have taken a liking to … chocolate protein drinks! These are really good and tend to make me feel full. Lately, I’ve been drinking one of these at some point during the day. Before I do my morning walk, I’ve learned that it helps to have some form of solid food for breakfast as it really helps my energy level. 

Again, while things are getting better and I continue to gain more strength, getting back into a routine has been very important in my metal state of mind. Hopefully this week my doctor will give me the OK to start driving again and regain some of my independence. My wife, Sherrie, has been an excellent chauffeur!  

Here’s some food for thought. Not too long ago, I wrote an article about how we all need a purpose in life. Well, it’s during times like this when having a purpose is more important than ever as it helps to occupy the mind. Hopefully soon, things will get back to what I used to call normal. 

 Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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On Aug. 12, 1851, Isaac Merritt Singer was granted a U.S. patent for improvements to the sewing machine, marking an important moment in the development of an invention that would change how clothing and other goods were made.

Singer was not the first person to invent a sewing machine. However, his improvements helped create a machine that was practical and commercially viable for home use. His patented machine used a straight, vertically moving needle and a reciprocating shuttle to create a lockstitch.

Singer’s patent, U.S. Patent No. 8,294, was issued on Aug. 12, 1851. The machine incorporated several improvements, including a mechanism to help tighten the stitch and changes to how thread was controlled and supplied.

The development of the sewing machine had an impact far beyond the workshop. Singer’s company helped turn the sewing machine into a consumer product, making it increasingly accessible to families. The company also offered installment payment plans, encouraging more households to purchase machines.

Today, sewing machines are commonplace, but on Aug. 12, 1851, a patent helped advance a technology that would eventually bring mechanical sewing into homes across the country.

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Kerrie grew up as an only child on a farm in Benoni near Johannesburg, South Africa.  She said that “violence and turmoil was…everyday life” in Johannesburg.  There were riots in the streets because of apartheid.  Her home life was often filled with violence and turmoil as well.  Kerrie’s father, Charles, was an alcoholic to the degree that he built his own elaborate bar in the family home.  It was there that he spent most of his time.  When his drinking got the better of him, Charles would go missing for days and sometimes weeks at a time.  When he eventually returned, he and Kerrie’s mother, Gerda, engaged in what Kerrie called “verbal abuse” against each other.  Charles would throw lamps, furniture, and whatever else was close at hand, but never physically abused Kerrie or her mother.  After the fights, Charles and Gerda would not speak to each other for weeks.  The silence tortured Kerrie.  She was even too afraid to say good morning to her parents.  Kerrie thought Charles being verbally abusive toward her and her mother was normal.  Gerda had installed lockable steel doors in each room of the house except for Kerrie’s just so they could escape if necessary.  At the time in South Africa, divorce was not culturally accepted.  

Tension within the family continued to grow.  When Kerrie was around 13 years old, her mother sent her to a boarding school to get her out of the house.  When school was not in session, Kerrie’s mother took her to the movies to get her away from home.  On June 21, 1991, when Kerrie was 15 years old, she and her mother went to a movie to escape.  They returned to find that Charles had left and had locked the outer steel door on their house.  Without her door key, Gerda and Kerrie located Charles at his brother’s house.  Charles and his brother were both intoxicated.  Kerrie was in dire need of a bathroom and ran through her uncle’s house without speaking.  To Charles, Kerrie had disrespected her elders.  Kerrie said that “this was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”  After a heated argument, Gerda and Kerrie returned home.  Within minutes Charles and his brother arrived at the home.  Kerrie ran to her room and turned off the light in hopes that her father would think she was asleep.  Kerrie’s mother quickly locked all the steel doors in the house to keep Charles away from them.  One by one, Charles fired a pistol through the steel doors and made his way to Gerda and Kerrie.  Charles was going to kill them both.  Gerda retrieved a pistol from their gun safe and ran into Kerrie’s bedroom.  They used their bodies to push against the steel door.  When Charles was unable to force the door open, he began firing his pistol at the door.  Charles’s drunken brother encouraged him to continue.  Somehow all the bullets missed Kerrie and her mother.  When Charles ran out of bullets, he yelled that he was going to get his shotgun from the safe and walked away from the door.  Kerrie’s mother opened the door and fired a single shot down their hallway.  The bullet ricocheted and struck Charles’s brother in the hand.  Gerda ran toward the room where the gun safe was kept and Kerrie followed.  As Charles was opening the gun safe, Gerda fired her pistol.  That fatal shot forever ended the family turmoil and saved hers and Kerrie’s lives.  Investigators concluded that Gerda had acted in self-defense.    

Kerrie left South Africa in search of a better life and she found it.  She became one of the world’s highest-paid actresses.  In 2004, Kerrie became the first South African to win an Oscar for Best Actress.  She won the Academy Award for her portrayal of a serial killer in the film Monster.  Kerrie was the childhood nickname of actress Charlize Theron.

Sources:

1.      “How Charlize Theron Overcame Her Dark Family Past,” Time Magazine’s The Interview, April 18, 2026, https://youtu.be/ndYSsk-P8bQ?si=6m7YMNeklm7TqZIq.

2.     “Charles Jacobus Theron,” Find A Grave, Accessed August 2, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/109904585/charles_jacobus-theron.

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LaSalle Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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The following report displays all bookings made at the LaSalle Parish Jail between the dates listed. These arrests were made by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding local and state agencies. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Road or Lane Status

US 165, LaSalle Parish Alternating Lane Closures: 8/4 through 10/18/2026

Thursday, July 30, 2026 10:17 AM

US 165 in LaSalle Parish will have alternating lane closures beginning Tuesday, August 4, 2026, until Sunday, October 18, 2026.

The location of the lane closure is approximately 1.61 miles south of the intersection of US 165 and LA 127 – 0.62 miles north of the intersection of US 165 and LA 127. This closure is required to allow the contractor to resurface the roadway. DOTD is providing this notice on behalf of OLHC (Office of Louisiana Highway Construction).

Detour: No detour necessary.

Permit: No restrictions.

Contact Information:

Contractor: Diamond B Construction – Greg Cox (318) 355-9641

OLHC Program Lead: Bailey Bergeron (DDG) (337) 692-3932

OLHC Coordinator: Collin Dugas (DDG) (337) 754-1444

Safety Reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Additional Information:

Call (318) 412-3100 or (800) 256-1610 or 511 or visit www.511LA.org for additional information. Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MYDOTD, the Way to Geaux Application for iPhone or Android devices or the DOTD Facebook page.

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LaSalle General Hospital’s Radiology Department recently visited Fellowship Elementary School through the MedStart Program, a partnership with Central Louisiana AHEC, to introduce students to careers in healthcare.

During the visit, Jordan White, BSRT (R), Radiology Director, and Alisha Trisler, MSRS, RT (R) met with eighth-grade students to share information about the field of radiology, explaining how medical imaging helps care for patients and highlighting career opportunities within the healthcare profession.

Students also participated in hands-on activities using real X-rays to learn how medical imaging is used to help diagnose injuries.

LaSalle General Hospital said it is proud to partner with local schools to encourage students to explore careers in healthcare and hopes to inspire the next generation of medical professionals in the community.

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LASALLE PARISH — Hot and sunny conditions will continue across LaSalle Parish through the weekend, with temperatures remaining in the mid-90s and scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms possible on several days, according to the National Weather Service.

While most of the forecast period is expected to remain dry, isolated storms could develop during the afternoon and evening hours.

Extended Forecast

Wednesday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Otherwise, sunny and hot with a high near 95°. Calm winds becoming southwest around 5 mph. Mostly clear Wednesday night with a low around 73°.

Thursday: Sunny with a high near 94°. Mostly clear Thursday night with a low around 73°.

Friday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Sunny with a high near 94°. A 20% chance of showers after 1 a.m. Friday night with a low around 73°.

Saturday: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny with a high near 94°. Partly cloudy Saturday night with a low around 73°.

Sunday: A 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny with a high near 94°.

The National Weather Service encourages residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Although rain chances remain relatively low, isolated thunderstorms are possible throughout the forecast period. Residents should remain weather-aware and be prepared for brief periods of heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds if storms develop.

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HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE

August 3, 2026

Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Police is gearing up to launch the 110th Cadet Class, continuing the legacy of excellence and intensity that defines our training. This 24-week academy will immerse Cadets in a rigorous curriculum, preparing them with the skills and knowledge needed to become Louisiana State Troopers. Cadets will receive advanced training that exceeds POST standards, covering firearms proficiency, tactical driving, defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, advanced crash investigation, lawful use of force, implicit bias recognition, and the core values that make LSP a proud tradition.

Cadet Class 110 is expected to start on January 3, 2027, with an application deadline of August 11, 2026. Applications are available for download at http://laspc.dps.louisiana.gov and should be submitted electronically to the Louisiana State Police Commission. Applicants for Cadet Class 110 must be at least twenty-one (21) years old and meet one of the following criteria:

Two (2) years of experience as a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Level 1 (or out-of-state equivalent) certified peace officer in a full-time position (whose job duties include armed duty with the power of arrest); or

A minimum of sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited college or university (must provide transcript or degree); or

Any two (2) year combination of Options 1 and 2 above, whereby thirty (30) semester hours will be equivalent to one (1) year of experience; or

Three (3) years of continuous active military duty in the United States Military (must provide a DD-214 or letter from current commanding officer verifying service), effective October 1, 2001.

LSP offers competitive pay and benefits, a take-home state vehicle, opportunities for overtime, and an incredible retirement package. Visit JoinLSP.org for more information on the hiring process, qualifications, physical fitness standards, and frequently asked questions. For additional questions and information, please contact LSP Recruiters at LSPRecruiting@LA.gov or Text “JoinLSP” to 225-777-8162. Applicants can also visit facebook.com/LouisianaStatePoliceRecruiting.

For those applicants not meeting LSP minimum qualifications, immediate positions are available within the Louisiana Department of Public Safety Police through the Louisiana State Civil Service System. Visit https://www.lsp.org/…/leadershipsec…/support/dps-police/ and http://www.civilservice.louisiana.gov for more information.

Contact Information:

Trooper Shelby Mayfield
Louisiana State Police Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
or
Recruiting Section
Office: (225) 925-6202 Office: (225)925-6202
Shelby.mayfield@la.gov LSPRecruiting@la.gov

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As students return to the classroom, the Jena Police Department is reminding motorists, parents, and students to make safety a priority throughout the new school year.

Chief Scott McLendon shared several back-to-school reminders to help keep everyone safe as school traffic increases.

Drivers Are Encouraged To:

Slow down in school zones.

Stop for school buses.

Watch for children crossing the street.

Keep their eyes on the road.

Be patient during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.

Keep children buckled until it is time to exit the vehicle.

Drivers Should Avoid:

Racing to beat the school bell.

Driving around a school bus with its stop arm extended.

Assuming children see approaching vehicles.

Using a cellphone while driving.

Becoming frustrated by long drop-off lines, remembering that for many children it is their first year of school.

Allowing children to stand or move around inside a moving vehicle.

Additional Back-to-School Tips

The department also encouraged students and families to:

Remember that learning is cool.

Be kind to classmates, teachers, bus drivers, and law enforcement officers.

Wave to the officers helping direct traffic.

Make it the best school year yet.

The Jena Police Department wished all students a safe and successful first day of school and a great year ahead.

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LaSalle Parish Schools is seeking applicants for Child Nutrition Technician Substitute positions.

According to the district, the nine-month position involves preparing and serving nutritious, attractive meals to students and adults in a safe and sanitary facility.

Requirements include:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Ability to lift objects up to 25 pounds, bend, and stand for long periods of time.

Successful completion of an extensive criminal background check.

Those interested in applying can complete an application at the link provided on the flyer:
https://forms.gle/GmeVP61GpPVsTfVE6

For additional information or questions, contact 318-992-7414.

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It’s that time of year when there’s not a whole lot going on in the bass fishing world. August is when there’s a lull on most tournament trails as they avoid the hot summer heat. But come September and October, trails start to crank up again with their end-of-the-season championship events. 

The goal of all anglers who fish tournament trails all spring is to qualify for the fall championship. It’s where champions will be crowned and Anglers of the Year announced. It’s also when most tournament trails reveal their new schedules for the upcoming spring. 

Most anglers make their decision on what circuit they will follow next season based on where the fall championship will be. Some like trails that stay close to home to help cut down on travel costs, while others like trails that travel more on a regional level and go to places that are known for quality fishing. 

But one thing all anglers want is to wrap up the season at a great fishing venue where they can catch a lot of fish. While most anglers would love to win a regional championship, the reality is they want a place they can enjoy and to finish out their season on a high note at a good fishery. They want a great experience! 

Most bass tournament trails also want to send anglers to great fishing destinations where anglers are rewarded for making the championship. But every once in a while, some circuits will send anglers to a place like the Red River, a body of water that tends to level the playing field with its diversity as a fishery.  

Any time you go to places like Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn, Grand Lake, or maybe Texoma, there are a handful of anglers who frequent those bodies of water, giving them a distinct advantage going into the event, and potentially making them harder to beat. 

River systems like the Red or the Arkansas River are places that aren’t as popular and tend to give more anglers a shot at taking home a win. Certain lakes like Arkansas’s Lake Ouachita and East Texas fisheries like Lake of the Pines or Lake Palestine are also places that are great for championship events. 

But there’s also another huge factor that determines where a tournament trail will have its championship event. What city or community will be willing to put up the money to host these events? Yep, that’s right, it all comes down to who will foot the bill to host these major tournaments. 

While these championship events bring in a lot of money over a weeklong period, it’s also great exposure for the local community. Most of the time, the standard of “how good is the fishery” falls way down on the list of things most important deciding who gets to host a championship event. Sure, the trail owners want all the anglers to have a good time, but in reality, it’s all about the money. 

Other priorities a host community must provide are free hotel rooms for the entire staff that it takes to put on one of these championship events. They must have adequate boat ramp facilities and plenty of lodging options for anglers. 

Here’s the bottom line. When anglers sign up for a particular tournament trail, the location of the season-ending-championship is very important. It’s a pride thing for all anglers to know they have qualified for the championship, as it means they have had a very good season. 

For most anglers, these championship events are a great way to end the fishing season. It also means fall is right around the corner as anglers trade in their rods and reels for bows, rifles and shotguns. 

They prepare to hit the woods and enjoy some great hunting. Bass boats will be parked, deer stands will be cleared of unwanted wasps, while duck blinds will be dressed, and four-wheelers will be cranked … because tournament anglers aren’t just bass fishermen, they are outdoorsmen who love the outdoors no matter what season it is. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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There are few places in life where a person feels quite as vulnerable as the dental chair. Reclined, mouth open, bib clipped on like a toddler at mealtimes, we are reminded—sometimes painfully—that even the strongest among us can be brought to our knees by a stubborn molar. Recently, during a stretch of extensive dental work (the kind they do before you get dentures), I found myself reflecting on forgiveness, sin, and the curious ways God uses everyday experiences to get our attention.

There I was, gripping the armrests “with my teeth clenched,” even though the dentist had politely asked me not to clench anything. As drills whirred and suction tubes slurped, I realized how much of life feels like this: uncomfortable, exposed, and out of our control. Sin works the same way. It sneaks up on us, decays what we thought was solid, and before long we’re dealing with something far more extensive than we ever expected.

The hygienist cheerfully said, “We’re just going to get down to the root of the problem.” I almost laughed. Isn’t that exactly what God does with us? Grace doesn’t just polish the surface; it goes deep, right to the root. It addresses the infection, the hidden places, the things we’d rather keep tucked away. And like dental work, grace can feel intrusive before it feels healing.

As the dentist worked, I thought about how often we “bite off more than we can chew,” how frequently we “grit our teeth” through situations we caused ourselves, and how easy it is to “sink our teeth” into resentment. Sin has a way of leaving us spiritually toothless—unable to chew on the Word, unable to speak truth without wincing, unable to smile without feeling the ache of what’s broken.

But here’s the good news: God is the Master Dentist of the soul. He doesn’t shame us for the decay; He simply says, “Open wide.” And when we do, He gets to work—cleaning, restoring, reshaping. Forgiveness is His anesthetic: it numbs the sting of guilt and gives us courage to face the deeper work. Grace is His reconstruction: building us back up where life has worn us down. And mercy? Mercy is the gentle rinse that washes away what we cannot remove ourselves.

When the appointment finally ended, the dentist said, “You’re going to feel better once the healing kicks in.” I knew he meant my mouth, but I heard something more. Forgiveness doesn’t just fix what’s broken; it frees us to heal. It lets us smile again—really smile, not the tight-lipped kind we give when we’re still hurting.

So if life has left you feeling like you’re in the dental chair—exposed, anxious, and aware of your own decay—take heart. God’s grace is already at work. And when He’s finished, you’ll walk out renewed, restored, and ready to sink your teeth into joy again.

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One of the most influential figures in space exploration was born on Aug. 5, 1930.

Neil Armstrong, who would become the first person to walk on the moon, was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio. His interest in aviation began at an early age, and he earned his student pilot’s license before obtaining a driver’s license.

Armstrong served as a naval aviator during the Korean War before becoming a test pilot and later joining NASA’s astronaut program.

On July 20, 1969, Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface during the Apollo 11 mission, delivering the famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

The moon landing was watched by an estimated 600 million people worldwide and remains one of the most significant achievements in human history.

After leaving NASA, Armstrong taught aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati and served on several national commissions related to aviation and space exploration.

Armstrong died on Aug. 25, 2012, at the age of 82, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists, engineers and explorers.

Each year, Aug. 5 marks the anniversary of the birth of the man whose historic first steps on the moon changed the course of history.

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Each summer we discuss the unbearable heat as if we have somehow forgotten from previous years.  This is nothing new.  Our ancestors complained about it too.  For thousands of years, people in our hemisphere have linked the hottest days of summer, which are often times of drought, disease, and unrest, with astronomy and folklore.  Our ancient ancestors paid more attention to the stars in the sky than we do today.  During July and August, ancient keen observers noticed that a bright star appeared in the eastern sky just before dawn.  Aside from the Sun, it was the brightest star in the sky.  They concluded that the sweltering temperatures were produced by a combination of the heat from the Sun and this star which they named “Sirius,” the Greek word for “scorching.”  The Greeks and Romans believed Sirius was responsible for drought, fever, general discomfort, and a host of other unfortunate occurrences.  Ancient Egyptians believed that the appearance of this star which they called “Sothis” signaled the annual flooding of the Nile.  Egyptians depended on the annual flood because it delivered nutrients to the otherwise infertile land.  

Today, Sirius is seen as little more than a curiosity.  If you look to the east in the pre-dawn hours, you can spot Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which is Latin for “greater dog.”  Because Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and the brightest star in the “greater dog,” it became known as the “Dog Star.”

Through the centuries, as our understanding of astronomy and knowledge in general improved, the old superstitions slowly faded away.  Well, mostly.  While trying to beat the heat this summer, you will undoubtedly hear an ancient folklore phrase based on Sirius’s appearance in the sky which has been spoken for millennia.  Most people mistakenly associate the ancient phrase’s meaning with laziness brought on by heat and humidity.  However, this phrase links the period of time when, as ancient people incorrectly believed, the Dog Star and the Sun combined forces to produce sweltering, almost unbearable heat.  That phrase which you will undoubtedly hear this summer, which has been repeated every summer for years, refers to July and August as being the Dog Days of summer. 

Source: Catherine Boeckmann, “What Are the Dog Days of Summer? Meaning, Dates & History,” The Old Farmer’s Almanac, June 19, 2026, accessed July 26, 2026, https://www.almanac.com/content/what-are-dog-days-summer.

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LaSalle Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.

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The following report displays all bookings made at the LaSalle Parish Jail between the dates listed. These arrests were made by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and surrounding local and state agencies. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Authorities are continuing to ask for the public’s assistance in locating two missing individuals whose cases remain unsolved.

Derek Boyd, 36, was last seen June 29, 2026. He is described as 6 feet, 2 inches tall. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his location. Anyone with information is asked to call 318-715-7212 or the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-992-2151.

The LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office is also seeking information on 51-year-old Michael McLendon, who was reported missing to the Pineville Police Department by family members. According to the sheriff’s office, McLendon was last seen June 19, 2026, in Rapides Parish driving a dark green Ford Expedition.

McLendon is described as a white male, 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds.

Anyone with information on McLendon’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Pineville Police Department at 318-442-6603 or the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office at 318-992-2151.

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Louisiana Christian University art professor Michael Williams and the ceramics program have received grant funds to refurbish a gas kiln. 

The Walker faculty development funds provided for the repair of the kiln for Williams’ development as an artist, but it is also a great opportunity for students studying ceramics.

The kiln was originally built in the mid-1990s by former ceramics professor Bob Howell.

“It’s exciting to see this piece of our department’s history come back to life,” said Assistant Professor of Art Michael Williams. “It’s a great piece of equipment, and I’m glad our students will finally get the chance to use it again.”

Dean of Media, Communication and Fine Arts Brian Manuel is equally excited to see what Williams and his students will create. 

“Professor Williams is a true artist,” Manuel said. “He approached me with the desire to restore our gas kiln, and all I could say was ‘Absolutely!’  Having this tool benefits our students as well as our community at large.  I cannot wait to see the art that Professor Williams will be able to create with his students.”

The kiln had been sitting unused for years and had fallen into disrepair. The burners had rusted out and were no longer usable. Thanks to the grant funding, local business Louisiana Fireplace was able to repair and restore the kiln so the university could put it back into service.

A kiln is essentially a large brick chamber used for firing ceramics. In ceramics, there are two fundamental firings. The first is the bisque firing and is generally a lower-temperature firing. We bisque to what is called cone 04, which is around 1,940° Fahrenheit. The second firing is called the glaze firing and takes place after the bisque. The glaze firing temperature ranges from cone 6–10 (2,232°–2,381° Fahrenheit). 

In this stage, the clay is covered in a material called glaze, which is made up of many different raw materials that determine the color and finish of the completed piece. 

As the temperature in the kiln increases, the clay changes both physically and chemically, Williams said. It transforms from porous “greenware” to vitrified ceramic, meaning that the clay particles are bonded together through the formation of glassy phases, primarily from silica, alumina, and fluxes within the clay body, resulting in increased density and making the clay waterproof. The glaze also contributes to the waterproof nature, as well as giving the piece a glassy or matte appearance. 

The difference between an electric kiln and a gas kiln includes two main factors: the heat source and the atmosphere. 

“In an electric kiln, the heat comes from electric elements, kind of like a toaster,” Williams said. “While in a gas kiln, the heat comes from either natural gas or propane burners (in our case, it is natural gas). The second factor is the atmosphere. The atmosphere of an electric kiln is considered an oxidation atmosphere, meaning that oxygen is available in the kiln and is not intentionally regulated, while in our gas kiln that is not the case. Our gas kiln is considered a reduction kiln, meaning that during the firing process, you reduce the amount of oxygen available in the firing chamber while simultaneously increasing the temperature.” 

This creates carbon monoxide, which pulls oxygen from metal oxides within the clay and glazes, resulting in interesting reactions in the glazes that are not replicable in an oxidation atmosphere, he said.

“Having a working gas kiln expands what we can offer in our ceramics program,” Williams said. “Most of our firing has been done in electric kilns, but this gas kiln will allow students to learn reduction firing, which creates different colors and surface effects than electric firing. It’s an important process for ceramics students to experience and gives them a broader understanding of the medium. We’re really excited to revitalize this kiln after so many years and to see the new creative possibilities it will bring to our students and our program.”

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