Local Students Participate In Operation Christmas Child

ZWOLLE, La- Ayzlea Allen and Gracelyn Leone were excited to demonstrate their love for packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Ayzlea attends school at Many Elementary and packs shoeboxes at First Baptist Church in Zwolle. Gracelyn attends school at Pleasant Hill Elementary and packs shoeboxes at Old Pisgah. To learn more about Operation Christmas Child go to samaritanspurse.org or call Cherry Wells, drop off leader at Calvary Baptist Church in Many, at 663-2449 or Glenna Ott, drop off leader at Mitchell Baptist in Mitchell, at 315-1283.


Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Housing Prescription Drug Take-Back Box

MANY, La – Partnership with Attorney General’s Office to Help Combat Opioid Epidemic
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and Sheriff Aaron Mitchell today announced a new tool for the citizens of Sabine Parish to aid them in fighting the opioid epidemic.
 
A new prescription drug take-back box is now placed at the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office with the hope that residents will drop off their unused or expired prescription drugs in it –rather than having them remain in homes, easily accessible to experimenters or addicts.
 
“Unfortunately, Louisiana is eighth in the nation for most drug overdoses, with over 1000 of our neighbors dying from prescription overdoses in 2019,” said Attorney General Landry. “So, we are grateful that Sheriff Mitchell is housing a take back box to help get dangerous drugs out of homes and safely disposed.”
 
In partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) and the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, Attorney General Landry has helped provide these resources across the State to better protect the citizens of Louisiana.
 
“We are proud to partner with Attorney General Landry and help him fight the statewide opioid epidemic,” said Sheriff Mitchell. “By properly disposing of unused or expired opioids, we can help assist the men and women of Sabine combat opioid abuse, misuse, and addiction.”
 
“Through our partnership with AG Landry and local law enforcement, we’ve been able to give more Louisiana residents access to a safe, easy way to get rid of their unused, expired and leftover prescription drugs,” said Michael Tipton, director of Community Relations and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. “That gets them out of homes and off the streets, preventing them from being stolen, abused or misused.”
 
Those who place prescription drugs into the drop box do so anonymously, and they are encouraged to either place drugs in a zip bag or remove all identifying labels from the pill bottle.
 
“Far too often, people who abuse prescription drugs get them from their own home or from someone they know,” concluded Attorney General Landry. “So, I will continue to do all that I can to prevent these drugs from ending up in the wrong hands.”
 
The Sabine Drug Take Back Box may be found in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office at 400 Capitol Street in Many. For a list of all locations in Louisiana, please visit www.EndTheEpidemicLA.org.
 
SOURCE: SPSO

DUI Awareness Demonstrations Held At Sabine Parish Schools

Each year the Sheriff’s Office explains to high school juniors and seniors the laws and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
 
The students are asked to wear special goggles which distort their view and perception to mimic the effects of being impaired. Then the students perform field sobriety tests and operate a golf cart through an obstacle course while wearing the goggles.
 
The goal is to make students realize how dangerous it is to operate a vehicle even when they are slightly impaired.
School Resource Officers, Deputies and Sheriff Aaron Mitchell traveled around to high schools in the parish during the last month to conduct these demonstrations.
 
Sheriff Mitchell and his staff are committed to educating the teenagers in Sabine Parish of the dangers of drugs and alcohol to keep them safe.
 
SOURCE: SPSO

Local Artists Give Many Community Center A Facelift

MANY, La – The Many Community Center (aka Sabine Theater) is getting a face-lift, thanks to talented artist Angela Osborn and her assistants.

The groups of cheerful exterior paintings brighten up the theater and their theme are entirely movie/film oriented.  “Let’s Go to the Movies and Have a Great Time” features movie cameras, painted lights, popcorn, stars and a young woman enjoying a movie at the theater.

While driving past the theater, many people have seen the works in progress and are  highly complimentary of Ms. Osborn’s work. 

Mary Brocato, chairperson of the Cultural District Advisory Committee, commented, “Angela is doing a superb job of beautifying our historical old theater and we’re so glad that our citizens are pleased with our efforts to brighten up the theater as part of our efforts to make the cultural district even more attractive. 

She continued, “Now we want people to attend our Movies in Many and also our music concerts.  We’ve turned the corner on COVID and we are open for business, with lots of free movies and concerts throughout the rest of the year.”

“We have two free movies every month, and most months we also have a free music show.  These events provide wonderful opportunities for family entertainment without having to leave Many,” Brocato said.

Brocato also added that there’s still more to come with the paintings.  “The weather has not been cooperative, and Angela has to be sure the walls are completely dry before painting on them. That has slowed her down a bit.”

“Mayor Freeman took a look and agreed to have some additional paintings above the front doors, and Angela will get started on that soon,”  Brocato added. “He’s been so supportive of this art project, and we greatly appreciate his making this possible.”

The talented Osborn, with a degree in art, is a graduate of Northwestern State University.  She has painted exterior murals on City Hall and a fence at the corner of Alabama and San Antonio as well.  Her assistants on the popular art project were Julie Britner, Carie Morton, and Brittney White.

Pictured Above: Angela Osborn (right) designed and painted the  paintings that are on the Many Community Center’s exterior walls. Shown with her us one of her hardworking assistants.  .

This painting of a movie camera provides the background for a selfie. 

Osborn especially enjoys painting portraits and did this painting if a moviegoer enjoying a movie at the theater. It is to the left side of the ticket window. 


Newly Published Book About Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb Available At Nichols

“Trail of Tears”, the book about the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb, was recently published and is now available for people interested in the tribe’s history and culture to purchase.

Dorsey Ebarb Bronson, Danny Ebarb and Mary Meshell Carlin, authors of the book, have worked with Nichols Discount Store of Many to place copies of Trail of Tears available for sale at the store.

The books are all autographed.  Thanks to Lauren Moore, owner of Nichols, and the authors, 100% of the book’s $25.00 price, will be donated to the future Many Depot Museum which will feature an entire room about the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb.

  “We have only a limited number of copies of this book and they are already selling fast,” said Debbie Sepulvado, manager at the Many store, said.  

Chairperson of the Cultural District Advisory Committee Mary Brocato worked with Bronson and Moore to make the book available for purchase in Many.  She said, “I’m so pleased that Dorsey and Lauren are offering ‘Trail of Tears’ and are donating the sale proceeds to our planned museum.  I bought the book at this year’s PowWow and I think everyone who lives in our area would really enjoy learning about some of the history and culture of our parish. This book not only tells that, but there are also some awesome Choctaw-Apache recipes featured.  So it’s a history book and a cook book too.”

Pictured above: Debbie Sepulvado, manager of Nichols Many Store, and Lauren Moore, Nichols owner, display ‘Trail of Tears’, the newly published book about the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb.  The combination history/cookbook can be purchased at Nichols Many store. 100% of the $25.00 sale price goes to the future Many Depot Museum.

Movies In Many: Frozen 2

Children from Many and Sabine Parish are in for a special treat on Saturday, June 5 when FROZEN 2 plays on the huge screen at the Many Community Center.

The 2019 Walt Disney movie is free to everyone and begins at 7 p.m.

The animated movie is a favorite and is especially enjoyable when viewed on the theater’s 38-foot screen and stereo surround sound throughout the theater.

And —- more good news.  Children can win free door prizes if they have winning tickets issued as they enter the theater.  Walmart has donated several prizes that allow the winners to go to the Many Walmart store and select a gift of their choosing.  Shanna Gaspard, talented Many artist, is donating a  painting of Elsa.  And there will be still more door prizes for the children attending the popular movie.

Here’s the plot of Frozen 2 because it does help to know what the movie is about before attending.  

King Agnarr of Arendelle tells a story to his young daughters, Elsa and Anna, about their grandfather, King Runeard, establishing a treaty with a neighboring tribe of Northuldra by building a dam in their homeland, the Enchanted Forest. However, a fight occurs, resulting in Runeard’s death and enraging the elemental spirits of Earth, Fire, Water, and Air of the forest. The spirits disappear and a wall of mist traps everyone in the Enchanted Forest. Young Agnarr barely escapes due to the help of an unknown savior. 

Three years after her coronation,[b] Elsa celebrates autumn in the kingdom with Anna, Olaf the snowman, Kristoff the ice harvester, and Kristoff’s reindeer Sven. One night, when Elsa hears a mysterious voice calling out to her, she follows it and unintentionally awakens the elemental spirits, which forces everyone in the kingdom to evacuate. Grand Pabbie and the Rock Troll colony arrive and Pabbie informs them that they must set things right by discovering the truth about the past. Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven embark to the Enchanted Forest, following the mysterious voice. After the mist parts at Elsa’s touch, the Air spirit, in the form of a tornado, appears and sweeps everyone in its vortex. Elsa stops it, forming a set of ice sculptures. The sisters discover the sculptures are images from their father’s past. They encounter the Northuldra and a troop of Arendellian soldiers who are still in conflict with one another. When the Fire spirit appears, Elsa discovers the spirit to be an agitated magical salamander and calms it down. Elsa and Anna arrange a truce between the soldiers and the Northuldra after discovering that their mother, Queen Iduna, was a Northuldran who had saved Agnarr, an Arendellian. They later learn the existence of a fifth spirit who will unite the people with the magic of nature. 

Elsa, Anna, and Olaf continue to head north, leaving Kristoff and Sven behind. They find their parents’ wrecked ship and a map with a route to Ahtohallan, a mythical river told by their mother to contain all explanations of the past. Elsa sends Anna and Olaf away to safety and continues alone. She encounters and tames the Nøkk, the Water spirit who guards the sea to Ahtohallan. Reaching Ahtohallan, a glacier, Elsa discovers that the voice calling to her was the memory of young Iduna’s call; that her powers were a gift from nature because of Iduna’s selfless act of saving Agnarr and that Elsa herself is the fifth spirit. Elsa learns that the dam was built as a ruse to reduce the Northuldra’s resources because of King Runeard’s contempt of the tribe’s connection with magic and his intention to wipe them out and incorporate the region into the kingdom. She then learns Runeard was the one who initiated the conflict by killing the unarmed Northuldra leader in cold blood. Elsa sends this information to Anna before becoming frozen due to venturing into the most dangerous part of Ahtohallan. This in turn causes Olaf to fade away. 

Anna concludes that the dam must be destroyed for peace to be restored. Anna finds and awakens the gigantic Earth spirits and lures them towards the dam. The giants hurl boulders aimed at Anna which destroy the dam, sending a flood down the fjord towards the kingdom. Elsa thaws out and returns to Arendelle, diverting the flood and saving the kingdom. As the mist disappears, Elsa reunites with Anna and revives Olaf, and Anna accepts Kristoff’s marriage proposal. Elsa explains that she and Anna are the bridge between the people and the magical spirits. 

Afterwards, Anna becomes the new Queen of Arendelle while Elsa becomes the protector of the Enchanted Forest who regularly visits Arendelle as peace has been restored.

Movies in Many will feature a free movie twice a month from June through December.  Many of the movies are G or PG rated and selected especially for children and their families to enjoy without having to spend much money.  That’s because Movies in Many are always free and concessions are only $1 each.

Both Movies in Many and Music in Many are sponsored by the Town of Many, the Cultural District Advisory Committee, the Mayor and City Council.  

Make it a point to attend the free movies and music concerts.  They are all geared to be family entertainment.   


Angler’s Perspective – Find Your Own Fish!

With more anglers on the water today than in the previous 20 years, one thing has become very apparent. A lot of anglers cannot find their own fish! Now let’s address the main problem…overcrowded lakes. It is insane, the number of boats on our area lakes and waterways compared to twenty years ago. The recent pandemic is also a major contributor to this issue as well. Boat’s sales soared in 2020 with many people not working and schools being shut down. A big majority of Americans all across the country took to the lakes and outdoors which is a great thing! Nothing bad can come of getting folks, old and young alike, out in the great outdoors. I mean what’s the worst thing that can happen?

Well let me give you an idea and a few examples. First, overcrowded boat ramps! It amazes me at how seven days a week, you have to wait in line just to launch your boat. Just two short years ago, you could go to any boat ramp Monday thru Thursday and NEVER have to wait to launch or worry how far you’ll have to park your truck and trailer after you launch your boat. Many of today’s lakes, especially Sam Rayburn or sometimes at Toledo Bend, it might be necessary to request an Uber just to get back to the ramp after parking your truck and trailer. Several times this past year I’ve seen people parked almost a mile from the ramp they launched at. It’s insane!

Now that we’re on the water and ready to go fishing, now let’s crank our motor and head to our favorite spot. Oh wow… guess what, after you run 5 miles up the lake dodging jet skiers and pleasure boaters who have not had a boater safety course, you arrive at your favorite spot, and someone is already there. It’s the same person who saw you yesterday catching fish there. Shocker…but that’s exactly how it is today. There are more people scouting and spying on other anglers like detectives trying to solve a murder mystery. I mean I’ve seen guys using binoculars and watching other anglers at a distance only to wait until they move and then swoop in and mark that location with their electronics so they can return on another day. Tournament anglers are especially targeted and it’s even worse if you have an advertising wrap on your boat. But one thing I’ve done several times just to throw off would be scouts and detectives, is to fake hook sets and I’ve gone as far as to pretend I just caught a fish by leaning over the side of the boat and acting like I’m releasing a fish. It’s quite amusing to watch who moves into the area I just left. I think anyone who has a pair of binoculars in their boat is pathetic.

Next, are what I call “GPS robbers.” These guys are the worst and most unethical anglers on the water. If they see a well-known angler, guide or pro, they will ride up and down the lake looking for these good anglers and will shut down and idle towards the area they are in and hit their GPS button on their electronic units to mark the spot so they can come back later after the angler leaves. While I have never shot anyone before, this is the one thing that I might consider as a consequence for anglers who practice this technique.

Bass fishing is hard enough today with so many anglers competing for a limited number of fishing spots. It just makes an angler mad when you have people on the lake spying on other fishermen and looking to raid their best spots, especially the guides who work very hard to build a reputation for catching fish. This is how they make a living, and it affects their pocketbook when other anglers pull up on their best spots and catch fish. If you are one of those who needs help finding fish, hire a guide and let him show you how to read your electronics so you can find your own fish. It’ll be the best money you ever spent and well worth your time. Till next time, find your own fish and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf
Owner/Co-host
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show


Free admission Saturday at 2 for LSU baseball hero, Olympic medalist Warren Morris, at LSHOF museum

Twenty-five years ago, Warren Morris hit a home run to win the College World Series for the LSU Tigers.

Then he hit the world stage, as a member of Team USA in the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Morris, an Alexandria native and resident, will share memories of both experiences Saturday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

Admission is free to hear Morris field questions about his baseball career, which carried him to the major leagues, and his perspective on the Olympics. The second baseman helped the United States earn a bronze medal and is the final Olympian to visit the museum this month in a four-part “Olympic Glory” series.

Morris was an unlikely hero for LSU, because after a breakout sophomore season, he had been sidelined for most of his junior year with a broken bone in his wrist and was not nearly 100 percent when he returned for postseason play. But with two out, the tying run on third and LSU trailing Miami 8-7, Morris lined the first pitch he saw inches over the right field fence for his only home run of the season, giving LSU the 1996 College World Series championship almost exactly 25 years ago – June 8, 1996.

The homer is considered the greatest moment in College World Series history and ranks highly on any list of great Louisiana sports moments. It is featured in the LSHOF museum’s “Great Moments” film.

Morris had starred the previous summer for Team USA, and remained on the squad for the Olympics in Atlanta, an experience he says was as stirring as the CWS game-winner. Those who attend his appearance this Saturday afternoon will find out why he feels that way, and will be able to ask questions and meet him.

Five-time Olympic volleyball player Danielle Scott entertained the audience last Saturday afternoon at the museum. Earlier speakers in the Olympic Glory series were 1972 USA Olympic boxer Tim Dement (May 15) and two-time Olympic medal-winning high jumper Hollis Conway (May 8).

Photo of Morris in USA Olympic jersey – USA Baseball


Notice of Death – May 27, 2021

SABINE:
Pauline Lee Shaw
December 31, 1923 – May 25, 2021
Service: Friday, May 28 at 10 am at Fort Jesup Cemetery

Justin Toby Morvan
January 8, 1986 – May 26, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 2 pm at Pleasant View Baptist Church

Earl Wayman “Sam” Tarpley
October 1, 1939 – May 26, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 10 am at Siloam Baptist Church

WINN:
Kevin Ray Jordan
December 14, 1963
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 11 am at Southern Funeral Home

NATCHITOCHES:
Charles Dewayne LaCaze
July 27, 1965 – May 25, 2021
Service: Friday, May 28 at 2 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches

Thomas “Tommy” Lonadier
February 20, 1968 – May 19, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 2 pm at Pace Recreational Center, located at 2138 Hwy 1226 in Natchitoches

Elnora Gillie
April 14, 1950 – May 23, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches

Henry Keith
May 22, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Earl Tucker Sr.
August 25, 1960 – May 22, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 11 am at the Evergreen Baptist Church, located at 8260 Hwy 71 in St. Maurice

Carl Smith
June 21, 1955 – May 21, 2021
Arrangements TBA

L. J. Smith
May 23, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Henry Braxton
May 18, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Margaret Carter Cooper
November 2, 1961 – May 10, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Phillip Lloyd Gillis
March 13, 1968 – April 29, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 1-5 pm at the home of Ryan and Bekah French Home, located at 1615 Williams Ave. in Natchitoches


Traffic Stop Leads SPSO To Drug Arrest

MANY, La – Monday afternoon, May 24th, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Tactical Narcotics Team arrested Eugene Frazier Jr (age-59) of Many on LA HWY 3118 in the Fort Jessup area.

Agents attempted to stop Frazier’s black Oldsmobile Aurora for a traffic violation near Many High School, but he refused to stop.

 Frazier’s vehicle continued east on LA HWY 6 in a reckless manner at a very high speed. Agents also observed Frazier throw items from his vehicle. Frazier turned on LA HWY 3118, where he stopped and ran from his vehicle.

Agents apprehended Frazier after a short foot pursuit.
Agents were able to locate the items Frazier threw from his vehicle.

Agents seized 16 baggies of methamphetamine, 15 baggies of crack cocaine, 17 baggies of synthetic cannabinoids, 1 baggie of cocaine and 3 grams of marijuana.

Frazier was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Marijuana), Possession with intent to distribute schedule I (Synthetic Cannabinoids), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Cocaine), Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth), Aggravated flight from an officer, Intentional littering, Reckless operation of a vehicle, Resisting an officer, Operating vehicle while license is suspended, Safety belt use.

SOURCE: SPSO

 

SPSO Searching For Information Regarding Stolen Items

MANY, La – On Friday, May 21st, SPSO put a post out to the public in search of information regarding stolen items from Toledo Town.

Detectives are requesting your help identifying this subject.

He took items from Toledo Town & Tackle without paying on the afternoon of Friday, May 7, 2021. The subject left the store in a dark gray newer model GMC Yukon.

If you have any information, contact Detective Seegers, Sabine CID, at 318-590-9475.

If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 318-256-4511 or submit a tip through our Sabine Parish Sheriff App.

SOURCE: SPSO


Governor Signs Updated Public Health Emergency Order Ending Most Restrictions

Following months of improvement in COVID-19 hospitalizations and with nearly three million vaccine doses administered, Governor John Bel Edwards on Tuesday signed an updated public health emergency order that removes all remaining business capacity restrictions and the vast majority of masking requirements. This week, Louisiana hit its lowest level of COVID-19 hospitalizations since the very early days of the pandemic.

Since March 2020, the Governor has issued public health emergency orders that allowed the state to effectively respond to the COVID-19 threat, support local governments and slow the spread of COVID-19 to protect Louisiana’s ability to deliver healthcare. At the peak of hospitalizations, during the third COVID-19 spike in January 2021, as many as 2,069 people were hospitalized statewide at one time.

“For nearly 15 months, Louisiana has operated under necessary public health restrictions designed to save lives by slowing the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Edwards said. “Thanks to the wide availability of vaccines and the 1.4 million Louisianans who already have gone sleeves up and after hitting a new low in hospitalizations, the order I have signed today contains the fewest state-mandated restrictions ever, though local governments and businesses may still and should feel empowered to take precautions that they see as necessary and prudent, including mandating masks. To be clear: COVID-19 is not over for our state or for our country. Anyone who has gotten the vaccine is now fully protected and can enter summer with confidence. Unfortunately, people who have not yet taken their COVID-19 vaccine remain at risk as more contagious COVID variants continue to spread and as we enter into hurricane season. Because you never know when you may have to leave home and utilize a shelter as the result of bad weather, I encourage all people to take the COVID-19 vaccine as the first step to getting prepared and keeping you and your loved ones safe.”


Masks will be required in educational settings until the end of the current academic semester at which time state and local oversight boards will set their own masking policies. The Louisiana Department of Health will continue to revise guidance and masking recommendations for summer camps, following CDC guidance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that it was safe for vaccinated people to not wear masks in most settings.

Under order of the State Health Officer, masks continue to be required in healthcare settings, which is a federal mandate. In addition, masks are required on public transportation and in jails and prisons, as per federal guidance.

Local governments and businesses may choose to have stronger restrictions than the state does and the Governor encourages Louisianans to respect all local or business mandates, especially when it comes to masking.

The Governor, the Louisiana Department of Health, the CDC and numerous public health officials recommend that unvaccinated individuals continue to wear a face mask in public and when they are with people outside of their households to reduce their likelihood of contracting COVID-19.

Right now, there are three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines widely available in nearly 1,500 locations across Louisiana. All Louisianans 18 and older are eligible for any of the approved vaccines. Louisianans between the ages of 12 and 17 are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine only.

According to the CDC, more than 1.4 million Louisianans are fully vaccinated, around 30.5 percent of the population. The most vaccinated population, by age, is people 65 and older. Nearly 72 percent of people 65 and older in Louisiana are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

To get your questions answered, find a provider or event near you, get your appointment scheduled or speak directly with a medical professional, just call the COVID Vaccine Hotline at 855-453-0774. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday.


NSU’s nurse anesthesia program earns full accreditation

Northwestern State University’s nurse anesthesia program received full accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. The program is approved for five years, the maximum accreditation period for a new program, and was also approved to offer distance education didactic courses. NSU’s nurse anesthesia program joins 124 accredited nurse anesthesia educational programs in the country and was one of seven in capability review during the 2020-21 year.

“Accreditation of this magnitude and scope is certainly no easy task. The fact that this accreditation was obtained during the midst of a pandemic only added to the complexity of the process,” said Dr. Joel Hicks, dean of NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.

Northwestern’s nurse anesthesia program builds off the tradition of excellence established by the CoNSAH.

“For almost 75 years, the College of Nursing at NSU has prepared thousands of nurses and advanced practice nurses for entry into the healthcare workforce. Now, our fully accredited nurse anesthesia program means that even more advanced practice nurses will be moving into an area of healthcare with a critical demand,” Hicks said.

The nurse anesthesia program admission cycle is now open. The deadline for completed applications is August 1, according to Dr. Aimee Badeaux, director of doctoral studies and nurse anesthesia program coordinator.

“The nurse anesthesia program begins in January each year and is a nine-semester graduate program, culminating in the baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse’s preparation for entry into practice in the advanced practice role of nurse anesthetist,” Badeaux said.

“Without the expertise and guidance of Dr. Badeaux, accompanied by Dr. Katrina O’Con, assistant coordinator, this accreditation would not have occurred. As an incoming administrator in the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, I am thankful for their leadership within our college, as they have recruited a world-class faculty to teach within the program,” Hicks said.

Hicks thanked NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Greg Handel for support that enabled the college to recruit and hire nurse anesthesia leaders from around the nation as faculty; Dr. Dana Clawson, immediate past CoNSAH dean, and Senior Director of Nursing Dr. Pam Simmons, for their vision and leadership in initiating the program.

Hicks and Badeaux also acknowledged the community and clinical partners.

“When the program initially met with the Council on Accreditation to discuss NSU’s intent to develop a nurse anesthesia program, the COA noted that clinical partnerships are typically the most challenging aspect of starting a new program,” Badeaux said. “This was not the case for our program as we were extremely fortunate to have long standing clinical relationships within the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health that served as a foundation for our nurse anesthesia partnerships.”

For more information on the nurse anesthesia program, as well as other programs in NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, visit https://nursing.nsula.edu/nursing-programs/.


Opportunity: CDL Vac/End Dump Operators

POSITION: CDL Vac/End Dump Operators

DESCRIPTION: Southern Fluid Solutions LLC is a locally owned and operated company with positions open for Vac/End Dump Operators. Responsibilities include; operating a tanker or end dump truck to haul off oil field waste.

REQUIREMEMNTS:
• 2 years of driving experience
• Valid CDL
• Pre-employment drug screen

Benefits available after 90 days

CONTACT: For more information call 936-598-2500 or visit www.southernfluidtx.com


Blowing Off Steam

By Brad Dison

Blowing Off Steam is an oft-used expression to describe someone who is doing or saying something to relieve built-up feelings or energy. Sometimes the person exerts a sudden act of verbal or physical violence. This expression has its roots with steam engines. Steam engines use boilers to boil water. The boiling water produces steam pressure, which, when channeled properly, can propel vehicles including pre-diesel train locomotives and water vessels. When functioning properly, safety valves on the engines release or blow off steam to keep the boilers operating at a safe pressure. When not functioning properly, the boilers are unable to release the built-up steam and the pressure increases until the boilers rupture which creates a massive explosion.

In the mid-1850s, steamboats which travelled along the Mississippi River were seen by many as romantic. Children and teenagers idolized the crew of these large vessels, especially the pilots. Steamboats were at the height of technology and offered thrilling adventure with a twinge of danger. Like so many other young men, Henry dreamed of working on a steamboat and eventually becoming a steamboat pilot. Henry’s older brother was a crewman on the sidewheeler steamboat Pennsylvania, and, in the first week of June of 1858, got Henry a job on the same vessel as a “Mud Clerk.” This was an entry level position with no salary but would become a paid position once the crewman proved himself. On June 5, 1858, Henry’s brother and the Pennsylvania’s pilot got into an altercation which resulted in Henry’s brother’s resignation. Following his brother’s departure, Henry knew he would have to work even harder to impress the pilot.

On Sunday, June 9, 1858, the Pennsylvania left New Orleans, Louisiana bound for St. Louis, Missouri. It was Henry’s first trip as a member of a steamboat crew. Although the work was grueling, Henry was ecstatic. On June 13th, four days into the trip, the Pennsylvania neared Ship Island, about sixty miles south of Memphis, Tennessee. The crew noticed that the steamboat’s boiler was building up pressure to a dangerous level. The safety valves had failed. The crew tried to manually open pressure release valves, but the pressure continued to climb. At about 6:00 a.m., the Pennsylvania’s boiler exploded. Within an instant, red-hot metal shrapnel, wood splinters, and scalding hot water violently shot in every direction.

A survivor of the explosion wrote, “The boilers seemed to be heaved upward and forward parting the cabin at the gangway and rendering the upper works of the boat from that point forward a complete wreck. When the steam and smoke had cleared up from the wreck, there indeed was a mournful spectacle to be seen by the few survivors. The boilers and smokestacks were twisted together like hungry serpents, locking in their hot embrace scores of human beings, dead and dying. Some were killed instantly; others were buried beneath the rubbish to await the advance of the flames which as yet slumbered in the hold.”

Survivors scrambled to aid the wounded. The pilot and some surviving crew members commandeered a local flatboat and, after nearly half an hour, returned to the drifting wreck. The crew loaded survivors and victims onto the flatboat. Using buckets, survivors had nearly extinguished all of the small fires in the forward part of the Pennsylvania when a much larger fire suddenly erupted in the middle of the ship. The heat from the fire was so intense that the crew on the flatboat had to abandon their rescue operation. Survivors, many of whom were wearing cork life vests while others grabbed anything which would float, jumped into the swift current of the Mississippi River. The fire aboard the Pennsylvania burned the steamboat down to the waterline.

The current carried the flatboat and the floating survivors down the Mississippi River. Up ahead was Ship Island, which was mostly underwater due to high rainfall. The crew aimed the flatboat toward the island. Survivors who had enough energy swam to the island. The burning steamboat, survivors who were too weak to swim, and others who were less fortunate, coasted down the river past the island.

Henry had survived the initial blast, but his body was scalded by the boiling water from the steamboat’s boilers. Survivors loaded Henry onto the flatboat and transferred him to Ship Island. Henry’s brother stayed with him in the hospital, but there was little hope for his recovery. On June 21, 1858, eight days after the explosion, Henry died from his wounds. He was just nineteen years old.

Henry’s brother regretted getting Henry the position on the Pennsylvania for the rest of his life. He wrote, “My poor Henry — my darling, my pride, my glory, my all, will have finished his blameless career, and the light of my life will have gone out in utter darkness. O, God! This is hard to bear … “

Henry’s brother continued to work on steamboats until the Civil War crippled the shipping industry in the south. Following the war, Henry’s brother entered into an entirely different career field. Had Henry’s brother not argued with the ship’s pilot, he too would have been on the steamboat when it exploded, and he might not have lived to write the literary classics “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”. Henry’s brother was Sam Clemens, who is known around the world as Mark Twain.

Sources:

1. The Times-Picayune (New Orleans, Louisiana), June 14, 1858, p.1.
2. The Greenville Journal (Greenville, Ohio), June 23, 1858, p.2.
3. WorldHistoryProject.org. “Henry Clemens (Mark Twain’s Brother) Dies While Working On Steamboat.” Accessed May 18, 2021. worldhistoryproject.org/1858/6/21/henry-clemens-mark-twains-brother-dies-while-working-on-steamboat.
4. Julia Keller, “Death of Sibling Crucial Moment,” Chicago Tribune, December 29, 2005, chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2005-12-29-0512280422-story.html.
5. Find A Grave. “Henry Clemens.” Accessed May 18, 2021. findagrave.com/memorial/21751/henry-clemens.


Supreme Court Agrees to Hear MS Abortion Case

By Royal Alexander/Opinion

This past Monday the Supreme Court agreed to hear the legal defense by the state of Mississippi of its limit on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Mississippi’s law prohibits abortion when “the probable gestational age of the unborn human being” is “greater than” 15 weeks “except in a medical emergency or in the case of a severe fetal abnormality,” which is defined in the law as a condition that is determined to be “incompatible with life outside the womb.”

We should note that polling over the decades since the Roe v. Wade abortion decision in 1973—that “found” a right to abortion in the 14th Amendment—reflects that two-thirds or more of the American public believe an abortion should largely be illegal in the second trimester.

We should also note that the Roe Court in 1973, in an “exercise of raw judicial power” as described by Justice Byron White in that decision, illegitimately federalized the abortion issue thereby removing from each state the determination of abortion. In its arrogance, the majority of the Roe Court thought it was “settling” the abortion debate. The exact opposite has occurred. The issue is as divisive and polarizing today as it ever was.

This action by the Supreme Court in Roe violated our constitutional system of co-federalism that exists between the 50 states and the federal government. In Roe, the Supreme Court purported to find a fundamental right to abortion in the liberty clause (i.e., “Life, Liberty or Property” may not be deprived from us “without due process of law”) of the 14th Amendment. One can understand how the liberty interest in the 14th Amendment could reasonably allow for a “zone of privacy” free from state (or federal) intrusion regarding matters such as intimate adult, family or marital privacy and relations, sexuality generally, and contraception. However, no plausible or credible reading of the liberty clause can be understood to confer a right to abort the life of a separate and distinct unborn baby.

From a democratic and constitutional perspective, the correct outcome would be for the Supreme Court to allow each of the 50 states to decide the abortion issue for themselves as was the case before 1973. Liberal states like New York or California would likely continue with virtually unlimited access to abortion while conservative states like Mississippi and Louisiana would place strict limits or ban the practice.

The Supreme Court, when agreeing to hear a case, carefully and precisely poses the question it will answer and the issue it will address. This is particularly so in a case like this one that involves a constitutional issue. The Court has stated that the issue in this Mississippi case is “whether all pre-viability prohibitions on elective abortions are unconstitutional.” In past decades “viability” (being able to survive outside of the mother’s womb) was thought to occur no earlier than 23-24 weeks. As noted below that view has changed.

The Mississippi law has likely chosen the 15-week time period because medical advances have determined that at 15 weeks an unborn baby becomes conscious of pain. The state then has, its legal argument goes, a legitimate and compelling interest in protecting unborn babies who can feel pain. By 15 weeks, Mississippi also argues, the unborn baby has had critical and undeniable physiological development.

Mississippi, like Louisiana, is a state that views unborn human life as sacred, possessing intrinsic dignity and worthy of protection. No doubt the amazing advances that have been made in the field of fetology (study of the fetus, which means “little one”) and sonography (use of sonograms during pregnancy) permanently put an end to the lie that we don’t know whether a baby is growing in the womb. (There is, and at about 21 days has a heartbeat). In fact, it is the powerful, graphic resonance of the unborn baby on the sonogram screen that often convinces the mother to keep her baby.

Two very important things would be accomplished by the Supreme Court upholding and affirming the Mississippi law: one, we would be allowing our democratic system of co-federalism to function by returning the issue of abortion to the states where it belongs; and two, we would be taking another important step in reaffirming the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.


Notice of Death – May 25, 2021

SABINE:
Cynthia Bourgeois Ward
March 31, 1953 – May 21, 2021
Service: Wednesday, May 26 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

WINN:
Kevin Ray Jordan
December 14, 1963
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 11 am at Southern Funeral Home

RED RIVER:
Michael Wayne Cason
September 4, 1957 – May 24, 2021
Service: Thursday, May 27 at 10 am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

NATCHITOCHES:
Elnora Gillie
April 14, 1950 – May 23, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 2 pm in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, located at 318 North Street in Natchitoches

Standley Craig Sandefur
June 21, 1953 – May 21, 2021
No service information listed

Henry Keith
May 22, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Earl Tucker Sr.
August 25, 1960 – May 22, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 11 am at the Evergreen Baptist Church, located at 8260 Hwy 71 in St. Maurice

Carl Smith
June 21, 1955 – May 21, 2021
Arrangements TBA

L. J. Smith
May 23, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Henry Braxton
May 18, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29 at 11 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Margaret Carter Cooper
November 2, 1961 – May 10, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Phillip Lloyd Gillis
March 13, 1968 – April 29, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 1-5 pm at the home of Ryan and Bekah French Home, located at 1615 Williams Ave. in Natchitoches


Local Business Owner Donates Life Vests To SPSO

MANY, La – A local business owner, and citizen of Sabine Parish, is doing his part to keep our local law enforcement officers safe.
 
The owner of Toledo Town & Tackle, Curt Carver, recently donated four law enforcement life vests to the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office.
 
These vests were special ordered and tailored not to restrict motion or duty belts.
 
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell greatly appreciates and thanks Carver for the donation.
 
Shown in the image above are Sheriff Mitchell, Carver, Deputy Campbell, Chief Deputy Walker
 
SOURCE: SPSO

Many Police Department Makes PSA To Protect Children

MANY, La – With school ending next week comes the rush of children ready to enjoy summer. While playing outdoors is one of the great joys for kids in the summer months, it can also pose a dangerous threat. Children too often find airtight containers to get into for an innocent game of hide and seek, not knowing the risk of suffocation and entrapment that the containers pose.
 
With this time of year, and risk of danger, fast approaching, the Many Police Department released the following public service announcement to spread awareness and hopefully prevent a tragedy. 
 
Public Safety Announcement:
 
Summer is upon us, and children will soon take to the streets and yards in search of adventure.
 
This is a reminder that all airtight containers such as ice boxes and refrigerators should be properly discarded. Such items may be taken to a recycling center of your choice, or to the Sabine Parish Landfill.
 
For legal guidance of such items in the yard, read the following:
 
Sec 9-165: Abandoning or discarding ice boxes or other airtight containers.
It shall be unlawful for any person to leave outside of any building or dwelling in a place accessible to children, any abandoned, unattended or discarded ice box, refrigerator, or any other container of any kind which has an airtight door or which may not be released for opening from the inside of the ice box, refrigerator, or container. It shall further be unlawful for any person to leave outside of any building or dwelling in a place accessible to children any abandoned, unattended or discarded icebox, refrigerator, or any other container of any kind which is airtight and has a snap lock or other device thereon without first removing the snap lock or door from icebox, refrigerators or containers.
 
SOURCE: MPD 

Memorial Day movie on May 22 – Tomorrow

Chris Walker of Family Farm and Garden had donated an American flag and flagpole to be given as a door prize to some lucky person attending ‘Memorial Day’, the special movie being shown in remembrance of Sabine Parish soldiers who fought and died for our country. ‘Memorial Day’ is free and begins at 7 pm at the Many Community Center on Saturday, May 22.


SPSO Teaches Local Students About Judicial System

FLORIEN, La – Last week the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office made a trip to Florien Elementary School for community outreach.
 
Sergeant Stuart Anthony, Deputy Brennan Jones and Deputy Jeriah Steinke spoke to the 3rd Grade Class at Florien Elementary on the morning of May 14th.
 
Deputies were asked to speak about law enforcement and the judicial system. Students also got to take a tour of the patrol units.
 
Sheriff Aaron Mitchell thanks Florien School for the opportunity to speak to the students.
 
SOURCE: SPSO

LSA Announces Scholarship Recipient

ZWOLLE, La – On Monday, May 17th, 2021, Sheriff Aaron Mitchell of the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that Summer Faust of Sabine Parish has been named the recipient of an academic scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriff’s Scholarship Program for the 2020-2021 school year. 

She resides in Zwolle and plans to attend Centenary College and pursue Biology/Pre-Medicine as a field of study.  Her parents are Nicholas Clayton Faust and Kristi Cartinez Faust. 

The Sheriff’s Scholarship is made possible by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program (LSHMP).  Louisiana Sheriffs provide scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Program.

Qualities such as academic achievement, leadership, and character are considered in making selections of Sheriffs’ scholarship recipients.  The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships be utilized in higher education within the State; and students be enrolled as full-time, undergraduate students. 

Scholarships will be awarded in sixty-four parishes throughout the state.

In closing, Sheriff Mitchell said, “Academic awards by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program to Louisiana students demonstrate what the LSHMP is all about.  This is one of our finest accomplishments.  It invests in Louisiana’s future and gives something back to our community.  This would not be possible without the kind and generous support of Sabine Parish’s Honorary Members.

SOURCE: SPSO