BOM Financial Services made a donation to the Cane River Children Services Children’s Fund. The donation will help provide Christmas gifts to children in need. Pictured: BOMFS’ Darlene Knecht and CRCS Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Karle.

Louisiana Department of Health urges everyone take safety precautions ahead of New Year’s Eve
Baton Rouge — The Louisiana Department of Health announces that 449 people in Louisiana are hospitalized with COVID-19 – a figure that has doubled in the last week. The last time we reported this many COVID-19 hospitalizations was mid-October, as we came down from our third and then-worst COVID-19 surge. Eighty percent of people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 are not fully vaccinated.

A total of 9,545 new COVID-19 cases out of 59,139 new tests have been reported to the state since December 23. The testing data do not include results from at-home tests. The Louisiana Department of Health will resume updating the COVID-19 dashboard on Monday, December 27.

Another 1,231 people in Louisiana have been reinfected with COVID-19 in the same time frame. LDH does not include reinfections on its dashboard. Information is still emerging, but Omicron includes multiple mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Emerging data show this new variant is more transmissible than previous strains and that Omicron may carry an increased risk of reinfection compared to other variants of concern.

Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur. The Omicron surge further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters.

In light of this rapidly evolving situation and because we know families may be traveling and gathering ahead of New Year’s Eve, LDH is urging everyone to follow public health guidance to stay safe:

To reduce transmission, regardless of vaccination status, mask in all indoor public spaces; mask in all indoor private spaces with people who are not in your immediate household; and mask outdoors when not able to social distance. Masks are effective in protecting against infection for all of the currently circulating variants.

Work remotely if feasible.

Limit exposure to individuals outside your everyday household.

Get tested for COVID-19 before and after traveling or gathering with individuals outside your everyday household. LDH recommends testing one to two days before travel and three to five days after travel.

If you have questions about vaccines, you can speak to a medical professional and learn about vaccination sites near you by calling Louisiana’s vaccine hotline at 855-453-0774.

PHOTO: Live Science

In an action that fits the season, an anonymous donor has helped push the Leon Johnson Track and Field Scholarship at Northwestern State past the $25,000 mark.

The $15,000 contribution from an alumnus of the Demon track and field and cross country programs further strengthened the support of one of the 73 fully endowed athletic scholarships at Northwestern State funded through the Demons Unlimited Foundation, the official fund-raising arm of NSU Athletics.

“Coach Johnson was the whole reason that I came to NSU,” the donor said. “He coached for such a long time and did such a great job that my wife and I wanted to make this contribution in his honor.”

Johnson spent 31 years in charge of the Northwestern State program, the second-longest tenure of any head coach in NSU history behind basketball coach H. Lee Prather’s 36-year career. Johnson coached 134 individual Southland Conference champions – 83 outdoor and 51 indoor – 57 All-Americans, nearly 100 NCAA championship qualifiers and USA Olympian triple jumpers LaMark Carter (2000 Sydney Games) and Kenta Bell (2004 Athens Games and 2008 Beijing Games).

Johnson was presented the Nth Degree by former NSU President Dr. Randall Webb and the Southland Conference named it’s Outdoor Track and Field Coach award after him. Johnson was inducted into the Southland Conference Hall of Honor in 2017 and into the N-Club Hall of Fame in 1999.

Even after retirement, Johnson remained active in and around Northwestern State athletics, including working closely with the NSU men’s basketball program, further demonstrating his reach across generations. The endowed scholarship established in Johnson’s name is another example of his influence, which remains visible each November when NSU hosts the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s State Cross Country meet. Johnson was a key figure in first bringing the meet to Natchitoches in the late 1980s.

“Much gratitude to this former student-athlete for so generously giving back to their alma mater and for doing so in honor of a coach who means so much to them,” NSU Director of Athletics Greg Burke said. “Contributions by student-athlete alumni can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to follow their lead and are critical to the success of our teams.”

NSU Athletics now has surpassed $2.5 million in endowed funds to help offset the cost of athletics scholarships. Annual interest from a $5 million endowment total will fully underwrite all NSU athletics book scholarships and allow Demons Unlimited Foundation monies to be redirected to assist other areas that would benefit NSU teams.

To inquire about the Perpetually Purple program contact Burke at 318-357-5251.

NATCHITOCHES:
Roy Cagle, Sr.
December 3, 1941 – December 21, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 28 at 2 pm at Jennings Chapel Congregational Methodist Church in Marthaville

WINN:
Quinton Howard Arnold
January 19, 1942 – December 24, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 28 at 11 am in the First Baptist Church of Winnfield

RED RIVER:
Glen L. Lawson
August 13, 1941 – December 22, 2021
Service: Monday, December 27 at 11 am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Visitation: Tuesday, December 28 from 5-8 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

The Town of Many has invested in new ultrasonic water meters that will last at least 20 years and will read water usage down to 1/8 of a gallon. Water meters will be able to be read from the office once installation is complete and will save Many taxpayers the cost of 68 man-hours per month to manually read meters then enter data by hand into the current billing system. 

Mayor Robert Hable has said that while water rates will not be increased anytime soon, some residents and business may see an increase in their water bills just because of the accuracy of the new system. Water leaks can be detected more quickly and repairs made more efficiently once the meters are operating.  The town’s water department crews will assist contractors with the installation making that part of the job go more quickly. Updated billing software will integrate with the meters making the manual processes of reading meters, data entry, and sending out bills obsolete. 

The town did not have to go into debt to acquire the new water meters that are “Made in America”. Through a cooperative lease-purchase agreement between the town, Government Capital, and Core and Main, suppliers of the Neptune water meters, the town will be able to make lease payments each year from money being saved by recent upgrades made to the communication system from the water plant 12 miles West of town to the wells and water storage tanks in town. 

“The savings from the previously astronomical monthly payments for communications at the water plant will pay for the new meters in 15 years or less”, said Mayor Hable. “We have been working with our engineering firm since September to get Water Sector and Capital Outlay grants prepared and submitted for other major water and sewer projects that the town needs. Once the water intake plant is moved further out into deeper water, the cost of chemicals to treat water will be greatly reduced, saving the town more money.  The grants applied for also include replacing the 150,000-gallon water storage tank at the plant and rehabbing the elevated water storage tanks and wells in town,” he continued. Wastewater improvements will also be done throughout the town once grant monies are received. ARPA funds that the town received earlier this year will be used as matching funds for the grants depending on how much the State awards the town for water and sewer improvements. 

The State of Louisiana has allocated $300 million to the Water Sector program from the State’s allocation of ARPA funding from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Act Fund. The program was established to provide grant funding for repairs, improvements, and consolidation of community water and sewer systems around the state. 

“Please be patient with us as we begin our first steps in improving our infrastructure by getting these new meters into the ground”, said Hable. “We have great employees in our water and sewer departments and they will do their best to take care of routine work while helping to install the new meters. All of us at City Hall are excited about the positive changes we are making to help Many be the best it can be,” Hable concluded.

A lot of people in Sabine Parish are pet lovers but what happens when you let your dogs and cats run loose? They get hit by cars, have litters of unwanted kittens and puppies, and sometimes end up in the animal shelter where they are euthanized if they are not adopted or transferred out to another rescue agency.

The Town of Many now has two state-licensed Animal Control officers who have picked up 16 dogs and 14 cats since August this year, but they can only work within the Town’s limits. “I hate this part of my job”, said Cecil Jordan, Town of Many Street employee who helps with animal control. “Why do people have animals then let them run loose to get killed on the road or waste away tied up in the yard without food and shelter? It just does not make any sense,” he said sadly.

There were 320 stray dogs and cats from Sabine Parish brought to the Animal Shelter this year. Eighty-one dogs and 7 cats were seized from owners for different reasons and 188 dogs and cats were euthanized. Sadly, only 34 dogs and 24 cats were adopted this year, which is 26 less than last year at this time. What does this mean? It means 86% of animals brought to the shelter in 2021, were not adopted, not reclaimed, and ended up being euthanized because their owners did not take responsibility for them. 

Being a responsible pet owner is more than just providing food, water, and shelter for your dog or cat. They need healthcare, they need shots, they need to be spayed and neutered to prevent pet over-population. Spaying and neutering your dogs and cats is the only way to prevent unwanted litters of animals that don’t get adopted.

BOM’s Many location donated personal items to their local nursing home for the residents. Pictured from left to right: Sharon Chance, BOM’s Linda Guay, Ashley Parrie, and Savannah Garcie. 

Sabine Parish basketball scores and powers rankings for the week.

Thursday December 16

GIRLS

Converse 51 (4-11)
Doyline 48 (12-6)

BOYS

Converse 51 (7-7)
Doyline 49 (14-1)

Many High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

GIRLS

Negreet 53 (11-9)
St. Mary’s 23 (1-5)

Zwolle 54 (14-5)
Rosepine 50 (11-4)

Converse 43 (4-11)
North Desoto 30 (3-10)

Many 49 (5-3)
Converse 44 (5-12)

Zwolle 57 (15-5)
Negreet 43 (11-10)

Zwolle 65 (16-5)
Many 36 (5-4)

Many 41 (6-4)
Leesville 39 (5-7)

Rosepine 52 (12-4)
St. Mary’s 19 (1-6)

BOYS

Many 65 (2-0)
Negreet 50 (6-13)

Negreet 57 (7-13)
North DeSoto 33 (2-6)

Many 77 (3-0)
North DeSoto 50 (2-5)

Zwolle 59 (13-4)
Many 42 (3-1)

Sam Houston High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

GIRLS

Florien 32 (21-1)
Sulphur 25 (6-8)

St. Louis Catholic 66 (12-1)
Florien 26 (21-2)

Castor High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

GIRLS

Union Parish 44 (5-3)
Ebarb 41 (7-12)

BOYS

Red River 63 (4-5)
Ebarb 60 (5-12)

Union Parish 57 (7-3)
Ebarb 42 (5-13)

Logansport High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

BOYS

Stanley 50 (6-11)
Pleasant Hill 44 (10-6)

Pleasant Hill 74 (11-6)
Logansport 67 (0-1)

Pleasant Hill 64 (12-6)
Magnolia School of Excellence 57 (1-10)

DeRidder High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

DeRidder 48 (2-6)
Florien 45 (10-10)

St Louis Catholic 44 (10-3)
Florien 31 (10-11)

Gov. John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana’s Public Health Emergency order related to COVID-19, including a provision allowing all state government agencies to require mask wearing, given the fast-spreading Omicron variant, which is now the dominant strain in the United States and Louisiana according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). State agencies in the Governor’s Cabinet will begin requiring masks of employees and visitors.

“While vaccines and booster doses are the strongest tools we have in the fight against COVID, public health experts also agree that masks are an important way to slow the spread of the Omicron variant now. This means you should be masking indoors around people who aren’t in your household,” Gov. Edwards said. “While it is concerning to still see rising cases, as President Joe Biden noted earlier today – we have come a long way since March 2020. Around 50 percent of Louisianans have already been vaccinated and are much more protected against COVID than they have ever been. The more than 460,000 Louisianans who have already taken a booster dose have even stronger protection.

“Now more than ever it is important that everyone get vaccinated or, if they are eligible, take a COVID booster. The vaccines are safe, effective and widely available all across Louisiana, and we know from the most recent CDC data that unvaccinated people are ten times more likely to test positive for COVID and 20 times more likely to die from COVID than fully vaccinated peoplewho also have gotten their booster shots,” Gov. Edwards said. “Simply put, one of the riskiest things you can be in Louisiana right now is unvaccinated. You’re signing up for the potential of severe illness, hospitalization or something even worse. We have seen how previous COVID surges have torn through our state and none of us wants to go back to the days of August and September, when thousands of people were hospitalized and dying.”

While many people are vaccinated, only around a quarter of eligible Louisianans have their booster doses. A Pfizer-BioNTech booster shot increases antibody levels 25-fold against Omicron. Similarly, early data show a Moderna booster shot can increase antibody levels 37-fold against Omicron. Getting your booster has never been more urgent.

In addition to the Governor’s public health order, the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday issued revised recommendations and guidance for Louisianans during the holiday season, particularly if they are traveling. These include getting vaccines and boosters, masking indoors around people who aren’t in your household and getting tested regularly. In addition, any person who has COVID symptoms should get tested and stay in quarantine to avoid spreading illness to others.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. People with COVID-19 symptoms should stay home and get tested.

There are COVID-19 test sites throughout Louisiana. Visit ldh.la.gov/covidtesting or call 211 to find a test site near you. As a reminder, all community-based sites operated by the Louisiana National Guard will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

It’s Christmas Eve and all across the world kids are waiting on the man called Santa Claus to make their dreams come true. It’s with great anticipation that most children will have a hard time going to sleep tonight. Some will even try and sneak a peek just to confirm or deny their thoughts that he really does exist. Now before we get to the reason we love the old man in the bright red suit, let me give you an angler’s perspective about this special time of year.

As I have stated before, bass fishermen are a funny bunch. They are guys who believe in many different things. One is their ability to catch and figure bass out. They think they are smarter than the little green fish they pursue. It’s a group that, when push comes to shove, are the most intelligent outdoorsmen on earth. But there are a few who are very superstitious, especially when it comes to things like a banana in the boat. If you want to upset a pro angler, get in their boat with a banana…they will freak out. It’s a superstition that goes all the way back to when our country’s settlers sailed across the ocean with bananas on their ship (which is a whole other story). Just like most families do on Christmas Eve, some anglers have rituals they do before every event. There are some anglers like Kevin Van Dam (greatest bass fisherman of all time) who have their wives make them lucky cookies to carry with them on tournament day. Some anglers will only eat at specific restaurants on certain nights of the week during the tournament.  Some guys even wear the same underwear two or three days in a row if they are doing well in the event.

But one other thing we bass anglers believe in….Santa Claus! That’s right, we do believe in jolly Ole Saint Nick. You know the man in the bright red suit with black boots and a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly. Here are some reasons why we think so much of Ole Saint Nick….

1.    He does so many good things for everyone young and old.
2.    He’s committed to doing a good job every Christmas Eve.
3.    Just like bass fishermen, he has high expectations of himself.
4.    He takes great care of all the little people (Elves).
5.    He takes pride in his sleigh looking good, like anglers do with their bass boats.
6.    He makes sure all the reindeer are taken care of like anglers do with their outboard engines.
7.    He gives attention to the misfit toys and makes them feel special.
8.    Just like bass fishermen, he pays attention to detail.
9.    Since the beginning of time, he never fails to do his job.

10. But the greatest reason anglers love Santa Claus….HE was the man who gave all of us anglers our first rod and reel combo.

It’s the belief in Santa that makes Christmas special, especially in the eyes of children. It does your heart good to see them light up once they get a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. Now there are a few (depending on age) who are scared out of their mind upon the sight of Santa Claus, but over time and as they grow up, Santa usually wins their love and support. I can remember as a kid going out early Christmas morning and looking for deer tracks in the front yard just to convince myself that he is real. I knew for a fact that he did not land on our roof since we did not have a chimney. My brother and I always left the traditional cookies and milk, but as I got older, I wondered why he would drink warm milk….but he always did!

I hope today’s article helped to jog your memory and take you back to a time when we were all so young and innocent. This truly is a special time of year as we get together with family and friends. But I want you to remember the real reason for the season, and that’s the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the reason for this great celebration that we have all come to love and cherish. So, this Christmas enjoy all the food, gifts and family gatherings, but make sure you give thanks to Lord above for sending us his only son who sacrificed his life for each of us. I would like to wish each of you a “Merry Christmas!” Till next time, good luck, good fishing and don’t forget to set the hook!

Steve Graf  

Music is such a huge part of the Christmas season. Songs bring back so many wonderful memories of Christmas’ past and can elicit emotions and thoughts of friends and family.

Here are 10 of the greatest songs of the Christmas season along with direct links to versions found on YouTube. Enjoy.

And Merry Christmas (Eve) to you.

1. O Holy Night

Placide Cappeau, a wine seller from southern France, was asked by the local parish priest to write a festive poem in 1847 to celebrate the church organ’s renovation. Cappeau felt it should be accompanied by music, so approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams. Adams’ text reflects on the birth of Jesus and of humanity’s redemption.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJw-ey1DPRA

2. Silent Night

Originally written in German, ‘Stille Nacht’ was composed in 1818 by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr, and was translated to English in 1859. During the Christmas truce of 1914 during World War I, the carol was sung simultaneously by English and German troops.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19L_Gnul8Rc

3. Joy to the World

Rather than celebrating the birth of Christ, the text of this hymn represents Christ’s triumphant return. The words, dreamed up by English writer Isaac Watts, are based on the second half of Psalm 98 in the Bible. In the late ’90s, it was named the most-published Christmas hymn in North America. You can just feel the merriness pouring out of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r3VVMUhAxU

4. Away in a Manger

This late 19th-century carol is hugely popular with children. The melody was originally composed in 1837 by Jonathan E. Spilman, but was later adapted in 1895 by William J Kirkpatrick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbQpEdwGEXo

5. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

With lyrics written by Charles Wesley, and set to a tune by Mendelssohn, this carol was always going to be one of the most recognisable and popular ones on the list. It’s also got a cracking descant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xw38pGhPXIk

6. O Come All Ye Faithful

It is unclear who first wrote the music or lyrics to this hymn. Possible candidates include King John IV of Portugal and John Francis Wade, while composers Handel and Gluck have been suggested as the brains behind the melody. The hymn also features in the 1992 film Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, when it is played by a symphony orchestra at Carnegie Hall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z51apErmAuw

7. O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Sung at both Advent and Christmas, this hymn originates from Latin but was translated to English in 1861. The music for the hymn was composed in such a way that both the English and Latin words can be used interchangeably.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcIIZpnZPgo

8. O Little Town of Bethlehem

Following a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Rector Phillips Brooks wrote the text to this hymn after he was inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills of Palestine. Three years later in 1871, his church organist Lewis Redner wrote the melody for the local Sunday school children’s choir.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqwe97RJ-bg

9. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

The lyrics for this carol were written by Massachusetts pastor Edmund Sears and refer to ideas of war and peace. The most common musical setting was adapted from an English melody in 1874 by Arthur Sullivan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYDa4Kht6Eo

10. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

One of the oldest Christmas carols on the list, this dates back to at least the 16th century, possibly earlier. Although most people assume the first line is suggesting merry gentlemen should rest, in early English it actually means something closer to ‘remain bountiful, gentlemen’.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlfHyb397VY

NATCHITOCHES:
Roy Cagle, Sr.
December 3, 1941 – December 21, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 28 at 2 pm at Jennings Chapel Congregational Methodist Church in Marthaville

Our Many High School Tigers made it to the dome! Though they aren’t coming home with a win, they played their hearts out in an incredible game to match an incredible season. The Sabine Parish Journal is honored to continue to put the spotlight on the players that made the season possible. Help us congratulate Sabine Parish’s own Boys of Fall as we introduce you to the next round of Tiger Players! 

Without further ado, The Sabine Parish Journal brings you the Tiger Football Player Spotlight: Round 5!

Swazy Carheel #3 – Sponsored by Mahogany Mallard and Patrice Jones, Jones of 5 Group LLC

“Being on defense, giving it my all, and most of all playing hard with my brothers are the things I love the most about being an athlete”

-S. Carheel

Swazy is a great team player with an impressive work ethic. He values the brotherhood and teamwork of the game and loves to give it his all on the field. Swazy has played football for two years and has enjoyed every minute. He is a key player on the Many Tiger Football Team. 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?

“Playing with my teammates”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?

“Work ethic”

3. What player do you or did you look up too?

“Myron Warren”

4. What is your favorite part of the game?

“Holding down defense”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player?

“Myron Warren”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?

“Being on defense, giving it my all, and most of all playing hard with my brothers”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

“To give it my all on the field”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?

“It inspires me to keep my grades up”

Blake Matkin #10 – Sponsored by Brad and Kresha Matkin

“I look up to the best version of myself as a player”

-B. Matkin

Blake is a hardworking athlete with a passion for the game of football. While some may stray from difficult games, Blake strives in games that are challenging physically and mentally. He strives to be the best version of himself both on and off the field and it shows in his performance as a student. Blake loves that being on the Many High School Football Team has made him want to do good for those beside him.

Swazy is a great team player with an impressive work ethic. He values the brotherhood and teamwork of the game and loves to give it his all on the field. Swazy has played football for two years and has enjoyed every minute. He is a key player on the Many Tiger Football Team. 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?
“I get excited about the hard physical games that aren’t blow outs.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?
“An excellent football player is physicality, mentally strong and has passion for the game.”

3. What player do you or did you look up too?
“I look up to the best version of myself as a player.”

4. What is your favorite part of the game?
“The mental strength you have to have when you’re in those long games.”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player
“Justin Greer, he was a huge physical linebacker my freshman year.”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
“It really gets you close to people.”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
“It makes you want to do good for the people beside you.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?
“It makes you a better student because you have to do good in the classroom.”

Tuffy Cutrer #28 – Sponsored by Ashley Broussard

“My favorite Many High player is Cadillac Rhone because he taught me how to be a leader and to be a better person.”

-T. Cutrer

Tuffy is a dedicated athlete not only on the Many High School Football Team, but on the baseball team as well. He loves the roar of the crowd and the electricity in the stands with every touchdown. He looks up to some of the NFL greats, but most of all he looks up to players on the very team that is shaping him into the athlete and leader his is becoming. Tuffy has loved the game of football since he was old enough to hold a ball and has played for the Tigers for three years now. 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?
“Touchdown because you can enjoy the moment with that player and hear the crowd roar.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?
“In my opinion what makes an excellent football player is a leader because ti helps young football players want to be like them or play the sport.”

3. What player do you or did you look up too?
“The player I look up to is Patrick Mahomes II because just how he became a leader within his couple starts as NFL player.”

4. What is your favorite part of the game?
“My favorite part about the game is being with brothers that I call family and win a game with them.”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player
“My favorite Many High player is Cadillac Rhone because he taught me how to be a leader and to be a better person.”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
“Character helps build teamwork and get along with people you have never met.”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
“What inspires me to do good as an athlete is the teammates who help when you are down and to help you be better than them.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?
“Helps your mind gain strength, multi tasks.”

Thane Mitchell #71 – Sponsored by Darrell and Jessie Mitchell

“I love the atmosphere of the game. Listening to the crowd, the fireworks and the horn. It gets you pumped for the game.”

-T. Mitchell

Thane is a veteran to the game of football having played three years on a youth league, two years for Many Junior High, and four years for Many High School. As a senior, Thane has had the chance to give the Tigers his all through his entire high school career. Being a Tiger has inspired Thane to always work hard and do his best both on and off the field. 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?
“I get most excited about hitting and tackling the other team because I know I am protecting the ball and allowing our offense to do their job.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?
“Building a hard work ethic is crucial to making any player but specifically a football player.”

3. What player do you or did you look up too?
“LaKieth Collien and Lenond Hickman Jr.”

4. What is your favorite part of the game?
“I love the atmosphere of the game. Listening to the crowd, the fireworks and the horn. It gets you pumped for the game.”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player
“London Williams”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
“Teammates, Competition, Fun!!”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
“It inspires me to be inspirational to others to keep up the hard work and striving to do better.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?
“Being an athlete pushes me to keep my grades up and strive to do my best everyday on and off the field.”

Angel Straughn #77 – Sponsored by Bass Heating and Cooling

“My favorite part of the game is being apart of a brotherhood that is much bigger than me.”

-A. Straughn

Angel is the true example of brotherhood making the team. His love of the game is matched by his respect for his fellow Tigers which makes for an incredible player. Angel strives to be his best every day so that he represents his team well. He believes that hard-work, determination, commitment, honesty, and the drive to improve are what make an excellent football player and he carries every characteristic as he steps out onto the fieId on Friday nights. 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?
“I love hitting and I love when Coach gets fired up about a play.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?
“Hard-work, determination, commitment, honesty and just the drive to get better.”

3. What player do you or did you look up to?
“Thane Mitchell #71”

4. What is your favorite part of the game?
“Just being apart of a brotherhood that is much bigger than me.”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player
“Thane Mitchell #71, we just have a great connection.”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
“The players building each other up. Hard-work and seeing what happens when we work hard. Just being apart of something bigger than me.”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
“Being an athlete makes me want to do good because not only do I represent myself but I represent my team too.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?
“It makes me want to be a better student because in order to play I have to have great academics.”

Santa’s sleigh is on its way and the kids of Sabine Parish have been on their best behavior all year to get on the Nice List! The undercover elves at the Sabine Parish Journal helped us out by getting the inside scoop on a few letters to Santa and whether these kids are on the naughty or nice list! These letters come from the Pre-K 4 kids at Negreet! 

From Ms. Payne’s Class: NICE LIST!

Dear Santa,

My name is Clyde and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a roll machine, a wind-up robot, and a robot Santa.

Love, Cylde

Dear Santa,

My name is Mason and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a big robot, a big tag car, and a Transformer.

Love, Mason

Dear Santa,

My name is Kayleigh and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a Barbie Dream House, a dancing Santa, and a baby doll.

Love, Kayleigh

Dear Santa,

My name is Ruth and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a robot, a Barbie Dream House, and a teddy bear. 

Love, Ruth

Dear Santa,

My name is Audrey and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a doll, Play-doh, and art supplies.

Love. Audrey

Dear Santa,

My name is Levi and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a Sponge Bob drone, a dump truck, and a garbage truck. 

Love, Levi

Dear Santa,

My name is James and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a road grader, a fire truck, and a police officer truck. 

Love, James

Dear Santa,

My name is Gunnar and I am 5 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a dinosaur track, a new bike, and a toy motorcycle. 

Love, Gunnar

Dear Santa,

My name is Serenity and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a big truck, a kitty, and a big LOL dollhouse. 

Love, Serenity

Dear Santa,

My name is Melayna and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a baby with a stroller a bottle, and diapers.

Love, Melayna 

Dear Santa,

My name is Carter and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a Hoverboard, a toy, and a car.

Love, Carter

Dear Santa,

My name is Henry and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a toy, a toy alphabet, and a book.

Love, Henry

Dear Santa,

My name is River and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a Spiderman, a Barbie for my sister, and a baby doll for my sister.

Love, River

Dear Santa,

My name is Anderson and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me: a tablet, pen art, and a house.

Love, Anderson

Dear Santa, 

My name is Lena and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been very nice. For Christmas, please bring me a Vampirina backpack and a Happy Napper.

Love, Lena

From Mrs. Kelsey’s Class: NICE LIST!

Dear Santa,

My name is Remi and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good girl. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a Minnie Mouse car, a dinosaur, and a baby shark.

Love, Remi

Dear Santa,

My name is Oli and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: hot wheels, a hot wheels track, and toys.

Love, Oli

Dear Santa,

My name is Caleb and I am 5 years old. This year, I have been a very good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a paw patrol tower and toy car.

Love, Caleb

Dear Santa,

My name is Nolan and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a basketball and a red car.

Love, Nolan

Dear Santa,

My name is Tye and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a monster truck shirt, a remote control car, and a remote control alligator.

Love, Tye

Dear Santa,

My name is Sawyer and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: dinosaurs, trucks, and blocks.

Love, Sawyer

Dear Santa,

My name is Ryder and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a power ranger, dinosaurs, and a tiger.

Love, Ryder

Dear Santa,

My name is Roslyn and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good girl. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a poodle stuffed animal, a unicorn stuffed animal, and a baby doll.

Love, Roslyn

Dear Santa,

My name is Thomas and I am 5 years old. This year, I have been a very good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a batman, the joker, and a car that fires disks.

Love, Thomas 

Dear Santa,

My name is Brycin and I am 5 years old. This year, I have been a very good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a power ranger mega sword, trucks, truck carrier, and a fire truck.

Love, Brycin

Dear Santa,

My name is Wyatt and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a dinosaur toy, a monster truck with remote, and a rock car.

Love, Wyatt

Dear Santa,

My name is Audrey and I am 5 years old. This year, I have been a very good girl. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a baby doll with a baby bottle.

Love, Audrey

Dear Santa,

My name is Chesleigh and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good girl. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a baby doll sick, a rainbow bike, and a real horse.

Love, Chesleigh

Dear Santa,

My name is Mason and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good boy. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a tank, a remote control water truck, and a racecar.

Love, Mason 

Dear Santa,

My name is Lettie and I am 4 years old. This year, I have been a very good girl. For Christmas, what I wish for most is: a Barbie doll, baby doll stuff, and a princess.

Love, Lettie

Sabine Parish Basketball Scores

Thursday December 16

GIRLS

Converse 51 (4-11)
Doyline 48 (12-6)

BOYS

Converse 51 (7-7)
Doyline 49 (14-1)

Many High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

GIRLS

Negreet 53 (11-9)
St. Mary’s 23 (1-5)

Zwolle 54 (14-5)
Rosepine 50 (11-4)

Converse 43 (4-11)
North Desoto 30 (3-10)

Many 49 (5-3)
Converse 44 (5-12)

Zwolle 57 (15-5)
Negreet 43 (11-10)

Zwolle 65 (16-5)
Many 36 (5-4)

Many 41 (6-4)
Leesville 39 (5-7)

Rosepine 52 (12-4)
St. Mary’s 19 (1-6)

BOYS

Many 65 (2-0)
Negreet 50 (6-13)

Negreet 57 (7-13)
North DeSoto 33 (2-6)

Many 77 (3-0)
North DeSoto 50 (2-5)

Zwolle 59 (13-4)
Many 42 (3-1)

Sam Houston High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

GIRLS

Florien 32 (21-1)
Sulphur 25 (6-8)

St. Louis Catholic 66 (12-1)
Florien 26 (21-2)

Castor High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

GIRLS

Union Parish 44 (5-3)
Ebarb 41 (7-12)

BOYS

Red River 63 (4-5)
Ebarb 60 (5-12)

Union Parish 57 (7-3)
Ebarb 42 (5-13)

Logansport High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

BOYS

Stanley 50 (6-11)
Pleasant Hill 44 (10-6)

Pleasant Hill 74 (11-6)
Logansport 67 (0-1)

Pleasant Hill 64 (12-6)
Magnolia School of Excellence 57 (1-10)

DeRidder High School Tournament

December 16, 17, 18

DeRidder 48 (2-6)
Florien 45 (10-10)

St Louis Catholic 44 (10-3)
Florien 31 (10-11)

BATON ROUGE, La. – Members of the Louisiana Board of Regents (Regents) and Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) received a preliminary report from the Teacher Recruitment, Recovery and Retention Task Force (Task Force) this month, elevating discussions of solutions to address multiple years of declining enrollments in teacher preparation programs around the state and across the nation. The Task Force, created through House Concurrent Resolution 39 (Mincey) of the 2021 Legislative Session, is charged to study, for a period of two years, strategies and best practices to increase the employment and retention of teachers statewide.

“Teaching is the profession that creates all others, so strengthening our educator pipeline is critical,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed. “At a time when the premium on knowledge is higher than ever, we face a teacher shortage, with fewer students preparing to be teachers and even fewer teachers remaining in the classroom, especially among minority populations. Understanding these challenges and targeting solutions to address them is our charge and is at the heart of this legislative call to action,” said Reed.

“In a time of uncertainty, as Louisiana seeks to recover from multiple disruptions to education, we are certain of the value of educators in the classroom,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “We are committed to increasing the pipeline of great teachers to ensure students have access to the highest quality educators our state can provide.”

The Task Force, consisting of 17 stakeholders, including leaders in various secondary, postsecondary, professional education organizations as well as community representatives, spent the last five months reviewing local, state and national data to investigate Louisiana’s teacher workforce. HCR 39 included 21 questions for the Task Force to consider. Today’s baseline report responds to 11 of those questions in order to provide a clear picture of current data and trends. Highlights include:

Of Louisiana’s 44,000 teachers in AY 2019-20, 24% teach out of their field or are not certified, the majority in Mathematics and Science. (Source: Louisiana Department of Education)
60% of Louisiana’s teachers are white females, with only 5% identifying as African American. (Source: Louisiana Department of Education)

Louisiana had approximately 12,600 students enrolled in teacher education programs for AY 2020-21 compared to 17,898 in AY 2011-12. Additionally, 2,743 students completed teacher education programs in AY 2020-21 compared to 3,231 in AY 2011-12, revealing declines in both enrollment and completion over the past decade. (Source: Statewide Student Profile System, Regents, September 2021)
Exit interviews with teachers leaving the profession in Louisiana indicate 74% of teachers are retiring, transferring to another school system or leaving the profession due to personal reasons. Meanwhile a national survey showed 32% of teachers say they plan to leave the classroom earlier than expected, suggesting burnout post-pandemic. (Source: Gosner, 2021)

In response to the trend data included in the preliminary report, the Task Force presented close to 30 recommendations across three categories (Recruitment, Recovery and Retention), which will assist LDOE and Regents in reviewing current policies, creating new programs to recruit prospective teachers in high school, establishing guidance and direction through students’ college years and giving targeted support during the first five years of an educator’s teaching career. Members of both Regents and BESE expressed support for the shared goal of developing a larger, more effective workforce of prepared teachers over time.

With the adoption of the Task Force report, the recommendations will be forwarded to the legislature no later than January 2022. The Task Force will continue to meet bi-monthly and intends to host statewide listening sessions with educators, expand pre-educator pathway strategies in high schools, invest and promote the para-to-teacher model and develop strategies for recruiting teachers of color into educators preparation programs. The Task Force will present its final report in December 2022.

“…and this is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket, and lying in a manger.” –  Luke 2:12

“Only God could have thought of giving us Christmas,” the pilgrim told me.

“I no longer wonder why the world turns again every year to the Babe born in the innkeeper’s cattle shed,” he said. “A baby bundled tightly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. Simple enough to be new every year, miraculous enough to be eternal, tender enough to be personal. Only God would have done it that way.”

“No official proclamation. No fuss. No Madison Avenue ad campaign. If man had done it he would have made a great production. But God did it the way God does so many things in the world. The coming of dawn and the setting of the sun are quiet things. Sleep needs no trumpets to announce it. Flowers bloom in silence. Falling snow makes no more sound than the cat’s paw. And so it was with the coming of the Savior of the World. Just the whimper of a baby, asleep on the hay.

“That’s just like God,” the pilgrim said.

“Bethlehem tells us that the loveliness in life is not in the things that we possess, the titles and checkbook balances and plaques on the wall. Bethlehem tells us that the loveliness in life is in our relationships. ‘Come see the baby. Come spend time with us, and come spend time with the baby…’

“That long ago Judean night when Heaven dipped down to Earth, there were no costly jewels, no golden streets, but instead a place where God was at home in a stable…a place where shepherds were as welcome as wise men…a place where, for a moment, nothing in Creation was more important than a donkey who bore on his back a suffering woman, a woman of God’s favor, a woman who stepped into a barn on the brink of the Fullness of Time and into a place where a stable filled with animals was a temple fit for a king.

“That’s so like God. To send his one and only son into a place humble, a place where voices joined in chorus with the first cry of a newborn. There is nothing in the world so new as Christmas, and nothing in the world so old.

“Bethlehem tells us that God is awake while most all the world sleeps. It was while the world lay in darkness that God chose to come down to Earth. He came into a world of darkness then, He comes into a world of darkness now. Isn’t it comforting to know that in a time of darkness and despair, God is always awake, is alive, and is still ruling the universe?

“Christmas asks us to follow the star, to look for the light, and to listen for the baby. Where there is light, there can be no dark, and so it was into the night that the baby came.

“The gift in the manger reminds us that the joy and truth of Christmas can be recaptured. There is nothing in the world like a baby. The whole silly world stops when a baby is born. God, a baby at Bethlehem…

“The wonder of it all…

“There is nothing as tragic as missing something of great importance when there was no reason to have missed it at all. Such was the experience of those who missed the first Christmas and the experience of those who miss Christmas today. One of those was the innkeeper in Bethlehem. He should not have missed it, because he was so close to it. He missed the Greatest and the Most Important Birth in all of history, right in his own backyard. This child of prophecy, this baby sent to restore and to redeem, born right under his nose. But he was so preoccupied with business, with noise and crowds and himself that he missed the first Christmas in history. He had no room.

“What a tragedy, to miss a chance like that.”  

Contact Teddy at teddy@LaTech.edu

Bring out your inner artist on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 2-3:30 pm at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum in this mixed media art project inspired by Cane River Lake. All supplies and tools provided. Corbin Covher, NSU Assistant Professor of Sculpture and Foundations, will instruct participants in the creation of their designs. The program is geared to families with children ages 6 and up accompanied by an adult.

Please visit our website or call (318) 357-2492 for more information.

Free and open to the public.

This Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street (MoMS) Water/Ways tour is part of the BHP-funded project, Coastal Impacts: An Integrated Approach for Community Adaptation, Understanding, and Planning, which assists local communities to build intergenerational coastal literacy through community conversations around books, film, and exhibitions, fostering greater understanding of and support for coastal restoration projects

Merry Christmas from BOM’s amazing staff in Many! Yesterday our staff participated in the Town of Many Christmas Parade.

On Friday morning, December 23, 1927, a gang comprised of ex-convicts Henry Helms, Marshall Ratliff, Robert Hill, and a fourth man who had no criminal record, Louis Davis, headed to the First National Bank of Cisco, Texas. Davis was a last-minute addition to the gang. While the other robbers dressed in casual everyday attire that would allow them to blend in perfectly with the other customers, Davis wore a flashy suit that stood out like a sore thumb. Davis wanted to disguise his identity. This was his first foray into crime and he wanted everyone’s attention on him while the other three robbed the bank. The gang was unconcerned that the Banker’s Association had recently posted a $5,000 reward which could only be redeemed for dead bank robbers.

The town of Cisco was bustling with activity. With cheerful smiles, the citizens wished each other a “Merry Christmas.” Miss Ella Andress, head of the Spanish department at the Cisco High School, went into the bank in Cisco to cash a check. Once her transaction was completed, Miss Andress walked away from the counter and out the bank’s door. There, she met the man in the flashy suit as he was entering the bank. He brushed up against Ms. Andress and left small bits of cotton on her coat. She glanced at the guy wearing the flashy suit, gave him a smile, and kept walking. She was anxious to get home to start her Christmas holiday. Mrs. B.P. Blasengame and her daughter followed the man in the flashy suit into the bank. She needed to cash a check as well.

The man in the flashy suit did not approach the counter but stood by the door. The other three bank robbers casually entered the bank and pulled their pistols. Thinking quickly, Mrs. Blasengame grabbed her daughter and ran from the bank. As they ran, they yelled to everyone within earshot that the bank was being robbed.

While the three men went nearly unnoticed in the bank, everyone noticed and instantly recognized the man in the flashy suit. They could describe his every feature and could even call him by name.

The four bank robbers walked out of the bank with $12,200 in cash and $150,000 in securities. Had Mrs. Blasengame not escaped, the robbery might have been successful. A hail of gunfire erupted between the heavily-armed bank robbers and police chief G.E. Bedford and officer George Carmichael. Stray bullets flew everywhere. Within seconds, injured people, including innocent bystanders, started falling. Wounded in the gun battle was the man in the flashy suit, gang member Marshall Ratliff, police chief Bedford and officer Carmichael, and innocent bystanders Marion Olson, Brady Boggs, Pete Rutherford, R.L. Day, Oscar Cliett and Alex Spears.

The man in the flashy suit lay on the sidewalk, too injured to make an escape. His three co-conspirators, including the wounded Ratliff, dropped their loot, grabbed two girls whom they used as shields, and fled from the scene in a car. Their plan had failed miserably. Once the bank robbers were at a safe distance, they released the girls. The girls told Young county officers that one of the robbers had been shot and another had blood on his face. The bank robbers drove north trailed by several police officers. Officers surrounded the men who had run on foot into a wooded area near Ivan, Texas, about forty miles northeast of Cisco.

The three remaining bank robbers were eventually captured. Marshall Ratliff was lynched by an angry mob. Henry Helms was executed by the State of Texas. Robert Hill was sentenced to life in prison, but was eventually paroled. The man in the flashy suit, in his first venture into a life of crime, died where he fell. Even today, nearly one hundred years later, the citizenry of Cisco reminisces about the bank robber and call him by name. Only people who have studied the failed bank robbery know the name Louis Davis, the man in the flashy suit. Everyone else just remembers the time the bank was almost robbed by… Santa Claus.

Sources:
1. El Paso Herald (El Paso, Texas), December 27, 1927, p.1.
2. The Austin American (Austin, Texas), December 28, 1927, p.8.
3. El Paso Herald (El Paso, Texas), December 27, 1927, p.1.
4. Abilene Reporter-News (Abilene, Texas), June 29, 1962, p.2.
5. Star Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota), September 17, 1972, p.81.