Celebrating Juneteenth today! Many Police Department Officer Young, Chief Wooley, Alma Cross and council woman Mary Perry helped the many community celebrate Juneteenth on June 18. Chief Wooley donated two gift cards for Bingo prizes on behalf of Many Police Department.
NATCHITOCHES:
Isabel Sylvie Delphin Arceneaux
May 7, 1927 – June 20, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 25 at 11 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Iberville
Virginia Lou “Gingie” Trieschmann Pierson
February 6, 1922 – June 16, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 25 at 1 at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches
WINN:
Jack Madison Fluitt, Jr.
October 23, 1955 – June 16, 2022
Service: Wednesday, June 22 at 10 am at Full Gospel Temple in Jonesboro
As I gently pulled the crispy new multi-colored tissue paper from the slightly recycled large gift bag (my mom and dad would reuse a gift bag until the bottom fell out) I could see the outer workings of a framed print. My parents were so thoughtful and would always buy a gift for every occasion that crossed our paths. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine’s Day… you name it, they would recognize it.
This particular occasion that they were gifting was for a house warming gift. This was the very first house that my ex-husband and I purchased about one year after marriage. It was the perfect starter home in a quiet and established neighborhood that was chock full of mature shade trees and beautiful homes. It was a fixer upper but we had nothing but time to make it our own.
The bag was slightly heavy and the framed print was oblong, so it was an awkward fit into the well-worn bag. As I fumbled around in a flurry of gift tissue, I was finally able to inspect the print. The delicate, gold faux wooden frame encased some pastel lavender painted words that read, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord”.
After it was fully inspected, all I could think was, “Where am I going to hang this…it doesn’t match anything in my new home.” I never said I wasn’t an ungrateful brat during those younger years.
We had gone to great lengths replacing the 1970s flooring, painting the walls and replacing wall paper with the most up to date styles. Our new home was meticulously decorated in a classic blue and white, Blue Willow style with soft yellow accents. There wasn’t any room for a mismatched sign.
This pastel print literally would not match anything, in any of my rooms. My parents never would have known this by my facial reactions. I mustered up the most grateful smile and made vague comments about hanging it as soon as possible. I knew deep down in my heart that I was not going to hang it anywhere.
The gift bag and its contents soon made its way into the storage closet under the garage. I would possibly hang the framed art another day.
Every time my parents visited that home, I could tell they were inspecting walls to see where their treasure was hanging. It was nowhere to be found. At the time I told myself that I wasn’t a fan of the style, but in later years realized it was more indicative of my spiritual life. I had tucked my spiritual life away in a storage closet and vowed to use it one day. When needed.
But, didn’t use it for many more years.
The Lord was nowhere to be found in our home during those days. By no means am I suggesting that if we had merely hung the sign that we would still be married. I am acknowledging that the Lord was not the foundation of our home. Sure, our bodies were in church most Sundays but our souls were absent. We didn’t put the Lord first as we should have. We spent more time worrying about the outer appearance of home and the condition of our yard rather than the true condition of our spiritual lives.
My parents clearly knew the importance of having our house serving the Lord, we just turned a blind eye to that wisdom. I am so grateful that God gave me parents who knew how to build a house on a solid foundation. I am so grateful that my father surrendered to his life to the ministry and started following the Lord. Happy Father’s Day to man who taught us how to be a follower.
“And if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the river, or the gods the Amorites in whose land you are living; But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15
Legislative redistricting this year created an expanded Senate District 31 to include all or parts of 10 parishes in north Louisiana. Currently Louie Bernard of Natchitoches is the senator from District 31, however Bernard recently announced he would not run for the new, expanded district.
State Representative Alan Seabaugh has decided to run for that seat. Seabaugh told The Journal he is a perfect fit. “I grew up there, it is where I deer hunt and fish, and I have family throughout the district,” said Seabaugh. He added, “My mom grew up I Natchitoches and Winn parishes, my dad in Sabine and my grandfather ran the sawmill in Zwolle. Both parents moved to Winnfield and my wife and I dated in high school. I proposed to my wife on the Natchitoches riverfront. I have family in every parish in the district.”
He describes himself politically as a “pretty conservative Republican.” Seabaugh said, “I am concerned about issues and voters can take a look at the record and see I have done a good job. I can get things done.”
Seabaugh discussed several top issues with The Journal. They were gun rights, right to life and jobs. He said “I have a 100% record of voting with the NRA and the Louisiana Shooters Association. I have a lot of guns and I strongly believe in people’s right to carry and to protect themselves.” Asked about “red flag laws” or other methods of preventing violence acts, Seabaugh said, “We have to be very careful. The right to keep and bear arms is in the Constitution and we are talking about taking away that right for some individuals who have not broken any law or done something wrong. I did pass a bill to impose enhanced penalties for a felon convicted of a violent crime and then commits another violent crime with a gun. We have to look at that (limiting constitutional rights) very, very carefully.”
On the subject of right to life, Seabaugh said, “I have a 100% voting record in support of Louisiana Right to Life. I have carried bills for them, and I have co-authored most of their bills that passed.”
On jobs, Seabaugh has been recognized by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) for standing up for working families and opposing tax increases. Seabaugh said, “If you are concerned about jobs, talk to LABI.” He also has been named Legislator of the Year by the National Federation of Independent Businesses and other groups.
Traditionally open seats in the legislature tend to draw a crowd of candidates. The Journal asked Seabaugh how he intended to stand out. He said, “I agree, and I don’t want to try to keep other people from running. The district covers 10 parishes, and I don’t think anybody else is going to be able to cover all 10 parishes like I can. I would be very surprised if anyone has the inroads that I do. I have a legislative record that is pretty clear. I keep my promises, I work hard for my constituents, and I know how to get things done in Baton Rouge.”
OPPORTUNITY: Chief Financial Officer
Outpatient Medical Center (Natchitoches Headquarters) is looking for a fulltime CFO to join our leadership team and report to our CEO and Board of Directors. The CFO is responsible for fulfilling all financial and collections priorities/requirements of the organization and to effectively manage and direct assigned staff. Must be willing to join a new leadership team and continue improvements initiated over the past two years – necessary to rebuild an organization once seriously threatened financially.
A successful candidate will not only be knowledgeable but also an excellent communicator with the ability to clearly explain fiscal and budgetary matters to executives and policy-makers.
Must be exceptionally organized, assure accuracy of reports and tasks, and meet deadlines in a proactive manner. A successful candidate will have a record of highly responsible CFO experience in a healthcare setting, managing and accounting for multiple grants and revenue sources. OMC will also consider progressively responsible candidates who have extensive FQHC experience with audits, budgeting, management reports, accounting, billing, and supervision.
Resumes are being accepted by email to hr@outpatientmedical.org. Confidential inquires may be made to the CEO, Dr. Mark Guidry, at 318-357-2055.
When he left Northwestern State In March as the winningest college basketball coach in state history, Bossier City native Mike McConathy wasn’t sure what the future held.
Three months later, he’s considering scratching an old itch. McConathy, who counts Louisiana Political Hall of Famer and longtime influential state legislator Billy Montgomery of Haughton among his primary mentors, is considering running for the state Senate in a redesigned district spanning parts of 10 parishes in northwest Louisiana.
With the anticipated revamp of Senate District 31, incumbent Sen. Louie Bernard of Natchitoches announced last week he will not seek a second term. Bernard previously served 24 years as Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court and after over 40 years of public service, the still energetic 71-year-old said he’s going to serve out his term until 2023 and enjoy family life.
McConathy grew up with a first-hand perspective on public service. His father, John McConathy, was the Bossier Parish Superintendent of Schools for 20 years and later was a key collaborator in the development of the modern Bossier Parish Community College campus between U.S. 80 and I-20 in Bossier City.
Among his accolades, the former NSU coach is enshrined in the university’s Hall of Distinguished Educators for his service as a faculty member at Northwestern, and in 2012 he earned an elite Pillar of Education award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches for leading the Demons’ program into continuing educational outreach in area schools. His program was noted for its wide-ranging community service endeavors, and its academic performance – a remarkable 90 percent of his players earned degrees at NSU.
“This is something that has been on the back of my mind for quite some time, because I’ve known people who have served and are serving in Baton Rouge who have made a tremendously positive impact for the people they represented, and for the entire state, for that matter,” said McConathy.
“When Louie made his announcement, I had quite a few friends suggest I ought to consider this. I’m now in the process of visiting with people who have a real understanding of political life and public service,” he said, “along with many dear friends and most of all, my family members, so I can make the best possible decision for all concerned.”
The new District 31 has roughly 70 percent of its population located in Bossier, Caddo, Natchitoches and Sabine parishes, with portions of Webster, Bienville, DeSoto, Red River, Rapides and Winn included. That fits the geographic footprint which was the base of McConathy’s recruiting area and team rosters from 1999-2022 at NSU and for 16 years previously at Bossier Parish Community College.
“Some people might wonder how my career in coaching would translate to serving in Baton Rouge in a legislative body, in the political arena. In coaching, to succeed you have to nurture relationships with a variety of people from high school and college students, to colleagues and opponents, throughout a campus community and a fan base with avid alumni of all ages and backgrounds. You have to listen, you have to be responsive, you have to collaborate, and at the same time, you cannot compromise your values and your integrity.
“We all know politics can be a tough business to navigate, now more than ever. Heck, I’ve spent over 40 years trying to find middle ground with the referees,” he laughed. “As long as we understand each other, we can find paths to the best possible outcomes.”
McConathy said if he runs, he would do so as an independent, not affiliated with a political party. The only announced candidate so far is Shreveport Republican state Rep. Alan Seabaugh, who has served in the state House since 2010 but is term limited there.
Photo by CHRIS REICH, Northwestern State
WINN:
Floyd Lynn Chelette, Sr.
August 23, 1947 – June 14, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 18 at 10 am at Zion Hill Baptist Church
RED RIVER:
Henry Weston Cox
August 21, 1937 – June 12, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 18 at 11am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Sabine Parish Sheriff Aaron Mitchell reports that Ollie Vee Davis Jr (age-35) of Many was arrested by the Sabine Parish Sheriff Tactical Narcotics Team on June 13.
T.N.T. Agents have been investigating the illegal drug sales activity of Davis for over a year.
Agents were able to obtain warrants for Davis’ arrest and located him at his home on Andrews Street in the City of Many.
T.N.T. Agents located additional methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia inside Davis’ home when he was arrested.
Davis was booked into the Sabine Parish Detention Center for:
-Warrant for 9-counts of Distribution of schedule II (Meth) and Second or subsequent offenses.
-Warrant for Possession with intent to distribute schedule II (Meth) and Possession of drug paraphernalia.
-Possession of schedule I (Marijuana),
-Possession of schedule II (Meth),
-Possession of drug paraphernalia.
No bond has been set at this time by the 11th Judicial District Court.
One agenda item that will come before the State Bond Commission at its June 16 meeting is:
Sabine Parish Police Jury
(1) 4.0 mills tax, 10 years, 20222031, administration, improvement, operation, maintenance and support of the Parish Library and its branches, including costs of any capital improvements; (2) 0.25 mills tax, 10 years, 20222031, operation, administration, support and maintenance for the Parish Health Unit, including the costs of any capital improvements; (3) Road District No.4, Ward 7 13.88 mills tax, 10 years, 20222031, (a) constructing, improving, maintaining and/or repairing public roads and bridges, including ditching and drainage and (b) purchasing equipment.
The Town of Many will receive a special treat when a nationally published author launches her latest novel right here in Many.
Susan Noel Sands, author of five published novels, will be at Many City Hall at 645 San Antonio Avenue, to sign her new novel Home to Cypress Bayou on Saturday, June 25 from 2-4 p.m. She will also speak to guests abut her writing career and the influence of this area on her writing.
She will also appear on the radio program “Save the Date” on Thursday, June 23 at 8 a.m. to talk about her Saturday appearance at Many’sCity Hall.
Sands is a native of Negreet and Many and is a graduate of Negreet High School. She graduated from Northwestern State University in1989. Sands now lives in Roswell, GA.
Ms. Sands’ visit is sponsored by the Town of Many, Mayor Robert Hable and the Many City Council. There is no cost to attend the cultural event, and refreshments will be served to the guests as they chat with the noted author.
Susan Sands is the published author of five humorous Sothern fiction novels with Tule Publishing, and the first book in her new Louisiana Bayou trilogy, Home to Cypress Bayou, was released May 31 of 2022. A second full-length novel, The Island of Summer Sunsets was due to be out June 8 from Harpeth Road Press.
Sands pulls her stories and characters from charming small towns and open spaces where the air is clean and words roll out with a lovely Southern drawl and just a hint of “Bless Your Heart”.
Susan is married to Doug Sands (1989). They have three grown children.
She is the 2017 recipient of the Georgia Author of the Year award and is a member of the Atlanta Writer’s Club and the Georgia Romance Writers.
Susan loves connecting with readers! That’s part of why she will be in Many on June 25, but she’s also coming to catch up with old friends and acquaintances and to just enjoy being back home again.
Be sure to Save the Date for Saturday afternoon, June 25, meet this highy acclaimed author of Southern fiction.
Louisiana Christian University’s Physical Therapy Assistant program has a sound history of strong academics and superior student outcomes. With the addition of the LCU Bachelor of Applied Science, program director Dr. Shaina Goudeau expects it to attract more attention than ever.
The PTA program is committed to the highest standards of ethics, professionalism and academic excellence while remaining rooted in Chrisitan faith. Part of the program’s success can be measured by a 100% pass rate on the NPTAE national licensure exam through the Federation of the State Board of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) as well as a 100% employment rate for program graduates, Goudeau said.
“I am grateful for Dr. Goudeau’s leadership and the teamwork of Penny Reeves, Eve Deselle, and Cheryl Bullock, for their tireless efforts to make our PTA degree a stellar healthcare professional program,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Cheryl Clark. “The students’ 100% pass rate on the national exam and their 100% employment rate speaks volumes of the program’s academic rigor, LCU’s outstanding PTA faculty who are dedicated to student success, and LCU’s commitment to producing quality healthcare professions to help meet the demand and needs of the healthcare profession.”
The 13th cohort of students just will complete their degrees in July, Goudeau said. Each summer, a new cohort of 20 students are accepted into the program through a competitive application process. To apply, students must have completed prerequisites including 30 hours of general education and obtain a minimum of 60 hours of observation in two different physical therapy settings. After acceptance into the program, students progress through 14 months consisting of 45 hours of didactic content focusing on technical skills as well as three clinical internships, which enhance and support hands-on skill while working in physical therapy clinics.
Miyah Portalis, a May 2022 graduate, said she plans to work with geriatric patients in a skilled nursing home facility.
Portalis, is one of many nontraditional students, who find the program attractive. She had already completed a four-year degree upon entering the program last year.
“The classes were challenging, but I know they will benefit me in the future,” Portalis said. “I was able to form great friendships with a few of my classmates. We supported each other throughout the entire program. Dr Goudeau is an amazing instructor. She pushes her students to be the best they can be and because of that I have a deep appreciation for her.”
Other graduates may choose to take their PTA degree and work toward a four-year degree and even apply to Physical Therapy School.
“The new Bachelor of Applied Science will suit our students well because they can complete their associate degree in two years and then continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree while being allowed to use the PTA coursework as acceptable hours toward the Bachelor of Applied Science,” Goudeau said. “The implementation of this degree allows PTA students and PTA graduates to complete both degrees in four years. Students who earn their bachelor’s degree may then choose to work toward a bridge program (bridging from a PTA to a PT) or apply to a traditional physical therapy program.”
Ashley Lewis has been working as a PTA in Monroe since graduating from the program. She has been finishing her four-year degree part-time.
“I recently was accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program [at University of Louisiana Monroe],” Lewis said. “Dr. Goudeau was kind enough to write me a letter of recommendation even after years of being a student [at LC]. I’m so grateful for her and helping me in this journey.”
Goudeau said the program has never stopped growing and producing quality PTAs.
Goudeau began the PTA program 14 years ago along with former program director, Dr. Amy Stallings. The development of the Division of Allied Health at Louisiana Chrisitan University including a Physical Therapist Assistant Program was initiated in an effort to address a dramatic shortage of healthcare professionals in Louisiana, especially in its rural communities, most of which had been designated Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) and Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Louisiana Christian University has been a leader in higher education for over one hundred years and through the consultation and support of the Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA), Rural Health Coalition (RHC), Louisiana College Allied Health Taskforce, and health professionals across Louisiana a grant proposal was submitted and approved by the state of Louisiana.
“The program has largely grown by word of mouth,” Goudeau said. “Our goal is to increase our marketing efforts to areas outside of central Louisiana so that program graduates can
reach all areas of the state and be of service to those in need, especially in rural, undeserved areas.”
What sets LCU apart, Goudeau said, is the combined focus of technical skills and spirituality.”
“Our focus is providing sound education, facilitating students to reaching their ultimate potential and using physical therapy skills while serving others for Christ,” Goudeau said. “Faculty is steadfast in ensuring the three strands of the PTA program (competencies, Christian service and life-long learning) are interwoven throughout the curriculum and valued by all shareholders.”
For more information about the PTA program contact Dr. Goudeau at (318)487-7162 or shaina.goudeau@lacollege.edu.
By Brad Dison
In the Fall of 1861, Robert Smalls became the pilot of the CSS Planter, “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.” Robert, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, had been piloting vessels in Charleston harbor for several years and knew it well.
The Planter was “a high-pressure, side-wheel steamer, 140 feet in length, and about 50 feet beam, and [drew] about five feet of water.” Before the war, the Charleston-built vessel was used to transport up to 1400 bales of cotton per trip. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the Confederate Navy converted the vessel into a gunboat armed with a 32-pound rifle on its forward deck and a 24-pound howitzer on its aft deck.
The boat’s captain, Charles Relyea, along with his first and second mates, had a habit of sleeping in comfortable beds in homes near the wharf. Pilot Robert Smalls, engineers John Smalls and Alfred Gradine, and crew members Abraham Jackson, Gabriel Turno, William Morrison, Samuel Chisholm, Abraham Allston, and David Jones had to sleep in the cramped quarters aboard the boat.
One night in the spring of 1862, after the captain and first and second mates had gone ashore for the night, one of the crew aboard the Planter, unhappy about their situation, joked that they should defect to the north by running the vessel to the sea. Some of the crew members readily agreed. Robert, the senior most crew member, immediately warned the crew not to discuss the defection while onboard the vessel. Robert suggested that if they wanted to discuss the defection “in sober earnestness,” that they meet at his home in Charleston.
During their clandestine meeting, the entire crew, including Robert, decided that they would defect. Knowing that Robert was born and raised in Charleston, and that he had piloted vessels in the Charleston harbor for several years, the crew left the plan entirely up to Robert. They agreed to follow Robert’s orders without question, to be ready at a moment’s notice, and swore to absolute secrecy. All of the men knew that if they were caught trying to defect, or even discussing defection in the prized boat, they would surely be hung.
Robert and the other crewmen waited for the right opportunity to defect. Robert hid provisions for the crew members in the hold of the boat. On the night of May 12, 1862, Captain Relyea and his first and second mates went on shore to spend the night. The Planter was scheduled to leave for Fort Ripley on the following morning with supplies for the fort which included a 7-inch rifled gun, an 8-inch columbiad cannon, an 8-inch howitzer cannon, a long 82-pounder cannon, and about 200 rounds of ammunition. This, Robert decided, was the perfect opportunity.
Robert quickly put his secret plan into motion. He sent for his wife and three children, and John Smalls sent for his wife, child, and sister. The rest of the crew members had no family in Charleston. The men secreted the women and children onto the boat and aroused no suspicion. Leaving them in Charleston was not an option because the captain would have arrested them until the crew members returned to face charges. At about 3:00 a.m., the crew lit the fires under the boilers and waited for the pressure to build. Their hearts beat fast as the minutes felt like hours. Finally, steam had built up enough for them to depart and the vessel paddled away from the harbor.
The crew hoped to pass the batteries of Fort Sumter in the cover of darkness, but the tide was against the Planter and the vessel moved slowly through the water. It was fully daylight when the boat neared Fort Sumter. Robert wore clothing which, at a distance, resembled the hat and uniform of the Planter’s captain. As the boat approached the fort, Robert could see the sentinel. He reached for the whistle cord. If the sentinel suspected anything, Robert’s horn blasts would be answered by cannon fire. Otherwise, the sentinel would motion for the boat to continue. Robert gave the usual signal—two long pulls and a jerk at the whistle cord. He watched the sentinel’s every move. To Robert’s relief, the sentinel motioned for the boat to continue.
Robert steered the Planter away from the Confederacy and toward the American ships he knew would be waiting. As the vessel came within sight of the US Navy’s blockading squadron, the crew hoisted the white flag of surrender. US sailors boarded the Planter, learned of their plan to defect, and allowed them to pass through the blockade. The boat then proceeded to Port Royal, via St. Helena Sound and Broad River, and reached the Wabash, the flagship of the US Navy, at 10:00 p.m. The defection was mutually beneficial for the US Navy and the Planters’ crew and its passengers. The US Navy got what they wanted— “the most valuable war vessel the Confederates had at Charleston.” The Planters’ crew and its passengers got what they so desired—their freedom. Robert and the rest of the defectors were slaves.
Source: Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), May 20, 1862, p.2.
Apparently, the government has issued a command or passed a law or sent out a decree that all the world, at least every living person in America, must see the new Tom Cruise movie, Top Gun: Maverick, each in his own city, and not just once but at least two or three times, or else they’ll cut off your … cable?
So, I went to see it.
Wasn’t 100 percent sold on the idea, but if you want to have a decent conversation with anyone these days, you have to have seen Top Gun: Maverick, hereafter referred to as a space-saving Top Gun, the original movie title in 1986.
The current movie is the sequel. In the original, Cruise and his friends were hot-shot fighter pilots in the United States Navy, the best of the best. The cast did an excellent job of portraying what is required from the real pilots defending us as we speak, and let’s take a moment and be grateful they’re on our side.
A couple of things: I haven’t been “to the show” in three years and not to a show on Saturday afternoon, something normal functioning people often do, since—taking a legit guess here—Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968-ish. That show was so bad it kept me out of Saturday afternoon movie houses for decades, even when a good John Wayne or Clint Eastwood was playing.
Became a nighttime guy.
But I went back Saturday, although it was iffy. Online tickets were sold out except for a seat here or there, and this at theaters that were playing Top Gun on several screens.
Somehow, we ended up as fortunate as some of the pilots portrayed in the movie. We got golden tickets. And suddenly there we were, with Tom Cruise onscreen as himself welcoming us to the picture show in what I thought was a nice touch.
Then it started.
If you didn’t see the original, you’ll still “get the picture.” Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, years and years after his graduation from the TOPGUN Naval aviation program — Cruise’s character is basically 718 in pilot years by now — gets called back to instruct elite fliers. One of those youngsters is Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s late wingman and best friend, Goose.
You’ve noticed these need-for-speed pilots have nicknames. Maverick. Rooster. Goose. The new movie is not lacking in this area: there’s Carburetor and Skeeter, Mud Flaps and Truck Nuts. Eat My Rubber. My favorite is Bob. “Bob.” True story. Apparently, any name’s game as long as it can be stenciled onto the front of a flight helmet.
Another holdover from the original: a bad mustache. Goose, who tragically did not make it through the original, had that special kind of very 1980’s porn star mustache. In any strip club in any country, you still see this kind of mustache worn by most all patrons. And by some of the dancers. Not a good look.
So, in the sequel, to make us know for certain that this was Goose’s offspring, they made the son have that same mustache. I’d have bought in without that hammer over the head, but perhaps it made for a key plot element, subliminal and all: Could Rooster overcome a haunting legacy AND the lame mustache?
Glad I bought a ticket to find out (even though the government made me go). It was worth it. Three different times, I thought the film was over, but Things Kept Happening. It was like three movies in one.
And thank goodness they made this thing a couple of years ago before gas prices soared higher and faster than a F/A-18 Super Hornet. If they’d made it today, a ticket would cost $147.
We rate it VG for Very Good. No sex. No cussing that I recall. And just the right amount of sentiment in paying homage to the original. I almost cried one time — but maybe that was because I really needed to go to the bathroom.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
By Warren Arceneaux, Written for the LSWA
After helping their teams become two of the most dominant in any classification, Rosepine catcher Ethan Frey and Notre Dame infielder Corine Poncho headline the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Class 2A All-State baseball and softball teams.
Frey, a LSU signee, batted .487 with 13 home runs, 64 RBIs, 11 doubles, three triples and 28 runs scored. As a pitcher, Frey went 5-0 with a 0.77 ERA and 2 saves, striking out 43 batters in 27 innings pitched while helping the Eagles (35-2) win a second straight 2A baseball championship. Rosepine won its last 31 games.
Poncho hit .480 with 32 home runs and 71 RBIs to lead the Pioneers to a 30-5 record and Division III softball championship. Poncho powered an NDHS offense that averaged 12 runs per game.
Coaches of the Year winners are Jacques Soileau of Port Barre in softball and Wayne Stein of St. Charles Catholic in baseball.
Soileau led the Red Devils to a 26-5 season and berth in the Class 2A state championship game.
Stein helped the Comets win the Division II state championship, capped with a 2-0 win over St. Thomas Aquinas in the championship game. The Comets finished the season 28-9.
LSWA CLASS 2A ALL-STATE BASEBALL, SOFTBALL CHARTS
BASEBALL
Pos Player School Cl stats
P Braden Trull Rosepine Sr. 12-0
P Landon Schmitz Kinder Jr. 8-3
P Blake Lobell Springfield Sr. 9-2
P Brady St. Pierre St. Charles So. 8-1
C Ethan Frey Rosepine Sr. .487
IF Jake Smith Rosepine Jr. .461
IF Grant Ducote Rosepine Jr. .495
IF Luke Hill Episcopal Sr. .475
IF Ian Arnett St. Charles Jr. .387
OF Griffin Cooley Kinder Jr. .422
OF Logan Calcote Rosepine Sr. .466
OF Tyler Fitch Dunham Sr. .336
UT Ethan Riche’ Bunkie Sr. .488
UT Peyton Woods Doyle Jr. 9-1
UT Will Taylor Springfield Sr. .433
UT Luke Curtis Mangham Sr. .436
UT Alex Stevens Notre Dame Sr. .433
OUTSTANDING PLAYER: ETHAN FREY, ROSEPINE
COACH OF THE YEAR: WAYNE STEIN, ST. CHARLES CATHOLIC
Honorable mention
Cale Navarre, Welsh; Grant Daigle, Welsh; Gavin Gary, DeQuincy; Hayden Sauseda, Bunkie; Hayden Blanchard, Houma Christian; Jack Deville, Many; John Michael Eves, Bunkie; Tyler Corzine, Notre Dame; AJ Manasco, Many; Andrew Lee, Ascension Episcopal; Brooks Byerley, North Caddo; Jon Jon Dick, Lakeside; Jayvion Smart, Many; Sammy Maddox, DeQuincy; Josh Lim, Dunham; Jackson Monica, St. Charles; Tripp Mixon, Notre Dame; Barrett Hebert, Ascension Episcopal; Cole Sattler, Many; Blaise Blancher, Ascension Episcopal; Stewart Bonnecaze, Episcopal; Reese Ashworth, DeQuincy; Hayden Evans, Many; Mason Bordelon, Avoyelles Charter; CJ Watts, Lakeside; IV Guillot, Newman; Lane Almond, Many.
SOFTBALL
Pos Player School Cl stats
P Brianna Fontenot Kinder Fr. 19-2
P Tia Holmes Many Sr. 16-5
P Kamryn Cancienne St. Charles 8th 20-3
P Alyssa Cadwell Houma Christian Sr. 15-3
C Maci Bergeron Notre Dame Sr. .459
IF Abigail Savoy Notre Dame Sr. .566
IF Corine Poncho Notre Dame Sr. .480
IF Madison Hebert St. Charles Sr. .530
IF Jaydn Yesso Houma Christian So. .598
OF Camryn Ford Many Sr. .473
OF Addison Contorno Doyle So. .407
OF Sara Kate Booker Many So. .592
UT Destiny Pierce Houma Christian So. .525
UT Kay Kay Savant Doyle Sr. .492
UT Jenna Marler Rosepine Jr. .513
UT Lindsey LaPrairie Bunkie Sr. .523
UT Alyssa Davis, Port Barre Jr. .453
OUTSTANDING PLAYER: CORINE PONCHO, NOTRE DAME
COACH OF THE YEAR: JACQUES SOILEAU, PORT BARRE
Honorable mention
Cicily Hill, Kinder; Hadley Lemons, Kinder; Barbra Ann White, Rosepine; Aaliyah Marrero, Rosepine; Shelby Deason, Rosepine; Alli Manuel, Welsh; Gabby Lafferty, DeQuincy; Baileigh Kellogg, DeQuincy; Adah Doucet, DeQuincy; Hillari Shuff, Kinder; Maddie Murrell, Notre Dame; Brook Jenkins, Many; Jada Carhee, Many; Karly Sweat, Menard; Hailey Henry, Houma Christian; Rylie Kuyper, Northlake Christian; Samantha Daniels, Port Barre; Kayla Benedic, Pope John Paul II; Noelle Corley, Menard; Callie Maitre, Notre Dame; Malani Francis, Port Barre; Kylee Savant, Doyle; Destiny Davis, Red River; Asia Richard, Kinder.
The LDWF Aquatic Outreach & Education section hosted two weekend-long Women’s Fishing 102 Workshops during late May and early June. During the workshops, past participants from Women’s Fishing 101 Workshops had a chance to put their skills to use with on-water fishing experiences. Throughout the workshops, LDWF fisheries biologists from Inland Fisheries, the Grand Isle Fisheries Research Lab, and Outreach & Education mentored the participants in various fishing methods.
The first workshop took place at the end of May on Toledo Bend. LDWF collaborated with Louisiana State Parks to host the event at North Toledo Bend State Park group campsite. Participants arrived on Friday and received a quick refresher on basics skills taught in the 101 workshop including knot tying and rigging. The evening was spent fishing from the pier for bream and catfish. Saturday participants were on the boats for first light where they spent the day on three separate mini-fishing trips. Each trip focused on a different freshwater fishing style: bass, crappie, and bream/catfish. Sunday started with a bang as the front lines of a welcomed early-summer “cold” front hit the state. The participants did not let the rain stop them though; they donned their rain gear and spent the morning cleaning the previous day’s catch before heading home.
The next group of participants spent this past weekend in Grand Isle at the LDWF Fisheries Research Laboratory. The workshop had the same overall layout and lasted Friday evening through Sunday midday. The women rotated between two different inshore boats focusing on red drum and spotted seatrout, and a kayak trip where they learned the basics of paddling and kayak fishing in the marsh lagoons on the bay side of the island. On Sunday, participants were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Louisiana Sea Grant Oyster Hatchery facility, followed by fish cleaning, learning to throw a cast net, and backing up a boat trailer.
LDWF strives to inspire people to enjoy the outdoors. The Women’s Fishing Workshops do just that by providing women with hands-on education and experience from trained staff and volunteers. The program is open to women 18 and older who are interested in fishing and conservation but have not had the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques needed to begin fishing. LDWF and its partners team up to hold several one-day and weekend-long workshops each year since the program’s inception in 2014, training over 350 women.
Those who participate in the single-day 101 workshops are eligible for random selection for the 102-weekend trips.
The Women’s Fishing Workshops are hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF). The LAWFF was formed to help expand and support LDWF education and research programs with additional resources developed through its own facilities. Encouraging support for LDWF programs is the major focus of the Foundation, accomplished by connecting people and businesses with Louisiana’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.lawff.org.
Women’s Fishing Workshop is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, a USFWS grant program that provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. Help us protect your hunting and fishing heritage while preserving habitat, wildlife, and aquatic resources by purchasing your license at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email or text alerts signup here.
Required Education and Experience
Offering Sign-On Bonuses • Great Salaries & Benefits
To view and apply to these openings, please visit: www.nrmchospital.org/jobs/.
If you have questions or would like to speak to our Recruiter, please contact Larissa Cameron at 318-214-5819 or at larissa.cameron@nrmchospital.
With temperatures expected to hit 100 degrees in many parts of the Ark-La-Tex in the coming days, Southwestern Electric Power Co., an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, offers 10 tips to help customers manage both the heat and their electric bill.
For more ways to save, visit SWEPCO.com/Save.
About Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO)
SWEPCO, an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company, serves more than 543,000 customers in Northwest and Central Louisiana, Northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle, and Western Arkansas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at SWEPCO.com. Connect with us at Facebook.com/SWEPCO, Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews, Instagram.com/swepco, Youtube.com/SWEPCOtv and LinkedIn.com/company/swepco.
About American Electric Power (AEP)
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities. AEP’s approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to safely deliver reliable and affordable power to 5.5 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including more than 5,900 megawatts of renewable energy. The company’s plans include growing its renewable generation portfolio to approximately 50% of total capacity by 2030. AEP is on track to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 2000 levels by 2030 and has committed to achieve net zero by 2050. AEP is recognized consistently for its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diversity, equity and inclusion. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana, east Texas and the Texas Panhandle). AEP also owns AEP Energy, which provides innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide. For more information, visit aep.com.
The Many Christmas Festival is now seeking entries for its Second Annual Poster. A poster contest will be held this year. The Christmas Festival will sell a commemorative festival poster created by a local artist. The goal is to build collections of the posters for festival goers, residents, and local businesses, many of which will be displayed around Many and Sabine.
BOM was a sponsor of the Break the Glass fundraiser hosted by Altered NWLA. Altered NWLA is a non-profit agency for young women to access information, tools and resources needed to alter their path in life and positively impact their community. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Kira Yeates and Jeannette Sibley.
Natchitoches Parish
Seab A. Horn
June 15, 1916 – June 6, 2022
Visitation: 6pm to 8pm, Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Service: Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 10:00 a. m.
Interment: Antioch Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in the Vowells Mill Community.
Winn Parish
Lisa Thomas Coleman
October 12, 1964 – June 5, 2022
Service: Saturday, June 18, 2022, 11:00am; Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, Winnfield, LA
Interment: Winnfield Cemetery
Between April 26 and May 10, 2022, two jet skis were removed from a storage area located off Highway 71/84 in south Red River Parish. One was a 1998 red Kawasaki and the other was a 2012 blue Yamaha along with a white double trailer that carried both jet skis.
Entrance was gained by cutting the chain to a locked gate. The matter is being investigated by the Red River Parish Sheriffs office.
A reward is being offered to the anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the theft.
REWARD OFFER: $1,000.00
CONTACT: The office of Red River Parish Sheriff Glen Edwards
PHONE: 318-932-6701
* All Callers will remain anonymous.