From 1902 to 1924, the Stanley Motor Carriage Company built what were colloquially known as Stanley Steamers.  The automobiles earned this nickname because, like a locomotive, the propelling motion was produced by burners boiling water which produced steam.  The engine was essentially a hot water heater.  There was nothing electric on the Steamers.  Everything was steam-powered, even the headlights which were lit by a match.  They were eventually rendered obsolete when the internal combustion engine increased fuel efficiency and power delivery.  Nowadays, most Stanley Steamers are in museums or are owned by wealthy private collectors.  Jay Leno, long-time host of the Tonight Show, has a collection of them.  You rarely see one being driven on the road.  When people are lucky enough to see a Stanley Steamer on the roadway, most cannot help but stop and stare.

Baton Rouge– Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., has proclaimed Nov. 15 as Louisiana Sweet Potato Day in recognition of the 70^th anniversary of the Louisiana Sweet Potato Advertising and Development Commission.

The Louisiana Sweet Potato Advertising and Development Commission, which works to expand the market and increase consumption of sweet potatoes grown in Louisiana, was created on July 8, 1952, by Act 272 of the 1952 Regular Session, making it the oldest agricultural commodity commission in the state.

Thanks to the commission, and Louisiana farmers and researchers, sweet potatoes in Louisiana have come a long way since their first commercial production in the state, which occurred in Sunset, La., in 1910.

According to the Louisiana State University (LSU) AgCenter, in 2021 there were over 7,100 acres of sweet potatoes farmed in the state, creating a total value of $85 million. The LSU AgCenter’s Sweet Potato Research Station is the only one of its kind in the country and has developed new varieties that are now some of the most popular in the world. Additionally, the Lamb Weston Sweet Potato Processing Plant in Delhi, La., is the largest, sweet potato french fry plant in America.

“We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Louisiana Sweet Potato Day. It not only commemorates the 70^th anniversary of the Louisiana Sweet Potato Advertising and Development Commission but also celebrates the sweet potato as Louisiana’s official state vegetable and the largest vegetable crop grown in the state,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, we’re pleased to recognize the humble and delicious Louisiana sweet potato, which will play a starring role on tables all over the country next week.”

To learn more about Louisiana sweet potatoes and the Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission, visit http://www.sweetpotato.org/.

SABINE:

Brice Ellzey
April 6, 1945 – November 13, 2022
Service: Thursday, November 17 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

NATCHITOCHES:

Molly Loraine Meshell
April 28, 1964 – November 4, 2022
Service: Saturday, November 12 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Margo Haase
January 21, 1952 – October 23, 2022
Service: Saturday, November 19 at 11:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Chapel in Bermuda

Jerry Pierce
November 8, 2022
Service: Saturday, November 12 at 2 pm at at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches

Charles “Chuck” Severance, Jr.
November 29, 1959 – November 3, 2022
Service: Friday, November 11 at 11 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church

Stephen Lane Stroud
October 26, 1959 – November 2, 2022
Service: Tuesday, November 29 at 10:30 am at Rosemary Beach Town Hall in Panama City Beach, FL.

WINN:

Edgar “Eddie” Allen Burlew
January 28, 1964 – November 8, 2022
Service: Saturday, November 12 at 11 am at Nolley United Methodist Church

Kelly C. Allen
November 24, 1977 – October 31, 2022
Service: Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 am at Christian Harmony Baptist Church

Zwolle Police Department Chief Daniel Thomas and Asst. Chief Heath Bennett would like to congratulate Officer Ron Clemence and Officer Auston Bliss for going above and beyond their call of duty by delivering a healthy baby boy. These two officers stepped up when emergency responders were not close enough to take over. This experience will help mold them into becoming more compassionate officers for our community, again thanks to these two officers.

Central Sabine Fire Department announced on Nov. 9 that the burn ban in place for the Sabine Parish area has been lifted.

The Zwolle Police Department would like to express our gratitude to Weyerhaeuser for giving the department a $10,000 donation. Weyerhaeuser is a big asset to our town and parish. We are so thankful for them giving back to our community.

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is launching a new program that will provide thousands of families with $1,000 tutoring vouchers to help children learn to read. The Steve Carter Literacy Tutoring Program connects families of eligible K-5 public school students with high-quality literacy tutors. Starting Nov. 9, Louisiana families can visit the online portal to learn more about the program and share their email address to be notified when student registration opens this year.

“This voucher is another tool in the toolbox to help kids learn to read,” said State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley. “Steve Carter believed in helping kids – that’s what this program does.”

The Steve Carter Literacy Tutoring Program is named after the late Baton Rouge State Representative. The program is the result of Act 415 of the 2021 Legislative Session (RS 17:4032.1). The LDOE has invested $40 million to fund the program as part of the state’s comprehensive strategy to combat Louisiana’s literacy crisis.

School systems are now identifying eligible students and will notify families if they are eligible. Students in grades K-3 are eligible if they scored below proficient on their beginning of year screener. Students in grades 4-5 are eligible if they scored below Mastery in ELA on the spring 2022 LEAP assessment. Families who are unsure of how their child scored should contact their school for additional information.

Eligible families can expect communication from their school system about the program and how to access the user platform. Once student registration opens, families can use the online portal at www.louisianatutoringinitiative.com to register, browse available tutors, and manage their $1,000 voucher. Families who have additional questions after contacting their school system can email LouisianaLiteracy@la.gov.

This program connects families with high-quality tutors who have been approved through the LDOE. Tutors are certified teachers in elementary or reading or have a degree in education, English, or another subject indicative of expertise in reading and literacy.

Once student registration opens, families will utilize the online portal at www.louisianatutoringinitiative.com to choose from the approved list of tutoring providers. In some cases, a child’s school system may be a tutoring provider. Tutoring appointments are scheduled between the parent/guardian and tutor and may take place at a mutually agreed upon location that may be a physical or virtual location. Multi-lingual tutors will be available to accommodate students who do not speak English as a primary language.

A few years ago, this very week, I was finally on my way home from running errands after an extremely long day at the office. Sometimes the simplest of errands can seem so daunting and burdensome. This was definitely one of those days. With a deep sigh I drove my weary self down the picturesque Williams Avenue. Once I stopped at the Church Street Bridge red light, I noticed that it was Christmas light installation time!

This caused my soul to instantly perk up. Christmas lights are my favorite thing, not only during the holiday season but all year round. Yes, I am that person. I even told my children when I leave this world and go onto glory, I would like my casket wrapped in Christmas lights. Forget flowers that will soon die, wrap my rented casket in as many bright lights as the electrical system at the funeral can stand.

While I was sitting at the light admiring what was about to happen to our downtown area I saw three City of Natchitoches utility workers walking towards the area where lights were being hung with care. They were laughing amongst themselves and really seemed to be enjoying their work, this task did not seem daunting or burdensome to them. It always brings me joy when I see others enjoying their work, life is way too short to miserable at work.

Being the extroverted person that I am, I rolled down my window to let the City workers know that I truly appreciated them working late to decorate for Christmas. They laughed and thanked me right before one of them said, “It’s the City of Lights, baby! That’s what we do!”

It truly was said in the most lighthearted and respectful way. It was a jolly moment shared between City of Natchitoches residents who have a genuine love for what our town looks like at Christmas. I posted about this particular night on Facebook so it often shows up in my memories. Every time I read it I get overjoyed again at the thought of seeing people love their jobs. As a tax paying citizen in this town, I will always be in awe of people who choose to work for the public and actually enjoy it.

God created us to be laborers, to have careers, and to be fruitful with our time. Adam was put to work on day one of creation. Well, maybe not day one, but definitely in the second chapter. God expects us to pull our own weight. I also truly believe he wants us to enjoy it and be proud of it. When we love the town we live in and take pride in everything that makes it great, residents will benefit for decades to come. When we apply Biblical principals to everything we do…whether that is hanging Christmas lights, digging ditches or even serving in a pubic office…we are choosing to put God first.

When we put God first all else will fall into place.

Our little Christmas loving and historic town is by no means perfect. She does have her many flaws, bumps and bruises that will take strategic planning, bigger budgets and prayer to overcome. There is only one place that is crime free, pothole free, the friendliest people, no tears, no taxes, no scoffers, calories do not count, the Christmas lights stay on all year (this is not Biblical but one can wish), the road is very narrow…and simply will not be found on this side of heaven.

I pray you always find the joy and our Savior in all situations.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23

By Steve Graf

So, do you think you want to be a professional bass fisherman? Well, we’ve already covered this once, but today we’ll look at what and how some of the greatest anglers in the world spend their off-season or downtime. After being on the road for weeks and months at a time away from family, pro anglers are looking to slow down and catch their breath. Because of the everyday grind and dedication, it takes to compete at the highest level, anglers need to recharge their batteries. Let’s look at the different ways these guys re-energize themselves and get ready for another long season of fishing.

Most professional anglers grew up either in the woods or on the water. Most have an extensive past of hunting big game, ducks, squirrels, or hogs. Most cut their teeth and might have even been in diapers when they shot their first deer. But nothing brings them back down to earth more than spending quality time at their favorite hunting camp. It’s not about the kill as much as it is about just getting away from the pressure and demands anglers are under during the regular season. It’s going out and sitting in a deer stand where all you can hear is the wind blowing, squirrels barking, and the cracking of the sunflowers seeds they’re eating. Yes, it’s true they do fall asleep once in a while when the deer aren’t moving, but that’s okay. They take no phone calls and are unavailable for interviews. The only calls they take are from their publicist or from one of their many sponsors….oh and maybe their wives or children. Sometimes they won’t even talk to their friends! But it’s the time back at the camp talking to their hunting buddies about the big deer they saw or missed while enjoying some of the great meals, that makes a hunting camp special. It’s the stories they tell year after year about previous hunts, stories they’ve already told time and time again. But no one really cares, because the stories (lies) just get bigger and better with every passing year.

Amongst the many professional anglers, some would rather hunt waterfowl and sit in a duck blind for hours…again telling more stories about how many ducks they’ve killed over the years, or they discuss why there are not as many ducks as there used to be. But one thing that makes a good duck hunt…the biscuits and sausage they cook and share in the blind while waiting on the next group of birds to come into the hole they are sitting on. One common theme for any hunting trip is the food. For some reason, hunting camp or duck blind food is always better than any meal you can get anywhere else on the planet. Not sure why, but it’s true!

But one thing I’ve always found strange is another way some of the pros relax; they go fishing! Yes, I said fishing! Who would have thought that since these guys are on the water trying to make a living from January through September, that fishing would be a way for them to relax? Let me help you understand this. There’s a huge difference between fishing tournaments and fun fishing. Some of the pros use this time to test new lures they’ve been involved with designing for the companies they’re representing like Strike King and Berkley. This is something pro anglers really enjoy…designing baits that will hit the market one day with their name on it. But fun fishing for some of these guys is a trip into the marsh or saltwater fishing for speckled trout and redfish. This is when they can be with their family or friends and just enjoy a day on the water without cameras or a boat official watching their every move.

The life of a professional bass fisherman can be a hectic one. There’s a lot of pressure to not only perform at a high level but put food on the table for their families. The stress is off the chart for all of these guys because if they’re not successful, they will be eliminated from the pro tour and replaced by another up-and-coming young angler. Just because you make it to the highest level of bass fishing, does not guarantee you a spot for life. Anglers still must go out and perform. This is why they need that downtime to relax and get away from the everyday grind it takes to be a professional bass fisherman. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to wear your sunscreen.

Steve Graf
Hook’N Up & Track’N Down
Show & Tackle Talk Live

Credit for this story goes to: https://parentology.com/5-different-types-of-adoption-in-the-us/.

Stories fascinate me. I love investigations into our past because rediscovering forgotten lore is precious. These are the truths behind so much of our fiction and our superstitions. The tales that sometimes seem too fantastic to be true.

For instance:

There was a feline friend to German and British sailors at the height of World War II. Named Sam, the black and white patched cat was a passenger and survived not one but three strikes from the enemy, first the Brits and then the Nazis. All three vessels sank, and Sam survived. He tried very hard to die, but luck was on his side. Following his third and final run-in with the weapons of war, Sam took on a new name. He became known as Unsinkable Sam, and it was old age that eventually took him. Many years later, Unsinkable Sam did eventually pass away, from natural causes it seems, after spending his last years living comfortably at a home for retired sailors.

I learned of Sam this week on my drive home from work. A guy named Aaron Mankey was telling the story as part of his podcast “Lore.” If you’re not familiar with “Lore,” it is an award-winning, critically acclaimed podcast about true-life odd and sometimes scary stories. Mankey says “Lore exposes the darker side of history, exploring the creatures, people, and places of our wildest nightmares. Because sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.”

I discovered “Lore” a couple of years ago after more than two hundred episodes had been recorded. In that time, I learned the stories behind some of the world’s most powerful superstitions and symbols. Cracked mirrors, the rabbit’s foot, the Easter egg, the Christmas tree, the jack-o-lantern, curses, the Bermuda Triangle, and on and on.

And while so many of these myths and superstitions have supernatural elements, and are still believed by many today, all of them have a simple and basic truth – in the end, they all come down to humans doing things they shouldn’t do.

We’ve been harming one another since the beginning. The Bible story of Cain and Abel tells us that at one point in our history that 25 percent of the human population committed the crime of murder. I’m not getting into theology versus science, but the point remains there have always been stories of darkness. It’s who we are as a people. We hurt each other, and when events happen that we do not have the ability to comprehend, we invent stories that help us make sense of the world around us.

That’s our history. Stories are history. And it is vital to society for stories and storytelling to continue. We must keep sharing our tales, passing them down to those who follow. When stories die, so too does our history.

As Mankey said in a recent episode, stories can help us handle our dark and twisted history. Stories can help us transform ill deeds into lessons about recognizing our wrong actions. The purpose of “Lore” is to show that history is valuable, but it’s also full of mistakes. And it’s our job as citizens of the modern world to hold both truths and tension, respecting the past, while also demanding better for our future, a lesson we could all stand to learn from.

Our lore is our history. We all need to remember and share. “Lore” is a fabulous way to keep history alive. I recommend listening today.

Josh Beavers is a teacher and a writer. He has been recognized by the Louisiana Press Association five times for excellence in opinion writing.

BOM sponsored the Provencal Christian Academy’s annual school shirt fundraiser. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help with supplies, athletic equipment, playground equipment, and student/teacher programs. Pictured left to right: Emery Tedder and BOM’s Savannah Garcie.

Thomas Mortuary in Many, Louisiana is retiring after 50 years of service! The last day of operation will be December 31, 2022.
“We would like to thank all our loyal customers, family, and friends for your support and business over the years. It has been a great pleasure to serve you.

Sincerely,
Tom & Lavern Thomas

NATCHITOCHES:

Molly Loraine Meshell
April 28, 1964 – November 4, 2022
Service: Saturday, November 12 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Margo Haase
January 21, 1952 – October 23, 2022
Service: Saturday, November 19 at 11:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Chapel in Bermuda

Jerry Pierce
November 8, 2022
Service: Saturday, November 12 at 2 pm at at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches

Charles “Chuck” Severance, Jr.
November 29, 1959 – November 3, 2022
Service: Friday, November 11 at 11 am at St. Anne’s Catholic Church

Stephen Lane Stroud
October 26, 1959 – November 2, 2022
Service: Tuesday, November 29 at 10:30 am at Rosemary Beach Town Hall in Panama City Beach, FL.

WINN:

Edgar “Eddie” Allen Burlew
January 28, 1964 – November 8, 2022
Service: Saturday, November 12 at 11 am at Nolley United Methodist Church

Kelly C. Allen
November 24, 1977 – October 31, 2022
Service: Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11 am at Christian Harmony Baptist Church

NATCHITOCHES – Jerry Pierce, who served over 57 years on staff at Northwestern State University and as vice president of External Affairs since 1990, died Tuesday, Nov. 8 after a brief illness.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Pierce’s impact at the university, in the community and around the state was profound, not only as an administrator, but as a writer, humorist, ambassador, fund raiser and mentor to personnel at all levels of administration, including eight NSU presidents.

“Mr. Pierce has been part of the fabric of this institution since the mid-60s and served under several presidents with integrity and class. He will be irreplaceable,” said NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones. “I consider him a friend and a mentor who has always been there to provide sage advice.”

“Words cannot express the magnitude of the impact that Jerry Pierce had on Northwestern State University and on me professionally and personally,” said Dr. Chris Maggio, NSU’s immediate past president. “He knew everyone on a statewide level and opened so many doors for me. There was not a day in my presidency that Jerry and I didn’t talk. Whether it was in preparation for visits to the Capitol, meetings with donors or presentations to constituents, Jerry was there for me with research done, briefings prepared and communication tips provided. He was such an effective communicator.”

“Jerry Pierce is the greatest story-teller I have ever known,” said Dr. Jim Henderson, president of the University of Louisiana System and former NSU president. “All of us in the Northwestern State family should be grateful that he dedicated that peerless talent to serving our alma mater for nearly 60 years. His loss leaves a void that will never be filled, but his legacy will never be forgotten.”

A graduate of Springhill High School, Pierce was recruited to Northwestern in 1957 as a football trainer and was a four-year letterman in that position. As a student, he was an N Club officer and sports editor of the university newspaper. He joined the staff of The Times-Picayune in New Orleans after receiving his journalism degree in 1961 and became executive sports editor at age 24.

Pierce returned to Northwestern in 1965 as Sports Information Director. He later served as News Bureau director and assistant to the president before he was named vice president of External Affairs, overseeing NSU Athletics, NSU Foundation and Alumni Affairs, News Bureau/Media Relations, Sports Information, the Wellness Recreation and Activities Center and the NSU Recreation Complex. He worked for years with legislators and other elected officials as the university’s governmental affairs representative, served as institutional representative to the NCAA and Southland Conference and was a former president of the conference. He co-chaired Northwestern’s Centennial celebration and 125th anniversary activities. Pierce represented NSU as a speaker and master of ceremonies at hundreds of events across the state for decades and as host or guest on numerous radio and television shows and special broadcasts.

Pierce brought the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame to Natchitoches in 1972 and directed the program for nearly 20 years. During that time, he was named one of the 20 “Most Influential People in Sports in Louisiana” by The Times-Picayune. He played a leading role in establishing the Long Purple Line, NSU’s alumni hall of distinction, and the NSU Athletic N Club Hall of Fame and was a recent inductee into both entities. Pierce received numerous journalism awards and honors for other civic, social and professional activities.

In addition to writing and editing several decades’ worth of news releases and publications at NSU, has also wrote thousands of stories and articles of all kinds for Louisiana newspapers and statewide publications. Pierce received numerous Louisiana Press Association awards for general interest columns, features, sports columns, editorials and was recognized by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and College Sports Information Directors of America for news stories and sports publications.

Among his many other projects, Pierce was author of a book of columns published by the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives and wrote the text for the 200-page coffee table book “Northwestern at 125” commemorating NSU’s 125th anniversary. He was Northwestern’s liaison for the filming of “Steel Magnolias” and “The Man in the Moon” and was co-editor of “Steel Magnolias Scrapbook” on the filming of the movie in Natchitoches.

Other professional recognition includes 50-year membership awards from both the Louisiana Press Association and Council for Advancement and Support of Education and membership of Blue Key National Honor Society. He was awarded lifetime membership in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and was the first recipient of the organization’s Mac Russo Award for contributions to the ideals and progress of the organization.

Pierce was extensively involved in civic activities in Natchitoches through the years. Among his honors and recognitions, he was recipient of Natchitoches Mayor’s Award for Community Service, American Legion Natchitoches Parish Man of the Year, Natchitoches Parish Chamber of Commerce President’s Award; City of Natchitoches Achievement Appreciation Award, Lieutenant Governor’s Louisiana Ambassador Award, member of Chamber of Commerce first Ambassadors’ Club, finalist for Chamber of Commerce Natchitoches Parish Man of Year; Kiwanis Club member and officer; charter member of the Mystic Krewe de St. Denis; member of The Agitators social organization; Dignitaries and Publicity Committee of Natchitoches Christmas Festival and member of First Baptist Church. He served as coach and counselor for youth sports programs and on budget, publicity and publications committees. He was also an avid tennis player and was a member of USTA teams that won more than a dozen state championships, five regional titles and a national championship.

Pierce provided substantial financial support to the university and was recognized for more than 20 consecutive years of contributions to the NSU Foundation. He and his wife Regina established endowed scholarships at the university in athletics and academics.

In addition to Regina, Pierce is survived by two sons, two stepchildren, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce presented the Hometown Hero award to Slay’s Electronics Radio Shack for all they’ve done and are presently doing for the community.. They started their business in 1974. Shown are Susan Slay and son Benford Slay. 

On the morning of October 19, 2022, Sabine Parish Dispatcher Chasity Falcon, received a 911 call from a juvenile threatening to commit suicide. The juvenile hung up on Ms. Falcon. She immediately called the juvenile back a continued to speak with the juvenile while dispatching Many Police Officers to the residence.

Ms. Falcon reasoned with the juvenile to place the weapon down and going to the front door to talk with our officers. Ms. Falcon’s composure and compassion resolved the situation preventing a tragedy while providing safety to the responding police officers.

It is with great honor that the Many Police Department presents you with this plaque for your remarkable performance on this date.
Pictured below from left to right: Assistant Chief of Police Mason Wiley, Chief of Police Cheryl Wooley, SPSO Communications Deputy Chasity Falcon, SPSO Comminications Supervisor Stacy Etheridge and Chief Deputy Brad Walker.

Congratulations to Many Police Department Assistant Chief Mason Wiley, Officer Elijah Lee and Officer Celeste Rivers for successfully completing the Violence Against Women Investigating Non-Fatal Strangulation course recently presented by the Attorney General’s Office.

BY MATT VINES, Journal Sports 

MANY – When Many took a bye week in Week 5, it was an unwanted break because scheduling is difficult for the Class 2A power. 

The Tigers (9-0) will take another seat this week, but this breather comes with a lot more excitement after Many secured the No. 1 seed in the Division III Select Bracket. 

Many earned one of four first-round byes in the 28-team bracket in the reshuffle of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association playoffs that reduced the postseason classifications from nine to eight evenly distributed brackets based on school enrollment and select or non-select status. 

That reorganization has also sent some traditional Class 3A squads into the Division III bracket, serving as new obstacles in the way of Many reaching its fourth straight state championship game. 

Two of those Class 3A teams will battle for the right to travel to Many in the second round – No. 16 Caldwell and No. 17 Richwood. 

In this new format, gone are the days where a No. 1 seed may face a tricky second-round road trip to a No. 17 seed, which by virtue of winning on the road in the first round gets the chance to host in the second round. 

Now the Tigers are assured at least a second-round home game and wouldn’t have to leave Many if the higher seeds hold until the state championship in the Caesers Superdome in New Orleans. 

But that path to and through the Dome is littered with new faces that will increase the degree of difficulty if Many is to win its second state title since 2020 and third since 2014. 

Seeds No. 2-No. 4 are all Class 3A members as No. 2 Bogalusa, No. 3 Union Parish and No. 4 St. James haven’t been in Many’s bracket recently. 

Many wouldn’t see Union Parish or Bogalusa until the state title game, but a semifinals matchup with St.  

James could certainly be in the works. St. James is a Class 3A brand name that won the state title in 2019 and made a quarterfinals appearance in 2021. 

Union Parish, a carbon copy of Many, handed the Tigers their last regular season loss in the 2019 opener, and Many has rattled off 18 straight regular-season victories since 42-32 loss at home. 

The Farmers were the Class 3A runners up in 2021 to champion Sterlington, who checks in at No. 14 in the Division III bracket and could meet Union Parish again in the second round. 

Patterson is another 3A program with a track record near Morgan City and is a tough matchup for anybody at No. 11. 

Almost the rest of the top 10 are familiar Class 2A names like No. 5 Avoyelles, No. 6 Winnfield, No. 7 Amite (beat Many in the 2021 state title game), No. 8 Pine and No. 9 Rosepine – one of which is a likely quarters foe for Many. 

The Tigers pulled away from Winnfield in a 42-14 regular-season win after Winnfield briefly trailed Many by just seven points early in the third quarter before Many turned on the jets. 

The change did cull a handful of blue bloods from the flock as they were small enough to fit into Division IV Non-Select. 

North Caddo and Mangham are the most notable smaller Class 2A members who depart for different brackets this postseason. 

The Titans are classified as a select school and will head to Division III Select while Mangham, who has teetered on the brink of Class 1A and Class 2A, will move to the smaller Division IV Non-Select bracket. 

Either way, Many’s path to another state title appears to be harder than years past, and the Tigers must put together their best performances. 

But this is a Many team that walloped two Class 5A playoff teams (Haughton and Sam Houston), muzzled No. 1 quarterback recruit nationally in Isidore Newman’s Arch Manning and massacred its district ending with three shutouts in which they built at least a 42-point lead in the first half. 

A rested Tigers bunch should be up to the challenge. 

CREDIT: Kevin Shannahan/Journal Sports

We had already sort of figured this was the way it was going to go, but in 1979 it was official when he released Rockin’ My Life Away. 

The life of showman extraordinaire Jerry Lee Lewis — rockin’ was a good way to put it, but there was more, lots more — came to an end last week, Friday, Oct. 28, when he passed away, age 87, at his home in DeSoto County, Miss.  

Services were this past Saturday afternoon at the Hernando Funeral Home in his hometown of Ferriday. Cousin and fellow singer/piano player Jimmy Swaggart spoke, and a boots-on-the-ground old friend in Ferriday told me that at one point during the 40-minute service, with Swaggart speaking, there was laughter after one story and not a dry eye in the house after the next.  

“Swaggart’s still got it,” my friend said. Cousins Jerry Lee and Mickey Gilley, who passed away in May, had it too. 

Of course, my Grandmama Ruth had all Swaggart’s gospel records, which I loved and listened to on a record player setup the size of a deep freezer in her West Monroe living room. 

She didn’t listen to any Jerry Lee — but I did. (At least I don’t think she did. I’m told she took a swig of Pabst Blue Ribbon now and then, and I never saw that either. She had ‘it’ too.) 

Jerry Lee Lewis, the last living member of the Million Dollar Quartet — add Carl Perkins, Elvis, and some guy named Johnny Cash — a member of both the Rock and Roll and Country Music Halls of Fame, he was the supreme showman and, according to another guy named Elton John, the best rock ’n’ roll piano player. “I can’t play that fast,” he told Rolling Stone in 2007.  

His heyday shows in the 1950s-’80s were before all the lights and pyrotechnics, yet every friend I’ve talked to who saw him live — I sadly did not, have seen only the mind-bending recordings — said he was world-class as a performer. Just Jerry Lee back by Kenny Lovelace and the Memphis Beats. All you needed. 

With a tip of the cap to a man who has brought many of us so much joy, we offer The Top 10 Jerry Lee Lewis Songs, According To Me, and you’re welcome to disagree because he was very good and there is a lot of fields to plow here: 

10. Pink Cadillac, with Bruce Springsteen: Even though it’s not a Jerry Lee Original, it makes the Top 10 because it’s an older Killer and he’s still got it.

9.  Whole Lotta Shakin’: A standard. Hehad to have gotten tired of playing this.

8. Who’s Gonna Play This Ol’ Piano: “… after the Killer’s gone …” I guess nobody. Hurts me. 

7. She Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye: “…Baby’s packed up all her things and she’s left me …”

6. What Made Milwaukee Famous, Has Made A Loser Out Of Me: “It’s late and she is waiting/and I know I should go home/but every time I start to leave/they play another song…” Schlitz Problems.

5. Another Place, Another Time: “One by one, they’re turning out the lights/I been feedin’ that ol’ jukebox, just to hold you tight …” I wonder if I was the only pre-teen spinning all these albums back in the day? Not sure I even know what the lyrics meant then

4. One More Time With Feelin’: “Something good got lost along the way …” Kris Kristofferson wrote it so, this was a case of game recognizing game.

3. Who Will The Next Fool Be: “After all is said and done, you wouldn’t be satisfied with anyone …” Hard to even imagine anyone trying to cover these and coming close to Jerry Lee’s performance. 

2. Great Balls of Fire: “… you rattle my brain …” I think this was No. 96 onRolling Stone’s all-time rock songs.

1. Think About It Darlin’: I like the Jerry Lee ballads better than the fast ones and this one’s the best. It’s on theWho’s Gonna Play This Old Piano album from 1972 and was produced by Shreveport music wizard Jerry Kennedy, as so many of these were. Every one of the Jerry Kennedy/Jerry Lee Lewis ballads is a masterpiece, expressive and dynamic, just like the Killer. Hope to meet him one day, another place, another time. 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu