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.

For the first time in the 133rd history of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Ca., Louisiana will be prominently featured with a stunning float of its own.

The float will depict the spirit of the Bayou State showcasing moss-draped cypress trees, a Cajun fisherman in a pirogue, sculptured magnolias, pelicans, crawfish, crabs, and powdered sugar covered beignets.

An iconic wrought-iron balcony and French Quarter-style lamp posts will also be highlighted on the Louisiana Tourism float. American Idol winner and Louisiana music ambassador Laine Hardy and the Hot 8 Brass Band will perform mid-parade on a stage in front of the Louisiana tourism logo “Feed Your Soul.”

The Rose Parade® will be broadcast on New Year’s Day to 37 million viewers across the world. The television event will air live in the Caribbean, Latin America, Armenia and on the Armed Forces Network.

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

Dr. Susan Dollar
December 19, 1959 – December 20,  2021
Arrangements TBA

Charles Dwight Vienne, Sr.
March 29, 1939 – December 19, 2021
Service: Thursday, December 23 at 11 am at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

WINN:
Vikkie Lynn (VanHoozen) LaFollette
January 25, 1967 – December 19, 2021
Service: Wednesday, December 22 at 11 am in the Chapel of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home

Carolyn Kay Kerry
January 6, 1950 – December 18, 2021
Service: Wednesday December 22 at 2 pm at The Family Church in Winnfield

In 2012, the Louisiana Legislative Session enacted The Early Childhood Education Act  that began a uniform accountability system for publicly funded early childhood  programs. With this system, Louisiana early childhood programs are rated on a scale  from 1-7. The rating categories are 7.00-6.00 Excellent, 5.99-5.25 High Proficient, 5.24- 4.50 Proficient, 4.49-3.00 Approaching Proficient, and 2.99-1.00 Unsatisfactory. These  ratings are based on rigorous observations conducted by trained early childhood  educators using the nationally renowned Classroom Assessment Scoring System  (CLASS) tool. Research has found that Pre-K classrooms with higher CLASS ratings  result in better prepared kindergartners. 

Sabine Parish Early Childhood Network is comprised of prekindergarten classrooms  located on each school campus, as well as, four classrooms serving children birth to  age 4 at Faithlynn’s Learning Academy. For the 2020-2021 school year, Sabine Early  Childhood Network had an average score of 6.04, an overall Excellent rating for the  network. This score represents an increase of 0.34 from 2019-2020 average score.  Converse High School, Many Elementary School, Negreet High School, and Faithlynn’s  Learning Academy all received Excellent ratings. Ebarb High School, Florien High  School, Pleasant Hill High School, and Zwolle Elementary School received High  Proficient ratings. All early childhood in Sabine Parish scored in the highest two tiers of  the state’s accountability system.  

Dr. Sara Ebarb, Sabine Parish Superintendent, stated, “These ratings are evidence of  the high quality instruction our PreK children are receiving in Sabine Parish. We are  very proud of our PreK program, our teachers, staff and our early learners.”

A Sabine Parish woman is in jail in connection with a stabbing incident in Natchitoches on Wednesday evening according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday afternoon, December 15, at approximately 5:50pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Bureau of Patrol responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a stabbing incident at an apartment complex in the 100 block of La. Hwy 3191 in Oak Grove near Natchitoches.

Deputies arrived on scene shortly thereafter, discovering a 19-year-old female sitting in the rear of a vehicle suffering from a stab wound to the neck and other injuries.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to the scene.
The victim was transported from the scene by EMS to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with a non-life threatening stab wound to the neck and other injuries.

Deputies processed and photographed the crime scene in addition to gathering information for an offense report.

Detectives assigned to the NPSO Bureau of Investigations also responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses.

During the investigation, detectives learned the incident was possibly drug related and it involved the victim and another female identified as 20-year-old Kelsey M. Sepulvado of Sabine Parish.

Sepulvado fled the scene in what was described as a black Toyota Camry bearing a Louisiana tag.

A law enforcement (BOLO) message was issued by NATCOM 911 Center to all patrol units and surrounding law enforcement agencies.

The investigation continued.

Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents were summoned to assist in the investigation.

Agents obtained a search warrant signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge to search the victim’s apartment.

During a search, agents seized a small bag of suspected marijuana.

On Thursday, December 16 at approximately 11:00am, Sepulvado turned herself into detectives at the NPSO Bureau of Investigations Office.

As a result:

Kelsey M. Sepulvado, 20, of Many, La. was arrested, interviewed, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Aggravated Second Degree Battery.

Sepulvado was released on 12/17/2021 on $10,000.00 bond set by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge pending a court appearance.

Detective D. Sowell is lead investigator in the case. If you have any information, contact the NPSO Bureau of Investigations at 357-7830.

MANY, La – Many PD arrested Phantom Maxie yesterday for two counts of resisting by flight, failure to pay child support, and 3 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia

For the seventh straight year, Northwestern State athletics has broken its department record in the Graduation Success Rate, which measures the percentage of NSU student-athletes who graduate within a six-year window.

NSU graduated 87 percent of its 2014 freshman cohort, which is the latest data available.

The 2014 cohort accounts for all student-athletes who started and finished their academic careers at NSU and any student-athletes who transferred into NSU from other institutions.

The Demons 2013 freshman cohort set the previous record at 84 percent.

“The continued academic success of NSU Athletics, and in record-setting fashion, has been accomplished in the same way as competitive wins – with a team effort,” said NSU athletics director Greg Burke. “From our coaches to the academic/compliance staffs to our faculty, and of course through the due diligence of our student-athletes, making the grade is a staple of our athletic department and is one of which I am very proud.”

One major factor in the three percent uptick is the men’s and women’s track/cross country programs, both of which graduated 81 percent from the 2014 class.

The men posted a 62 percent in the 2013 class after scores in the 50s for the previous three reports.

The women scored a 73 for the 2013 class.

Tennis and volleyball posted perfect 100 scores.

Four other programs graduated 90 percent or better from the 2014 group, including softball (95), soccer (92) and men’s and women’s basketball (92).

Football earned its second straight score above 80, checking in with an 82 in the 2014 cohort.

The Division I Board of Directors created the GSR in response to Division I college and university presidents who wanted data that more accurately reflected the mobility of college students than the federal graduation rate. The federal rate counts any student who leaves a school as an academic failure, no matter whether he or she enrolls at another school and graduates.

Also, the federal rate does not recognize students who enter their graduating school as transfer students.

The GSR formula removes from the rate student-athletes who leave school while academically eligible and includes student-athletes who transfer to a school after initially enrolling elsewhere.

This calculation makes it a more complete and accurate look at student-athlete success.

PHOTO:  Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

by Roy Lang III

In a conversation with the Journal, University of Louisiana System president Jim Henderson backed Grambling president Rick Gallot a week after Henderson received a letter — purported to originate from the football team, but not linked to any specific players — stacked with complaints and aimed directly at Gallot.

The letter, first reported by HBCUsports.com, was signed by “The 2021 Grambling State University G-Men” and claimed Gallot was the “main contributor to the decline” of Grambling football, a program that “used to be the Black Notre Dame and icon of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).”

Three main areas of concern outlined in the letter (dated Dec. 7) to Henderson, the Louisiana Board of Regents, senator Katrina Jackson and representative Patrick Jefferson were: Misappropriation and diversion of funds for the football program, a failure to provide a safe environment and a failure to provide, promote and support proper athletic staff.

“Issues in the football program are dealt with by the coach, the athletic director and the president, if necessary,” Henderson told the Journal. “Some of the safety things (mentioned in the letter), that’s been a focus for Grambling for some time. The Facilities Master Plan includes some state-of-the-art security upgrades.”

Upon receipt of such “anonymous” letters, Henderson said the process is to immediately contact the subject – in this case, Gallot. In terms of action, Henderson deferred to Gallot, who was named Grambling president in 2016.

Consequently, Gallot says he’s put the wheels in motion for an investigation.

“On the field or in the classroom, the safety of each student is paramount,” Gallot said in a statement provided to the Journal by the university. “As a result, I’ve asked the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics (Trayvean Scott) to investigate the issues raised in the claim to ensure no GSU athletics staff member has allowed any student-athlete to perform in an unsafe environment or situation.”

In October of 2013, the Grambling football team staged a week-long strike that forced the forfeit of a game against Jackson State. The strike resulted from issues with the school’s rundown facilities, long bus trips to road games and personnel decisions under then-school president Frank Pogue.

Eight years later, a letter complained about ramifications from declining meal and travel budgets, a feeling of insecurity due to recent school shootings on campus and a revolving door (four athletic directors during Gallot’s tenure) at the top of Grambling’s athletic department.

The group behind the letter also voiced support for former head coach Broderick Fobbs, who was fired in November despite a 54-32 record and two Black College Football National Championships with the Tigers.

The letter concluded: “It is an honor to represent Grambling as G-Men and we deserve better from our university.”

Gallot is confident the university is headed in the right direction.

“Unfortunately, anonymous letters are often used by groups averse to change or lacking awareness of the detailed business operations of an institution,” Gallot’s statement said. “As we have intensified our efforts to progressively protect and advance our brand, we continue to pursue actions against unlicensed vendors, and individuals and groups raising money in the name of the institution without appropriate authorization. These actions often lead impacted entities feeling disgruntled and contrary.

“For 120 years, Grambling State University continues to build on the foundation of educational excellence that fosters an inclusive experience of worth and belonging while discovering your own greatness. Over the last several years, the institution has implemented successful best practices to improve its physical and financial health, resulting in three consecutive years of favorable results in its annual financial audits, each with zero findings. Valuable partnerships have also made it possible to lift the quality of campus facilities made available to all students including student-athletes.”

Henderson voiced unwavering faith in Gallot and the eight other school presidents, but maintains he continues to provide Grambling support in its mission to improve on the fields of sport and off.

“I’m focused on getting all of the resources we can possibly get to, reinforce some of the great progress already been made at Grambling – in both academics and athletics,” Henderson said. “It’s not merely having faith in our presidents, it’s faith in continual correspondence and communication.

“I’m on those campuses a couple of times a year. The presidents are the CEOs of the universities. I think we have nine of the best we’ve ever had at these universities.”

In his statement, Gallot continued to encourage Tigers to voice their concerns.

“It’s common for students to routinely stop by my office, email, or send direct messages via social media. I keep an open-door policy because their concerns will always remain a priority to the success of Grambling State.”

The Natchitoches Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect that removed an envelope of money that was left on the counter at Whataburger.

Earlier this month officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were notified that on December 1, 2021 a customer was paying for their meal at Whataburger and accidently left behind an envelope containing money on the counter. Officers were able to review video surveillance and observed an unknown white female remove the envelope. After the unknown white female removed the envelope she then left the restaurant.

If you recognize or know this person please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or Detective William Connell at (318) 238-3911. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Corporal John Greely
Public Information Officer
Natchitoches Police Department

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating an accidental shooting that took place Wednesday afternoon.

On December 15, 2021 around 5:28 p.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to the 400 block of Hedges Street in reference to a juvenile suffering from a single gunshot wound. Upon officers arrival they located a vehicle that was travelling with the juvenile victim and escorted them to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Detectives were able to determine that the juvenile was playing with the firearm when he accidentally shot himself in the arm.

The juvenile was later released from the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and was arrested for illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to remind everyone to follow these basic firearm safety tips.

• Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
• Keep all firearms pointed in a safe direction.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Know your target and be aware of your surroundings.
• Know how to properly operate your firearm.
• Store your firearm safely to prevent any unauthorized use.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Rudolph Glass at (318) 357-3878. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Corporal John Greely
Public Information Officer
Natchitoches Police Department

December 17, 2021

SABINE:
Jerrie Lynn Gregory Walker
February 15, 1953 – December 14, 2021
The family will have a private service at a later date.

NATCHITOCHES:
Cora Lee “Dootsie” Baker McNeely
July 11, 1940 – December 15, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 21 at 10 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

WINN:
Kathy Fallis
July 13, 1952 – December 15, 2021
Service: Monday, December 20 at 1 pm at Welcome Home Baptist Church

James Brandon Cockerham
July 13, 1979 – December 15, 2021
Service: Monday, December 20 at 1 pm at Hurricane Creek Cemetery

Denise Verret Thompson
February 21, 1961 – December 18, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 21 at 1 pm in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel