BATON ROUGE- The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) is calling on all Louisiana citizens to increase fire safety awareness and precautions around their homes while deputies actively investigate the state’s ninth and tenth fire fatality cases of the year.

“This is an alarming number of deaths due to fire already in 2021,” said State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning, “Six of these deaths have happened in February alone and we’re not even to the middle of the month yet.”

This morning, the Cotton Valley Fire Department responded to the 600 block of Cvoc Road just after 1 a.m. for a report of a trailer fire with three occupants inside. When firefighters arrived, a female occupant had escaped, but two males were still unaccounted for. The bodies of both men were later found in separate bedrooms.

While official identifications and causes of death are pending autopsies, one man is believed to be 50-years-old while the other was in his early 60s. Both were residents of the home and relatives.

After an assessment of the scene, including a statement from the survivor, deputies determined the fire began in the front area of the structure where the older male slept. While the exact cause remains undetermined, investigators are unable to rule out the use of a wood burning stove for heating the home as a contributing factor.

As our presence on that scene was winding down this afternoon, deputies in the Hammond area were being called to assist with an investigation into a fire that claimed one life in the 900 block of Martin Luther King Drive.

At this time, the causes of this year’s fatal fires have been across the board from unsafe smoking practices to various electrical issues stemming from improper electrical wiring as well as dangerous home heating practices.

“Every single person, young to old, needs to make a concerted effort to stop this trend and there are simple ways to do that.”

When it comes to electrical safety, avoid connecting extension cords and power strips to create power sources where a wall outlet does not exist and don’t overload those cords and strips if using them for temporary purposes. Plug all appliances, including space heaters, directly into wall outlets to prevent overheating of wires. And if your home is experiencing electrical issues, have a licensed electrician evaluate the situation and make any needed repairs.

On the topic of smoking, it’s always best to smoke outdoors. Ensure all smoking materials are properly extinguished in the appropriate manner and keep all spark-producing objects, like lighters, out of the reach of children. Also, refrain from smoking when tired or under the influence of alcohol or medications that make you drowsy.

Home heating options should never include using kitchen appliances like stoves and ovens to stay warm. This is a fire danger and a potential cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. If utilizing a space heater, make sure it is located three to five feet away from combustible objects like blankets and never leave them on when you’re going to sleep or leaving your home. If using a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure the fire is out before you go to bed or leave your home and that it is not overloaded causing the potential for wood to fall out while on fire.

Lastly, the majority of these cases involved homes with no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are a proven tool to alert residents to a fire danger in order to escape safely. The SFM’s Operation Save-A-Life partners with local fire departments to install smoke alarms for free for families that need them most.

“If you do nothing else after hearing these figures and reading these safety tips, please make sure you do not go to sleep tonight without at least one smoke alarm watching over you and your family,” said Browning, “And, please, take this warning seriously.”

 

Gov. John Bel Edwards signed a proclamation on Feb. 10 extending Louisiana’s modified Phase 2 guidelines, which include sensible restrictions meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 like a statewide mask mandate, for another 21 days. The new order is set to expire on March 3, 2021.

Hospitalizations and test positivity have improved in Louisiana, but cases are still very high and more people are in the hospital today than were last summer. January was the second deadliest month of the pandemic in Louisiana and, with Mardi Gras next week, Louisiana cannot afford to relax restrictions. Last year, before public health officials were warning against cancelling large events, COVID-19 was spread during Mardi Gras celebrations, leading to many cases and deaths in the New Orleans region.

“Our conduct should not change in the foreseeable future,” Gov. Edwards said. “Please, be very smart and very courteous about how you act and please wear your mask, distance, wash your hands frequently, stay home when you are sick, protect the vulnerable and, when you are able to do so, get vaccinated.”

Businesses are also encouraged to have as many workers as they can work remotely, as COVID is a major concern in Louisiana, especially as new variants have spread throughout the country, one of which has been confirmed in the state. The Governor also warned people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 already to continue to wear their masks and practice the other mitigation measures to protect those around them who have not yet received the vaccine.

Gov. Edwards announced his decision Tuesday afternoon at a vaccine event in Louisiana and signed the extension of the modified Phase 2 order on Wednesday.

Louisiana’s COVID-19 restrictions include the below:

• All Louisianans are encouraged to avoid gatherings of individuals not part of their households.
• All businesses, private and public sectors, should have as many employees work from home as they can.
• All restaurants are limited to 50% of their indoor capacity. Restaurants should move as much dining outdoors as they can. Social distancing is required.
• For bars in parishes above 5% positivity, bars are closed to indoor sales and consumption but open for outdoor consumption at tables only and at 25% capacity, with a maximum of 50 people. Social distancing is required. Take-out and delivery will still be available.
• Retail businesses may open at 50% capacity, except for essential businesses, as defined by federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
• Gyms may be open at 50% of their capacity.
• Places of worship will remain at a maximum of 75% of their capacity or the number of people who can physically distance with at least six feet between each immediate household, whichever is less.
• Barber and beauty shops, and nail salons may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Movie theaters may open at 50% of their capacity.
• Indoor gatherings at event/receptions centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 75 individuals.
• Outdoor gatherings at event/reception centers are limited to 25% capacity or up to 150 individuals when strict physical distancing is not possible.
• All sporting events will be capped at 25% capacity.
• Louisiana’s statewide mask mandate is still in place. 

By Steve Graf

The Red River also known as the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway is a 200 mile stretch from the Mississippi River to Shreveport, Louisiana. It consists of 5 lock and dam structures design for industrial navigation. But as industrial ports continue to develop, the Corp of Engineers invested nearly $2 million in this project which has turned into a recreational bonanza. Northwest Louisiana has taken advantage of this waterway better than anyone else as a recreational resource. Shreveport, Natchitoches and Alexandria have brought in major professional bass and crappie tournaments like the Bassmaster Classic, the greatest bass tournament in the world. They’ve welcomed the Forest Wood Cup (the World Championship for FLW), Costa Series and several BFL events that boasts some of the best professional anglers on the planet.

Now I’m going to give you my perspective of what the Red River has meant to me as an angler. Red River holds special memories for me as a lot of my success has come on this waterway. Why, not really sure but it seems to fit my style of fishing. Once it opened in 1994, I decided to become a river rat and I took the time to learn how to fish a river system. Fishing a river system is different than fishing a normal inland reservoir. Current or water flow plays a big role in how, when and where you fish when it comes to any river system. My first experience with a river system was back in early ‘90s when the Angler’s Choice (American Bass Organization) put their regional championship on the Arkansas River out of Pine Bluff. I learned really quick that river fishing is a different animal as my team partner, and I boated a grand total of 4 fish in four days of hard fishing. It was through this butt whipping experience on the Arkansas River that motivated me to learn how to fish the Red River.

The Red River has gone through a lot of changes especially in 2016 when record floods hit, and the river reached levels never seen in the last 100 years. These floods occurred not once but twice in the span of about 6 months and destroyed major habitat that had made the bass fishing some of the best in the south. In the last 4 years the river habitat has been making a comeback and that along with the restocking program (compliments of the Red River Waterway Commission) fishing is on the comeback. One great thing about the Red River, is the amount of great backwater areas that hold a lot of fish. Pools 3, 4 and 5 is where the majority of the back water is located. Areas where you’ll find coontail moss, water lilies, timber and reeds along with underwater rock jetties that are fish magnets. In early spring, this is where you’ll catch quality bass and tournament winning stringers. But once the hot summer days take hold, the main river is where you can catch good numbers of bass.

If you talk with ten people who have fished the Red River, you might get ten different opinions about this waterway. One thing you’ll hear is how hard it is on a boat, which is true. You’ll hear how dangerous it can be, which is true if you run your boat wide open in certain areas. For me, it’s like any other body of water, you have to learn it, just like I do on other bodies of water I’m not familiar with. Take your time and idle through areas you’re not sure about. The Red River is no different, you have to learn where you can and cannot run wide open. During high water periods, be careful and watch for what we call “floaters”(trees and logs coming down the river) especially when you’re running the main river channel. But when the river is stable and normal, there’s not much trouble you can get into other than shallow sand bars. Always pay attention to watercolor when your running; dark water usually means deep water but when you come across muddy brownish water, that can mean you running across a shallow sand bar. Bottom line just be careful and again take your time and learn the lay of the river and backwater areas. Another way to learn is to watch other anglers and see where they are running.

I’m here to tell you, if you’re looking for some good fishing (bass or crappie) that’s not getting a lot of pressure, hook up the boat and head for the Red River. Once again, I want to thank the Red River Waterway Commission for their dedication and commitment to bring the bass fishing back to a high level. The Red River truly is a great resource for all of Northwest Louisiana and has had a huge economic impact for this region. Next time you see one of the guys from the Red River Waterway Commission, make sure to say “thank you” for a job well done. You’ll find great Corp of Engineers top quality boat ramp facilities all up and down the Red River design to accommodate fishermen, skiers and campers. Till next time, don’t forget to set the hook! To learn more about the Red River and other area lakes, check out hutdshow.com. The official web site of the Hook’N Up & Track’N Down Show heard every Wednesday from 11:00 till 1:00 on AM 1130 The Tiger KWKH…home of LSU Sports!

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

OMC seeks a skilled Compliance Auditor to investigate, audit, and prepare reports to executive officers and the policy-making Board. For assigned compliance matters, this executive level position will assess and track healthcare compliance with procedures, policies, federal requirements, Joint Commission standards, etc. Must have experience with healthcare compliance and ability to prepare reports that meet expectations. Salary based on job related experiences and qualifications. This is an exempt position that assumes assigned emergency duties when necessary. For a full set of responsibilities and qualifications contact the OMC executive office at 318-357-2071 or email info@outpatientmedical.org. EOE

WINN:
Donnie Edward Guilliams
September 04, 1947 – February 09, 2021
Service: Saturday, February 13 at 11 am at the Hurricane Creek Baptist Church

NATCHITOCHES:
Chucky Mitchell
April 26, 1962 – February 10, 2021
Service: Saturday, February 13 at 1 pm at Old Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery

Patricia Adams Holland
June 19, 1935 – February 09, 2021
Service: Friday, February 12 at 11 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

100 doses of COVID vaccinations are available today at the First Assembly of God located at 5693 Hwy 167N in  Winnfield from 9AM – 12 PM. Vaccinations are available by appointment only. 

Appointments can be made using the following link vaccination appointment
or by calling 318-627-3133. 

Vaccinations are currently available for Phase 1a and Phase 1b Tier 1 individuals with additional vaccinations allotted for persons 65 and older, ASL interpreters and SSPs, law enforcement and other first responders, LA UCG, state and local essential COVID emergency response personnel and poll workers.  A more comprehensive list can be found on the LDH website.

Name: Kristopher D. Wigley
Date: 2-2-21
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 42
Charge: Theft of Copper From a Religious Building or Cemetery, Criminal Trespass, Criminal Damage to Property

Name: Jshun Tyrone Evans
Date: 2-3-21
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 20
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated-1^st Offense (W/Test), Driver Must Be Licensed-Never Obtained, Careless Operation w/Accident-1^st Offense

Name: Roderick E. Bell
Date: 2-8-21
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 35
Charge: Warrant – Child Support

Name: Jamion Cooper
Date: 2-8-21
Race: Male
Gender: Black
Age: 23
Charge: 2nd Degree Battery

Name: Tyron Billy Johnson
Date: 2-8-21
Race: Black
Gender: Male
Age: 25
Charge: Speeding 15-24 Mph Over Limit, No Insurance, Possession of Schedule I Drugs, Illegal Carrying of a Weapon

Name: Gehegan Pruitt
Date: 2-8-21
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Charge: Warrant: Burglary-Simple (Booked in and released to Concordia DC)

Roughly 150 years ago on July 6, 1866, an American soldier was murdered in cold blood at this site. The victim was Lt. Simeon Butts, who had the terrible misfortune of crossing paths with a homicidal mass murderer named John West.

West is the most diabolical man this part of the country has ever seen. He led the Nightriders, also known as the West Kimbrel Clan, which operated as a gang of ruthless mercenaries in Grant Parish and Winn Parish in the years following the Civil War. They viciously robbed and murdered travelers, often times dumping their bodies in wells that were dispersed along the wagon road.

One summer day as Lt. Butts was traveling on horseback on a wagon road to the Vernon community In Jackson Parish, John West and the Nightriders methodically stalked him. When the soldier stopped by this spring to get a drink of water in the July heat, John West sneaked up behind him and robbed him of his life and his gold. Lt. Butts’ body was later found and buried in an unmarked grave in a community in Winn Parish named after him: Yankee Springs.

And finally, after 150 years of resting in obscurity beneath the pine straw, we had the opportunity to install a military headstone honoring this nearly forgotten American soldier. Pictured in the photo (front row, left to right): Paul French, USFS; Rachel Barnes, Gold Law Firm; Lora Peppers, Ouachita Parish Research Librarian; (back row, left to right) Craig Rice, USFS; Greg Cohrs, USFS; Gregg Davies, Historian; Trevor Fry, Gold Law Firm/Scoutmaster Troop 632; Dr. Terry Jones, Professor of History Emeritus, ULM; Adam Fry, Eagle Scout – Troop 632. Special thanks to Luke Letlow and William T. Butts.

Article courtesy of: History of Grant Parish

By Reba Phelps

Goldonna Wildcats have been very busy this year and have lots of exciting things to celebrate.

Principal Cori Beth Manual proudly released the following Honor Roll list for the second nine weeks of the 2020-2021 School Year:

The following are our honor roll students:

Principal’s List:
Chevie Kay
Jason Cheramie
Wyatt Cheramie
Ramey Marin
Brody Perot
Caleb Rowell
Jaxson Rowell
Bryson Carter
Ethan Stiles
Grace Day
Malachi Henderson
Branyia Reliford

A Honor Roll:
Breanna Bates
Brooklyn Chandler
Branson Choate
Macie Cornelius
Amy Lee
Ellie Martinez
David Quick
Ayden Smith
Jentry Taylor
Genesis Williams
Christophe Wren
Awnah Schmidt
Trinity Walls
Piper Adams
Aubrey Chandler
Daisy Choate
Brinley Sampey
Nathan Black
Brantlee Desadier
Braden Hardaway

Carlie Spears
Chaylie Cox
Anthony Giannone
Brody Guin
Brandoll Reliford
Joseph Black
Matthew Cherry
Autumn Hightower
Presley Alexander
Kayden Bedgood
Jazper Choate
Alaynna Day
Cohen Johnson
Journey Nealy
Kellci Ross
Riley Thompson
Haiden Black
Zalien Paul
Austin Cherry
Zoey Fulton

B Honor Roll:
Ethan Lester
Dani Paolini
Ella Chism
Saydee Flack
Maria Johns
Alayna Kay
William Steadman
Lani Todd
Emma Anderson
Tucker Ivy
Daygen Johnson
Kara Slaughter
Micah White
Billy Robicheaux
Kaylinn Cadrette
Maggie Johnson
Leland Kay
Bronson McLendon
Cruz Bandaries
Christian Burke
Gage Hicks
Preslee Jones
Kathryn Lester
Loden Riddle
Kayden Scott
Ericlynn Tatum
Warrick Ybarra
Brookelyn Garner
Carlee Martin
Posey Riddle
Case Sampey
Brennan Alexander
Silas Collinsworth
Trevor DelRio
Shannon Floyd
Senia Ford
Connor Johnson
Gavin Spears
Jayden Gross
Kelsey Cameron
Brooklyn Guin

The Goldonna Wildcats are gearing up for the baseball season and release the following schedule (and all games are $5 at the gate):
Feb 18 Provencal @ Goldonna 5:00pm
Feb 25 Goldonna @ NSU Lab (PARC Natchitoches-Double Header) 5:00pm
Mar 4 NJH @ Goldonna 5:00pm
Mar 11 Goldonna @ Marthaville 5:00pm

The girl’s softball schedule is as follows (all games are $5 at the gate):
Feb 8 Goldonna @ Magnet (PARC Natchitoches) 5:00pm
Feb 16 Goldonna @ Provencal (PARC Natchitoches) 5:00pm
Feb 22 NSU Lab @ Goldonna 5:00pm
Mar 1 Goldonna @ NJH (PARC Natchitoches) 5:00pm
Mar 8 Marthaville @ Goldonna 5:00pm

The Wildcats are very excited about the upcoming updates to the school that will be happening within the next few months:
Phase 1 of replacing the old fence with a new fence and gates.
Completion of the air conditioner project prior to replacing the roof. Completion of the new sign with LED signs on the opposite side of the sign. 30’ flagpole to be installed on campus with a 5’x8′ American flag.

“I believe that the community will be very pleased with the upgrades to the campus and I know the students will also love it,” shared Cori Beth Manual, Goldonna Principal.

If you have Goldonna news to share please email Reba Phelps jerboa.phelps@gmail.com

It has been said that there is nothing new under the sun.  What has been will be again and what has been done will be done again.  Essentially, history repeats itself.  That said, we can turn to history as a guide as we navigate our way through today’s goings on.  As a country, we have encountered many trying times that have tested our mettle.  What did we do on each such occasion?  How did we respond?

On August 24, 1814, following a victory in Bladensburg, Maryland, British troops led by Major General Robert Ross marched to Washington, D.C. and, ultimately, set fire to multiple government and military buildings, including the White House (then called the Presidential Mansion), the Capitol building, as well as other facilities of the U.S. government.  In this, the darkest hour of the new Republic, the gods had pity on D.C.  As a consequence of a heavy thunderstorm, quite possibly a hurricane, the fires were extinguished and the British occupation of D.C. only lasted 26 hours. 

Nevertheless, President Madison, as well as numerous military and other governmental officials were forced to flee for their safety.  Overall, the burning of Washington did not achieve its desired effects.  Rather than demoralizing Americans, it united them.  It gave them a cause behind which they could rally and ultimately defeat the British…again.  Not only was Washington rebuilt, but the strength and prestige of America was on display for the entire world to see.  The young country showed itself to be a force that must be reckoned with.

On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base located at Pearl Harbor.  The attack went on for more than 2 hours.  All told, 21 U.S. ships were either sunk or damaged, 188 U.S. aircraft were destroyed, and 2,403 people were killed. 

The next day, President Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Congress and uttered the words that are forever etched in history.  Many will recall that Roosevelt called the day one that will “live in infamy”.  Within an hour of Roosevelt’s speech, Congress declared war on Japan and Roosevelt signed the declaration. 

Prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor, public opinion had been divided on whether the U.S. should enter the war.  However, a poll taken between December 12-17, showed that public sentiment had coalesced such that 97% of Americans supported a declaration of war against Japan.  As noted by historian Samuel Eliot Morison, the attack signaled the defeat of Imperial Japan because it had awakened the “sleeping giant”.  For his part, once Sir Winston Churchill learned of the U.S. declaration of war, he stated, “We have won the war.”  He understood all too well what American involvement meant to the war’s outcome.

On the night of October 4, 1957, an NBC network announcer said, “Listen now for the sound that forevermore separates the old from the new.”  What followed was the sound that the Associated Press called the “deep beep-beep”, and it was emanating from Sputnik, the beach ball-sized satellite launched by the Soviets.  As the 184-pound silver ball orbited around Earth, it essentially set the space race in motion.  The first shot had been fired by the Soviets.  How would the Americans respond?  History shows that we not only accepted the challenge, but we lived up to it, ultimately landing a man on the moon. 

I was a young lawyer preparing for my first series of critical depositions on the morning of September 11, 2001, when my assistant entered my office to tell me that a plane had crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York.  I initially assumed that an amateur pilot had lost his way.  Unfazed by the report, I continued to prepare for my depositions.  When she returned a few minutes later to advise that a second plane had crashed into the south tower, my thoughts immediately turned to my baby brother, who had just enlisted. 

An attack on our soil had not occurred since Pearl Harbor. Thus, the emotions that come with such an occurrence were unfamiliar to us all.  Yet, out of it all, something amazing occurred.  For a brief window of time, we were all Americans, irrespective of race, religion, sexual preference, economic background, or other demographic.  We were simply American.  We all seemed to be on the same team.  Given today’s hyper-charged environment, that sentiment is certainly one from which we could benefit. 

So, when I say, “never forget”, I would like us to recall that moment in time when our love for the country was equal to our love for one another.

This all brings me to the question posed above.  What comes next?  What will we do as a country after the insurrection that took place at our nation’s Capitol?  When historians look back at this time, what will they say about us?  How will they say we responded to this dark hour?  

One of my favorite books is titled, ‘Reassessing the Presidency’.  I picked it up at the Thrifty Peanut, a local second-hand store.  The book chronicles each Presidential administration through George W. Bush’s terms and details the ways in which each Presidential administration has endeavored to expand the scope of Presidential power, often to the detriment of our basic liberties and freedoms.  I encourage a read of this book.

I make reference to the book because the second impeachment trial of former President Trump has just begun in the Senate.  This affects us all…Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Democrat, Republican, voters, non-voters, etc.  Many will say that the President should be impeached based on the facts.  Many will say the President did nothing wrong.  Others will say that what the President did was wrong, but he shouldn’t be impeached for it.  We’ll watch Democrats attempt to make a case to the American public, and we’ll watch Republicans attempt to protect the President.  Battle lines have been drawn, not for truth’s sake, but for power. 

Here we are again.  What happens if we allow responsible parties to escape accountability?  What happens when we make a conscious, deliberate decision to allow punishable behavior to go unpunished?  Those of us who have the blessing of raising children know full well how that works out.  Children are constantly testing the limits of boundaries.  As it turns out, so are adults.  Do we have it in us as a country to simply do the right thing?  History wants to know what comes next.

Curtis R. Joseph, Jr.

The views and opinions expressed in the My Opinion article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Winn Parish Journal. Any content provided by the authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

A New Iberia girl who was taken Sunday afternoon has been found, Louisiana State Police said. 

The 10-year old was located Monday morning in St. Martin Parish and is being evaluated by medical personnel, state police spokesperson Trooper First Class Thomas Gossen said in a release. 

Witnesses saw the car the child was suspected to be in and called authorities, the New Iberia Police Department said in a Facebook post. 

Michael Sereal, of New Iberia, was arrested by St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s deputies. The 33-year-old is being transferred to the New Iberia Police Department where he’ll be charged with aggravated kidnapping, the department said in a Facebook post. 

One of the callers who alerted police to the vehicle made efforts to ensure the car couldn’t leave the area, the St. Martin Parish Police Office said.  

The investigation is ongoing. 

Investigators said the juvenile girl got into a sedan near Fulton Street in New Iberia. She was believed to be in imminent danger. 

Initially a Level II Endangered/Missing Child Advisory, the alert was upgraded to an Amber alert Sunday night. A notification went out on some cell phones at about 1:30 a.m. Monday. 

WHAT IS LOUISIANA AMBER ALERT?
In January 1996, nine-year-old Amber Hagerman was abducted from her Dallas, Texas area neighborhood while she was riding her bicycle. A neighbor witnessed the abduction and reported the incident, in detail, to the police. Unfortunately, Amber’s body was found four days later in a ditch only four miles from her home. Following this tragedy, a concerned citizen had an idea. This idea later developed into the AMBER Alert plan.

Purpose of the Louisiana AMBER Alert plan:
It is a statewide, cohesive effort between law enforcement and broadcasters, whose goal is to safely locate an abducted child within the critical two-to-three hour time period following an abduction. It is an investigative tool and not designed to be relied upon as the sole means of recovery.

While this is a national effort, there is not one, unified plan among states. Some states have statewide plans, while other states may have AMBER Alert plans on a regional or metropolitan level and each plan operates independently of one another. In fact, there are over 100 plans in the country and many are not interoperable. The Louisiana AMBER Alert plan is a statewide plan which can act in conjunction with other plans if so requested. The Louisiana AMBER Alert plan became operational in October 2002.

By Royal Alexander/Opinion

The fact that this issue has even become a contested matter is a testament to how unhinged, morally and ethically, our nation has become.

The Biden Administration has just made a striking departure from the previous Trump Administration’s position on Title IX, a federal education law that prevents discrimination based on sex.  Title IX states in pertinent part that “no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance …”

However, President Biden has just issued an Executive Order entitled Preventing and Combating Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.   The order reflects a significant shift in how the Biden administration will interpret and enforce the rights of transgender and other students.

Simply stated, the Executive Order asserts in pertinent part that “[a]ll persons should receive equal treatment under the law without regard to their gender identity or sexual orientation”, including that “[c]hildren should be able to learn without worrying about whether they will be denied access to the restroom, locker room, or school sports.”  This language may sound benign but it is not.

Conversely, the Trump Administration’s stance regarding schools, students and the issue of sexual orientation and gender identity specifically reaffirmed the position that public school districts may exclude students from athletic teams based on “gender identity” and could require students to use bathrooms based on biological sex, rather than gender identity.

The real tragedy of this policy shift is that all of the progress allowed and encouraged by Title IX for girls is now threatened by the transgender agenda, which seeks to allow biological males to compete in girls and women’s sports.  

What this effectively means is that biological men who “say” or “identify” their gender identity is/as “female” will be allowed to compete in high school and college sports against biological women.  This is insane.  It will destroy girl sports.  Allowing biological males to compete in all-female sports is completely unfair to female athletes.  The Equal Protection Clause allows a state or school district to recognize the physical differences between the biological sexes in sports and they should.  

Transgender people argue that boys who identify as girls actually are girls. No, they’re not.  And they are definitely not biologically—males clearly have physical advantages over females—and in physical sports, gender and biology really do matter.  In fact, physical strength and skill are determinative which is why in athletic sports biological boys win over biological girls virtually all of the time.  It’s the reason why a Dallas, Texas under-15 boys squad convincingly beat, 5-2, the world champion U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team in a scrimmage.

Let’s also remember that sports and athletics play an integral role in the development of young leaders and girls will be robbed of this opportunity for growth and development if forced to compete with biological males.  Another very important consideration here is that biological females will very likely lose athletic scholarships when they have to compete for them against biological males.  For many biological females, a scholarship is the only opportunity they will have to go to college.

Title IX has made possible enormous growth in women’s sports but it is now being grossly distorted to undermine that progress.  Let’s please stop with this gender delusion and confusion.  It is hurting biological females and preventing them from reaching their fullest potential.

The views and opinions expressed in the My Opinion article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Winn Parish Journal. Any content provided by the authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

Looking for 3 ethical, personable, highly-responsible and highly-accountable experienced healthcare supervisors to run OMC clinics in Natchitoches (largest), Leesville, and DeSoto (RHC) under established policies and procedures. Outstanding, energetic, and experienced candidates are encouraged to apply.   Must have a record of successful business management experience.  Salary based on degree of job-related experience and qualifications.  For information or to apply, email info@outpatientmedical.org or call 318-357-2071. EOE.

Love affairs in Hollywood are nothing new.  DeForest’s third wife claimed that DeForest was having affairs outside of their marriage.  Their alcohol-fueled arguments were so well known that newspapers reported on them regularly.  Their expletive-filled arguments usually ended with DeForest’s third wife throwing whatever was within reach at DeForest, at which time he made a hasty exit.  They would usually reconcile for a short period of time before another battle ensued.  Whether or not DeForest was having affairs outside of the marriage cannot be proven, but it is likely.  On May 10, 1945, DeForest’s third wife filed for divorce, which was finalized the same day.  On May 21, 1945, just eleven days after his divorce from his third wife, DeForest married Lauren, wife number four, who was twenty-four years his junior.

Whereas DeForest and his third wife fought so openly as to get the attention of newspaper reporters, DeForest and Lauren’s relationship seemed to flourish.  The press could no longer rely on DeForest’s marriage woes for newspaper fodder.  Eventually, just as with DeForest’s previous wife, Lauren became jealous.

DeForest was on his fourth marriage, his marriage to Lauren, when he first met Santana.  To use an old cliché, it was love at first sight.  To DeForest, Santana was beyond comparison.  Even in his wife’s presence, DeForest was unable to take his eyes off of her.  DeForest had an eye for detail and he noticed each and every one of Santana’s impressive features, and there were many.  He could enjoy her company all he wanted, but he could not have her.  She belonged to Dick Powell, the actor mostly remembered for his portrayals as a private detective in motion pictures such as “Murder, My Sweet”, “Cornered”, and “The Bad and the Beautiful”. 

Within a few months, Dick Powell ended his relationship with Santana.  Immediately thereafter, DeForest and Santana began their relationship.  Rather than keeping their relationship a secret, DeForest spoke openly about the relationship.  DeForest was so infatuated with Santana that he named his production company Santana Productions.  Lauren was jealous, and rightfully so.  “If ever I had a woman to be jealous of,” Lauren wrote in her 1979 autobiography, By Myself, “it was Santana.”  Lauren said Santana enslaved her husband.  “[He] was in love.” 

DeForest’s favorite hobby was sailing in the Pacific Ocean.  For someone who was constantly in the public eye, being out on the ocean provided him rest, relaxation, and privacy.  For the last ten years of his life, DeForest spent the majority of his free time sailing with Santana.  Rather than lose her husband to Santana’s charms completely, Lauren regularly joined DeForest and Santana on their forays.  Sailing made Lauren seasick, but she usually soldiered through it.  She learned to sail and to repair sails.  Lauren liked Santana, but the jealousy remained.  DeForest, Lauren, and Santana remained together for the rest of DeForest’s life. 

In 1956, eleven years into his marriage with Lauren, DeForest developed esophageal cancer.  For most of his adult life, he was a heavy drinker and heavy smoker.  He often appeared on screen smoking a cigarette.  On January 14, 1957, DeForest lost his battle with cancer.  He was just fifty-seven years old.  Images of DeForest smoking a cigarette have become so iconic in the decades since his death that it is almost impossible to imagine DeForest without one.  A smoker’s expression, one which has been in common usage for decades, was named after DeForest’s smoking; “Stop Bogarting that cigarette!”  DeForest was the middle name of Humphrey Bogart.  DeForest’s fourth wife, Lauren, was actress Lauren Bacall, who met DeForest in 1944 on the set of “To Have and Have Not”.  Santana, whose relationship spawned jealous tension between DeForest and Lauren, was a 55-foot yacht.

Sources:

1. The Kansas City Star, October 14, 1945, p.55.
2. The Los Angeles Times, December 31, 1945, p.13.
3. The Tipton Daily Tribune (Tipton, Indiana), February 18, 1946, p.2.
4. BoatInternational.com. “5 Restored Yachts Once Owned by Hollywood Stars.” Accessed November 19, 2020. https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/editorial-features/hollywood-at-sea-elizabeth-taylor-richard-burton-grace-kelly-humphrey-bogart–24503.