In a record-setting performance, 57 Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) students earned medals at the Louisiana SkillsUSA Competition, with 21 Gold, 20 Silver and 16 Bronze medals. The 21 Gold Medal winners will
advance to compete in the SkillsUSA National Championships in June. The National Championship is scheduled to take place in Atlanta, GA.

SkillsUSA is a national organization where students, instructors and business and industry partners work together to produce a “highly skilled” American workforce.

“SkillsUSA is an incredible program, and we have seen increased participation from our students every year,” said Chancellor James Sawtelle. “We have grown from a handful of students competing in seven categories in 2019 to 129 students competing in 25 categories this year. To have our students earn 57 medals with 21 advancing to the National SkillsUSA competition is truly remarkable. I’m extremely proud of our students for putting forth the extra effort to further develop their skills and compete to be the best. These results show the positive rewards that can come from hard work and dedication to improving your education and job skills.”

“Regional competition was held in February and March at various CLTCC campuses,” explained CLTCC Director of Student Affairs Meredith Rennier. “Regional winners traditionally compete in the state championships. However, due to COVID-19 health protocols, many of this year’s competitions were held virtually rather than in-person.”

“I am incredibly proud of our CLTCC SkillsUSA students,” said Stephanie Gaspard, student advisor. “With all the adversity they have faced this academic year because of the adjustments we have had to make due to COVID-19, they never lost their focus or dedication and they managed to rise above it all while striving to be the best of the best. It is amazing to see.”

Competition results are as follows:
Architectural Drafting
Gold – Jasmine Washington, Alexandria Campus

Cosmetology
Gold – Tammy Tousaint, Natchitoches Campus
Silver – Emilee Smith, Natchitoches Campus
Bronze – Ariana Jackson, Natchitoches Campus

Customer Service
Gold – Abigail Parham, Alexandria Campus
Silver – Aerionna Lee, Alexandria Campus
Bronze – Heather Wesse, Alexandria Campus

Electrical Construction Wiring
Gold – Kory Lear, Alexandria Campus
Silver – John Bercier, Sabine Campus

Extemporaneous Speaking
Gold – Kaye Cummings, Alexandria Campus
Silver – Valencia Standfield, Alexandria Campus
Bronze – Heather Wesse, Alexandria Campus

Health Knowledge Bowl
Gold – Ashley Cole, Tyrone Augustine, Uroob Atta, Natasha McNett, Alexandria Campus
Silver – Sabrina Hebert, Daniella Lowry, Kaye Cummings, Brianna Clark, Alexandria Campus
Bronze – Kourtnee Parker, Payton Daigrepont, Callie Stroud, Valencia Standfield, Alexandria Campus

HVACR
Silver – Roger Hemion, Alexandria Campus

Job Interview
Gold – Abigail Parham, Alexandria Campus
Silver – Daniella Lowry, Alexandria Campus
Bronze – Aerionna Lee, Alexandria Campus

Medical Math
Gold – Natasha McNett, Alexandria Campus
Silver – Kasey Patton, Huey P. Long Campus
Bronze – Antonio Robinson, Alexandria Campus

Medical Terminology
Gold – Cammie Hoover, Ferriday Campus
Silver – Uroob Atta, Alexandria Campus
Bronze – Kasey Patton, Huey P. Long Campus

Nursing Assistant
Gold – Sabrina Hebert – Alexandria Campus
Silver – Tyra Liggins, Alexandria Campus
Bronze – Karlye Parnell, Alexandria Campus

Practical Nursing
Gold – Callie Stroud, Alexandria Campus
Silver – Ashley Cole, Alexandria Campus
Bronze – Payton Daigrepont, Alexandria Campus

Technical Computer Applications
Gold – Evan Jackson, Alexandria Campus

Technical Drafting
Gold – Martha Butts, Alexandria Campus
Silver – Tanner Dauzat, Alexandria Campus

Welding
Gold – Kurt Martin, Ward H. Nash – Avoyelles Campus
Silver – Shedrick James, Alexandria Campus
Bronze – Brady Rome, Lamar Salter Campus

Welding Fabrication
Gold – Jeremy Hunt, Arius Thomas, Nathaniel Ashton, Lamar Salter Campus
Silver – Anthony Oby, Cameron Reviere, Cameron Nicholas, Ward H. Nash – Avoyelles Campus
Bronze – Johnathan Fountain, Terry McGrough Jr, Norman Sepulvado, Sabine Valley Campus

Welding Sculpting
Gold – Shelby Creel, Huey P. Long Campus
Silver – Karlton Davis, Ferriday Campus

Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) is a two-year technical and community college offering associate degrees, technical diplomas, industry certificates, and customized training in more than 20 disciplines to support local workforce development and prepare students for good-paying jobs. CLTCC serves 10 parishes in Central Louisiana through its eight campuses and provides instruction in three state prisons and two federal correctional institutions. For more information, visit http://www.cltcc.edu.

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The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) approved notices of intent for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 hunting seasons, 2021-22 general and Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) hunting seasons and rules and regulations, 2022 general and WMA turkey hunting season and rules and regulations, and 2021-22 migratory bird hunting season and rules and regulations at its May meeting, Thursday (May 6) in Baton Rouge.

In doing so, the commission also approved an amendment added during the NOI process pertaining to the use of natural deer urine in Louisiana.

The full amendment as adopted reads as follows; It is unlawful to import, sell, use or possess scents or lures that contain natural deer urine or other bodily fluids, except natural deer urine products by manufacturers or entities that are actively enrolled and participating in either the Responsible Hunting Scent Association (RHSA) or Archery Trade Association Deer Protection Program, and which has been tested using real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC) and certified that no detectable levels of chronic wasting disease are present and is clearly labeled as such.

To view the full notice of intent and all proposed hunting season dates and regulations changes for the upcoming hunting seasons, go to  https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/commission-action-items.

For more information, contact Tommy Tuma by email at ttuma@wlf.la.gov.

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WINN:
None to report

NATCHITOCHES:
Anthony Joseph Movan
June 04, 1989 – May 01, 2021
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.

Phillip Lloyd Gillis
March 13, 1968 – April 29, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 1-5 pm at the home of Ryan and Bekah French Home, located at 1615 Williams Ave. in Natchitoches

Patricia Gail Hutto O’Daniel
November 14, 1955 – May 02, 2021
Service: Friday, May 7 at 10 am at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Ruben Sawyer
September 13, 1959 – May 04, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Burt Clark
October 05, 1970 – April 26, 2021
Life Celebration Service will go forth at the Sardis Baptist Church, Birmingham, AL Saturday, May 11 at 11 am. On Monday, May 10 the casketed remains will lie in state at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, from 10-11 am. Interment will follow in Lawrence Serenity Sanctum.

Jessie Floyd
April 25, 2021
Graveside services governed by COVID19 regulations will take place Saturday, May 8, 2021, 11:00 a. m. in the Campti Community Cemetery. The family will gather at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches at 9:30 to form a procession to the burial site. All Attendees must wear masks.

Mary Lou Safford Begnaud
May 16, 1931 – April 29, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 8 at 1 pm at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Natchitoches

Chuck Raymond Foshee, Sr.
February 17, 1943 – April 28, 2021
Arrangements TBA

Harry Graham
April 24, 2021
Arrangements TBA

SABINE:
Deacon Mike Sullivan
January 26, 1962 – May 5, 2021
Private family services will be held for Deacon Mike Sullivan, 59, of Many, LA. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.

Jerry Thomas Procell of Shreveport, Louisiana
November 27, 1966 – May 1, 2021
Service: Saturday, May 8 at 10 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church

Bertie Maxine Spears Byrd
January 20, 1933 – May 1, 2021
Service: Saturday May 8 at 2 pm at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church

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The 2021 Calvin Baseball team finished the regular season as District 4-C Co-Champs and a record of 13-3. Calvin received a bye in the first round of the playoffs due to their final state ranking of #4.

In the regional round on Monday, May 3rd, #4 Calvin defeated #13 Kilbourne by a score of 23-4 to advance to the quarterfinals against #5 Downsville.

The Cougars tore up the base paths, as five players stole at least two bases. Huckaby led the way with 8. The Cougars were led in hitting by shortstop Wayne Curtis Huckaby who went 4-5 and scored four runs on the day. 3^rd baseman Joseph Adams and 2^nd baseman John Landon Poisso each went 4-4 and scored 4 runs each. Catcher Dylan Kyle was 3-5 and scored 3 runs, while senior pitcher Anthony Adams was 2-2 and scored twice. 

Defensively the Cougars were solid with an amazing play by Joseph Adams flipping the ball at third after a diving catch to Wayne Curtis Huckaby for the out.

Adams led things off on the pitcher’s mound for the Cougars. The fireballer allowed zero hits and four runs over two innings, striking out three.

 The Cougars will play at home Thursday, May 6^th at 4 against the Downsville Demons for the chance to advance to the State Tournament in Sulphur next week.

This year’s Calvin Cougar Baseball team consist of:

Anthony Adams	#12	Senior
Daniel Conzonere	#30	Senior
Luke James	#17	Senior
Trentin Musgrove	#50	Senior
Joseph Adams	#8	Junior
Sidney Anderson	#9	Junior
Wayne Curtis Huckaby	#5	Junior
Dylan Kyle	#20	Junior
Logan Chandler	#2	Sophomore
John Bradley Griffin	#44	Sophomore
Gavin Musgrove	#15	Sophomore
John Landon Poisso	#23	Sophomore
Gunnar Yocum	#25	Sophomore
Alex Camp	#33	Freshman

Stats: Grace Caskey and Emma Claire Canerday
Scoreboard: Halle Roton
Coaches: David Huckaby and Rhett Jones

*Some details collected from Narrative Science and GameChanger Media.

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The Winnfield FFA had several teams compete in the State FFA Career Development Events. The competitions were held virtually due to COVID-19 the first two weeks of March with an online awards ceremony March 19th.

The Poultry Evaluation CDE is a competitive event that tests students’ abilities to select top quality poultry and poultry products needed for successful production and marketing.  Event participants must evaluate classes of live birds for eggs and meat production, give oral reasons, evaluate quality of eggs and evaluate and identify parts and products.  The team members include Joseph Carrithers, Olivia Busha, Eli Little, and Alyssa Johnson (all Freshmen). These students finished 4th in Area II and in the top 25% at the state level.

The Milk Quality and Products CDE is a competitive event that tests students’ knowledge about the quality production, processing, distribution, promotion and marketing of milk and dairy products. Event participants must be able to identify cheeses, evaluate the properties of milk products, and answer questions about milk production and the marketing of dairy products. Blue (senior) team members include: Macy McFarland, Chloe Whisonant, Jacob Jones, and Olivia Baxley. This team achieved 2nd place in Area II and 6th in State. Gold (junior) team members include: Daisy Guerrero, Gracelyn Chevallier, Maggie Bruce, and Jaci Mixon. This team earned 4th place in Area II.

The Electricity CDE is a competitive event that tests students’ abilities to demonstrate wiring skills, analyze, interpret, and wire electrical scenarios. Event participants are given a written test covering electrical theory and National Electrical Code, and are given a wiring scenario that they assess and produce a schematic, diagram, and wire the scenario. Blue team consisting of Parker Carlino earned 2nd place in Area II and the gold team consisting of Annie Heard earned 3rd place in the area.

The Nursery/Landscape CDE is a competitive event that tests students skills in horticultural principles, from landscape design to nursery propagation. Event participants are given a written test covering parts of the nursery and landscape industries including basic plant science. In addition to this, students identify shrubs, trees, annuals, and landscaping equipment. Blue team consisting of Peyton Little, Anna Little, Brina Broomfield, and Anna Little earned 1st place in Area II and 4th place in state. Gold team consisting of Mackenzie Green, Alyssa VanBlaricum, Olivia Files, and Ashanna Wyatt earned 3rd place in Area II.

The Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE is a competitive event that develops students’ skills needed for careers in the meat animal industry. Event participants judge carcasses, cuts of meat, identify retail cuts of meat, and take a test covering meat science, food safety, and USDA regulations. Blue team consisting of David Simmons, Connor Johnston, Addison Jacobsen, and Emilee Mixon earned 1st place in Area II and 4th place in state. Gold team consisting of Kadence Blundell earned 4th place in Area II.

FFA is a national organization containing over 700,000 members practicing leadership and preparing for careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. In the Winnfield FFA Chapter alone, we have 150 members. The FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools.  The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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Rotary Club of Winnfield is hosting a 5K Run/Walk on May 15, 2021, in downtown Winnfield at the Winn Parish Courthouse.

Registration will begin at 8:00 AM and the starter gun will sound off at 9:00 AM. 

Early registration is $25.00 per person if you register On or before May 8, 2021. Registration at the event is $30.00 per person. An event t-shirt will be included with the entry fee for those who register early.

Contact Jodi Taylor at 832-573-5085 or jodidawnt@gmail.com to find out about team discounts.

Download Registration Forms below. Completed registration forms may be emailed to Jodi Taylor at jodidawnt@gmail.com or Samantha Kelly at samantha@keithgateslaw.com

You may also drop off your registration form and money at the Gates Law Firm / Winnfield City Court, 200 N. Church Street, Winnfield, Louisiana.

Pick-up Registration forms at one of the following locations:

Gates Law Firm

Envy Salon

Geaux318

Dugdemona Outdoors

Mayor’s office

T&L Vinyl

Lynda’s Country Kitchen

CASA

Sunshine Cleaners

The Rotary Club of Winnfield has served Winn Parish since it was chartered in 1927.  The Rotary motto “Service Above Self” embodies what our club members strive to be, a thoughtful and helpful person in all one’s endeavors. We, as Rotarians, undertake activities to improve the quality of life in our community. Our service projects frequently involve assistance to youth, the aged, handicapped and others who look to Rotary as a source of hope for a better life. Just a few of the services we provide and projects we are involved in are:

• Annual college Scholarships $6,000 (award four $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors)
• School Uniform Program (provide school uniforms to +/- 70 income challenged students)
• Annual Rotary Dictionary Project (give a free dictionary to every 3rd-grade student in Winn Parish)
• Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp sponsorships for 3 High School Students
• Annual Hot Dog cookout for youth baseball
• Support efforts to boost local adult literacy program (support and tutor local adult literacy)
• Support local Dyslexia education programs
• Members volunteer at Winn Food Pantry

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Name: Landon S. Harden
Date: 4-27-2021
Address: Deridder, LA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Charge: Driving While Intoxicated-3^rd Offense (W/Test), Poss/Alcohol In Motor Vehicle, Driving While Intoxicated- 3^rd Offense (W/Test), Ignition Interlock Device Offenses

Name: Jason Melendez Nunez
Date: 4-28-2021
Address: Winn Correctional Center
Race: Hispanic
Gender: Male
Age: Unknown
Charge: Battery of a Police Officer

Name: Elvin Rodriquez Bareqas
Date: 4-28-2021
Address: Winn Correctional Center
Race: Hispanic
Gender: Male
Age: Unknown
Charge: Battery of a Police Officer

Name: Moises Delad-Solis
Date: 4-28-2021
Address: Winn Correctional Center
Race: Hispanic
Gender: Male
Age: Unknown
Charge: Battery of a Police Officer

Name: Damian Lamon Simmons
Date: 4-28-2021
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: Black 
Gender: Male
Age: 19
Charge: Careless Operation W/O Accident- 1^st Offense

Name: Justen Odale Carpenter
Date: 4-29-2021
Address: Dodson, LA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 37
Charge: Illegal Carry Firearm w/CDS, Possession of CDS II, Possession of Paraphernalia

Name: Gerisha Ann Williams
Date: 4-29-2021
Address: Natchitoches, LA
Race: Black
Gender: Female
Age: 39
Charge: Theft over $5,000

Name: Amanda Danielle Jacobs
Date: 5-2-2021
Address: Sikes, LA
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Charge: Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Simple Criminal Damage to Property

Name: Eric Ray Kirtley
Date: 5-2-2021
Address: Sikes, LA
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: 37
Charge: Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Schedule II Drugs, Failure to Report Accident, Hit and Run, Failure/Owner Secure Registration, Violation of Protective Orders

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Since 2010, Tractor Supply has partnered with 4‑H to help create Opportunity4All and raise more than $14 million through the Paper Clover campaign. The success of these campaigns has impacted over 81,500 youth by providing them with the tools and resources they need to move forward and reach their full potential.

100 percent of funds raised through the bi-annual Paper Clover campaign directly benefits 4‑H youth. 90 percent of donations directly support 4‑H youth in the state where the funds were raised, and the remaining 10 percent supports the overall mission and growth of 4‑H nationally.

Winn Parish 4-H members will be in our local Tractor Supply each afternoon and on Saturday. Please come out, purchase a Clover and support Winn Parish 4-H!

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Laurel Heights Baptist Church will host a bake sale Saturday, May 8th from 10 AM – 1PM. The sale will take place on the church grounds located at 1001 San Pedro Street, Winnfield, LA.

Proceeds from the bake sale will go to repairs to the church gym that has been damaged by storms and aging. 

Please come out and purchase a delicious baked good and keep this long living Winn Parish church alive.

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Practical Nursing Class 33 of the Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Huey P. Long Campus will be honored with a pinning ceremony at the CLTCC Huey P. Long Campus at 2:00 PM on May 14^th, 2021. 

Pictured above, Class 33 Practical Nursing Students from the left beginning in the back row: Kailey Porter and Ashton Brinkley.

Middle Row:  Konni Shell, Brock Domangue, and Kasey Patton.

Front Row:  Melissa Mixon, Casey Hall, Victoria Wise, and Alexis Fredieu.

The following students are members of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc. (NALPN) and have maintained 3.0 or greater GPA throughout the program:  Ashton Brinkley, Kasey Patton, and Kailey Porter.

Due to Covid restrictions, all guests will be required to wear a mask.

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More than 166,000 Educators Statewide Will Have Access to Free Mental Health Virtual Visits

Department of Education (LDOE) is partnering with Ochsner Health to launch a virtual therapy program to provide access to free mental health virtual visits. More than 166,000 public school educators and support staff statewide will have access to free mental health virtual visits through Ochsner Anywhere Care – an established telehealth platform in which patients can connect with a licensed mental/behavioral health provider via a secure video visit from their smartphone, tablet or personal computer.

“Louisiana educators have done hero’s work through a pandemic and one of the most active hurricane seasons on record for our state,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “They have been there for our children and families during this stressful year, and this partnership with Ochsner is one way we can be there for them.”

Educating children and serving families during this unprecedented school year, while simultaneously balancing personal and family needs have taken a toll on Louisiana educators, administrators and school support staff. Nearly 40 percent of early childhood educators in Louisiana responded to a survey reporting clinically relevant signs of depression (Hechinger Report, Aug 2020). The three-year, million-dollar initiative is funded by the LDOE through allocations from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) to be responsive to the mental and behavioral health needs educators may be facing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is critically important that the state provide mental and emotional support for our teachers and support staffs who unselfishly give so much of themselves to ensure that education continues for our students during this unprecedented pandemic,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “The Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) is being used to fund the partnership between the Louisiana Department of Education and Ochsner, and I’m grateful that we are able to support our education workforce.”

The virtual therapy program for Louisiana educators will cover four virtual therapy visits for Louisiana public school teachers and support staff at all K-12 school systems and early child care centers that serve children from birth to age four. This includes all traditional public and public charter schools. Additional visits beyond the initial four covered by the program will be available at a discounted rate.

“We recognize that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to educators – both frontline teachers and administrative staff,” said April Radford, VP Telemedicine, Ochsner Health. “Teaming up with the Louisiana Department of Education to leverage our established Ochsner Anywhere Care platform helps connect educators with the mental health support they need. We are proud to support educators and this program is just one more way Ochsner is working toward a healthier state by reducing barriers to healthcare by making services affordable, convenient and accessible to all.”

Virtual therapy visits are a convenient option for a variety of appointments, including addressing pandemic-related stress or other behavioral health issues such as grief and loss counseling, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders and insomnia. Through the platform, individuals can browse provider profiles and select a clinician that best serves their needs, including searching by language. Convenient appointments are available Monday – Saturdays for participating teachers, and staff. Recurring appointments can be made with the same provider.

An Ochsner Anywhere Care virtual therapy session is similar to an office visit, but from the convenience of home via a secure video appointment with a licensed provider on a computer, smartphone or tablet. During the appointment, patients will be asked about current symptoms, medical history and goals for therapy. Using this information, the provider will assess the situation and recommend a treatment plan. Ochsner Anywhere Care is designed to be a private, secure, HIPAA-compliant tool that enables patients to consult with a provider online safely and confidentially. 

Educators who qualify for the program should connect with their local school system for more information, including how to sign up. The program grew out of an initiative of the LDOE’s Office of Equity, Inclusion and Opportunities, led by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kelli Peterson. Providing confidential evidence-based mental support to educators and school support staff aligns with the Department’s belief that educators are valued professionals and that equity matters. This partnership ensures equitable access to such supports for educators. For more information about the Louisiana Department of Education visit www.louisianabelieves.com. To learn more about Ochsner Health, please visit www.ochsner.org.

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Goldonna Elementary School will have optional appointments available for assisting with the completion of Pre-K registration packets. The dates available are May 5, 12 and 19. All appointments will take place at the School Board Office located at 310 Royal Street in the Title 1 Media Center. You must register for your appointment at www.teachingtomorrownow.com or call the office at 318-352-2358 for additional information.

As luck would have it, the Pre-k class at Goldonna was also the winner of the Penny Wars fundraiser that took place in April. The school also celebrated Secretary’s Day and honored Mrs. Amy Clark for her years of handwork and dedication to the students in the school.

Goldonna Baptist Church will be feeding the community again this Wednesday, May 4 at 5:30pm. This week’s menu includes: dirty rice with ground meat, green beans, garlic bread and dessert. This is a ministry that the church has been thoroughly enjoying and from what I hear they have it down to a science! Be sure and stop by the church.

It is an important weekend so be sure and visit one of the Sunday Services in the Goldonna community as they honor Mother’s! River of Life Church services begin at 10:30. Goldonna Baptist Church services begin at 11:00. Goldonna Assembly of God services begin at 10:00.

If you have news to include please email Reba Phelps jreba.phelps@gmail.com

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By: Brad Dison

On Sunday, May 14, 1939, approximately 28,000 fans gathered at Comiskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox major league baseball team, to watch the Cleveland Indians play the White Sox.  Over 700 fans from Van Meter, Iowa, drove some 400 miles to Chicago to watch Bob Feller, their hometown boy, pitch for the Cleveland Indians.  Among the group from Van Meter was Lena, her husband William, and their daughter Marguerite.  They sat in front row seats on the first baseline.

Cleveland Indians fans, including those from Van Meter, were ecstatic because the Indians were leading 6 to 0 by the last half of the third inning.  Chicago White Sox third baseman Marv Owen stepped up to the plate.  Cleveland Indians Pitcher Bob Feller wound up and threw a powerful fast ball.  Marv swung at the last possible moment.  Crack!!!  Marv’s bat struck the fastball with tremendous force.  The foul ball flew into the front row seats on the first baseline and hit Lena just above her left eye.  The lenses of Lena’s glasses shattered and lacerated her nose and eye.  Blood poured from her eyelid and forehead.  

The game was delayed for only a few moments.  Cleveland Indians trainer Max “Lefty” Weisman rushed into the stands to render aid to the injured woman.  Lefty, along with Lena’s husband and daughter, helped her to an automobile and drove her to a nearby hospital.

Bob was visibly shaken and stood “stark still” on the pitcher’s mound.  As soon as Lena was on her way to the hospital, Bob resumed pitching.  Unable to fully concentrate on the game, Bob allowed the White Sox to score three runs before he regained his composure.  When the game was over, Cleveland Indians had beaten the Chicago White Sox 9 to 4.  The fans from Van Meter who remained at the game were thrilled they witnessed their hometown boy pitch a winning game.

At the hospital, doctors treated the cuts around Lena’s left eye.  Lena needed six stitches to close the wounds.  Doctors determined that Lena probably had a mild concussion.  Luckily, Lena’s skull was not fractured.  They expected her to make a full recovery.

As soon as the game was over, Bob sped to the hospital to check on the injured woman.  Bob hurried to Lena’s hospital room and found her sitting in the hospital bed with her head swathed in bandages.  “Everything is all right,” Lena reassured the distraught pitcher, “I just didn’t see that ball coming.”

After hearing that Lena would recover, Bob reminded her that he had promised to win the game as a Mother’s Day present, which he did.  However, Bob did not expect his mother to miss the end of the game due to a baseball injury.  You see, Lena was Bob’s mother.  The baseball game in which Bob Feller’s pitch struck his mother happened on May 14, 1939, which was Mother’s Day.  

Sources:

2.  The Lexington Herald (Lexington, Kentucky), May 15, 1939, p.5.
3.  The Coshocton Tribune (Coshocton, Ohio), May 15, 1939, p.2.

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By: Royal Alexander/Opinion

We should be very excited about the new census data because even a slight population increase opens up many options and opportunities for our beloved Louisiana.

The news this week that Louisiana will not lose a congressional seat is very positive news as a matter of political clout and for many other reasons as well.

The latest U.S. Census data reflects that Louisiana has experienced a 2.7% growth rate and has a population of approximately 4.6 million people—about 120,000 more people than in 2010.  While our 2.7% growth rate is well short of the 7.4% population increase seen in other states across the country it is still enough to hold on to all of our congressional House seats. (I spent many years in D.C. working in the Congress and can attest that both the number of U.S. House seats and the collective seniority of our elected members of Congress are very important).

Recall that, unfortunately, Louisiana lost a congressional seat in the U.S. House after the 2010 Census due to very little population growth at the time, causing our U.S. House delegation to go from seven to six members.  Recall that we also lost a House seat in the1990 Census reducing our number of congressional House seats from 8 to 7.  (I had the honor of working for the late Clyde C. Holloway, the Congressman (and later, Public Service Commissioner) who represented the old 8th Congressional District until it was dissolved).

The federal government allocates more than $675 billion per year in federal funds.  These funds are spent on schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other crucial projects.   That is why our population growth, as reflected in the number of our U.S. House seats, directly impacts how and in what proportion federal benefits (our tax dollars) are distributed (returned) to Louisiana (us).  Population totals determine what states receive federal assistance of all kinds, including grants and direct funding to states, parishes/counties, cities, and towns. These population breakdowns also include sex, age, race, and other geographic and demographic factors. 

This news is also a positive development for job growth and economic development in Louisiana because corporations and businesses make decisions using census data regarding whether and where to build factories, plants, offices, and stores.  Contractors and developers also make decisions based upon census data regarding whether and where to build new homes and revitalize old neighborhoods.  Cities and towns use the data for public safety and emergency preparedness.  Local, community initiatives including quality-of-life and consumer advocacy are also based upon the data.

Most encouraging is the powerfully hopeful meaning behind these numbers.  They clearly indicate that Louisiana is not just maintaining its current population—which we have struggled at times to do—but that we have actually grown!  It means we have another opportunity, another decade before the next census, to try to address the problems in our state that have caused many of our precious family members to leave for jobs and opportunities elsewhere.  It means we have another chance to make our state more attractive to those companies already here and those companies and corporations from elsewhere looking for a new area in which to grow.

Hope and enthusiasm are contagious, and this news should provide us with both!  We should be reenergized and redouble our efforts to continue to improve Louisiana.  We are the only thing that can stop us.

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 is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.

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