The Dugdemon High 12’s Annual Gumbo sale is Friday, December 3rd from 11 am to 1 pm at Eastern Star Masonic Lodge on Beville Street in Winnfield.
Tickets are $10 and include a bowl of gumbo, slaw and dessert.
You are welcome to eat at the lodge or dine out.
All proceeds go to fund scholarships for Winn Parish graduating students headed to college.
This week in 1969, the children’s television program Sesame Street first aired on PBS.
What started with Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch launched an assortment of misfit, humorous, glorious creatures known as Muppets, and the world has never looked at a frog or at a pig the same way since.
Take your tacky comedians and your crude comics and give me Muppets any day.
Sesame Street was the idea of public television documentary producer Joan Ganz Cooney, who wanted to create an educational series for pre-kindergarten children, something that would help teach them their ABCs and how to count. It was set in a fictional New York City neighborhood with nice adults and the creations of puppeteer Jim Henson.
Immediate smash hit. Big Bird dominated the 1970s every bit as much as bellbottoms, tie-dye, and the Cincinnati Reds.
I was never a big Sesame Street guy. I was older by then and my pre-Sesame Street allegiance was to Captain Kangaroo (more on that another time). But Henson kept creating more and more characters, and each was bound for stardom and the silver screen — funny and clever and sometimes smart and sometimes silly — so by the 1980s, I was all about any Muppet movie that showed up.
The best in one small-brained man’s opinion is “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” released a mind-boggling 29 years ago in 1992. (I’d have guessed 10 years, tops.) During this holiday season — and Thanksgiving Eve is a week from tomorrow, Nov. 24 — you might want to give it a look-see. The songs aren’t great, but I think it’s overall genius, like most everything else this bunch creates and performs.
This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol” stars Michael Caine as the miserly, Christmas-hating Ebenezer Scrooge, and he plays it straight as if he’s working with “the Royal Shakespeare Company,” he said. True to his word, he does nothing “Muppety.”
But the Muppets do.
The narrators are Gonzo the Great and, to add humor and wisecracks, the brilliant Rizzo the Rat. Love, love, love the Rizzo.
Kermit the Frog, the greatest Muppet of them all, maybe the Robert De Nero of Muppetdom, is, of course, Bob Cratchit. Miss Piggy is Mrs. Cratchit, and a tiny Kermit is Tiny Tim.
There is an understated scene early in which Bean Bunny shows up at Scrooge’s place of business on Christmas Eve, singing carols in the snow, and Scrooge sneers down and throws a wreath at him. It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s a rewind part for me, one of many tiny touches that make this must-see Muppets.
Remember Statler and Waldorf, the two cranky hecklers in the balcony in Muppet skits? They are the brothers Marley who come back to warn Scrooge and tell him he’ll be visited by three spirits. The loveable Fozzie Bear plays Scrooge’s old employer — Mr. Fezziwig in the original but Fozziwig here — who runs a rubber chicken factory.
And of course, a lot of rats like Rizzo are Cratchit’s co-workers, huddled about trying to keep warm underneath their shawls and stovepipe hats. A rat in a stovepipe hat? Now that’s comedy. (It’s the little things.)
Don’t get caught up in the gimmicks and forget the acting though. You’d think that after 50 years, Kermit the Frog would be typecast. Not hardly. Guy’s such a quality actor that I don’t see a frog when I see Kermit as Cratchit; I see Cratchit as Dickens might have imagined him — had Dickens imagined him as a frog.
Take 85 minutes, gather the loved ones, and enjoy yourself some “Muppet Christmas Carol” in the next few weeks. You’ll probably send me chocolates if you do.
God bless us, everyone.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
By: Brad Dison
Lloyd Jeffries of Memphis, Tennessee, suffered from Cerebral Palsy (CP), a group of disorders which affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. In severe cases, a sufferer of CP might require specialized lifelong care. Lloyd’s case was severe. In 1968, when Lloyd was just sixteen years old, he suddenly lost the ability to speak. He could only produce a sort of crowing sound. Doctors gave Lloyd’s mother the grim prognosis that Lloyd had a paralyzed larynx and would never speak again. Lloyd eventually lost his ability to stand on his own and required a wheelchair to get around. When it became too difficult for his family to properly care for him, Lloyd became a resident of the Shelby County Home for Incurables.
One morning in 1980, Betty Dozier, Lloyd’s nurse, came into his room and greeted him with a “good morning” as she did every morning. She waited patiently to hear his normal crowing sound. Lloyd started to crow, but then something unexpected happened. His crowing sound merged into an intelligible reply. Lloyd said “good morning.” Lloyd had been unable to speak for 18 years.
At first, the nurse thought Lloyd was using some sort of electronic device to speak, but that wasn’t the case. Lloyd and his nurse both looked at each other in stunned silence. Lloyd tried another word, and then another. After a short conversation, Lloyd said he wanted to call his mother.
Lloyd’s mother was at home making a glass of tea when her telephone rang. She answered it and heard Lloyd greet her with just three words. At first, Mrs. Jeffries thought someone was playing a cruel joke. “It’s me,” Lloyd said. “I can talk again.” Mrs. Jeffries was in shock. Tears welled up in her eyes as that three-word greeting replayed over and over in her mind. Tears turned into laughter as their conversation continued.
Lloyd was thrilled. After his lengthy conversation with his mother, Lloyd wheeled himself around the nursing home and conversed with the other residents. Everyone wanted to hear him speak and they certainly got their chance.
Several doctors examined Lloyd but were never able to explain how he regained his ability to speak. To Lloyd and his mother, it was nothing short of a miracle. Mrs. Jeffries said, “I was always a believer in God – but now I’m really a true believer.” What were those three words, the first three words Mrs. Jeffries heard Lloyd speak in nearly two decades? Mrs. Jeffries answered the phone and heard Lloyd say, “Happy Thanksgiving, Mother.”
Sources:
By: Royal Alexander
In the last few weeks comedian Dave Chappelle has been prominently in the news for a stand he has taken regarding the content of his shows, particularly the latest Netflix special that debuted on Oct. 5th. He was, as he always is, acutely anti-woke and generally offensive and insulting toward numerous groups, races, and ethnicities. Among many other topics, he regularly targets gender issues with his jokes including the LGBT movement whom he has called “the Alphabet people.” Right on cue, of course, he has now been attacked by LGBT activists and social media mobs.
What is most interesting to me is how improbable it is that a foul-mouthed comedian would be leading the charge against one of the greatest cultural dangers of our time—the bullying, suppression, and canceling of artistic expression and speech.
What we are really seeing is what many of us always thought was the case: jokes are allowed, and encouraged, if they target the “right” people or groups—or rather the people and beliefs the Left thinks are wrong. However, the moment the humor and mocking are extended to the Left’s favorite dogma or groups, broad outrage follows. In other words, freedom of speech is permitted—provided The Mob agrees with it. Their commitment to inclusion ends with those with whom they disagree— sometimes violently. These Thought Fascists believe in diversity of all things—except thought.
As the Wall Street Journal has succinctly noted: “… the recent dustup over Mr. Chappelle only further demonstrates the true power of political satire and comedy. It can shine a light on the unflattering traits of those controlling our cultural institutions. Funny is funny, even in a time of political polarization and censorship. Comedy can get people of all stripes laughing and dole out a little truth while their guard is down. This is why, from woke boardrooms to the White House and elite universities, those wielding cultural power today can’t abide humor that illuminates their moral failures, their hypocrisy and the ultimate bankruptcy of their worldviews. Jokes intended to provoke a good-natured laugh are now met with calls for censorship, boycotts and even “fact checks.”
The long and short of it is that a joke, by its nature, is made at some person or group’s expense. That is what makes it funny. The humor comes from pointing out a quirky or unusual human characteristic; a foible—and every one of us have them—being one of the things that make us human. It is our very imperfection, the error-filled, mistake-driven way we learn and improve—that is interesting and funny. And yes, jokes can sting and hurt but that truly is one of the prices we pay for living in a free society that values freedom of expression for everyone. (Remember, we can always change the channel or avert our eyes). It is one of America’s greatest promises and virtues.
Otherwise, certain groups—the Thought Police—then take it upon themselves to decide what speech or expression is “hate filled” and “offensive” and that quickly becomes a slippery slope because every single one of us has a different idea about what is offensive and unacceptable. Soon, comedy would become so bland and boring we would no longer be entertained by it.
However, let’s keep in mind that the Cancel Culture seeks far more than an end to jokes from comedians they don’t like. As America has witnessed over these past two years, the Cancel Culture seeks, through the use of intimidation, bullying and violence, to “cancel” those with whom they disagree from eating establishments, academic institutions, places of employment and in the most violent examples, to literally ‘cancel’ the lives of those with whom they disagree.
This pushback by Chappelle appears to be the beginning of other artists and entertainers also beginning to say, “enough is enough, you are killing comedy and entertainment.” Chappelle is an unlikely messenger but the message he brings is critically important to our living in a free society.
During the 2021 Legislative Session, changes were made to motorboat registration fees. Starting today, November 15, 2021, the motorboat registration fees will change to the following simplified fee structure.
|
Boat Length |
Registration Fee |
|
15 ft. 11 in. or less |
$36 |
|
16 ft. to 25 ft. 11 in. |
$57 |
|
26 ft. to 39 ft. 11 in. |
$78 |
|
40 ft. or more |
$99 |
Any motorboat registration application received by the Department postmarked before November 15, 2021, will be accepted and processed with the previous fee structure.
For motorboat registration inquiries, contact (225) 765-2898.
For a complete review of the changes to all boat registration, commercial, and recreational licenses during the 2021 legislative session, visit: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/understanding-our-license-fee-changes
The path to good health includes staying up-to-date on health screenings and diagnostic exams. Timely care and early detection can prevent serious illnesses and improve outcomes. The following are commonly recommended general health screenings for both men and women. You may also want to talk with your primary care physician about other possible screenings based on your personal or family medical history.
· Age 18 – Routine wellness exam and labs are recommended for both men and women beginning at age 18 and then performed on an annual basis. Blood sugar levels should also be screened to determine risk for pre-diabetes or diabetes.
· Age 20 – Cholesterol screenings are recommended for men and women every five years to assess the risk for cardiovascular disease. In families with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease, screenings may be recommended for children and adolescents as well.
· Age 21 – A Pap smear is recommended for women once every 3 years to test for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, the opening to the uterus. No physician referral is needed, and OB/GYN physicians provide these screenings.
· Age 40 – A mammogram, to screen for breast abnormalities including cancer, is recommended for women at age 40 and then each year or two years thereafter depending on family history. No referral or doctor’s order is needed for an annual screening mammogram.
· Age 45 – The American Diabetes Association recommends both males and females be screened for diabetes.
· Age 45 – A colonoscopy is recommended for men and women to detect any abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum, as well as for colon cancer. Physicians base their recommendations for follow-up screenings on the findings of the initial colonoscopy and family history.
· Age 50 – A prostate screening is recommended for men on an annual basis to help detect prostate cancer. This screening is performed by a urologist and includes a physical exam as well as blood work to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) present in the blood.
· Age 60 – A DEXA scan for both men and women to measure bone density is recommended. This scan can help determine if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Physicians will then recommend appropriate follow-up screenings in subsequent years.
So, take control of your health by getting age-related screenings. It is important for you to speak with your primary care physician to schedule these screenings and ensure you stay on the path to good health!
NATCHITOCHES:
Milton Helaire, Sr.
October 15,1957-November 9, 2021
Funeral Services: Saturday, November 20 at 12 pm at Agape Love Center. Visitation one hour prior to services.
Donna Lois Kelly
November 24, 1955 – November 10, 2021
Private family service at a later date.
SABINE:
Maria Bridges
September 29, 1934 – November 16, 2021
Service: Friday, November 19 at 10 am at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Robert Kay Freeman
July 27, 1947 – November 8, 2021
Service: Saturday, November 20 at 11 am at Many Cemetery
Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that three defendants convicted of armed bank robbery have been sentenced by United States District Judge Dee D. Drell.
Larcentursa Mayweather a.k.a. “Cent” a.k.a “Lacenturia,” 50, of Winnfield, Louisiana, was sentenced to 188 months (15 years, 8 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Paul Nash, Jr., 44, of Jonesboro, was sentenced to 124 months (10 years, 4 months) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Tabitha Lee Gray, a.k.a. “Tabitha White,” 45, of Jonesboro, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
Mayweather, Gray and Nash were also ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution.
Mayweather was convicted by a jury in federal court in Alexandria on May 28, 2021. Nash and Gray each pleaded guilty and agreed to testify truthfully about their involvement in the robberies. During Larcentursa Mayweather’s trial, evidence revealed that he conspired with his two co-defendants, Paul Nash, Jr., and Tabitha Lee Gray a.k.a. “Tabitha White” to rob two banks in the Western District of Louisiana in April 2019.
During the trial, evidence was produced that Mayweather helped plan the bank robberies and instructed Nash and Gray on how to carry out the robberies and what to do and he acted as the getaway driver. On April 2, 2019, Mayweather drove Nash and Gray to Campti, Louisiana and dropped them off at the City Bank. There Nash and Gray entered the bank with firearms drawn and ordered tellers to give them money. After Nash and Gray left the bank with the stolen money, they fled in a stolen vehicle to meet Mayweather at a predetermined location and discarded the stolen vehicle. In an effort to divert the attention of law enforcement officers from the robbery, Mayweather provided Nash with a cell phone and instructed him to make a false report to law enforcement by conveying a bomb threat on the Lakeview High School property in Campti. The money stolen from the Campti bank was divided between the co-defendants.
The second armed robbery occurred on April 16, 2019 at the Bank of Montgomery in Castor, Louisiana. Again, Mayweather helped plan the robbery and instructed Nash and Gray on how to carry out the robbery. Instead of calling in a false report of a bomb threat, this time the co-defendants committed arson by setting a house on fire in another attempt to divert the attention of local law enforcement from the robbery. Mayweather dropped Nash and Gray at the bank and again they entered with firearms drawn pointing them at the tellers. After the money was stolen, Nash and Gray ran out of the bank intending to find Mayweather, who had promised he would be waiting to pick them up. Once they exited the bank, Mayweather saw law enforcement officers in the area and instead of picking them up, he accelerated and left Nash and Gray to fend for themselves. Nash and Gray ran into a nearby wooded area and were later apprehended. Mayweather was seen leaving the area of the Bank of Montgomery and was stopped and arrested by law enforcement officers. Gray’s purse and a receipt belonging to Nash were found in his vehicle.
Testimony at trial revealed that a glove belonging to Mayweather was found in the parking lot of the City Bank in Campti, Louisiana. After laboratory analysis, it was determined that Mayweather’s DNA was on the glove. Further, testimony at trial revealed that Mayweather provided the firearms and clothing including gloves, hoodies, and masks to Nash and Gray to complete the robberies.
The FBI, Louisiana State Police, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Fire Marshal conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tennille Gilreath and Robert F. Moody prosecuted the case.
City of Winnfield Police Department
Name: Misty N. Wiggins
Date: 11-8-21
Address: Sikes, LA
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: N/A
Charge: Felony Theft
Name: Katelyn D. Granger
Date: 11-10-21
Address: Dodson, LA
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: N/A
Charge: Driving Under Suspension, Theft < $1,000, Bench Warrant
Name: Michael Shane Rison
Date: 11-11-21
Address: Homeless
Race: White
Gender: Male
Age: N/A
Charge: Theft Under $1,000, Resisting Arrest, Theft of a Motor Vehicle
Name: Joe Heard III
Date: 11-12-21
Address: Homeless/Winnfield
Race: Black
Gender: Female
Age: N/A
Charge: Criminal Damage to Property
Name: Latonya McNaughton
Date: 11-12-21
Address: Winnfield, LA
Race: White
Gender: Female
Age: N/A
Charge: Possession of CDS Schedule II Methanphetamine
2021 Ride-Ataxia Dallas is in the books.
It was a beautiful day in Dallas; the weather was fantastic with cool temperatures and sunshine. There could not have been any better conditions for a day outside with friends.
There were over 450 participants who helped raise over $161,000 in support of FA research. KATE’s KREWE was the number two team in fundraising with over $23,400, second only to “Team Kendall” from Austin, Texas that raised over $38,000.
A big THANK YOU to everyone that donated to help us in our fight to Cure FA.
For more pictures, go to FACEBOOK-“rideATAXIA” or check out “Make It Happen” (Kate’s page) on Facebook.
The Winn Parish Police Jury will meet for a Regular Meeting, Monday, November 15, 2021 at 5:00 PM, at 119 West Main Street, Parish Courthouse Room 112, Winnfield, La.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order.
II. Invocation and Pledge.
III. Amendments or deletions.
IV. Adoption of Agenda.
V. Adoption of Minutes-September 28, 2021-Special Called Meeting, October 18, 2021-Regular Meeting, October 18, 2021-Special Called Meeting and October 20, 2021-Bid Committee Meeting.
VI. Announcements and Comments.
1. Mr. Perry Holmes, Road Superintendent-to give a road update.
2. President Joshua McAllister-Notice to the Public.
VII. GUESTS:
None.
VIII. BUSINESS:
(1) Mr. Kirk Miles-Motion to approve monthly invoices. –Motion to award bids on road materials and supplies for the 2022 calendar year. (See attached list)
(2) Mr. Phillip Evans-Motion to Adopt a Resolution to assist the Village of Atlanta by grading the following streets: Graff, Collier, Hanson Loop, Carter Lane, Spikes, Finklea, Longino and Denny. Also, bush hog or side cut the following streets: Bell Loop, Collier, Pennywell, Hanson Loop, School, Teal, Spikes, Finklea and PactonAlexandria (in Village limits).
(3) Mrs. Deionne Carpenter-Motion to approve the beer permit for Midway RV Park & Marina for remainder of 2021.
–Motion to approve the beer and liquor permit for Midway RV Park & Marina for calendar year 2022.
(4) Mr. Joshua McAllister-Motion to adopt a Resolution appointing the Engineering Firm of Shuler Consulting Company on the La. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Fema 4559DR-LA Hurricane Laura.
–Motion to adopt a Resolution to participate in the National Settlements and Louisiana MOU and give President Joshua McAllister authority to execute any formal agreements implementing a unified plan for the allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds.
–Motion to adopt the LCDBG-CV Management Resolution.
–Motion to adopt the LCDBG-CV Section 504 Grievance Procedure Resolution.
–Motion to adopt the LCDGB-CV Policy Statement for communicating information to persons with sensory impairments Resolution.
–Motion to adopt the LCDBG-CV Language Access Plan for limited English proficiency persons Resolution.
National Collection Week for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child will be November 15-22. The drop off center for Winn Parish will be located at First Baptist in Winnfield located at 111 E Court St, Winnfield, LA 71483. Please deliver your Gospel Opportunity Shoeboxes during these times to receive assistance.
By Doug Ireland, Journal Sports
Thanks to a power play by people in Lake Charles, there’s been a big drop in blood pressure for plenty of folks in Natchitoches, Hammond, Thibodaux and a few on the Lakeshore in New Orleans.
A Tuesday afternoon announcement confirmed a swift turnaround toward status quo. McNeese revealed it was staying put in the Southland Conference, renewing longstanding cordial relations with Northwestern, Southeastern, Nicholls and UNO, much to the dismay of former friends in Texas.
It resuscitated the Southland from extinction, while creating at least a big wobble for the Western Athletic Conference, where former Southland members Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston State, Lamar and Abilene Christian bolted earlier this year.
They tried to entice McNeese to join them. The Cowboys were receptive over the last several months, with McLeaders traveling to Denver a few weeks ago to make a membership presentation to current WAC gurus. The footsies and flirting seemed heading toward a likely engagement.
The Texas Traitors and the Cowboys have the same ultimate destination in mind: moving up from the Southland and Football Championship Subdivision membership (on-field playoffs for the top 24 teams nationally) to the Football Bowl Subdivision (and a chance to play in a low-level bowl game). The incentive$ were the lure of bowl revenue (not a lot for the bottom tier in the FBS), the chance to add another digit to low to mid-six figure paychecks from the biggest schools for football guarantee games (a trip to LSU or Texas might net an extra half-million), and the belief that playing more overly ambitious opponents at home might hike ticket revenues.
Let’s not get logic involved here and overcome ego. Anyone who has tracked attendance figures around the state has to admit the real path to hike home game ticket revenues would be to hire Marty McFly as commissioner, get Doc Brown’s flux capacitor going, and Go Back to The Gulf States Conference. Not exactly the future, but rebuilding a league with in-state schools would boost crowds in all sports, not just football, while cutting travel costs.
That’s not happening. Never mind the millions that would be produced in gate revenue and the millions in state money that would be reduced for travel. Ambition overrules everything.
Well, actually, in big league college sports, TV money does. It’s the lack of a local TV market of any consequence that left Louisiana Tech behind recently when much of Conference USA bolted for better deals and new territory. CUSA quickly went contraflow and a few days ago invited desolate-in-the-desert New Mexico State (stealing the Aggies from the WAC), deep pocketed and lonely Liberty, and two FCS stalwarts, Jacksonville State and Sam Houston (twice divorced, split from the Southland last year and now, the WAC; although there’s some chatter that the $2 million CUSA entry fee might sour Sam’s shift).
Where there are entry fees, there logically are exit fees. When the Texas schools bolted the Southland this spring, they each paid a relatively paltry $300,000 – as much as Sam Houston pays its baseball coach. Not exactly a tall hurdle to clear, so the remaining Southland membership agreed to hike their exit penalty rate.
Except in case McNeese makes a future move to FBS. The pile of concessions granted by the Southland Conference (with approval of its university presidents) was recited in a joint announcement Tuesday by the league and McNeese, with one exception. They didn’t mention McNeese staying is an engagement, not a remarriage. The door is left wide open for the Cowboys to climb up, at no cost. Nada. No toll booth to pass.
That’s a victory in Cowboy country, but a hollow plank elsewhere. McNeese going FBS is unlikely to occur any time soon. The only nearby FBS conferences, the Sun Belt and CUSA, aren’t interested or it would have already happened. For better (Sun Belt) and worse (CUSA), their membership shuffling is over for at least the next little bit, until the next seismic activity rolls downhill from the Power 5 leagues. When that happens, and it’s coming, it may very well knock the NCAA into oblivion.
In real time, McNeese recognized that losing New Mexico State and Sam Houston not only dashed the WACky dreams of upsizing to FBS status, but also suddenly greatly expanded an already frightful travel budget. The idea of a southern division was shot for a conference that stretches out to LA, up to Seattle, and into Arizona and Utah.
But keeping that option on the table presented a do-or-die decision to the Southland. Losing McNeese would have collapsed the league because it would have fallen below minimum membership requirements to maintain automatic NCAA postseason qualification for its championship teams in all sports, not just football. NSU, Nicholls, SLU and UNO were already hurriedly considering unappealing fallback affiliations with the Ohio Valley Conference or the Atlantic Sun, both requiring leapfrogging states to get to conference contests.
So the Cowboys got everything they asked for to stay put. From 2023-26, McNeese will host the conference basketball, baseball and softball tournaments, a decision that raised the ire of many coaches and fans around the Southland. The annual conference preseason football media event will be in Lake Charles. Don’t rule out the conference opening a satellite office there, hinting at moving its headquarters to SWLA.
My lunch bunch pals are wondering if we have to go to the Lake City for all future eatin’ meetin’s, or at least for four years.
Will the Southland sponsor a championship in duck calling and stage it in Cameron Parish?
Hmmmm, could be. The marsh people, who up until a couple of weeks felt like McLeast, too long taken for granted in the Texas-heavy Southland pecking order, are suddenly McAlmighty.
“A school that was desperate to get out of the league now becomes its biggest player,” wrote Lake Charles American Press columnist Jim Gazzolo.
The Southland sunshine dimmed a bit Friday when it lost the Alamo City’s Incarnate Word in a move that illustrates the desperation of the WAC. Stephen F. Austin 1) reluctantly accepted UIW into the Southland several years ago; 2) left the Southland citing substandard facilities and a lack of commitment to athletics by some league members, a clear diss aimed at UIW and Houston Baptist; and 3) now has kissed the pig and rolled out the WACky welcome mat.
But while amusing from that angle, UIW’s move does heighten the Southland’s urgency to recruit a couple more Division II football-playing members. Schools like Arkansas Tech, West Texas A&M, Central Oklahoma, even Delta State and West Florida could be receptive to an upgrade.
Some better be. You have to wonder, will Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (a non-football Southland member) look at a suddenly Louisiana-heavy league, and have a WAC-waiver? Will UL System czar Jim Henderson do what he didn’t earlier this fall regarding the McMove Mistake, and ensure that the inquiries by SLU and Nicholls toward possible ASUN affiliation are 86’d?
Time to update that #SouthlandStrong hashtag. It hasn’t fit all year. Truly, it was #SouthlandShaky, and for the time being, it’s #SouthlandSaved. For now.
WINN:
Bobby Gene Jennings
May 17, 1935 – November 12, 2021
Service: Monday, November 15 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
NATCHITOCHES:
Donna Lois Kelly
November 24, 1955 – November 10, 2021
Private family service at a later date.
SABINE:
Bobby Slaydon Jr.
December 12, 1964 – November 12, 2021
Service: Monday, November 15 at 1 pm at The Life Church in Many