Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. 

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.

It is unclear where exactly this tradition originated; numerous different communities may have independently initiated the memorial gatherings. And some records show that one of the earliest Memorial Day commemorations was organized by a group of formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina less than a month after the Confederacy surrendered in 1865. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

Waterloo—which first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—was chosen because it hosted an annual, community-wide event, during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

Memorial Day originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For decades, Memorial Day was observed on May 30 but in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. 

The Red River Parish Journal would like to honor and commemorate the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we cherish. Today, we take time to reflect, remember, and show our gratitude.  

Source: History.com

Bailey’s hamburgers are back on the grill. The new location’s soft opening is Tuesday, May 28. Once again, the thrill of getting a juicy burger with all the fixings is a reality.

Moving from the Alonzo Street location was a challenge for the owners and the public, who grew up with the red and white building on the corner. The new location (Hwy 71/84 next to Silver Dollar) has been decorated in the traditional red and white motif to keep the nostalgia alive.

Damon and Robbie Gardner say that the old favorites are still on the menu and are trying to expand the offerings. “Don’t worry; we are keeping what everyone loves,” beams Robbie. We want to offer more, and we want to give a dine-in experience.”

The “more,” in this case, is a new drive-through window and possibly bulk order deliveries. “We have never had dine-in; we will be working through this week to try to get our feet under us and getting orders out quickly and efficiently,” said Gardner. “This week will help us work through any issues we might not have anticipated. We hope everyone comes out and supports the move. We want to offer the same great burgers that have been around for so many years.”

A grand opening celebration is being planned for the near future.

Students at Fairview Alpha Head Start recently received a visit from 8-year-old author, Ava Jones, from Coushatta. She read her book to the class.

Jones is in the third grade at Red River Elementary School. She not only wrote the book but also illustrated it. Her book entitled Crawjazz is filled with Louisiana rich culture.

It is about a crawfish named Kayden who has a love for jazz music. Kayden and his friend Malta, the alligator, go on a journey to search the swamp for jazz instruments. One day, while searching the swamp, they stumble across an old rusted trumpet. Kayden and Malta were so excited because their dream of becoming jazz singers was one step closer to becoming a reality! They practiced for hours. Kayden’s and Malta’s dream becomes a reality as they become jazz legends, just like the Great Bleu Billie.

Her book can be found on Amazon.

Dr. Amanda Longino Laborde, a Martin, LA native, received her doctoral degree from ULM on May 11, 2024, in Monroe. Amanda is the daughter of Mark and Mary Ann Longino of Martin.

Amanda graduated from Riverdale Academy in 2017. She began her undergraduate work at Louisiana Tech and completed her Bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences at ULM in 2021.

Amanda has been a familiar face at Mabile’s Pharmacy in Coushatta for many years. Her new adventures will take her to LeCompte, LA, where she will work at Pearson’s Pharmacy.

Amanda is married to Zachary Laborde.

SHREVEPORT – Enroll this summer. Teach in August.

For professionals with a bachelor’s degree who are interested in switching to a career in education, the TeachLSUS Alternate Certification provides a path into the classroom almost instantaneously.

TeachLSUS is hosting an informational meeting May 30 in the LSUS University Center for community members interested in a career transition.

The meeting will feature past and current members of the alternate certification program and what they’ve experienced in local classrooms.

“This alternate certification opens the teaching profession to people who don’t have an undergraduate degree in education,” said Jacqueline Langford, TeachLSUS director. “You don’t have to go to school all over again and get another degree, this certification provides a shortened path to the classroom.”

Applicants to the TeachLSUS program must have already passed a Praxis II Content test in the area they wish to teach.

“The reason our teacher candidates can get into the classroom so quickly is because they’ve passed the Praxis, which demonstrates to the state that they know the content that they’ll be teaching,” Langford explains. “Our program focuses on the methodology of teaching and supporting our teacher candidates once they are in the classroom.

“Schools provide mentor teachers and curriculum to assist teacher candidates in their transition.” The program can be completed in 18-24 months with teacher candidates earning full salary and benefits for the majority of the program.

Teacher candidates are in their classrooms during the day and in their program classes at night, typically two nights per week.

“There is a learning curve, but we’ve found that candidates in our program are highly sought after in the local school districts,” Langford said. “The program has produced award-winning teachers, which include a current member of the program winning New Teacher of the Year.

“Some of our past program graduates have gone on to win other top awards, including Teacher of the Year in the entire state.”

The need for teachers has never been greater at the national, state and local levels.

More than 1,100 teaching vacancies existed across the state according to a 2022 Louisiana Department of Education report. A review of teaching positions this spring in Caddo, Bossier and DeSoto parishes revealed around 80 vacancies.

With enrollment in traditional teacher preparation programs continuing to decline across the state (more than a 10 percent drop from 2016-21), potential educators are being sought through a number of nontraditional paths.

Visit the LSUS website to learn more about the TeachLSUS program.

You may have heard of the speech of Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker, Harrison Butker, to the graduating class of Benedictine College.

The speech and Butker have been attacked and criticized nationally for his supposedly “chauvinistic” and sexist views.

As such, it’s only fair to review the speech but before I do, I point out that Butker was not making the speech on national TV or radio. He wasn’t even addressing a Facebook or X audience and he clearly wasn’t “at the office in his uniform” representing the Chiefs or the NFL.

In contrast, it was Colin Kaepernick who, on the sidelines of games in his San Francisco 49ers uniform, representing his team and the NFL, knelt down during our National Anthem and disrespected our flag and the 1.1 million American soldiers who fought and died in defense of our country and who were laid to rest with the American flag draping their coffins.

Also, while Butker spoke lovingly and respectfully of the role of women and mothers, the NFL rebuked him for his lack of “diversity.” This is the same NFL whose rampant domestic abuse problem by its players is so bad the league was forced to set up a National Domestic Violence hotline to try to salvage its reputation with pro football fans, particularly women.

Again, Butker offered his remarks at Benedictine College, a small Catholic school where principles like the ones he shared serve as the central purpose of the school’s existence and why parents send their children to it. This is, again, a distinguishing fact between him and Kaepernick, who broadcast his disrespect for our nation on national television to the entire nation and indeed to the world.

So, at a Christian Catholic college Butker spoke out against LGBT Pride month stating he preferred “God-centered pride.” He also specifically addressed the women graduating from the college: “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”

Butker praised his wife, Isabelle, explaining that he is “able to be the man that I am” because his wife has taken on a role as a homemaker. He also encouraged the men to “be unapologetic in [their] masculinity” and spoke out against “the tyranny of diversity, equity and inclusion,” arguing, “we fear speaking truth because now, unfortunately, truth is in the minority.”

Millions of Americans agree with these remarks.

I was delighted to witness the courage and outspokenness of Tavia Hunt, the wife of Chiefs co-owner Clark Hunt, who took to Instagram in response:

“I’ve always encouraged my daughters to be highly educated and chase their dreams. I want them to know that they can do whatever they want (that honors God). But I also want them to know that I believe finding a spouse who loves and honors you as or before himself and raising a family together is one of the greatest blessings this world has to offer.”

Directly addressing Butker’s remarks she stated that “affirming motherhood and praising your wife, as well as highlighting the sacrifice and dedication it takes to be a mother, is not bigoted. It is empowering to acknowledge that a woman’s hard work in raising children is not in vain. Countless highly educated women devote their lives to nurturing and guiding their children.”

Beautifully stated.

However, these timeless truths are not the reason I write today.

I write to highlight the fact that no one is required to agree with Butker. People are free to disagree, and many have in a vicious and vitriolic way.

My point is that he was addressing a specific audience with a specific message and every reason to believe that audience was open to hearing and considering his message. Unfortunately, what he stated is apparently too faith-based and moral to even be uttered and must be torn down.

This is the Cancel Culture. This is what unvarnished censorship looks like. Butker’s ideas are so powerful that they must not be voiced.

On a side note, the sale of Butker’s NFL jersey has skyrocketed to the top of NFL sales.

This kind of censorship simply cannot be allowed if the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution are to endure.

Royal Alexander

Ware Youth Center is holding a Job Fair Thursday, May 30 from 10am until 2pm in the Group Home Gymnasium, 3365 Hwy 71.

WYC is currently looking for candidates to fill the position of Youth Service Worker.

Energetic individuals wanting to work with residents in a secure and non-secure facility and have a strong desire to improve the quality of life for the youth served should attend. 

Starting pay is $15 per hour.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, LA driver’s license, two years of work experience and be 21 years or older and have no criminal history.

WYC offers Louisiana State Retirement (vested after 10 years), health, life, vision and dental insurance, short term disability and holiday pay. 

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

BONNER, KENNY
45 B M 5/18/2024 5/21/2024
FAILURE TO APPEAR – CHILD SUPPORT $200 CASH BOND (CONSECUTIVE)
FAILURE TO APPEAR – CHILD SUPPORT $200 CASH BOND (CONSECUTIVE)
TOTAL BOND: $400 CASH TOWARD CHILD SUPPORT
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE

RICHMOND, TIMOTHY
33 B M 5/21/2024 INCARCERATED
DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY $10,000.00
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT

WOOD, JESSIE
30 W M 5/23/2024 INCARCERATED
OUT OF PARISH FUGITIVE WARRANT – CITY OF SHREVEPORT
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Red River Parish 4-H invites the public to join them for an Open House at their new location at 1919 Alonzo Street on Tuesday, May 28 from 4:30-6pm. A light meal and refreshments will be provided.

Red River High School graduation is slated for Thursday, June 6 at 6:30 in the evening at Pat Strother Memorial Stadium in Coushatta. 

Red River Crappie Club will host a tournament on the Red River June 8. It is an open tournament and can fish any pool. Registration from 5:15-5:45 am at Coushatta Ramp. Lines in at 6am out at 2pm. Weigh in by 2:30pm. 7 fish weigh in with 9″ minimum length. No more than 8 poles per boat. Trailering is allowed. Contact Justin Keith 318.517.2027 or Ed Welling 318.527.1674.

NSU will offer a Pick Up Your Brush painting class on June 13 and 27 from 5:30-8:30pm (second floor of South Hall). Participants will learn the art of painting using step-by-step instructions. On June 13, students will take home a completed painting at the end of the class titled “Cute Chicken with Bandana and Glasses.” On June 27, they will paint “Rustic Boat by the Sea.” No special or prior skills are required. Children ages 7 – 12 years old are allowed to enroll, but a parent must accompany the child the entire class. Parents do not have to enroll unless they take part. All supplies are included. For more information or to register go to checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422.

The Northwest 4-H Leadership Conference is set for July 12 from 9am-2:30pm at the NSU Student Ballroom in Natchitoches. It is open to 4-H members in the 7th-12th grades. Adult volunteers (school leaders, project leaders, etc) are also welcome. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, now is the perfect tie to see what 4-H is all about. Students and adults need to call the 4-H office to register at 932-4342.

NONE

The Lakeview Educational Voyagers extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the generous donors whose contributions made it possible for them to embark on a memorable journey to Washington DC and New York with EF Tours. For over a year, students have dedicated themselves to fundraising efforts, tirelessly working to secure the resources needed for this educational adventure.

The outpouring of support from the community has been invaluable, and the Voyagers wish to express their deepest appreciation to all who contributed to their cause. Special thanks go to Posey’s Sports Center for designing two shirts for the trip, Bank of Montgomery, Fausto’s of Coushatta, IMPACT of Winnfield, Lakeview Pharmacy, Fields, Roy O. Martin and City Bank for their unwavering sponsorship.

A particularly noteworthy mention is owed to Weyerhaeuser for their extremely generous donation, which significantly alleviated the financial burden for multiple students, making this experience accessible to a broader range of participants.

As the trip approaches, the excitement among students and teachers is palpable. Those attending include Kelsey Cameron, Nathaniel Garner, Christian Coker, Ariel Joseph, Braylee Layfield-Bruce, Eleya Saba, and Alexia Moore. Accompanying them are dedicated educators Mrs. Goff and Ms. Hubbard.

During their excursion from Wednesday to Friday in Washington DC, the group will embark on a captivating itinerary, including visits to iconic landmarks such as the White House, Smithsonian Museum, Washington Monument, FDR Memorial, MLK Jr Memorial, and an array of other historical sites.

Transitioning to New York from Friday to Sunday, the adventurers will continue their exploration with visits to the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and the vibrant pulse of Times Square. Additionally, they’ll have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the city, enjoying a Broadway show and experiencing the hustle and bustle of a subway ride—a quintessential New York experience.

Once again, the Lakeview Educational Voyagers extend their deepest thanks to all who contributed, ensuring that this enriching educational opportunity becomes a reality for these deserving students.

How long have you waited to hear the great news that “The veggies are ready!” Farmer Jason Anderson has opened Anderson’s Produce for the 2024 season with an abundance of fresh, delicious fruits and vegetables. So “Come and get ‘em!”

Anderson’s Produce has an abundance of fresh squash, onions, snap beans, and potatoes grown in the rich fertile soil of south Red River Parish. And there are more coming in every day.

And Farmer Anderson said, “This year we have an abundant crop of ripe, juicy peaches. There have been a few slim years, but this year’s crop is the best I’ve seen in years.” You know you want them, so come and get peaches picked today at the peak of freshness.

Now open for the 2024 season, Anderson’s Produce on Highway 174, just off I-49 and La 1. Click on https://andersonsproduceandplantfarm.com or phone 318-932-1432 or come by the farm. The freshest fruits and vegetables are ready for you at Anderson’s Produce.

HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE
May 23, 2024

Baton Rouge – Louisiana State Police has been made aware of a defect in Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) stickers issued for the year 2026. Upon initial adhesion to a vehicle windshield, the “26” sticker has a yellow background. Due to sun exposure, the sticker may potentially fade from yellow to clear or white.

Individuals who have received 2026 MVI stickers from January 1, 2024, until the present date may experience fading. It is important to note that despite the fading, these MVI stickers will remain valid. No action is required by the vehicle owner. The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is aware of this issue, and is working to replace the current unissued inventory.

Contact Information:
Lt. Jared L. Sandifer
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (225) 925-6202
jared.sandifer@la.gov

Not many people reach legendary status.

But there’s one man who lives just across the Louisiana/Texas line that falls into the category of a legend.

He’s a guy who for years has conducted the greatest bass tournaments in the world. He’s become so big that National Geographic came to East Texas and did a one-hour special on his amateur bass tournament trail. His name: Bob Sealy! He is the owner and creator of the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash Series.

Back in the 1980’s, Bob had this great idea to conduct a big bass tournament on Lake Sam Rayburn as part of an initiative to bring tourism to the lake area. Little did he know that 40 years later it would explode nationwide, and now globally, as anglers all over the country and the world come and compete in one of his many big bass tournaments held all across the South.

Bob was also the guy who sat down with Ray Scott, the founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), and convinced him to bring a professional bass tournament to Sam Rayburn. This brought national exposure to the area as Sam Rayburn became one of the legendary lakes in America with its reputation for producing huge bass and 30-pound tournament winning stringers.

Why so much success over a bass tournament? What has been the reason so many people have come and continue to make their way to all Bob Sealy events? It’s all due to a simple formula Bob figured out a long time ago. He realized most anglers will never have the opportunity to make the kind of money professional bass fishing offers. That’s when he came up with the slogan, “Where amateurs win like the pros!” As they say, the rest is history!

Another reason for the Sealy success is the fact that Bob does what he says he will do. Early on when he started these big bass tournaments, he took a few financial losses mainly due to the promises he had made. There were times when he did not have enough entries to cover the amount he was giving away. Bob still wrote checks and borrowed money from the bank in order to make sure everyone got paid.

Another example of why Bob has had so much success is his willingness to give. There’s one aspect of all Sealy tournaments where he offers $5,000 each day for any angler that weighs an exact 3.00, 4.00, or 5.00-pound bass. Even if no one weighs in an exact size bass, he will put all the entries from the tournament into a hopper and will draw a random name to give away three $5,000 checks. Most tournaments would just pocket this money and move on. Not Bob Sealy. He wants anglers to walk away with money in their pocket!

These are just a few reasons why Bob Sealy has so many participants follow his tournament trail. Bob does what he says he will do, no matter what the cost. This is the key to any successful bass fishing circuit. Anglers only want two things: enforce the rules and make sure the payout is exactly what each event says it will be.

We salute Bob Sealy on his commitment and dedication to making this tournament trail so successful. Sealy events are for all weekend warriors who love to fish. It’s also about family by offering something for all ages with plenty of food, entertainment and kids fishing division. As a member of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame and the Outdoors Hall of Fame, Bob continues to set the bar for all bass tournaments.

This article would not be complete without recognizing and thanking the entire Sealy Outdoors staff and volunteers who coordinate and make all Sealy events possible. Without these folks, the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash would not be possible.

To learn more about the Sealy Big Bass Splash Series of tournaments go to sealyoutdoors.com.

‘Til next time, good luck, good fishing and when in doubt — set the hook.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Ruston, LA – Louisiana Tech University is now accepting applications for a newly developed master of business administration (MBA) concentration in aviation management. The program will be offered completely online as part of the professional MBA.

By combining a comprehensive understanding of business principles with concentrated coursework in aviation, the 36-hour graduate degree explores the intersection of business and flight.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Department of Professional Aviation to offer this in-demand program and enhance the knowledge base of airmen and others in the aviation field,” said Dr. William McCumber, associate dean of graduate programs and research in the College of Business. “This concentration is an excellent example of how a strong foundation in business disciplines combined with industry credentials can work to build a highly qualified workforce for a business sector.”

The interdisciplinary nature of the MBA prepares innovative and ethical leaders for success in today’s rapidly changing business environment, while coursework in aviation management exposes students to the real-world opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

Students will complete the core MBA curriculum as well as 12 credit hours in aviation-focused courses on operations, human error impact, and regulatory processes.

“With today’s pilot, mechanic, and air traffic controller shortages, this graduate program will be vital to airmen’s growth in their respective positions,” said Matthew “Monty” Montgomery, chair of the Department of Professional Aviation. “Combining aviation with the MBA is a perfect match to provide the training, vital tools, and knowledge for growth within aviation businesses. Also, the program will prepare existing business and management majors with an opportunity to obtain positions within aviation.”

In addition to aviation management, six other concentrations are offered as part of the MBA program:

• Business Data Analytics
• Finance
• Information Assurance
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Marketing
• Six Sigma

Students can apply online at latech.edu/apply for the Aviation Management concentration beginning with the Fall 2024 term. For more information, visit business.latech.edu/master-of-business-administration.

About the College of Business
Through market-responsive academic programs, impactful scholarship, and a student-focused culture, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business graduates business and academic leaders who are innovative, entrepreneurially minded, and analytically and technologically skilled for a globally competitive marketplace. Building on a vibrant community of life-long learners, our graduates are prepared to positively impact business and society. Accredited by AACSB International, the College offers eight undergraduate degree programs in addition to the master of business administration, master of accountancy, and Ph.D. in business administration. For more information, visit business.latech.edu.

The recent fatal shooting of a 12-year-old male in Shreveport has brought this issue back to light. The facts are still developing, but the allegation is that the individual was trying to break into a parked car in Southern Hills when the owner of the vehicle fired a weapon.

In Louisiana, the use of force to repel an attacker is essentially covered in two statutes:

The first is entitled “Use of Force or Violence in Defense”:

(1) The use of force or violence on another person is justifiable under either of the following circumstances:

(i) when committed for the purpose of preventing an attack against the person or … property in a person’s possession, and the force used is reasonable and apparently necessary to prevent the attack. Or, (ii) when the force is used by a person who is inside their home, place of business or motor vehicle and the person reasonably believes that the use of force is necessary.

That’s pretty straightforward.

If I am attacked personally, or property in my possession is being taken from me, I may use force to repel the attacker. This includes if I am sitting in my home, business, or car. However, the law is clear that in either circumstance, the use of force or violence must be based on my “reasonable” belief that I must do so to protect myself.

This law applies if there is no homicide. If there is a homicide we turn to a different statute, entitled ‘Justifiable homicide” which states that:

“A homicide is justifiable:

1) when committed in self-defense by one who reasonably believes that he is in imminent danger of losing his life or receiving great bodily harm and the killing is necessary to save himself. Or, (2), when committed against a person who is attempting to make or has made an illegal entry into the dwelling, place of business, or motor vehicle, and the person committing the homicide reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to repel the attacker.”

Summarized, justifiable homicide essentially means first, that I am justified in killing another individual while defending myself if I am in imminent danger of either losing my life or suffering great bodily harm; And, two, if an attacker has either made, or is trying to make an illegal entry into my home, business or car, I may use deadly force if I reasonably believe it is necessary to save my life or prevent grave injury to myself.

Those are strong provisions. However, there is more. Both of these statutes contain two other very important provisions.

The first is that when an innocent party acts with the reasonable belief that they are in imminent danger to their life or body, the law provides that there “shall be a presumption” they were legally justified in using deadly force. Legal presumptions are very important in the law and often can decide a case one way or the other. Second, both of these statutes also ensure that an innocent party who is where they legally have a right to be—whether home, business, or car—has “no duty to retreat” before using deadly force.

The guarantees contained in these two statutes are the reason Louisiana is considered to have one of the strongest Stand Your Ground laws in the country.

I close with a request for judgment and prudence.

If a DA brings charges based upon the use of deadly force there will be a jury of 12 people who will ultimately decide whether an individual who shot and killed another individual did so in a way that was objectively reasonable, and whether the danger was truly “imminent.”

This means that when those jurors deliberate and discuss the case to reach a verdict, they will likely ask a question along these lines: “If I were in the shoes of the person who shot and killed this individual, including in my car, my home or my business, would I, myself, have felt so fearful, felt the danger to my life and health was so immediate that I had no other option but to kill the individual?”

The critical factors are the reasonableness of my believing that my very life could end, or I could suffer great bodily harm—immediately. If so, not only does the innocent party not have to retreat from the attacker but they have the benefit of a legal presumption that they acted correctly.

Royal Alexander

Let Teachers Teach recommendations center on reducing excessive trainings and paperwork, restoring the art of teaching, and removing classroom distractions

(BATON ROUGE, LA) – Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley’s Let Teachers Teach workgroup released recommendations viewed as critical to supporting classroom teachers. Composed of over two dozen educators from across Louisiana, the Let Teachers Teach workgroup was tasked with identifying common classroom disruptions and unnecessary bureaucracies, as well as formulating practical solutions to help educators focus on the most important aspect of their job — teaching students. Governor Jeff Landry joined Dr. Brumley and Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kylie Altier today to officially release the 18 recommendations.

“My primary goal in creating this workgroup was to improve the professional experience of classroom teachers,” said Dr. Brumley. “I feel confident these recommendations will support teachers while maintaining a focus on the students they serve.”

“I will not sit back and allow teachers to struggle with these challenges,” said Dr. Brumley. “Whether it’s burdensome training or disruptive student behavior, we must ‘have the back’ of teachers so they are empowered to succeed every single day.”

The recommendations cover professional learning, required training, student behavior and discipline, non-academic responsibilities, curriculum and instruction, and planning. Some recommendations must be addressed at the school or school system level, while others require state action.

“We have seen the results of an education system that holds back our educators and does not give them the freedom to teach in their classrooms. This system has failed both our teachers, our children, and our parents,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “I am thankful to the teachers who participated in our Let Teachers Teach workgroup. The recommendations they have provided will serve as a prototype for ways we can improve our education system, and make it one where teachers, parents, and students are proud of their schools and able to succeed.”

The workgroup is the product of feedback the LDOE has received through formal channels such as the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council as well as informal channels such as classroom visits and faculty meetings hosted by Dr. Brumley.

“It’s been an honor to collaborate with passionate educators from across the state as we developed a set of recommendations centered on giving teachers more time to focus on students,” said Altier, who chaired the workgroup. “I hope these recommendations show teachers they are important, they are the experts in their classroom, and they are being heard.”

Each section of the recommendations includes multiple action steps. These include:

Professional Learning

• Tailor professional growth plans.
• Make collaboration meetings worthwhile.
• Ensure ample time for classroom preparation.

Required Trainings

• Shift legislatively-mandated trainings to a cycle.
• Enact pre-test exemptions from required trainings.

Student Behavior and Discipline

• Decouple student behavior and the school accountability system.
• Trust us — don’t blame us.
• Place ungovernable students at alternative sites for behavior support.
• Address challenges of chronic absenteeism.
• Limit cell phone use.

Non-Academic Responsibilities

• Support student mental health challenges through trained professionals.
• Stop forcing teachers to be mental health professionals.
• Pay teachers for additional, non-academic work.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Eliminate the mandate to read verbatim from teaching manuals, excluding direct instruction.
• Create a repository of high-quality, easy-to-access teacher resources.
• Provide scheduling, pacing, and implementation guidance for core content areas.

Planning

• Effective teachers should have professional autonomy in their classrooms.
• Abolish antiquated lesson planning requirements.

Many people are unsure of what to do with their future when they graduate from high school. That was not the case with Sarah Ophelia Colley. As a youngster growing up in Centerville, Tennessee, she decided she would become a dramatic actress. She taught herself how to mimic those around her, but that was about as far as it got in high school. She knew she needed formal training. Once she graduated from Centerville High School, Sarah auditioned to join the theater department of Ward-Belmont College, which is now Belmont University. She was well spoken with a southern drawl which she struggled to mask. Despite her southern drawl, Sarah was accepted into the program. She majored in theater studies and dance.

For the first few years after graduating from Ward-Belmont, Sarah taught dance. Sarah realized that unless she changed course, she could never realize her dream of performing on the stage. In the late 1930s, Sarah began working as a play director for the Wayne P. Sewell Production Company, a touring theater company based out of Atlanta, Georgia. She performed her parts perfectly, but Sarah was forgotten almost as soon as she walked off stage. In 1947, Sarah married Henry Cannon. Despite her best efforts, few people knew Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon as an actress. In the 1980s, after being successfully treated for breast cancer, Sarah became an outspoken advocate for cancer research. In 1987, she helped create the Sarah Cannon cancer foundation to raise money for cancer research. This led to the creation of the Sarah Cannon Research Institute which specializes in cancer treatment. On March 4, 1996, 83-year-old Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon died from complications from a stroke.

As I said earlier, few people recognize Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon as an actress, but there is more to Sarah’s story. While working for the Wayne P. Sewell Production Company, Sarah made brief appearances at civic organizations. While directing a ten-day musical comedy in Baileyton, Alabama, Sarah met a woman that changed the course of her life. Sarah needed a place to stay for the ten days, so she boarded with the Baileyton woman and her husband. Something stood out about the Baileyton woman. Sarah watched as the woman spoke. She paid careful attention to her mannerisms, her attire, and her accent which was very similar to her own. Remember, Sarah had struggled for years to hide her southern drawl. When it was time for Sarah to move on to another town, the Baileyton woman said, “I hate to see you go. You’re just like one of us.”

Shortly thereafter, Sarah bought a dress and shoes similar to those worn by the Baileyton woman. Rather than hiding her southern drawl, she began to embrace it for comedic affect, but something was missing. In 1939, Sarah was set to perform her imitation of the Baileyton woman in Aiken, South Carolina. Before the show, Sarah went to Surasky Bros. Department store in downtown Aiken. While shopping for nothing in particular, Sarah put on a straw hat and did her best imitation of the Baileyton woman. The hat completed the character. Sarah bought the hat for $1.98 and headed to the theater.

As an imitation of the Baileyton woman, Sarah poked fun at rural Southern culture. Rather than target other people, her jokes were aimed at herself, her fictional family, and her fictional hometown of Grinder’s Switch. She was always trying and failing to gain the attention of “a feller.” She told fictional joke-laden stories about her Uncle Nabob and Aunt Ambrosia, Lucifer Huckelhead, Miss Lizzie Tinkum, Doc Payne (pun intended), and her brother who remained nameless. In character, she once quipped about her Uncle Nabob, “He ain’t a failure. He just started at the bottom, and he liked it there.”

Sarah’s imitation of the Baileyton woman was a hit, and it led to her becoming the first solo female member of the Grand Ole Opry. In 1975, she became the first female comedian inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. She performed the character on the stage and screen for over fifty years. Still, no one knew Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon, and she never seemed to mind that she was overshadowed by the character she had created by imitating the Baileyton woman. Her family, friends, and even her husband called her, not Sarah, but Minnie Pearl. Her greeting to the audience became famous. “How-DEEEEE! I’m just s’proud to be hyere!”

Sources:

1. “Minnie Pearl,” Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, https://www.countrymusichalloffame.org/hall-of-fame/minnie-pearl.

2. “MINNIE PEARL Interview Entertainment Tonight October 26 1985,” YouTube, https://youtu.be/h_8ZEjU1Qd0?si=MD5safekJKzx8UbZ.

3. ‌“Minnie Pearl: Grand Ole Opry Comedian and Hee Haw,” YouTube, https://youtu.be/7d1TRxVRzU4?si=3nT9IwNr0kwC5waN

Opportunity available:  Account Executive

Areas include: Natchitoches, Sabine, DeSoto and Red River Parishes.

Qualifications:  Self-motivated, willing to learn, reliable transportation.  Training provided.

Income: Based on 25% sales commissions plus mileage.  Paid Weekly!

If you want to work your own schedule, set your own hours, build a lifetime income and Fridays off, then this is the opportunity for you!

Send resume to:  P. O. Box 2611, Natchitoches, LA 71457

Prom season is in full swing and now it is the kiddos turn. Saturday, May 25, Mrs. Billie Mosley will host an Elementary Prom from 6-8pm at the Coushatta Event Center. $10 admission.

First Lady Carma Logan and The Women of Integrity presents Women Conference 2024 Saturday, May 25 at 12pm and Sunday, May 26 at 11am at Elizabeth Full Gospel Baptist Church, 6996 US 371 in Coushatta. Speakers are Apostle Eraka Sasser and Pastor Jacqueline Mason. 

NONE

Will Jones, a senior at RA, and his sister Mary Claire accomplished a championship yet to be grasped at Riverdale. They became the school’s first MAIS AA Mixed doubles state champions in tennis.

This dynamic duo is the children of Tyler Jones and Julie Bounds. Tommy Glen and Millie Jones are their grandparents, as are the late Waylon and Joann Colley.

Their journey to the championship began in Franklin, where they survived the day with a 0-6, 7-5, and 11-9 tiebreaker. They bested Providence with a 6-2, 6-2 match. Tensas fell with a 6-1, 6-0 score, and Briarfield was not in competition with a 6-2, 6-2 win.

The quarterfinals against Briarfield ended in a 6-1, 6-0 victory. The same pattern took them through the semifinals with a 6-2, 6-4 win. As the championship match loomed, both siblings looked to bring home the trophy. They celebrated the history-making win with a decisive 6-1, 6-1 match over Benedict Day.