Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour to make stop at Toledo Bend Lake January 30 – February 4, 2024.

MLF’s Bass Pro Tour is one of the most competitive circuits in the Bass fishing industry. The world’s top anglers, such as Kevin Van Dam, have competed in this circuit. Bass fishing fans, you won’t want to miss this event and an opportunity to engage with the pro anglers!

Come out to Cypress Bend Park to watch the Bass Pro Tour live on the MLF NOW big screen during the Major League Fishing Watch Party on February 3 & 4. Enjoy FREE food. Fish from the bank in the Fishing Derby. Enter to win hourly giveaways, and cheer on the best pros in bass fishing when the top 10 anglers cross the stage at 4:30pm following lines out. The first 50 kids 14 and under will receive a rod and reel each day following the angler interviews and trophy ceremony. *While supplies last. No Purchase Necessary. Must be Present to Win.

Schedule of Events:

Tuesday, January 30th
Day 1 of Tournament, Group A, around 45 anglers

Wednesday, January 31st
Day 2 of Tournament, Group B, around 45 anglers

Thursday, February 1st
Day 3 of Tournament, Group A, around 45 anglers

Friday, February 2nd
Day 4 of Tournament, Group B, around 45 anglers

Saturday, February 3rd
Day 5 of Tournament, Top 20 anglers from both groups

Sunday, February 4th
Day 6 of Tournament, Top 10 anglers from both groups

Source: toledobendlakecountry.com

The Northwest District Pen of 3 Commercial Heifer Show and Sale will take place January 23 at 11am at the Red River Livestock Auction Barn, Coushatta.

Come out and support local Northwest 4-Hers and buy some cattle.

The regular sale will proceed immediately after the 4-Hers. 

A literacy grant from International Paper Foundation will enable Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development to create a Center for Excellence in Teaching to serve aspiring teachers through mentoring, service projects and well-being awareness.

The IP Foundation presented the $5,000 grant to administrators in the School of Education where components are already in place to improve teacher preparation. Creating a Center for Excellence will enhance and centralize those initiatives, according to Dr. Neeru Deep, interim dean of the College.

Deep plans to create and deliver well-being workshops to current and future students while Dr. Katrina Jordan, director of the School of Education, will guide mentorship and implement literacy changes in the curriculum and Dr. Michelle Brunson, professor, will continue to coordinate the Cradle to College Pipeline service-learning project, a literacy and intervention initiative aimed at redirecting at-risk children who are statistically more likely to be incarcerated later in life.

“The Center for Excellence in Teaching will be a one-stop-shop to meet the needs of initial certification students in the School of Education,” Jordan said.

The School will partner with NSU’s Academic Success Center and the Center’s director, Dr. Bob Jordan, who will provide tutors, mentors and coaches for students.

“The help the students will receive can be anything from time management skills to Praxis test assistance, including the new literacy tests, to intervention plans and beyond,” Jordan said. “The Center for Excellence in Teaching will create helpful videos and materials that will be linked through the School of Education website. We are also partnering with Dr. Brunson’s service-learning project to take literacy learning a step farther. Our partnership with the Center for Positivity and Dr. Deep will ensure that the students are receiving not only academic help but also assistance in managing their well-being.”

The Cradle to College service-learning initiative seeks to provide youngsters and their families with literacy activities, resources and support so they can engage in reading and play activities at home. The project has been an important component of the student experience for several years.

“We are happy to help develop a multi-dimensional program that will equip future educators with the skills to effectively and equitably deliver literacy instruction and intervention support to the students they serve,” said Dr. Alissa Campbell Shaw, executive director of the IP Foundation.

We are so very thankful to the International Paper Foundation for supporting this initiative,” Deep said.

Information on NSU’s School of Education is available at https://www.nsula.edu/education/.

IP Grant:

A grant from the International Paper Foundation is supporting the creation of a Center for Excellence in Teaching in NSU’s School of Education. From left are IP Red River Mill Communications Coordinator Alexa Steele, Dr. Michelle Fazio-Brunson, Mill Manager Scott Lonadier, Dr. Katrina Jordan and Dr. Neeru Deep.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2023
Contact: Kevin Calbert

Students meeting eligibility requirements may exercise option to appeal beginning December 20

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) policy establishing an appeals process for the state’s graduation testing requirement went into effect Wednesday, December 20, 2023.

The EXCELL (Expanded Criteria for Every Learner in Louisiana) process provides an appeal option for seniors who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills sufficient to graduate, but struggle with difficulties related to standardized tests, such as English Language learners and students with other learning challenges.

“With the creation of the EXCELL graduation test appeal policy, Louisiana is right-sizing its use of standardized tests,” said BESE President Dr. Holly Boffy. “The potential for this appeals process to create connections between educators and workforce leaders is tremendous. These relationships will translate into meaningful career opportunities for our most vulnerable students and provide a better overall alignment of students’ high school experiences with their post-secondary pursuits.”

Students seeking an appeal must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete all Carnegie unit requirements for TOPS University or TOPS Tech Career Diploma
2. Demonstrate content proficiency by:
   • Meeting the standard assessment requirement in a content pair (must test at least twice and complete at least 30 hours of co-requisite or remedial instruction) -and/or-
   • Creating a portfolio of work aligned to the standards for one subject in the LEAP 2025 pair unfulfilled by the standardized test score (future seniors must create a portfolio for both subjects in a pair)
3. Demonstrate evidence of employability by earning one of the following:
   • A Silver or higher rating on ACT WorkKeys (National Career Readiness Certificate) -or-
   • A TOPS Tech award – or –
   • A Louisiana JumpStart-approved Industry Based Credential
4. Meet with a local career support organization who can help connect them to opportunities after graduation.

Beginning December 20, 2023, students meeting the policy’s eligibility requirements, including those who would have graduated with the Class of 2023, may exercise the option to appeal. School districts with seniors who have met all other graduation criteria may move forward with the School-Building Level Committee (SBLC) process to determine if students meet the appeals process criteria. All appeals will be administered at the local school level, and participating students are still required to take the LEAP assessment. Midyear LEAP assessment results currently coming in may be used to help schools to determine which students should file an appeal.

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has developed initial implementation and portfolio guidance for local school systems, which may be accessed here. School administrators should refer to this information in assisting students initiating appeals and contact the LDOE for additional details.

The final policy (reflected in sections 717, 2321, and 2322 of Bulletin 741, Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators) has been published in the December 2023 edition of the Louisiana Register and is available for viewing online here (the policy is found on pages 2091-2094).

# # #

BESE is the administrative policymaking body for elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana. The Board sets key education initiatives and works to outline an education agenda to achieve continuous improvement of public education as measured by student and school achievement.

While Thanksgiving is a great holiday, Christmas is without a doubt my favorite. There are so many things that make it special, but it’s the memories of Christmas past that make it number one for me. We’ve all had a specific Christmas that carries special memories for each of us. It’s not always about the gifts you got or didn’t get, but it’s about sharing time with family and friends. Yes, the gifts were great, but in our younger innocent years, that’s not what made Christmas special.

Every year you got a lot of new stuff, but first you had to make room for the new stuff by getting rid of the things you got the year before. It was a continuous cycle and ritual that you had to go through every Christmas. I remember calling my best friend on Christmas morning and telling him everything I got. But the funny thing about that conversation was the fact that I usually had a hard time remembering what I did get.

As I got older, it made me realize that it wasn’t the gifts that made Christmas special. It was more about all the moments shared with family and friends at parties or driving around town and looking at Christmas lights. It was the food, like my mom’s pecan pie and homemade fruit salad. It was going downtown to see the annual Christmas parade the day after Thanksgiving, which was a great way to kick off the Christmas season.

It was picking out a real tree until our family decided to go the artificial route. I even remember my grandparents having this weird white Christmas tree with a rainbow-colored lamp that rotated different colors onto the tree. I thought it was the worst Christmas tree of all time and whoever came up with this idea should have been taken out behind the woodshed and severely beaten.  

But for me, it was more about the anticipation of Christmas Eve and believing that jolly Ol’ Saint Nick was headed my way. It was tuning into the 10 o’clock news that night and watching the Santa tracker as I laid two feet on the floor in front of the TV. Where is he right now and how soon will he be coming to my house?

As a youngster, I was a true believer, but could not wrap my head around how he would get into my house since we did not have a chimney. How was this man, bigger than life, going to enter my house and leave the gifts I so desired and had earned? It’s amazing the imagination you had as a kid and the thought process that went with it.

Finally, the big day arrived after a long and sleepless night trying to hear Santa’s arrival. I remember waking up at 5:00 AM on Christmas morning and having to lie in bed until everyone was up, wondering did the big man leave me the Hot Wheels Track or the Daisy BB gun I requested, or would it be underwear and clothes that I did not request? Did he remember the new bike I desired with the sissy bar and chopper handlebars? I gave him plenty of options so surely, he left at least one of those! After the gifts were opened and I was dressed for the day, I remember going outside and looking for sleigh marks or deer tracks as proof that he actually came.

Then the day comes when someone delivers the shocking news that Santa isn’t real! It puts that little bit of doubt in your mind and makes you question Santa’s true existence. They would destroy your beliefs with common sense facts and tell you that the big fat man in the red suit does not exist! They would try to reason with you how impossible it would be for a full-size man who eats nothing but cookies and drinks lots of milk would ever fit down a chimney! It was hard to argue with that!

 But, in the back of your mind, you’re thinking the “know it all” kid just might be mistaken….. or is he? He puts just enough doubt in your mind that you feel that the only way to find out for sure is by asking your mom. Moms never lie and she would never tell you something that’s not true!  

 Then your mom says to you that it doesn’t matter what anyone says, and tells you to ask yourself, “Do YOU believe?” She never actually answers your question, and she leaves you continuing to think that maybe he is real. This is what keeps the magic of Christmas alive. The one thing I always told my kids as each of them at some point ask the age-old question, “Does Santa really exist?” was, “If you stop believing, he will stop leaving.” 

 Now the day finally comes when you know the answer, but it sure was a lot more fun when you thought differently and just weren’t quite sure. Your imagination as a child is what made Christmas so special. That’s still the case today, as there’s nothing more fun and exciting than to see that twinkle in a kid’s eye as they see jolly Ol’ Saint Nick.

 I hope you’ve enjoyed this look back in time when all of us had that special believing look in our eye. It’s always fun going back in time and remembering the things that made each Christmas so special. As we get older, we realize that it’s more about the times we share with family and friends that makes Christmas so special. To each of you, Merry Christmas, and may all your dreams and wishes come true.  Remember, believing is not always about seeing.

Steve Graf                                                        

Louisiana State Police shared the following message recently on their Facebook page:

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season, ensuring the safety of our roadways remains the utmost priority for our dedicated Troopers.

Just last night, shortly after 9:00 p.m., Troopers assigned to Troop G were engaged in traffic control following a previous crash that occurred during the Independence Bowl. Despite being properly positioned, with emergency lights activated, our Trooper was unexpectedly struck head-on. Thankfully, both our Trooper and the other driver involved sustained only minor injuries.

In light of this incident, Troopers wish to remind citizens to bear in mind the significance of Louisiana’s “Move Over” law, which serves to safeguard everyone. Whether you find yourself approaching a law enforcement vehicle, a tow truck, or even a citizen changing a flat tire on the roadside, it is imperative to exercise caution, reduce your speed, and most importantly, MOVE OVER to ensure their safety. In the event that moving over is not feasible, reduce your speed until you have safely passed the vehicle.

By adhering to these simple yet crucial guidelines, we can collectively contribute to the preservation of a secure and harmonious roadway environment. Let us all play our part in making Louisiana roadways safer.

DeSoto Parish Extension Office will be closed from Dec. 22 through January 1.

The Pelican Branch Library will host Family Movie Day on Friday, December 22 beginning at 12pm. Wear your PJs and enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate while watching The Polar Express. For more information call Ms. Angelica at 318.755.2353.

This Saturday, December 23 is the DRONE SHOW in Natchitoches. Free Admission to the Riverfront and Front Street. The lineup of events: 
• 10am–6pm – Holiday Kids Fest on the Downtown Riverbank
• Before Fireworks—DRONE SHOW!
• 7pm – Fireworks over Cane River Lake
Music on the Riverbank Stage
• 4:30pm – Becky & the ShuffleKings
• 7:15pm – Chase Tyler
Visit natchitocheschristmas.com for more information. 

HELP WANTED: Amazon now hiring for some positions at one of its Shreveport facilities. Here’s what you need to know to apply at  http://tinyurl.com/3u9d6pe4

Eddy Houston Sr.
February 12, 1063 — December 15, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 23 at 11am at Mt. Mariah Baptist Church –  Kingston

Johnnie Faye Simpson
October 24, 1958 — December 14, 2023
Service: Saturday, December 23 at 11am at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church – Mansfield

Elton Myers
October 27, 1945 — December 14, 2023
Service: Friday, December 22 at 2pm at Rose Neath Funeral Homes – Mansfield

Northwestern State University awarded 427 degrees to 422 Summer 2023 graduates 683 degrees to 665 Fall 2023 graduates during commencement exercises Dec. 13-14.

Summer 2023 graduates are listed as follows.

Frierson – Suzette Carter, Sharika Clark, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Grand Cane – Hannah Melton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keatchie – Jacob Hicks, Associate of General Studies

Mansfield — Allyson Adams. Bachelor of Science; Whitney Jackson, Doctor of Nursing Practice

Stonewall — Amy Burton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Fall 2023 graduates are listed as follows.

Frierson — Payton Parnell, Associate of Science in Nursing; Aubrey Scott, Bachelor of General Studies; Kayla Joshi, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Eric Harper, Master of Science

Gloster — Holden Aguillard, Bachelor of Science

Logansport — Breunna Smith, Associate Degree; Raina Wheless, Bachelor of Applied Science; Linden Criswell, Bachelor of Arts; Breunna Smith, Aleric Wallace, Bachelor of Science; Bailey McConathy, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Mansfield – Dallas Britt, Bachelor of General Studies; Brianna Sudds, Bachelor of Science; Victoria Childress, Master of Education; Samantha Davis, Master of Science

Stonewall – Jhardai Armstrong, Christy Murphy, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Colby Orr, Doctor of Nursing Practice

Six North DeSoto and two Logansport football players were selected to the Louisiana Football Coaches Association All-State teams announced this past Friday.

Four Griffins were picked on offense with the remaining two on defense while Logansport had an offensive and a defensive lineman picked. Coaches selected teams from all classes (Class 1A-5A) with each class having a separate team.

NDHS receiver Cole Cory, offensive lineman Gage Caskey and defensive back Lake Bates were Class 4A first-team picks for the Griffins.

Logansport offensive lineman Nathan Wheless joined defensive lineman Jumarcus Jones on the Class 1A squad. Tigers receiver Dekamden Flemon was named to the honorable mention.

North DeSoto running back Trysten Hopper, quarterback Luke Delafield and linebacker B.T. McMillian were second-team picks in Class 4A.

Cory finished as the one of top receivers in the state, catching 79 passes for 1,441 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Caskey helped power an unusually balanced offensive attack that produced a pair of 1,000-yard receivers and a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. North DeSoto piled up more than 6,553 offensive yards in just 13 games (279 passing and 225 rushing per game).

Bates led the Griffins from the defensive backfield, intercepting four passes and making 18 tackles while scoring a defensive touchdown.

North DeSoto finished the season 12-2 and advanced to the Division II Non-Select semifinals as the No. 1 seed.

Logansport, who also earned the top seed in Division IV Non-Select and advanced to the semifinals, was led by its offensive and defensive lines.

Wheless led an offensive line that paved the way for a bevy of weapons to touch the ball. The Tigers had as many as eight players who regularly got touches on the ground or through the air on a unit that averaged nearly 40 points per game.

Jones made 77 tackles (27 for loss) with four forced fumbles and two recoveries at the heart of Logansport’s defense.

On the second team in Class 4A, Hopper was one of those 1,000-yard rushers as the bell cow plowed ahead for 1,138 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Delafield engineered the impressive offensive output from under center, throwing for 3,269 yards on 188-285 passing (66 percent) with 38 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.

McMillian logged 29 tackles (18 solo) with two interceptions and one defensive touchdown.

The 22nd Annual Krewe of Aquarius Mardi Gras parade rolls on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 6pm.  The theme this year is “Krewe of Aquarius Celebrates Louisiana”. 

Parade line up will begin at Logansport High School parking lot. Judging will begin promptly at 4pm.

Parade applications are available on their Facebook page.

The theme can reflect anything LA from your heritage, movies, actors, food, sports, entertainment, etc. Beads, Moon pies, cups, stuffed animals may be thrown. If your unsure ask the committee for approval. NO candy can be thrown.

For more information contact Captain Teresa Stephens at 318.518.2775.

.

(With Christmas 2023 here, I’d like to share a portion of one of the chapters in my new book, “Bamboozled By A Bobcat” regarding what Christmas was like during my growing up years in Goldonna.)

“Christmas at my house growing up. Man, what special memories. I think it all started with a trip our family took to the woods out back to find a Christmas tree. It was not easy to find one perfectly shaped. One side would look good, but the back side was skimpy because of growing next to a big tree.

“No problem. Mother would just set the tree in the corner and turn the skimpy side to the wall. Decorations were simple – red roping, icicles, a few colored balls. No lights for one simple reason – electricity had not made its way to Goldonna during the early years of my growing up.

“Another favorite memory are the smells that came from my mama’s kitchen – wood duck roasting in a cast iron pot, gravy dark and rich, cornbread dressing, a hen, not a turkey, roasting. We never had turkey growing up, but no problem, we were catching a chicken from the yard, wringing the neck, and scalding it.

“Desserts? Oh my! Chocolate pie, pecan pie and my all-time favorite, applesauce cake. Even today, my wife Kay and my daughter, Cathy, make me an applesauce cake for Christmas. It just wouldn’t be Christmas without it.

“The night before Christmas, Tom and I would go over from our house on one hill to the next hill where our cousins, Doug and Sambo, lived. We’d build a big bonfire and shoot fireworks. I especially remember those big red two-inch firecrackers that could remove a finger if handled carelessly.

“After fireworks, it was off to bed, but sleep was not easy to come by because I couldn’t help thinking about what I might find under the tree the next morning. Tom and I would often wake up and jump out of bed long before daylight to see what was under the tree, and I was never disappointed.

“We didn’t get the fancy stuff kids get today but a BB gun, toy truck, hard candy, apple and orange, and maybe a board game.

“My most memorable gift was when we were really small and we each got a pedal car. Daddy had found them somewhere, maybe in somebody’s garbage, but he brought them home, hammered out the dents and gave them a shiny coat of blue paint. I guarantee you no brand-new, store-bought pedal car would come close to providing the thrill we got when we saw those blue cars under the tree.

“Probably my favorite Christmas memory was when it came time to sit down for the noon meal Mother had prepared. Before we sat down, she prepared a tray with everything we were about to enjoy, and the whole family would walk through the pine thicket to the home of an old couple and share our food with them. Otherwise they would not have had such a fine meal.

“It taught me something that has stuck with me all my life, and that is the joy of giving. What sticks out in my mind the most is the lesson it taught us kids as Mother and Daddy used the occasion to remind us about the greatest gift ever given when God sent his son Jesus Christ to Earth to show us how to live and then to die and take the penalty of our sins on himself.

“Though our faith in what He did, we have the promise of life everlasting in His presence when our days on Earth are ended.”

Having said that, I’d like to wish my readers and listeners your very best Christmas ever.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2023
Contact: govpress@la.gov 

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards was joined by Congressman Troy Carter and other officials as he and the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that the NTIA has approved Louisiana’s Initial Proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, a cornerstone of the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Internet for All” initiative. Louisiana is the first state to reach this important milestone and may now request access to 20% or more of the $1,355,554,552.94 that NTIA allocated to the state.

“I want to thank the Biden Harris administration for ushering in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that made this possible along with Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Troy Carter,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. Today’s announcement is a testament to the sense of urgency that my administration has worked to ensure that high speed internet is not only accessible but reliable for every single Louisianan. Our plan stresses resilience, connectivity and affordability, and we will implement it as submitted with shovel ready projects set to begin next year. Not only that, but our partnership with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System will make certain we develop a very strong, skilled and credentialed workforce for the infrastructure jobs that are to come.”

“This is a is a monumental achievement that emphasizes Louisiana’s commitment to equity in internet usage. Being the first state authorized to request access to BEAD funds, we are leading the way in closing the digital divide, ensuring that every citizen has affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband access,” said Rep. Carter. “By prioritizing the internet as an essential tool for communication, Louisiana sets an example for other states in utilizing BEAD funds to bridge technological disparities, creating a more inclusive and connected society.”

“In a 21st-century economy, Americans simply cannot afford to live without a high-speed Internet connection,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Today, Louisiana took a major step towards ensuring that no one in the state is held back by a lack of access to high-speed Internet. I congratulate Governor Edwards and the team at ConnectLA for making this happen for Louisiana’s workers, businesses, communities and families.”

The BEAD program is a $42.45 billion state grant program authorized by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. States and territories will use the funding to deploy or upgrade broadband networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet service. Once deployment goals are met, any remaining funding can be used on broadband adoption, training and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses.

“The Internet is the essential tool for communication in today’s world. Today, Louisiana is one step closer to delivering affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service to all,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “I salute the ConnectLA team for developing a sophisticated and high-quality plan focused on creating jobs and building resilient networks that will serve the state for years to come.” 

Louisiana expects to conclude its BEAD challenge process in December. With its initial proposal approved, the state may request to commence the selection of subgrantees. One year from initial proposal approval, Louisiana must submit a final proposal that details, among other things, the outcome of the subgrantee selection process and how the state will ensure service to all unserved and underserved locations.

By Doug De Graffenried

It feels like Hallmark channel syrupy sentimentality has washed over into sound biblical exegesis. Maybe I should blame it on all the “truth” floating around on Facebook. After all Facebook and Instagram are bastions of Biblical knowledge and wisdom. I have experienced an outbreak of Levitical shepherds and sheep. I have even heard of these Levitical shepherds swaddling sheep so they would remain pure and without blemish until the time of sacrifice. I know I’m an old dude, but I never heard of anything like this until three years ago. I heard it from a preacher who was speaking at a non-church event. He waxed poetic about the swaddling of a baby and how the shepherds would understand that. As I recall, he went on and on about shepherds swaddling Levitical sheep. I was too tired to go home and look it all up. 

Then it grew into Levitical shepherds, who took care of the Levitical sheep meant for temple sacrifice. The Mishnah allows that animals destined for temple sacrifice would be raised around Bethlehem. These shepherds are in the region, so certainly these were Levitical shepherds raising Levitical sheep. Except, there are two Bethlehem’s in Palestine in the first century. Which Bethlehem are we talking about? It will make a difference in your sheep story.

The other problem with Levitical shepherd is the notion of a shepherd in first century Palestine. Shepherds were thieves and robbers. Their station in life was so low that they were not competent to be witnesses in judicial matters. When Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd.” He is introducing a radical new concept to his audience. Shepherds can be good. They can care for the sheep. They can be trusted. One author long ago said, Jesus as the good shepherd is an oxymoron. The shepherds, hearing the angel’s announcement were not good guys. They were felonious fellows watching the sheep at night.

Nope, I don’t believe Facebook and Hallmark have this exegesis right. The shepherds were night shift shepherds. They were the dregs of the dregs. It is to these outcasts the birth is announced. The first people coming to Jesus were not the religion professionals like preachers and priests. The first people to visit Jesus, didn’t really fit into the religious narrative or lifestyle. That is the point.

Christmas is about the unexpected love and grace of God. It flows freely, even to night shift shepherds. It flows all the way to you and me.

Oh, one more thing about Jesus in swaddling clothes. That didn’t remind the shepherds about some mythical sacrificial lamb swaddled to protect it. No, the scoundrel shepherds would have figured out that the good news came in the form of a newborn.

The story is powerful, just the way it is. You don’t need to read anything else into the love of God born in Jesus. In the end, all you and I need to know is Jesus.

December 14, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Griffin Neal

WASHINGTON — United States Representative Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House, today commended House passage of the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

The annual legislation includes major priorities for the Louisiana defense community, particularly Barksdale Air Force Base along with Air Force Global Strike Command and Fort Johnson along with the Joint Readiness Training Center.

“As America is facing unprecedented threats across the globe, the National Defense Authorization Act will strengthen our national security against adversaries like China and Russia, and support our servicemembers by providing them with the tools necessary to continue to be the most lethal and effective fighting force in the world,” Johnson said.

“Importantly, this legislation returns the Department of Defense’s focus back to the business of defending our nation and away from social experiments that hurt our military’s recruitment, morale, and readiness. House Republicans secured important victories by reining in harmful Biden Administration policies, such as taxpayer funded censorship of conservative media, Critical Race Theory in the military and its schools, and Pentagon DEI bureaucracy,” Johnson continued. “This bill also supports military families by securing the largest pay raise for our brave men and women in decades while protecting the rights of military parents in their children’s education.”

LA-04 Provisions included in FY 2024 NDAA:

Barksdale Air Force Base

• Weapons Generation Facility ($112 million)
  • Building upon the $165 million secured in the past two years for this project, the WGF will enable Barksdale to once again become a nuclear weapons Air Force Base. Currently, B-52s stationed at Barksdale must fly to North Dakota to be armed with nuclear weapons. This presents national security and efficiency issues, and the construction of a WGF at Barksdale will solidify its place as one of America’s most important military installations.
• 307^th Bomb Wing Medical Facility Expansion ($7 million)
  • The current medical facility for the 307th Bomb Wing was constructed in 1998 and is prone to overcrowding. This funding will construct an expansion of the facility to allow the wing to more efficiently medically process personnel during training weekends and for operational purposes. Without this expansion, personnel may not be medically cleared in a timely manner, thus delaying deployments and the wing’s overall readiness standing.
• Planning and Design Funds for a new Dormitory ($7 million)
• Planning and Design Funds for a Child Development Center ($2 million)

Air Force B-52 Program

• The B-52 remains the backbone of the U.S. bomber force and will remain so for years to come. This year’s NDAA includes over $944 million to continue support of the aircraft and give it the capabilities it needs to maintain an edge over our adversaries.

Long Range Standoff Weapon

• The B-52 is currently able to carry air launched cruise missiles (ALCM), but they are in need of a replacement missile that can penetrate modern-day air defense systems. The long-range standoff weapon is a new ALCM that is currently being developed, and this year’s NDAA includes over $891 million to keep the program on track.

Since being appointed to the House Armed Services Committee in 2021, Congressman Johnson has secured:

• Nearly $620 million in military construction projects for the State of Louisiana
• $330.5 million for Barksdale Air Force Base
• $261.8 million for Fort Johnson
• $13.8 million for Camp Minden
• $2.3 billion for the Air Force B-52 program
• $1.82 billion for the Long Range Stand Off Weapon program

In addition, this year’s NDAA:

• Supports a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay, the largest pay raise in over 20 years
• Bans the promotion of Critical Race Theory in the military, guts the Pentagon’s DEI bureaucracy, reins in taxpayer-funded censorship of conservative media, and protects the rights of military parents in their children’s education
• Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to pay junior enlisted members a monthly bonus to counteract the effects of record-high inflation
• Expands the Basic Needs Allowance to assist low-income servicemembers supporting a family

My friends call it BowlFest, this most wonderful time of the college football year when you can’t swing a cornerback without hitting a Diesel Driving Academy Arkansas Bowl or a Sparkling Caffeine Ice Classic.

It’s a beautiful thing. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of bowl games and holidays and start betting actual real money on the games. Santa doesn’t want you overdoing it. And he’s watching you … 

The day I quit betting on ballgames was the day I thought I was about to lose $100 plus juice and nearly started crying like a small wet child.

March Madness. 1993ish? Back when having 100 bucks meant something. I’d bet Xavier to cover against Indiana or the other way around. In the past I’d bet $5 here and there, maybe 10. We figured we were betting $5 to have $5 worth of fun, because nothing makes you interested in a game the way “having action” on it does. Suddenly you’re interested in an Oregon State vs. Louisville score, fanatically so.

But now I was stepping out and betting a Buck, like a big boy, like I had $100 to lose.

It went down to the wire. Was listening on a transistor radio. Sitting in a cheap table chair on Archer Avenue in Shreveport. Living and dying. “If I can get out of this, I’ll never bet again.”

My guys covered. I’d won 100 large. And retired. Wasn’t worth it. I had to work too hard for that little piece of money.

Since then, the stakes have gotten back to normal. I’m in a group that “bets” all the bowl games with the overall winner getting the pot. The capital outlay is about 18 cents a game.

The feeling is the same. Pride. Bragging rights. The joy of thinking of where you’ll spend the $5 each of the guys will have to cough up. Even though both the risk and reward are so tiny, you’ll still pay more attention to the SMU vs. Boston College Fenway Bowl than any sane man should.

Before legal betting in our neck of the woods, you had to “know a guy.” Benny the Bookie or Sam the Human Point Spread. Now you just need your smartphone and a credit card. 

Draft Kings. FanDuel. Promo codes. “Free money” to get you going.

Sounds like fun. And with a limit, I bet it is. I just got to thinking that I might as well flip a coin because…

How do I know whether or not the starting center just got a “Dear John” letter from his girlfriend;

Or if the quarterback just failed a big math test;

Or if the professional strong safety might have taken something recreationally before the game, the one I just bet a Honey Bun on.

“Too rich for my blood!” I hear a yokel saying …

You can bet spreads, over/unders, moneylines, parlays, teasers. Prop bets. Futures, in which case you’re betting on something that hasn’t happened yet as always, except this won’t happen for a long, long time. (The Orioles are +1,500 to win the 2024 World Series.)

If all these easy ways of betting — even on stuff mid-game, like coin flips or total interceptions — were available by phone 40 years ago, I might still be glued to that chair on Archer, sure I would get rich by the time they were cutting down nets at the Final Four. 

But I backed down. I bet that I really didn’t know what I was doing. And that there would be days when the guys I’d bet on wouldn’t know what they were doing either. 

Probably a good bet.

(But … who you got in the Boca Raton Bowl? Asking for a friend …) 

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

This report reflects all arrests made in DeSoto Parish over the past 7 days. All suspects listed should be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Some information may be incomplete as it was obtained after time of booking. Lists of all current inmates can be found in the DeSoto Parish Sheriff App. 

Cruse, Elisha
32 BF Lufkin, TX
Domestic Abuse Aggravated Assault
Violation of Protective Order

Mulvihill, Seth Michael
26 WM Pelican
Warrant DeSoto Parish

Mitchell, Javeaun Tashaun
18 M Shreveport
Hit and Run Driving
Careless Operation
Driver Not Licensed

Sumers, Jesse Jr.
38 BM Shreveport
Fugitive Warrant/Arrest

Freeman, Kim
36 BF Frierson
Contempt of Court

Williamson, Kimberly Nelson
59 WF Shreveport
Failure to Appear

Peoples, Dejarvis S
31 BM Mansfield
Violation of Protective Order
Domestic Abuse Battery
Resisting an Officer

Durant, Willie C
75 BM Mansfield
Distribution or Possession w/intent to Distribute CDSII

Simpson, Amanda Nicole
36 WF Logansport
Residential Contractor Fraud

Lewis, Anderius Demetric
20 BM Frierson
Battery of a Dating Partner
Resisting an Officer

Godoy Osorto, Douglas Alexander
31 LM
Speeding
Driver Not Licensed

Flowers, Malcolm Jamal
34 BM Mansfield
Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
Possession of Drug Paraphenalia
No Seatbelt
Driving Under Suspension
Obstruction of Justice

Davis, Deangelo
31BM Mansfield
Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
No Seatbelt
Drug Paraphenalia
Resisting an Officer
Obstruction of Justice

Brisker, Sincere S
22 BM Pelican
Stolen Firearm 1st OFF
Possession of CDS I
No Stop Lights

Robertson III, Herman
55 BM Mansfield
Illegal Possession of Stolen Things

Tyler, Trequan Antonio
22 BM Mansfield
Distribution or Possession w/intent to Distribute CDSII

Jones, Keenan Jermaine
25 BM Shreveport
Possession of Schedule I w/Intent to Distribute
Tail Lights

Jones, Diamond
31 BF Mansfield
Simple Battery

Jackson, Mercedes A
34 BF Mansfield
Simple Battery

Brevelle, Heather
30 WF Belmont
Domestic Abuse Battery – Child Endangerment

Green, Kameron
29 BM Mansfield
Probation Violation
Simple Criminal Damage to Property
Theft
Unauthorized Entry of an Inhabited Dwelling

Kupres, Michael Patrick
43 WM Carthage, TX
Operating while Intoxciated; 1st OFF; Penalities
Possession of Marijuana

Black, Natessia
36 BF Grand Cane
Warrant DeSoto Parish

Broadnax, Devin Laroy
57 BM
Warrant DeSoto Parish

Warren, Ronald Dwynall
60 BM Stonewall
Simple Assault

Maxie, Eura L
64 BF Gloster
DWI Second Offense
Operating a Vehicle Under Suspension for Certain Prior Offenses
Careless Operation

West, Avery
59 BM Mansfield
DWI
Proper Equipment Required on Vehicles; Display of Plate
Drivg Rdwy Lane Traffic

Jackson, Dajanaze
28 BF Mansfield
VEH Require Headlamp
Warrant DeSoto Parish

Risher, Brandon
38 WM Shreveport
Illegal Possession of Stolen Things
VEH Must Use LGT Lamp
Possession of Drug Paraphenalia
Switched License Plate

Davis, Lagusta
53 BM Atlanta, TX
Fugitive Warrant/Arrest

Galloway, Gregory
54 WM Frierson
Domestic Abuse Battery-Strangulation

The Pelican Branch Library will host Family Movie Day on Friday, December 22 beginning at 12pm. Wear your PJs and enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate while watching The Polar Express. For more information call Ms. Angelica at 318.755.2353.

This Saturday, December 23 is the DRONE SHOW in Natchitoches. Free Admission to the Riverfront and Front Street. The lineup of events: 
• 10am–6pm – Holiday Kids Fest on the Downtown Riverbank
• Before Fireworks—DRONE SHOW!
• 7pm – Fireworks over Cane River Lake
Music on the Riverbank Stage
• 4:30pm – Becky & the ShuffleKings
• 7:15pm – Chase Tyler
Visit natchitocheschristmas.com for more information. 

Carl W. Smith
January 1, 1942 — December 15, 2023
Service: Wednesday, December 20 at 2pm at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel – Mansfield

Lois Diane Cox
December 12, 1955 — December 15, 2023
Service: Wednesday, December 20 at 10am at Rose Neath Funeral Homes – Mansfield

By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal 

MANSFIELD – Facing one of the toughest schedules in the state with a young roster still waiting for its most experienced player to return, first-year Mansfield boys basketball coach Reggie Williams knew that putting together the Wolverines would be a process.  

That process bore its best fruit of the early season Wednesday as Mansfield easily disposed of Lakeside, 48-24, as Williams logged his third win in his first season as a head coach.  

Williams, who was an assistant with the Green Oaks girls before serving stints with the Huntington and Southwood boys (along with Huntington football), learned from established head coaches like Huntington’s Mack Jones and Southwood’s Brandon Gultrey to establish and trust that process.   

“I learned so much from all of those coaches, and I have to credit (Gultrey) for giving me a lot of decision-making responsibilities,” Williams said. “He taught me how to really run a tight ship and taught me the business of being a head coach.  

“A lot of people see what goes on at practice or on a game day, but he was very transparent in areas like dealing with parents and administration, fundraising, making a schedule, arranging busses and acquiring uniforms.”  

When Williams arrived at his alma mater Southwood before the 2021-22 season, he told Gultrey to not count on him staying too long because becoming a head coach was his ultimate goal.  

Williams was right – after Southwood rattled off 21 straight wins and reached the quarterfinals this past season (Williams second on staff), he accepted the Mansfield head job. 

“I would say yes and no,” the 32-year-old said when asked if he was surprised by how quickly he’s become a head coach. “I know people that have been coaching for 10 or more years in basketball and football and haven’t been a head coach yet.  

“But one thing people told me when they congratulated on getting the job is that they saw how hard I worked. So I’d have to say from that standpoint, no I’m not surprised that I got an opportunity to be a head coach. I can’t thank the Mansfield administration enough for this opportunity, and I plan on building something special here.”  

Williams first test as a head coach? It came against his mentor Gultrey and that Class 5A Southwood program coming off one of its best seasons in program history.  

To complicate matters, Mansfield football was in the midst of a postseason run, and Williams was missing football players from his roster.  

A roster that included seven freshmen have taken their lumps against a schedule where eight of Mansfield’s first 11 opponents were Class 4A and Class 5A opponents. 

The Wolverines (3-9) have strong numbers for a Class 2A program, but it’ll take awhile before Mansfield High can expect to beat the likes of Southwood, Barbe, Evangel Christian and Benton among others.  

“No matter how much say so you had as an assistant, it’s different being the guy in that seat,” Williams said. “The thing I’ve learned the most so far is everything comes with a process. We’re a microwave generation, so sometimes we don’t see the value of maybe starting off not so hot and then peaking later in the season. But I’ve also learned that these players are fighters, they have natural dog in them.” 

While wins haven’t come in bunches yet, Williams sees his younger players developing nicely.  

His bunch went toe-to-toe with Class 5A Parkway this past week in an eventual 13-point loss, but the progress he sees on the floor bodes well for Mansfield competing in a difficult District 3-2A that includes state runner-up Winnfield, annual contender Lakeview and scrappy programs in Red River and Many. 

And Mansfield hasn’t even had the services of its most experienced returning player in Bryson Murray, who will return to the floor in the coming weeks.  

Pairing Murray with senior post Darien Kelly Jr should provide a dangerous 1-2 punch to go along with a slew of juniors and freshmen that are gaining valuable experience each game.  

“Bryson is the leader we’ve been missing, and he’s capable of getting 20 or 25 points in his sleep,” Williams said. “Darien is a 6-4 guy that played cornerback on the football team, so that tells you how much of an athletic freak he is. “We have a freshmen in Malachi Johnson that will be a special player in his time here.  

“We’ve very raw and very athletic. A lot of these guys are used to being better athletes than everybody else, but we’re developing the skill to go with it. We do want to use their speed and athleticism to run, but we’re working on being better in transition. Once we figure that out, we’ve got a very good future here.”  

By Matt Vines, The DeSoto Parish Journal 

MANSFIELD – The Mansfield girls basketball squad are winners of four straight after consecutive wins against Booker T. Washington and Green Oaks earlier this week. 

After marquee wins against Benton and Richwood, the Lady Wolverines (5-5) earned a 47-37 win against BTW on Tuesday and a 48-1 thrashing of Green Oaks on Wednesday. 

Mansfield has one more game this calendar year on Tuesday at Northwood (6 p.m. tip). 

North DeSoto was cruising on a five-game winning streak led by an oppressive defense before falling to Converse on Tuesday. 

The Lady Griffins (7-3) had held their last five opponents to 30 points or less before Converse conjured a 36-28 victory. 

North DeSoto shut out Lakeside for a half in a 54-3 win with wins against Red River, Bossier, Byrd and Haynesville in that stretch. 

Logansport (3-4) remained undefeated against Class A with a 52-42 win against Calvary on Tuesday. The Lady Tigers also have wins against Byrd and Many with all losses coming against Class B opponents, which start their seasons a month earlier than ‘A’ members. 

Logansport faces Converse, who has two wins against Logansport already, on Monday before finishing the calendar year with Stanley on Friday. 

Stanley (3-11) had its contest against Ebarb postponed this week and returns to action Tuesday when they host Weston. 

BOYS BASKETBALL 

With football season finally over, the North DeSoto boys basketball team kicked off its season with a pair of wins this week.  

The Griffins edged Lakeside (40-39) before knocking off Converse (76-65). 

Mansfield (3-9) picked up its third win of the season by trouncing Lakeside (48-24) on Wednesday to open the Minden Tournament. Mansfield, which played Ringgold late Thursday night, has won two of its last four games after a 1-7 start against a brutal schedule. 

The Logansport boys (1-2) haven’t played since Dec. 2 (it’s win against Northwood-Lena), but the Tigers do have one more contest before Christmas as they face Converse at home on Monday. 

The Stanley boys (6-12) are in the midst of a four-game slide, which most recently included losses to Pleasant Hill (57-38) and Ebarb (59-42). Stanley has one more shot to end the skid before Christmas when host Weston on Tuesday. 

SOCCER 

The North DeSoto girls soccer team recharged its offense a pair of wins over the last week. 

The Lady Griffins (8-2-3) topped Ruston 3-2 and opened Division II-District 1 play with a 5-2 win at Natchitoches Central. 

NDHS has a stretch of road games that started with Airline late Thursday night and continues to Haughton on Friday and Tioga on Monday. 

The North DeSoto boys are going through their roughest patch date with a tie and a loss to Natchitoches Central and a loss to Ruston. 

The Griffins faced Leesville late Thursday night with a doubleheader today against Alexandria and Walker (4-4-1) in the Rapides Tournament to finish out the calendar year. 

Each year on Christmas Eve, the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in Cologne, Germany hosted a Living Crèche, what you and I know as a nativity scene or manger scene.  Church members dressed as shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, and Joseph, stood as motionless as possible to show their reverence for such an important and sacred event.  If one was available, a newborn child played the part of baby Jesus.  The recreated nativity scene often included various animals.  In some years, a parishioner read the story of the birth of Christ to be sure that everyone, regardless of age, understood the occasion.  A well-rehearsed choir of children broke the silence by singing a religious hymn, followed by a period of silence, then another hymn. 

In the years leading up to the Living Crèche of 1670, the children in the choir became bored between songs.  The choirmaster instructed them not to move from their assigned spots and not to talk.  The period between songs was reserved for absolute silence.  The children followed the first instruction and remained in their spots, but as they became bored, their natural inclinations slowly took over.  One would give another a look.  Another would whisper.  The progression continued as long as they went unnoticed by the choirmaster.  Before long, the children were talking.  A stern look from the choirmaster quelled their conversations, but only for a few moments and the progression began again. 

The choirmaster was determined that the Living Crèche of 1670 would be different.  In previous years, the choirmaster had threatened and meted out different types of punishments, but they had little effect.  Nothing seemed to keep the children quiet.  He planned to find another way to keep the children quiet.  After much consideration of various ideas, all of which he quickly discounted for one reason or another, he decided that the only way to keep the children quiet was to put something into their mouths, but what?  Handkerchiefs?  Pieces of wood?  Surgeons used items such as these for their patients to bite down on during operations, but the parishioners would never have allowed that to happen.  Finally, the choirmaster settled on something more positive, food.  If he gave the children something good to eat, something all the children liked, they would not be able to talk.  The choirmaster knew the parishioners would not allow children to eat during such a solemn occasion.  He searched for a loophole and, after a visit to the local confectioner, the choirmaster came up with a solution.  He ordered enough white “sugar sticks” specially designed to resemble a holy symbol related to the story of the birth of the savior. 

The archbishop raised an eyebrow in disapproval when the choirmaster explained that he would give the choir children sugar sticks during the Living Crèche.  When the choirmaster explained how the sugar sticks tied into the nativity scene, the archbishop relented.  On Christmas Eve of 1670, the choirmaster passed out his specially designed sugar sticks to the children.  During the service, the children were silent between songs as they enjoyed their sugar sticks.  His plan had worked.  In the following years, in addition to the children in the choir, the congregation enjoyed the sugar sticks as well.  The ritual eventually spread around the Christian world and became a part of our Christmas tradition which continues to this day.

We buy more of these sugar sticks during the Christmas season than any other time of year.  In addition to their great taste, we often decorate with them.  They still have the same shape as designed by the Cologne choirmaster, but they now come in a variety of flavors and colors.  The most popular, by far, is the peppermint flavored red and white sugar stick.  Back in 1670, the choirmaster had the confectioner bend the sugar sticks in the shape of a shepherd’s crook or hook.  We know these sugar sticks as candy canes.

Sources:

1.      “Candy Cane History & Legends, Spangler Candy.” Www.spanglercandy.com, www.spanglercandy.com/our-brands/candy-canes/legends.

2.     Kennedy, Lesley. “The Twisted History of Candy Canes.” History, 7 Dec. 2018, www.history.com/news/candy-canes-invented-germany.

The Southland Conference announced its 2024 football league schedule Thursday with Northwestern State playing four of its seven league games at home.

The Demons will start and end the conference season at home, opening league play by hosting Lamar on Oct. 5. NSU closes the 2024 season at home with a matchup against HCU.

In between, the Demons will play UIW (Oct. 26) and McNeese (Nov. 16) at home, welcoming the Cowboys to Turpin Stadium for the first time since October 2021.

Northwestern State will travel to face Southeastern (Oct. 19), Texas A&M-Commerce (Nov. 2) and defending Southland Conference champion Nicholls (Nov. 9) in conference play.

The remainder of Northwestern State’s 12-game schedule as well as season-ticket information will be announced at a later date.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments this past week in what observers have deemed the most important tax case in decades.  To answer the question at issue in the case—whether Congress can tax unrealized capital gains as if they were income—the Court will need to define what “income” actually is.

I find this case intriguing both because of my general disdain for over-taxation and over-regulation that Americans are burdened with every day but also because, in deciding this case, the Court will need to examine the U.S. Constitution. 

I begin by sharing that our Constitution did not originally allow for the taxation of income.  In fact, the Constitution originally permitted only two classes of taxation: 1. Direct taxes, which must be apportioned among the states in proportion to their populations; and 2. “indirect” taxes, specifically duties, imposts, and excises, which must be uniform throughout the country.  Only because of the later 16th Amendment is Congress able to impose income taxes on people (as opposed to businesses or other entities). (N. Siegel and Steven J. Willis, National Constitution Center).

These “direct” taxes are specifically laid out in Article 1, Section 9 which states that “no capitation, or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion to the Census or Enumeration …”  The “indirect” taxes are specifically laid out in Article 1, Section 8 which states that the “Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States—but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States.”  

Well, before the 16^th Amendment, Congress did not want to be limited in its ability to tax based upon a state’s population nor did it want to be required to see that its taxes were uniform throughout the country.  These constitutional requirements created obstacles.  So, those in Congress who wanted the federal government to be able to tax individual income circumvented those restrictions with the passing of the 16^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which states: “The Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.”  The 16^th Amendment was passed and successfully ratified on February 3, 1913, establishing Congress’s right to impose a federal income tax.

With this in mind, we will return to the Supreme Court case at issue.  The case is Moore v. U.S., and it involves a simple set of facts.

As recounted in the Wall Street Journal, “in 2006, Charles and Kathleen Moore invested $40,000 in an 11% equity interest in a foreign corporation.  Between 2006 and 2017, the company was profitable but reinvested all its earnings in the business.  The Moores thus didn’t receive dividends or any other income from the investment.”   Well, “under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the Moores became subject to a new federal levy called the ‘mandatory repatriation tax’ applicable to investors in overseas corporations …. This new tax treated their allocable share of the corporation’s undistributed earnings as if they were actually received by the shareholders.” (Emphasis added) (H. Adler and L. Willis, WSJ, Dec. 5, 2023).

The obvious legal issue facing the Court is how these completely unrealized “gains” can be taxed as “income.”   Simply, how can so-called “income” be taxed if it is never received? In fact, “if realization is no longer a requirement for taxable income, then ‘income tax’ has no boundaries in the Constitution, and Congress can directly tax wealth.” (Id. WSJ, 12-05-23).

I note that property taxes are comparable to taxes on unrealized capital gains since such taxes are imposed without a sale of the house. However, as a policy matter, such taxes are justified based upon the need for the taxing entity, generally the city or parish, to establish a source of funding to provide police, fire, public education, and other community and municipal services.

The Supreme Court has not taken on a tax case of this potential significance in many years.  The pro-tax naysayers claim the Court’s “meddling” in this issue could cause the Court to also examine other sections of the Internal Revenue Code.  Would that it were.  And soon. The Court would do a great service to the American taxpayer by simply (re) defining income in the historic fashion it’s been understood.