Ruston, LA – Louisiana Tech University has announced the names of students on its Spring Quarter 2024 President’s and Dean’s honor lists.

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

De Soto
Gloster: Noah L. Dupree
Grand Cane: William Levi Bagley*, Claire Elise Headrick, Bailey K. Lodrige, Blayne, Joseph Springer
Stonewall: Randie D. Arinder*, Mallory E. Bogues*, Caden Harrison Britt*, Libby Claire Burback*, Logan P. Ferguson, Lindsay Kathryn Fox*, Kathryn Mackenzie Graner*, Conner Adam Hermes*, Pierce T. Jenkins, Lael Christine Penner*, Kate L. Peterson, Mallorie C. Phillips, Parker Schimberg, Emma Grace Winston*, Macy Watts Young

The Ark-La-Tex region is blessed with some of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. Toledo Bend, Lake Fork, Caddo Lake, Lake of the Pines, Caney, Bussy Break are all area lakes that continue to make the Bassmaster Top 100 lakes in the country every year. But there’s one that has emerged as the best of the best — Lake Sam Rayburn!

Located in the heart of East Texas just east of Lufkin, Sam Rayburn continues to defy logic and mystify marine biologists. By that I mean, no other lake in this region gets more pressure and hosts more tournaments than Rayburn and yet it continues to put out huge stringers of bass week after week. Today I’ll give you some statistics that will illustrate just how good Sam Rayburn is at this time.

One way to judge a lake is to look at tournament results. It’s a great barometer to determine how healthy a fishery really is. One recent tournament was the Bob Sealy Big Bass Splash which is held annually on Sam Rayburn in the month of April. Anglers from all over the country make their way to this famed reservoir each year for one thing — to catch big bass! This year the Sealy event did not disappoint as record numbers were caught. 

Here’s some impressive numbers to back up why Sam Rayburn is truly the best. These weights reflect the total bass weighed over the three-day event. 

• Friday –– 41 bass weighed in over 7 pounds with nine of them over the 9-pound mark including the winning fish of the event coming in at 11.30.  

• Saturday –– 34 bass over 7 pounds came to the scales with 14 coming in over 8 pounds. 

• Sunday –– a good day but not as good as the two previous days, which is normal for a three-day event, as only 13 fish were weighed in over 7 pounds. 

With all Bob Sealy events, there’s an hourly payback, as well, that pays the Top 15 places per hour. Here’s what it took to just get an hourly check.  

• Friday – it took a bass weighing 5.38 pounds to get at least 15^th place each hour. 

• Saturday – you needed a 4.66-pounder to make the Top 15.

• Sunday – a 4.20-pound bass put you in the Top 15. 

To the average person who does not fish, these numbers mean nothing, but to an angler, these numbers are off the chart impressive!

What makes this even more amazing is the fact that from January through the end of September, there’s not a single weekend where Rayburn isn’t hosting at least two tournaments. 

Most lakes with this kind of pressure will have a drop off in the quality of bass caught. But not Sam Rayburn and that’s a testament to the hard work of the Texas Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. No other state does as good a job of producing great fisheries than Texas.

If you’re looking for a place to go and catch big bass, look no further than Lake Sam Rayburn.

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

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

Royal Alexander

The DeSoto Parish Extension Office is fortunate again this summer to have an intern in the office to assist with the many parts of the office. Trailbe Goff  will be interning in both 4-H and ANR along side Ami and Josh. 
Goff stated,  “I am ecstatic about the opportunity to intern at the Desoto Parish Extension Office. I am currently a student at Stephen F. Austin State University where I am working towards obtaining my Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture with a concentration in agricultural Development Production. I also own and operate a registered Brahman herd. The agriculture industry is one that I hold close to my heart. I was raised in the heart of east Texas; growing up I was an active member of the FFA, 4-H, ABBA, AJBA, and the TJBA. I am honored to serve Desoto Parish and excited to learn new things.”

Welcome aboard!

Tom wanted to win, as we all do when we compete in something.  In 1862, 14-year-old Tom persuaded his parents to allow him to travel to New York as a passenger on a sailing ship.  Tom’s parents were poor, but the cost of the passage was cheaper than feeding Tom.  They reluctantly agreed.  Tom was entranced by the sailing ship.  He was amazed that simple wind power could move such a large vessel. 

While in New York, Tom worked in a grocery store.  He took a keen interest in the process of purchasing goods from wholesalers and selling products to customers for a profit.  He learned that having good products to offer was not enough.  Advertising was good but clever advertising was better.  Tom saved a large portion of his pay.  He had a plan.  When he thought he had saved enough money, he would return to Scotland and open his own shop.  Five years later, Tom returned to Scotland and fulfilled his plan.  Tom began by importing goods from America, items which were unavailable at other grocery stores.  Tom’s shop flourished.  Within a few years, Tom owned a chain of grocery stores.  Tom traveled the world, mostly on sailing ships, in search of new and unique items to sell in his shops.  On the opening day of one of his shops, Tom’s shop had an estimated 60,000 customers and sold 50 cases of butter in rolls, 1 ½ tons of lump butter, 1 ton of bacon, 1 ½ tons of hams, ½ ton of cheese, and 16,000 eggs.  From the late 1870s to the mid-1880s, sales doubled from £40 million to £80 million.  By this time, Tom owned more than 200 shops in multiple countries.  By 1914, the chain grew to over 500 stores.    

Tom was known for his advertising campaigns.  In 1882, in one of his most notable advertising schemes, Tom bought three of the world’s largest cheeses.  They arrived onboard a steamship called the Bolivia, but there was a problem.  They didn’t have a crane large enough to unload the heavy cheeses.  The heaviest weighed 2400 pounds.  The other two weighed 2100 pounds each.  They measured five feet in diameter, were 2 feet 2 inches deep, and had a circumference of 16 feet.  It took New York farmers six days to milk the 800 cows to get enough milk for the cheese.  Once unloaded, Tom displayed the cheeses in his markets in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Leeds.  On Christmas eve, the mammoth cheeses were cut up and sold to the delighted customers.

Tom needed a new, grander advertising scheme.  In 1898, Tom had a yacht built specifically to enter the international sailing competition known as America’s Cup.  Tom’s yacht was called the Shamrock.  Rather than being a single race, America’s Cup consisted of five races.  The winner of three or more of the races won the trophy known as the Auld Mug.  In 1899, Tom pitted his Shamrock against the reigning champion, Columbia.  The Columbia won the first three races and retained the Auld Mug.  Tom lost the America’s Cup but the press the race garnered was sensational for his business.  Tom tried four more times to win America’s Cup but failed.  Due to the worldwide press coverage, Tom’s business soared to new heights.  Tom became a folk hero whom the press dubbed the “lovable loser.”  After his fifth and final attempt, America’s Cup officials awarded Tom a specially designed cup for his being “the best of losers.”  Tom was Sir Thomas Lipton, the first person to sell tea in teabags. 

Sources:

1.      Rossingh, Danielle, “America’s Cup: New York Turns Back Time,” CNN.com, May 6, 2016, accessed May 26, 2024,  https://www.cnn.com/2016/05/06/sport/americas-cup-new-york-history-sailing/index.html.

2.     Lothian Courier, June 3, 1876, p.4.

3.     The Courier and Argus (Dundee, Scotland), December 13, 1882, p.3.

4.     “History of Lipton Tea from the 1800s through to Today,” www.lipton.com, accessed May 26, 2024, https://www.lipton.com/us/en/our-purpose/the-history-of-lipton-tea.‌   

The Mansfield State Historic Site Come will celebrate National Donut Day today by giving out free donuts while supplies last. Go by and grab one!

LCD Wedding Venue will host a Bridal Show Sunday, June 9 from 2-5pm. The venue is located at 4072 Hwy 171 S in Gloster. 

Wilbert Johnson
June 13, 1927 – May 23, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 11am at St. John Baptist Church – Mansfield

Wilson, Kishaun Cortex
B M 18
Possession of Schedule 1 with intent to distribute
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Logansport

Arbogast, Colton James
W M 31
Hit and Run Driving
Failure to report an accident
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, first offense
Driving in roadway laned for traffic
Driving under suspension
Olla

Person, Clifford Ernest
B M 64
Possession of Schedule 1 with intent to distribute
Possession of Drug paraphernalia
Driving under suspension
Failure to renew registration
Possession of firearm in presence of CDS
Logansport

Patton, Reggie DeWayne
B M 39
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield

Anderson, Mary Lee
W F 42
Domestic Abuse aggravated assault
Aggravated assault with a firearm
Illegal carrying and discharge of weapon
Logansport

Cartwright, Patrick Deshun
B M 39
Warrant Desoto Parish
Marshall, TX

Dickerson, Stephanie Denise
W F 35
Warrant Desoto Parish
Marshall, TX

Oneal-Taylor, Jordan J
B M 22
Second Degree Battery
Bossier

Love, Darius Tyrell
B M 31
Fugitive Arrest/Warrant
Mansfield

Johnson, Bridney Shanee
B F 35
Warrant Desoto Parish
Fugitive Warrant/Arrest
Gloster

Oliver, Prochea Shanteria
B F 34
Fugitive Warrant
Shreveport

Bowen, Ladesmeiona S
B F 23
Warrant Desoto Parish

Rhoades, Nichole Sheree
L F 36
Criminal Mischief-False report of a crime
Simple Burglary of inhabited dwelling
Logansport

Harper, Jarvis William
B M 31
Fugitive Warrant/Arret
Shreveport

Banks, Gavian Rashad
B M 23
Fugitive Warrant
Shreveport

Daniel, Phillip Phileon
B M 41
Fugitive Warrant
Shreveport

Wilson, Orlando Mirelle
B M 38
Aggravated Battery
Logansport

Stephens, Christine
W F 43
Simple Burglary

Price, James Matthew
L M 42
Domestic Abuse Battery-Minor
Injury Burning
Obstruction of Justice
Possession of THC
Mansfield

Johnson, Rayland
B M 31
Stop Sign Violation
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of CDS I
Possession of CDS II
Possession of Firearm in presence of CDS
Obstruction of Justice

Carter, Jaylon
B M 26
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated first offense
Speeding
Benton

Bass, Jenna
W G 38
DWI-second offense
Driving in Roadway laned for traffic
Stonewall

Ramsey, Colton Blane
W M 18
Underage Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Non-operating tail lamps
Joaquin, Tx

Bell, Anthony Tyrone
B M 56
Warrant DeSoto Parish
Grand Cane

Reynolds, Charles
W M 55
Possession of CDS II
Mansfield

Ragsdale, Alonzo
B M 34
Possession of CDS II
Possession of Firearm by convicted felon
Flight from an Officer
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated first offense
Vehicular negligent injuring
Shreveport

Thomas, Tyrone
B M 39
Improper supervision of a minor by parent or legal guardian
Mansfield

Griffin, Kevin Dwayne
B M 41
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated first offense
Non renewal of registration
Mansfield

Powell, Charles
B M 59
Fugitive Warrant
Mansfield

Holbert, LeRoy DeWayne
B M 40
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield

Jimerson, Thomas
W M 36
Warrant Desoto Parish
Frierson

Jordan, Felicia W
W F 46
Accessory to a crime
Grand Cane

Southwestern Energy, a leading natural gas and natural gas liquids producer in the United States, has made a generous donation to the Mansfield Library Branch. The company has contributed a significant number of monitors to enhance the library’s technological infrastructure. The monitors are expected to
streamline productivity tasks for library users.

This donation is a testament to SWN’s ongoing commitment to the community, following their previous contribution of monitors to the Stonewall branch last year. The Mansfield Library expressed its heartfelt gratitude for the company’s continuous support, underlining the positive impact these donations will
have on the local community.

By Doug De Graffenried

Which of the Ten Commandments do you think is the most violated among Christians? Have you figured it out yet?

It appears to be the most innocuous of the list. In Exodus the commandment reads, “Remember the Sabbath.” In Deuteronomy the commandment reads, “Observe the Sabbath.” We are to do something with the Sabbath, we are not sure what to do.

When was the last time you did nothing? I’m talking Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-a closed on Sunday nothing. Let’s start there. Remembering and observing the Sabbath carry at the root of meaning the idea of doing nothing. You take on no project. You finish no task. You put down the phone. You rest.

The rest and refreshment of the Sabbath is a gift of God. He rested after creation. His rest gives us a pattern for our well-balanced spiritual life. Sabbath is the foundation of our spiritual formation in Christ. If we are not taking time to be with Christ, how will we know Him and serve Him?

You get the idea. So that is a thumbnail of a sermon I preached last week. Trust me, Sunday is not a Sabbath for preachers. I was up at four. Preached twice. Served communion in two services. Prepared my devotional thoughts for the VBS volunteers and then I went home. Once home, I prepared to play refrigerator musical chairs. There were a total of three refrigerators that were moved on Sunday afternoon. I also did a quick removal and replacement of two standing cabinets in the laundry room. Of course, all the stuff in the refrigerators had to be relocated.

I thought it ironic that I was exhausted on a day I had preached about Sabbath.

In thumbing through the manual for the new refrigerator, I discovered that my new refrigerator has a Sabbath setting for the ice maker. Since part of keeping the Sabbath is refraining from any kind of work, this refrigerator joins along in Orthodox Jewish households in refraining from ice making and alarm sounding.

If an icemaker can be programed for a Sabbath rest, do you suppose that you and I are wise enough to take a step back from the frenetic pace of our world for Sabbath?

Jesus said, “Come unto me all you who are weary (overworked at the end of your rope and never catching up people) and I will give you rest.” If my refrigerator can observe Sabbath, I can too.

What about you?

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University named 749 students to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester. Students on the Dean’s List must be enrolled full time and earn a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99.

For questions regarding the Dean’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357-6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Students listed by hometown are as follows.

Abbeville – Aniya Martin;

Abita Springs – Sarah Jenkins;

Addis – Troy Alexander, Erin Bayham;

Alabaster, Alabama – Antwon Fegans;

Alexandria – Markeyla Anderson, Peyton Bordelon, Ashton Brodnax, Mya Brown, Elizabeth Cook, Danielle Dauzat, Penny Davis, Emilie Duncan, Kamille Fuselier, Meghan Goss, Faith Hilliard, Juanita Hobson, Breanna Kirts, Brandon Michot, Hailey Rachal, Alissa Roberts, Madeline Simpson, Erica Smith, ARminie Tanner, Campbell Williams;

Allen, Texas – Taylor Spitzer,

Alma, Georgia – Jessica Mikell;

Alvin, Texas – Alexander Wohllaib;

Anacoco – Lindsey Alligood, Alana Blanchard, Dani Carver, Mallory Cooley, Loryn Gross, Hunter Rabalais;

Anna, Texas – Alexis Ortega;

Arkansas City, Bahamas – Bernesha Knowles;

Arlington, Texas – Samaya Wesson;

Atlanta – Matthew Carter;

Atlanta, Texas – Cademon Larson;

Atlanta, Georgia – Kobe Stewart;

Azogues, Eduador – Erick Cabrera;

Ball – Cameron Ducote, Amber Ford;

Barksdale AFB – Paige Shelton;

Basile – Riley Craton;

Bastrop – Samantha Bryan;

Baton Rouge – Ebenezer Aggrey, Kenneth Austin, Charlysse Casma, Tasha Foster, Christian Gamer, Hana Hart, Jalivia Johnson, Tyler Mayers, Kristina Simon, Chadwick Smith;

Belleville, Illinois – Kierra Lair Johnson;

Benton – Micah Ballard, Leighanne Ballew, Allie Denton, Jimmy McDonald, Tara Moore, Kirsten Perry, Lynsey Plunkett, Megan Risher, Natalie Sullivan, Colleen Steward, Avery Tullos, Emily Whitecotton;

Bienville – Saragh Holzem, Lindsay Macynski;

Big Sandy, Texas – Tristan Davis;

Bossier City – Jan Amutan, Aliyah Burke, Danielle Burton, Daniel Coleman, Jasmine Covington, Chase Creamer, Asia Dudley, Manuel Duque, Taylor Fuller, Colby Grayson, Hannah Gribble, John-Michael Head, Haley Henderson, Haley Hicks, Christian James, Skyla Johnson, Maria Lara, Gabrielle Lawrence, Ebony Layton, John Lewis, Jonathan Limones, Sophia Livers, Natalie McCoy, Jaden McCoy, Trisella Bryn Mendoens, Dylan Merrow, Brooke Moradel, Emily Murphy, Madelyn Murphy, Connor Norcross, Heyshla Perez Vega, Alyssa Reeves, Kalyah Rushing, Elizabeth Stewart, Isabella Vaughn, Kamryn Whatley, Ashley Woodfin;

Boyce – Jace Aslin, Lindway Harris;

Breaux Bridge – Monte Singleton, Anastacia Strate;

Bridgewater, Massachusetts – Conner Mackie;

Brooklyn, New York – Amy Barnett;

Broussard – Emilie Barbier, Saige Trahan, Kaitlyn Washington;

Butte, Montana – Robyn Mcdougall;

Campti – Luke Greer, Jason Smith;

Carencro – Carley Handy, Terrell Woodard;

Cartagena, Colombia – Alessandra Coneo, Valentina Restrepo, Tatiana Wing Lam Wu Wu;

Celing, Texas – Laney Roos;

Chalmette – Kyron Angeletti;

Cleveland, Mississippi – Dextyania Russell;

Cloutierville – Harlee Manry;

Colfax – Destiny Broadway, Shondriana Gaines, Dalton Wade;

Colleyville, Texas – Mitchell Williams;

Colorado Springs, Colorado – Neko Martinez-Vasquez;

Concordia, Kansas – Tahisha Thompson;

Conroe, Texas – Kennedy Reynolds;

Converse – Cameron Craig, Drake Friday;

Cotton Valley – Haley Sandlin;

Cottonport – Kallie Madrigal;

Coushatta – Ethan Cole-Morgan, Meagan Corley, Emily Fletcher, Carlena Henry, Elizabeth Hughes, LaFrances Jones, TaMya Tarry, Abby Williams;

Covington – Rain Clark, Cullen Goscienski, Savannah keller, Abigail Lacour, Sierra Marcev, Lynn Nunez, Kelsey Penny, Drake Pooler, Evan Scherer;

Creole – Amberlee Saltzman;

Crosby, Texas – Millasia Archangel;

Crowley – Connor Benoit, Kiara Davis;

Denham Springs – Rhett Bordelon, Abbigail Delanoix, Micah Dugas, Karlee Wysinger;

Denton, Texas – Tessa Gerwig;

DeQuincy – Susan Cinton;

DeRidder – Sierra Blackmon, Lance Corry, Tayleigh Gudiardo, Trevon Henry, Brady Jett, Hannah Kennedy, Andrey Loria Calvo, Tabitha Maddox, Jenna Mullican, Logan Penrose, Kamryn Purdue, Gabriella Rivera, Grecia Simon;

Destrehand – Rebecca Scott;

Deville – Lona Aucoin, Marissa Bianchini, Mitchell LeBlanc, Gregory McNeely, Paige Ratcliff, Maxwell Sanders, Jacee Smith;

Dodson – Caroline Boyett, Summer Gorham, Casey Thomas;

Downsville – Brandon Carter;

Dry Prong – Patience Christen, Layla Fletcher, Caitlynn French, Colton Mayo, Cameron Remrey;

Duson – Emilie Comeaux;

Eagle River, Arkansas – Jordan Todd;

East Wenatchee, Washington – Kora Fry;

Edgard – Sonte Pierre;

Effie – Peyton Johnson;

Elizabeth – Halie Thielepape;

Elmer – Layla Chandler, Rebekah Durison, Katelynn Riggs, Alexas Suttles;

Elton – Hannah Macato;

Erath – Kelbi Mills;

Ethel – Jenny Desselle;

Eunice – Kyra Davis, Christie Sonnier;

Farmersville, Texas – Slade Thomas;

Fisher – Katelynn Sargent;

Florien – Leighton Anderson, Alexis Brooks, Skye Buentello, Lauren Dees, Cesaleigh Hall, Makenna Landry;

Forest Hill – Stella Srisawang;

Fort Johnson – Danielle Adams, Morgan Bain, Angelisa Dobbins-Taylor, Emily Donelson, Kayla Janice, Eric Lewis, Lindsey Moser;

Frederick, Colorado – Chase Prestwich;

Freeport, Texas – Jerrilee Shadden;

Fresno, California – Madison Moles;

Friendswood, Texas – Ashlyn Svoboda;

Frierson – Joshua Bouriaque;

Georgetown, Texas – Raymond Honshtein;

Gibsland – Xaivion Haulcy;

Glenmora – Sarah Brown, Katie Dupre;

Gloster – Michelle Latin, Paige Lindsey;

Goldonna – Stormy Carpenter;

Gonzales – Nichelle Hall;

Grapevine, Texas – Griffin Howe;

Gray – Rae Cortze;

Greenwell Springs – Destiny Brown, Jordyn Ponvelle;

Gretna – Malonnie Evans;

Hamburg, Germany – Vanessa Balde;

Hammond – Suzanne Blake, Erika Williams;

Haslet, Texas – Jordan Bray;

Haughton – Julie Daniels, Chloe Dettrey, James Grooms, Hannah Gurtner, Shannon Henderson, Braydon Kelley, Jillian Kerneen, Marissa Rowsey, Jacob Webb;

Henderson, Nevada – Hailee Cunanan;

Hineston – Melissa Tadlock;

Hockley, Texas – Makenna Tryon;

Holden – Matthew Hughes;

Holly Springs, North Carolina – Kylie Morris;

Hornbeck – Joshua Corley, Cody Jarrell, Logan Lawrence, Jessica Mendoza;

Hot Springs Village, Arkansas – Nicholas Soileau;

Houma – Jessica Barker, Ramiyah Rounds, Elizabeth Schreve;

Houston – Jasmin Dixon;

Indialantic, Florida – Isabella Ruggiano;

Iowa – Kimora Harrison;

Jacksonville, Arkansas – Heather Tienda;

Jarreau – Emily LaGrone;

Jena – Kary-Ana Jones, Ryan Kirkham, Madison Moss, Kevin Patterson, Robin Perrin;

Jenkintown, Pennsylvania – Kolbe Burrell;

Jennings – Brea Baca-White, Rebecca Gotte, Olivia Habetz, Loren Higginbotham, Dillon Humphries, Margaret Martinez;

Jonesboro – Georgia Robbinson, Adriana Singleton

Jonesville — Tere’A Barber;

Kaplan – Mallory Hargrave, Mia Primeaux;

Katy, Texas – Hayden Barrios, Anna Hebden, Syddah Shults;

Keithville – Taija Atkins, Claire Garceau, Cierra Hay, Walker Holland, Brayden Kilgore, Megan Martin, Rachel Mckinney, Lauren Moushon, Taylor Myers;

Kenner – William Madere;

Kilgore, Texas – Daynie Edwards, Madeline Horton, Kennieth Lacy, Kirk Marchus Ybanez;

Kingwood, Texas – Breanna Burrell;

Kumamoto, Japan – Honoka Umeda;

La Cadière D’Azur, France – Célian Depernet;

Lafayette – Sydney Alleman, Shalestria Hopkins, Caroline Nelson, Sarah Newman, Maudry Nichols, Stephen North, Damari Padilla, Aleysia Trahan, Mia White, Petra Williams;

Lake Arthur – Dylan Leblanc;

Lake Charles – Johnathan Allen, Darian Blanchard, Katelyn Bonnette, Mackenzie Brown, Dylan Freeman, Kassie Piatt, Austin Pugh, Morgan Schlotfeldt, Tabitha Yokum;

Lake Providence – Meredith Hensley, Mary Wise;

League City, Texas – Daniel Burroway;

Leander – Lindsey Boswell;

LeCompte – Curry King, Natalie Mathews;

Leesville – James Bell, Kaitlyn Caillier, Mirleine Desir, Hannah Dowden, Shyla Fiesel, Lorri Finkemeier, Damien Gill, Alessia Gomez, Rachel Hillman, Marvin Mackey, Nathaniel Meins, Jesse Miller, Jacob Mount, Layla Mouton, Natalie Norris, Allyce Richards, Elizabeth Rindahl, Rebecca Smith, Ashlan Stephens, Dana Tatum, Craig Weir;

Lewisville, Texas – William White;

Livonia – Lexie Amond;

Logansport – Logan Chadwish, Ian Shahan;

Lumberton, Texas – Olivia Harrison;

Madison, Mississippi – Rachel Alston;

Madisonville – Bailey Cartwright, Cassidy Marsh;

Mamou – Logan Reynolds;

Mandeville – Graham Christ, Ainsley Rusca, Joseph Tucker;

Mangham – Austin Coon;

Mansfield – Shaniyah Blaze, Mckayla Courtney, Lamar Montgomery, Valentina Puac;

Mansura – Logan Bordelon, Gabrielle Jacobs;

Many – Haley Broxson, Shiley Cartinez, Shania Collier, Roger Dew, Christopher Ezernack, Kaitlyn Johnson, Lila Laroux, Jada Lee, Shelby Leone, Levi Miller, MaKynli Miller, Masen Starks, Hilary Williams, Olivia Williams, Alaina Wright;

Maringouin – Victoria Cope, Chelsea Favroth, Dylan Lablanc;

Marksville – Caleb Barton, Devontre Francisco, Hunter Hicks, Chelsa Lachney, Mia Rodriguez;

Marrero – Nina Ovalle;

Marshall, Texas – Samuel Bailey, Kelsie Campbell;

Marthaville – Morgan Wyatt;

Maurice – Denae Landry, Brooklyn Orr;

Melissa, Texas – Erika Shotlow;

Merryville – Rebecca Munley;

Metairie – Austin Anderson, Clifford Gordon, Raleigh Lusignan, Daniel Wellmeier;

Milton – Alexander Bourgeois;

Minden – David Adkins, Ashlee Blanks, Jada Franklin, Arianna Gill, Adrianna Maddox, Morgan McCanliss, Madison Smith, Tyliayah Smith;

Monroe – Tyler Bonial, Shamya Mabry, Gabirel Parker, Mary Pleasant, Keshawn Reed, Elizabeth Russell, Sarah Smith, Shemicka Wade;

Montgomery – Justice Gongre, Kemasia Nash, Kieler Soape, Gabrielle Simon;

Montz – Cale Arceneaux;

Morgan City – Kaitlyn Waguespack;

Mount Hermon – Santana-Lin Lewis;

Naples, Texas – Bailey Thomas;

Nassau, Bajamas – Tarajh Hudson, Carnitra Mackey;

Natchez – Reagan Davis, Madison Simms;

Natchitoches – Samantha Austin, Kaylee Baugh, Mariya Bayonne, Da’Keavah Bell, Jordan Bevels, Abigail Bevill, Cameron Bienvenu, Logan Boline, Gracie Borders, Stephani Bradley, Hannah Branam, Sophia Brossett, Vy Bui, Josue Bustillo Aguero, Adriana Chaj Hernandez, Patrick Coffey, Ana Corrales Santos, Starkeia Davis, Laura Dov, Ashley Duffus, Eli Dyjack, Hannah Ferguson, Gabriela Forero Salcedo, Eve Naun Galeas Antunez, Alexx Gibson, Djimon Gumbs, D’Tashawua Harrison, Triniti Hays, Rafael Hernandez Olmeda, Rannon Jett, Robert Jordan, John Killian, Christian Lawson, Grace Lemoine, Logan Lonadier, Destin Lopez, Daryl Martin, Hailey Martin, Lakira Mcgaskey, Maci Messenger, Flynt Nelson, Sebastian Oviedo, Madison Pellegrin, Kenneth Ratliff, Tianna Rock, Lexie Roos, William Shields, Makayla Taylor, Malorie White McCauslin, Mary Williams, Mya Williams, Roland Williams, Calvin Willis, Jalen Wilson, Brian Young;

Naylor, Georgia – Jerome Riley;

New Iberia – Arianna Astorga, Addison Camors, Makynli Delcambre, Amaaz Eugene, Rowena Saensane;

New Llano – Iris McNeely, Dyamond Smith;

New Orleans – Jaeda Barrett, Valerie Hallot, Lynell Washington;

New Roads – Gracie Gunter;

Noble – Rebecca Hardee, Selena Rodriguez;

North Little Rock, Arkansas – Kareame Cotton;

Oak Grove – Alexis Aarons, Abb Chop, Elizabeth Sykes;

Oakdale – Kristen Ardoin;

Oberlin – Linsey Fontenot;

Opelousas – Gabrielle Bellard, Abigayle Guillory, Cole Lafleur, Malaya White;

Oxford, Mississippi – Merrill Overbey, Emily Senatore;

Palm Harbor, Florida – Kennedy Rist;

Palmetto – Erica Janice;

Pearland, Texas – Sabrina Lopez;

Pflugerville, Texas – Evan Wilson;

Phenix City, Alabama – Jessica Ross;

Pierre Part – Gabrielle Jones, Brooks Leonard, Bryce Leonard, Elise Vidrine;

Pineville – Andrew Benoit, Jack Blair, Whitney Brevelle, Tori Charrier, Laurel Dickinson, Zachary Dubroc, Cristy Garcie, Peter Gorham, Emily Hamilton, Hannah Mackey, Curtessa Morrow, Kylee Mott, Alaina Parham, Sterling Player, Ashlyn Saucier, Eva Scallan, Kirstyn Smith, Rilee Smith, Kara Speir, Mallory Speir, Karly Stansell, Kevin Thomas, Brittany Williams;

Pitkin – Shannon Boone, Donald Nolen, Dalton Maricle;

Plaquemine – Christa Berthelot, Deidra Jones, Keidra Young;

Pleasant Hill – Skylie Harris;

Point, Texas – Bailie Ragsdale;

Pollock – Mia Kilpatrick, Cassalyn McCully, Caroline McManus, Lillian Perry;

Ponchatoula – Christina Bardwell, Hannah Davis, Madeline Falgout;

Port Allen – Maleah Smith;

Port Barre – Camrynn Sonnier;

Pottsboro, Texas – Taylor Williams;

Prairieville – Faoth Colligan, A;yssa Toney;

Provencal – Jesse Foshee;

Quitman – Makenna Cates, Aysia Leonard, Bailey Welch;

Quito, Ecuador – Javier Laya Villalonga;

Raceland – Jude Oliva;

Rayville – Abigail Chevalier;

Richmond, Texas – Lathen Buzard;

Ringgold – Jack Stanley, Dakota Weathers;

River Ridge – Cameron Bruno, Adam Carter;

Robeline – Meagan Ammons, Georgia Dowden, Savannah Edwards, Abby Flynn, Jarrett Fulton, Chase Johnston, Sean Mitcham;  

Rotan, Texas – Ryleigh Denton;  

Ruston – Libe Benuelos, Elena Pigg, Sha’Taylor Reed;  

St. Amant – Jaycee Templet;  

St. Francisville – Brycen Kennedy, Jon Sturgeon;  

St. James – Celia Denham;  

St. Martinville – Brianna Mouton;  

St. Petersburg, Florida – Gabriela Marshall;  

Saline – Kiley Hough, Hannah Leggett;  

San Antonio, Texas – Katelyn Chung;  

San Pedro Sula, Honduras – Oscar Andres Carballo Torres, Allison Flores Reyes, Mario Gomez Orellana, Kevin Juarez Lopez, Rafael Melgar Caceres, Manuel Riego Fernandez, Annie Rivera Contreras;  

San Vicente Del Raspeig, Spain – Andrea Fernández García; 

Sarasota, Florida – Julia Pinho Magno;  

Schaumburg, Illinois – Robert Everett; 

Scott – Gavrella Marceaux, Konnor Thibodeaux;  

Shady Shores, Texas – Dawson Marrs;  

Shreveport – ShayAnna Beatty, Mia Belanger, Sharye Belcher, Shepherd Benson, LaShaun Bolden, Jenna Bonnette, Amarriyah Boykins, Joan Catanese-Adams, Natalie Christy, Trelecia Combs, Jillian Duggan, Rhosunda Early, Chanler Everage, Morgan Feliciano, Destiny Ferguson, Kendall Fuller, Gabrielle Green, Precious Harris, Camry Heath, Olivia Horrell, Kierra Jackson, Kathlyn Jensen, Donald Johnston, Haven Jones, William Joyner, Bethany Kendall, Jacqueline Martinez, Caiden Matthews, Aaron Meadows, Christian Meiki, Chandler Milligan, Jewell Molina, Jakaiya Pipkins, Danlee Poole, Alexis Puckett, Gabriel Puckett, Ariel Rhodes, Raelyn Robinson, Anderson Roblow, Ragan Rounds, Nathaniel Sanders, Niya Sims-Houston, Shanae Smith, Stone Smith, Keleigh Stamper, Colin Stevens, Halie Stevenson, Lorien Thomas, Tynia Tilmon, Mia Virgilio, Ava Ward, Amyah Washington, Gailen Watson, Andrew Wesley, Tranya White, Haley Wiggins, Katharine Williams; 

Sikes – Brandi Tolbert;  

Simmesport – Katee Feduccia;  

Singer – Jayna Hamilton;  

Slidell – Valena Rosemond, Khali Sylvester, Jake Trapp, Zachary Wilkinson;  

Spring, Texas – James Starnes;  

Stonewall – Sydney Barnes, Eloise Boudreaux, Christopher Compas, Aly Delafield, Madison Jones, Anessa Morris, Breanna Murphy, Madison Pender, John Sepulvado, Raven Williams, Samantha Wilson;  

Sugar Land, Texas – Justin Dysarz;  

Sulphur – Leslie Israel;  

Sulphur Springs, Texas – Hannah Hughes;  

Tegucigalpa, Honduras – Ronald Zaldaña Sánchez;  

Terrytown – Cortelina Encalada;  

Thibodaux – Corinne Boudreaux, Janie Naccio, Ava Schorr;   

Tickfaw – Daniel Ridgel;  

Tioga – John Liggin;  

Tullos – Bailee Williams;  

Tyler, Texas – Hannah Hubner;  

Urania – Rachael Smith;  

Ville Platte – Ian David, Samuel Marcantel;  

Vivian – Alex Dominick, Gavin Kendrick;  

Waco, Texas – Kasey Neimeier;  

Wahiawa, Hawaii – Kayla Thompson Reynolds;  

Walker – Lane Lusk;  

Washington – Nyah Lynch;  

Waxahachie, Texas – Mckenzie Ryer;  

Welsh – Garren Hebert;  

West Monroe – Darinesha Blanson, Sarah Cobb, Tyler Melna; 

Westwego – Asatiari Moore;  

White Oak, Texas – Olivia Sipes;  

Winnfield – Karly Avant, Richard Bishop, Hayley Duke, Michael Duke, William Glover, Christine Harrel, Ella Price, Emily Shecton, Landon Thompson, Tracey Walker;  

Winnsboro – Zachary Cooper;  

Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico – Jessica Parra Serena;  

Zachary – Charles Heard, Garilyn London, Isabelle Plauche;  

Zwolle – Olivia Crittenden, Madasyn Ebarb, Kelsie Etheridge, Landon Malmay, Taylor Rivers, Alexis Sepulvado;  

What’s not to like about summers in the south? Warm temperatures, pretty flowers, fresh tomatoes from the garden, fish jumpin’…I could go on and on. With all the nice things about living in our part of the world this time of year, there are some “boogers” out there bent on making your life miserable.

As sure as there’ll be peaches in June and watermelons in July, there’ll be bugs. Lots of bugs. Bad bugs. Nasty bugs. Biting and stinging bugs. For all of us, insect bites and stings are, at the very least, annoying. For some with certain allergies, they can be far more serious.

With the very serious mosquito-borne illness, West Nile Virus in the news practically every day, getting bitten can be more than just a nuisance; it can be deadly.

I recently found one of those “top ten” lists, not unlike the one David Letterman use to do each night on TV. However, this top ten list has to do with helping make your summer outings in Louisiana more bug-free.

1. Cover your skin as completely as possible. Wear shoes, long sleeves and long pants with the cuffs tucked into the socks. Males need to be particularly careful in covering up, since they are favored targets of mosquitoes.
2. Wear khaki or neutral colors. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors, especially blue, so avoid this color.
3. Avoid using scented soaps, lotions, shampoos and colognes. Heavily scented toiletries are attractive to bees and other bugs.
4. Use repellent. Like sunscreen helps block the sun’s rays, bug repellent helps block bugs. DEET or citronella-based repellents both work.
5. Be prepared. Even if the bugs aren’t out when you leave on an outing, they might be when you get there. Carry repellents in your car, tackle box, backpack, beach bag or hunting vest. Even the best repellents won’t help you if you leave them at home.
6. Avoid spots popular with bugs. Mosquitoes like cool, moist places. Avoid stagnant pools of water when possible. Flies tend to hover around animals and sweets; gnats, horseflies and deer flies are attracted to moving objects; yellow jackets are drawn to meats, soft drinks and other foods.
7. Be aware of the time of day when most insects are active. Gnats are more plentiful in the morning; mosquitoes prefer dawn and dusk; deer flies are more pesky in the midday
8. Children are more vulnerable to bug bites because of their smaller size. They are closer to the ground and to flowers and plants that harbor insects. Protect them with proper clothing and with insect repellents appropriate for children.
9. Check for ticks upon returning indoors. If you find an imbedded tick, remove it by grasping the head with tweezers and pull straight up. To reduce risk of infection, clean the bite with hydrogen peroxide.
10. Don’t scratch. Impetigo, a common skin disease among children that can spread throughout the family, usually begins when a child scratches a bug bite. Use a topical cream or spray containing lidocaine or benzocaine to reduce itching.

This list may not make you laugh like Letterman’s top ten did but hopefully, it’ll keep biting and stinging insects from making you want to cry.

Northwestern State University announced the names of 583 students who were named on the Spring 2024 Honor List. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.

For questions regarding the Honor Roll, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.  

Abbeville — Jachristany Demouchet, Brooklyn Guerra, Christopher Richard;

Addis — Ashley Thomas;

Alexandria — Lexie Alberes, Sydney Bowie, Skylar Branton, Hannah Brown, Joseph Cain, Emmah Chenevert, Maggie Creamer, Anna DeSelle, Bianca Dixon, LaKeisha Dorsey, Leila Ford, Keontae Gaines, Aniya James, Jacob Kyle, Bre’Asia Lee, Faith Martin, Alyssa Monk, Marina Moorehead, Alivia Piotter, Kailyn Price, Cody Ruiz, Desiree Scott, Reshida Tate, Anthony Ugokwe, Kaylan Washington;

Alvin Texas — Teresa Garza;

Anacoco — Eric Flaherty, Aaron Green, Isabella McCall, Abby Nicholas, Christopher Pajinag, Matthew Pajinag, Hannah Womack;

Angie — Emma Lyons;

Anna Texas — Vicente Cuevas;

Antioch, California — Matthew Broad;

Arcadia — Cameron Jackson;

Argyle, Texas — Reagan Hamm;

Arleta, California — Guadalupe Cedillo Garcia;

Ball — Antionette Byrd, Miguel Flores;

Baton Rouge — Frank Carter, Briana Citizen, Kimberleigh Harris, Gabrielle Marcello, Jessica Pitcher, Quentin Ross, Kristina Wozniak;

Baytown, Texas — Kaden Garcia;

Beaumont, Texas — Omarion White;

Beckville, Texas — Covie Latham;

Belmont — Ian Gentry;

Benton — Cassidy Cloud, Grayson Gates Laci Hedgepeth, Niklaus Jordan, Amber Long, Savannah Mathews, Dean Sullivan, Reagan Weir;

Bethany — Lillian Cain, Jadyn Martin

Blanchard — Zymeria Thomas;

Bossier City — Terrel Broxson, Tamera Burney, Krystin Cassel, Dayton Cockerham, Makayla Cox, Molly Decker, Ashlynn Fiske, Madysen Frybarger, Marcus Glass, Delicia Glover, Layla Havis, Andrew Henry, Collin Hesson, Bryant Holmes, Ante Huynh, Tyler Jewell. Cing Kim, Abigail Lawrence, Keisha Leonhardt, Madisen Martin, Traterrian McCullough, Rontravion Mingo, Joel Mitchell, Jacob Morrison, Imani Moye, Reva Ott, Stacia Raudabaugh, Cayleigh Rice, Taylor Rochelle, Zachary Schoenborn, Quaaronee Smith, Jasqueline Staton, Aleksandra Strobel, Camden Stroughter, Bowen Vardeman, Abigail Whatley, Dunia Zeidan;

Boyce — Jessica Brown, Matthew Delrie, Olivia Melroy, Joseph Racina;

Breaux Bridge — Justice Price;

Broussard — Victoria Landry, Marquisha Plains, Dane Wallace, Marian Weber;

Buenos Aires, Argentina — Sofia Garcia;

Burgess Hill, Gabon — Adam Lindo;

Bush — Madelyn Jenkins;

Cali, Colombia — Maria Alzate Castaneda;

Campti — Jordan Hoppock;

Cartagena, Colombia — David Berrocal Barrios, Ronald Andrés Turizo Bueno;

Chalmette — Donald Mckinnies;

Chandler, Arizona — Rocco Gump;

Cheneyville — Dorcia Gillam;

Church Point — Jacia Charlot;

Cloutierville — Emma Masson, Imari Roque;

Colfax — Kinslee Boren, Emily Futrell, Gracie Smith;

Converse — Logan Carter;

Corinth, Mississippi — Zachary Patterson;

Corinth, Texas — Caroline Hilliard;

Cottonport — Chad Bernard, Desherica Pierite;

Coushatta — Alexia Adams, Chloe Boulas, Laynie Brown, Emily Hodge, Hailey Holley, Reagan Huddleston, Alicia Lewis, William Roberson;

Covington — Madison Calamari, Valerie Henderson, Daniel Sears;

Cypress, Texas — Sydney Rollins,

Dayton, Texas — Angelo Schibetta;

Delhi — MaKeisha Fair, Lyla Monroe;

Denham Springs — Alexandra Nikiforova;

Denton, Texas — Conner Bivins;

DeRidder — Preslie Phelps, Dorissa Tschetter;

Deville — Peyton Fuller, Macy Lejeune, Wyatt Paulk, Hailey Wiggins, Steven Wiggins;

Dresden, Tennessee — Brooklyn Webb;

Dry Prong — Rylee Bolen, Alayna Futch, Alayna Gauthier;

Dubach — Kiley Gatson;

Dubberly — Sarah Parnell;

Dublin, Texas — Coby James;

Edgard — Dominique Lewis;

Elizabeth — Emery Weldon;

Elm Grove — Skylar Bourque, Kaylee Thornton;

Euless, Texas — Jakai Morris;

Eunice — Aubrey Armstrong;

Florien — Laila Garner, MaCayla Herrington, Taylor Jones, Gracie Rutherford, Kagan Sandel;

Flower Mound, Texas — Kennedy Stone;

Forest Hill — Ethan Green, Isabela Rose McBride, Alicia Vargas;

Forney, Texas — Jesse McVicker;

Fort Johnson — Jatwon Burkes, Gabriel Grant, Jade Semernezski, Kathryn Whitesides, Hailey Williams, Tradevin Wilson;

Fort Worth, Texas — Joshua Pierite;

Franklin — Zyeria Anderson, Simone Besse;

Frierson — Elizabeth Bryant, Angelina Lee, Rachel Todd;

Galveston, Texas — Kelsey Bunch;

Geismar — Nicholas Stelly;

Gibsland — Madison Mullens;

Glenmora — Nancy Arias, Atziary Perez;

Gloster — Raven Fields, Hannah Gregg, Caitlyn Seaton;

Godley Texas — Dylan Dunn-Peacock;

Gonzales — KeShaun Bridgewater;

Grand Cane — Nickalas Wadsworth;

Gretna — Jasmyn McClendon, Alaina Pilgrim;

Gulf Shores, Alabama — Carmen Morales;

Hammond — Melissa Cochran, Leah Dominique;

Haughton — Kameron Burns, Quinton Coleman, Morgan Davison, Jacob Dupree, Taylor Eggleton, Kaitlyn Jackson, Nicklaus Lowery, Devin Smith, Kaylee Swart, Lawson Turner;

Haynesville — Cadence Flournoy;

Heflin — Kimberly Squyres;

Hessmer — Tenley-Parrish Bordelon, Ronnessa Green;

Hineston — Maria Juarez-Rubio;

Homer — Crystal Ford, Kemarion Ivory;

Honey Grove, Texas — Benjamin Castro;

Hornbeck — Brayden Corley, Sarah McDaniel, Adam Rhodes;

Houma — Brandi Autin;

Houston, Texas — Korey King;

Iowa — Catherine Armentor, Elizabeth Campbell;

Jamaica — Shakera Williams;

Jeanerette — Ray Johnson;

Jefferson — Spencer Bowden;

Jena — Ashlyn Alexander, Brooke Bergeron;

Jennings — Kenadie Cummings, Piper Dearing;

Joaquin, Texas — Jesus Bravo;

Jones, Oklahoma — Corbin Talley;

Jonesboro — Amber Melton, Zee Odom;

Jonesville — Sophie Cooper;

Katy, Texas — Jordan Gamble;

Keithville — Peytan Collier;

Kemah, Texas — Reaghan Thompson;

Kilgore, Texas — William Shupak;

Kranj, Slovenia — Tjasa Klevisar;

Lacombe — Abbygail Casnave;

Lafayette — Stephanie Barbo, Bianca Dominique, Karii Gautreaux-Gribanov, Shawn Johansen, Angelina Jones, Jennifer Pere, Anthony Richard, Meredith Weathers, Kylan Williams;

Lake Arthur — Blye Daniels;

Lake Charles — Hunter Becton, Caroline Franks, Brayden McKinlay, Katherine Rion;

Lancaster, Texas — Sir Michael Veasley;

Leander, Texas — Adam Alexis;

Lecompte — Isabelle Dunn;

Leesville — Tarina Berry-Hunter, Jenna Best, Dylan Carver, Autumn Clear, Avery Coffman, Chloe Dowden, Emma Durkes, Kylie Fleshman, Cassandra Hill, Jasey Hillman, Camryn Huff, Sophia Huson, Jennifer Kudla, Jennifer Olivieri, Amy Sporer, Madison Strickland, Devonte Tanner, Allison Weatherford, Jasmine Wilson;

Lena — Emily Rachal, McKenzlea Wise;

Little Elm, Texas — Tyron Hall;

Logansport — Jasmine Odom, Zachary Temple;

Longville — Emma Baldwin, Samantha Morris;

Lubbock, Texas — Braden Benton;

Madison, Mississippi — Xavier Davis;

Magnolia, Arkansas — Apiphinee Davis;

Mamou — Anne-Marie Bieber;

Mansfield — Jessie Cobb, Aaliyah Ford, Kemariya Thomas, Amber Youngblood;

Mansura — Tamira Deshautelle, Joy Jackson;

Manteca, California — Valerie Singh;

Many — Alizabeth Boyles, Kaiya Causey, Brooklyn Davis, Lexi Ezernack, Kristen Hammontree, Kheria Leshay, Emma Peace, Presley Pleasant, Erik Sandel, Joseph Yount;

Marksville — Kathryn Lemoine, Braysha Thomas;

Marshall, Texas — Kelton Russell;

Marthaville — Camryn Ford, Abby Powell;

Maurice — Eileen Ashley;

McLouth, Kansas — Olivia Kilgo;

Meadville, Pennsylvania — Carleigh Murphy;

Merryville — Ivy Collins, Haley Harrington;

Metairie — Madison Graf, Amiriea Smith;

Minden — Emma Dauzat, Makenlee McCall;

Monroe — Oscar Brown, Taylor Crain, Yolonda Gayden, Taylan McConnell, Taylar Mcconnell, Joella Page, Shrondrick Schiele;

Monterey — Tanner Burley;

Montgomery — Ashlyn James;

Moreauville — Rylee Adams, Sara Kimble;

Morse — Micah Trahan;

Nacogdoches, Texas — Valeria Almendarez;

Natalbany — Ronnia Cain;

Natchez — Devin Blake;

Natchitoches — Justin Aaron, Erica Babers, Arkeylius Brooks, Caleb Bunch, Ayden Butler, Jesus Calderon Pena, Alexandra Ciaccio, Kaniesha Evans, Phillip Evans, Crystal Fox, Joseph Gomez Martinez, Diamante Gumbs, Madison Hicks, Ella Hollier, Andrea Hudson, Justice Hunter, Kanika Irchirl, David Johnson, Cristal Jones, Jayveon Jones, TaKerria Kahey, Shakera Kirk, Justin Lee, Angel Maradiaga, Josephine Martinez, Noah Martinez, Elizabeth Maynard, Jennifer McKinney, Kyleb Mcmahon, Brittney Menard, William Morrison, Hyrianah Phillips, Madison Raymond, Jarell Remo, Brendan Ritter, Arionna Shelton, Carrington Solomon,Elaina Sonnier, Na’Riaya Sowell, Madelyn Spillman, Bayli Stoker, Madison Stuckey, Taylor Wagner, Charity Wamber, Brian White, Seth Wimberly, Alyrica Winder;

New Iberia — Amilee Parks;

New Llano — Angel Sanchez, Cameron Smith;

New Orleans — Taja Bolds, Cecelia Cousins;

Norco — Grace Pareti;

Oakdale — Taylor Charles, Alyssa Stanley;

Oberlin — Danielle Fontenot, Kellon McCleon, Amariah Mcmahon;

Opelousas — Morgan Heinzen, Hailey Hill, Marissa Howard, Chimani Murphy, Daijah Murphy, Daija Ware, Bailey Willis;

Palmetto — Daniya Rideau;

Parks — Landon Kately;

Pass Christian, Mississippi — Bryce Johnson;

Patterson — Savanna Richard;

Pekin, Illinois — Lauren Janssen;

Pineville — Jeannette Bentancourt, Korey Brossett, Amanda Coleman, Kaylee Cotton, Gabriel Ducote, Angel Hernandez, Taylor Kubes, Reagan Lewis, Jack Martin,  Jalen McQueen, Gracie Nugent, Raegan Prestridge, Aimee Sefcik, Jordan Sensat, Tyler Trahan, Katarina Transier-VanGossen;

Pitkin — Shelby Deason, Alexis Thetford, Caitlin Thetford;

Plainsboro, New Jersey — Jordan Brown;

Plaquemine — Hallie Doiron;

Pleasant Hill — Ty Russell;

Pollock — April Foster, Carley Pasche;

Port Arthur, Texas — Sanaria Butler;

Port Barre — Simone Guillory;

Port Bolivar, Texas — Harlie Purcell;

Prairieville — Ty Robin;

Princeton — Camryn Bowman, Natalia Olvera, Montana Powell;

Provencal — Morgan Maley, Mckenna Rowe;

Raceland — Hunter Brown;

Raleigh, North Carolina — Chase Johnson;

Rayne — Blair Gesch;

Rayville — Addison Jackson;

Reserve — Kallie Bourgeois;

Ringgold — Kaylee Cook;

River Ridge — Liam Cohen, Julia Kuchler;

Robeline — Andrew Austin, Nikolas Broadway, Kristin Bull, Tyler French, Christopher Paligo, Kilee Pickett, George Prince;

Rosepine — Brooke Didelot, Ava Manuel;

Rosharon, Texas — Deja Benjamin;

Ruston — Hope Alexander, Faith Miller;

St. Francisville — Brooke Straight;

St. Martinville — Juliana Delahoussaye;

St. Rose — Brooke Jones;

Saline — Racel Quintana;

San Pedro Sula, Honduras — Victoria Gomez Borjas, José Villeda;

Santa Rita, Guam — Megan Franchino;

Shreveport — Madison Adams, Christopher Allen, Chloe Anderson, Andrew Barnhill, I’yonna Berryman, Lyndsay Brown, Truc Vy Bui, Chelsea Calup, Jacob Cheramie, Jalin Colvin, Jaida Deal, Joscelin Douglas, Ariel Ellison, Hannah Fentress, Nicholas Fertitta, Colby Garrard, Alyssa Gordon, Sarah Green, Shaquoyia Hargrove, Kayla Harris, Julia Jenkins, Euneka Johnson, Valerie Langley, Madeline Lawhon, Andria Mason, Samuel McCray, Maria McIntyre, Hailey Mcknight, Noah Melvin, Katherine Odom,Thomas Perryman, Keith Procell, Emily Randall, Katherine Randolph, Labriska Rasco, Zariah Ray, Imari Robinson, Jiobahn Scott, Jillian Sexton, Jewel Smith, Christopher Spates, Asia Starks, Sadie Sutton DaKayla Thomas, Raven VanBuskirk, Colbi Washington, Charity Wesley, Kacy Young;

Silsbee, Texas — Braelon Bush;

Simsboro — Payton Netherland;

Singer — Ashley Wilson;

Slidell — Allie Barnhill;

Sorrento — Savannah Struppeck;

Springhill — Elicia Palmer;

Stonewall — Avery Ajlani, William Bates, Lily Carney, Hunter Hanson, Brianna Jacobsen, Courtney Johnson, Hayden Procell;

Sulphur — Gracie Ancelet, Hope Bourgeois, Haleigh Miller, Avery Myers, Isabella Ramirez, Elizabeth Tremie, Clayton Wallace;

Sunset — Kim Williams;

Taft, California — Ashley Prieto;

Tampa, Florida — Tavis Wilson;

Tegucigalpa, Honduras — Fernanda Morales;

Texarkana, Texas — Eyan Robinson;

Thibodaux — Cashona Brewster, Isabella Scamardo, Layton Zeringue;

Tontitown, Arkansas — Samuel Stephenson;

Trout — Mason Pittman;

Vidalia, Georgia — Jacob Holloway;

Villamaria, Colombia — Santiago Sanchez;

Ville Platte –Tavon Anderson, Caitlin Jack, Matthew Serice, Aliyah Soileau;

Vivian — Madison Cook;

Warren, Michigan — Samari Finney;

West Monroe — James Brian, Megan Marsh, Jarrett Thomisee;

Winnfield — Maggie Bruce, Aanaiya Herbert, Lucas Homan, Victoria Hubbard, Carolyn Lard, Kelli Leeper, Jordan Patterson, John Spikes;

Woodworth — Lluvia Guillot, Jonathan Magnano;

Zachary — Noble Broussard, LaShondra Brown, Alexis Callihan, Devin Naqvi,

Zwolle — Zachariah Carroll, Collyn Crow, Hannah Esthay, Christopher Faircloth, Kamron Parrie

BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Legislature adjourned the 2024 Regular Session after working 90 days debating a wide range of bills and resolutions. The $43.7 billion state operating budget received final passage prioritizing major investment in infrastructure, education funding and economic development.

In addition, legislators voted to distribute excess and surplus dollars towards one-time capital outlay projects, transportation infrastructure and statewide emergencies. The funds include:
       Louisiana Transportation Infrastructure Fund
       Higher Education Campus Revitalization Fund, and
       Criminal Justice and First Responder Fund

Using approximately $717 million from the funds throughout House Bill 1 (operating budget) and HB 2 (capital outlay) lawmakers supported various shovel-ready projects for roads, bridges, college/university deferred maintenance, water/sewer systems, retrofitting correctional facilities and funding Troop NOLA.

“This is a historic level of investment on infrastructure,” said Speaker of the House Phillip DeVillier. “Our state is in dire need of these upgrades and our citizens are ready for less talk and more action. I am proud that we were able to reach this goal while still limiting the overall growth of state government.”

“I’m very proud of the process used to develop the budget and the pace at which it was executed,” said
Senate President Cameron Henry. “We took our time and everyone clearly understood what was included in the version we sent to the House. It’s been a positive session all around with accomplishments in key areas including school choice, insurance reform, criminal justice and significant infrastructure investments. That’s what the people sent us here to accomplish and we delivered.”

Legislators also worked to provide relief related to the cost of insurance, to make changes to promote
safer environments with less crime for citizens and to foster education reforms for our schools.

Lots of college baseball coaches are walking around this week not knowing what to do.

Same with softball coaches, whose seasons are over.

If you see one — he or she will look disheveled, pale and lost — just nod and keep moving. Nothing you say will help. 

If they seem in a trance, it’s only because they are.

Six Louisiana schools this spring made an NCAA Baseball Regional: Grambling, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, LSU, Nicholls and Tulane. SIX! That’s nearly a tenth of the 64-team field that’s now down to 16 for this weekend’s Super Regionals.

But as good as Louisiana college baseball was this spring, it’s now over. And not a one of the coaches of those six teams is feeling comfortable right now.

Not because they lost. I mean, they aren’t happy about losing, but you could make a case that each exceeded or at least matched reasonable expectations.

Those coaches are in the hinterlands because life has been scripted for them since January. 

Meet as a staff. Scout. Practice. Weights. Eat. Bus ride. Catch breath … 

Hotel check in. Hotel check out. Make out a lineup. In-and-out. Sixth inning and then the seventh inning and on like that. Post-game interview. 

Shower. Collapse into bed. Tossing followed by its bastard cousin, Turning. Get out of bed and walk around and worry. Try to go back to sleep.

Another day. And another game. And then … 

… suddenly … 

NOT another game. Not until February. 

There will be plenty to do between now and then. Keeping up with your guys in summer leagues. Maybe it’s the year you get a new set of uniforms, so design and order those. Offseason stuff for the guys returning. Downtime in December. 

Then start it all over again.

But right now is an emptiness. A compass with no needle, a clock with no hands, a calendar with no days. Just boxes to somehow fill in until you get your footing again.

The LSU team gathered in the outfield in Chapel Hill after the heartbreaking loss to North Carolina Monday night in that regional’s final, the last time that particular group will be together in uniform. They flew back to Baton Rouge Tuesday and then … they’re out of games. Still a team, forever, but with no more games. The closest they’ll ever get to this again is a reunion.

Same thing played out in Ruston and New Orleans and Grambling, in Lafayette and in Thibodaux. Each team is its own little organism, its own little life, whether it’s Little League or Geezer League or high school or a team that makes an NCAA Regional. Some are good and some are bad but each has its own little life and there’s a melancholy when it ends unless you win The Last Game, and not many players get to win The Last BIG Game.

So something will always be left undone.

And as those players find their lives outside of the game — some, God help them and love them for it, will be coaches — left behind is their little coach, still in the locker room, some lockers now cleaned out, and he notices those and remembers, and sees the lockers of the guys coming back, and wonders who will fill the ones left blank — and then quietly out of nowhere he imagines the promise in those new lockers and the potential in those old ones, and then he kind of sees it all, starts sensing it, and then it’s time to move again, to grab a pencil and start writing, start planning, shake the cobwebs off and snap out of it because … it’s next season. It’s time to start.

BUT … we’ll give coaches the next two weeks to remain petrified, not as in scared but as in life-turned-to-stone. You have everyone’s permission to stay in a trance for the next two weeks and watch The Price is Right and maybe some of the Super Regionals, and stare at nothing; those closest to you understand.

(OF course, no one else does, or possibly could. See you in a couple weeks.)

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

Get ready for an adventure! The DeSoto Summer Learning Safari is in full swing at Mansfield Middle School, and our students are exploring new horizons every day. From exploring the world through literacy to creative arts projects, the fun never stops! Make sure to check out our Summer Learning page at https://www.desotopsb.com/…/page/desoto-summer-learning for up-to-date summer learning resources and challenges for our students!

DeSoto King of the Street racing will take place in Grand Cane Saturday, June 8. Driver gates open at 5pm, spectators 6pm & racing starts between 7:30-8:00pm. Entry $20 spectators & kids under 12 free.

The DeSoto Parish Police Jury will hold a Committee Workshop on Monday, June 10 at 5pm at the Police Jury Meeting Room, 101 Franklin Street, Mansfield. 

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