News

Northwestern State University’s Department of Biology and Microbiology will host an information session on the Louisiana Pine Snake Recovery program. from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday. Dec. 8 in Bienvenu Hall Room 114/135. A representative from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be on campus to provide information on the implementation of the recovery plan for the Louisiana pine snakes in Natchitoches Parish. The event is open to the public.

The recovery plan is focused on monitoring and supporting both existing and reintroduced populations of this snake. Included in this effort are foresters, wildlife biologists, zoo captive breeders and ecologists, among others.

Anyone interested in endangered species conservation and/or herpetology is encouraged to attend. This event is open to the public.

For more information, contact Dr. Jonathan Akin at (318) 3575059 or jonathana@nsula.edu

Zwolle-Ebarb VFW donates to Sabine Council on Aging

Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is asking Governor John Bel Edwards and Governor-elect Jeff Landry to support placing a massive, taxpayer- funded, clean-energy project in southwest Louisiana on State land, producing a windfall for Louisiana.

Campbell said developers of the proposed “Project Cypress” carbon- capture facility want to locate their injection well on land owned by Gray Stream, one of the wealthiest men in Louisiana and a member of Landry’s transition team.

“The Stream property is near State-owned land in Vermillion Parish,” Campbell said. “Why not build this project where all the people of Louisiana would benefit, rather than one landowner?”

Toledo Bend Lake Association holds Christmas toy drive

An attempted traffic stop in Vernon Parish by deputies led to a dangerous chase and eventual death of Nathan Bret Sandel, 47, who was wanted on warrants for felony stalking and failure to appear on charges of domestic abuse battery and assault charges in Sabine.

Shortly after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 6, Vernon deputies tried to stop Sandel’s truck. According to reports by the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, he headed north toward Sabine Parish and drove his truck across the median and into oncoming traffic several times.

He was eventually stopped on Highway 171 at Gandy Road just south of Florien. Sabine Sheriff Deputies, Vernon Parish Deputies, and Desoto Parish Deputies were involved and at the scene. The deputies tried to negotiate with the suspect for an hour, but he eventually shot himself. Sandel was taken immediately to Sabine Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

As Christmas approaches, PCI would like to ask that you keep Project Celebration, Inc. in your holiday plans. While preparing for the joyous holiday celebrations with your friends and family, it’s important to stop and reflect on the joy and blessings in our own life while also being aware that not all families are that fortunate. While shopping for gifts and gathering with loved ones, please consider setting aside a gift or donation to support the work that Project Celebration, Inc. does for the community.

PCI is seeking the support of our wonderful community to help these families in need anyway we can whether it be food for their pantries, gifts for Christmas, or just providing basic supplies for the women and children in need.

Every year PCI gears up to provide needs for the clients we serve. PCI is a nonprofit organization; all donations are tax deductible.

Louisiana agriculture and forestry suffered $1.69 billion in damage due to this summer’s drought and excessive heat, according to preliminary estimates by LSU AgCenter experts.

Long stretches of record- high temperatures and little to no rain led to yield and quality losses and increased production costs for farmers of row crops as well as fruits, nuts and vegetables. Livestock producers dealt with animal health issues and struggled to grow adequate forage. Forest landowners faced wildfires while crawfish producers monitored the threat of saltwater intrusion.

In a recently released report, AgCenter economists Kurt Guidry, Jinggang Guo and Raghav Goyal and forester Robbie Hutchins detail the far-reaching effects of the challenging weather conditions on the state’s agriculture and forestry — an industry with an annual value of about $11.4 billion.

Weyerhaeuser, one of the world’s largest private owners of timberland including 1.39 million acres in Louisiana, announced it is investing $96.2 million to modernize and decarbonize its Winn Parish lumber mill. The upgraded technology is designed to increase overall safety, productivity and product reliability.

The investment will allow the company to retain 157 direct jobs and maintain an associated annual payroll of more than $13 million, while reinforcing Louisiana’s foothold in the residential construction supply chain.

Porsha is a 33-yearold mother of 4 from a small town. Born and raised in Many La she teaches that overcoming poverty is possible.

While still learning herself, she aims to inspire youth and show them that achieving wealth is attainable outside of the societal norm.

Porsha has spent the last 5 years educating herself on real estate investing and personal finance after facing early financial challenges.

Though still new to implementing these strategies, she shares her personal journey to empower others. Porsha frequently creates social media content showcasing practical tips on building credit, purchasing properties, and taking control of finances— all achievable goals.

Her down-to-earth attitude makes complicated topics accessible.

Tylen is the son of Christy Butler and the late Sammy Butler. His siblings are Kurtlyn Cain, Jalen Singleton and Lynlei Butler. Grandson of George Cain and the late Mary Cain. Tylen is a linebacker for the Many High School Football Team.

He started playing football in the youth league.

Tylen played as a Freshman and helped Many to a Championship Win also receiving the MVP for the Championship Game. Sophomore year he helped them to State runner up and playing as a Junior he helped Many to another Championship Win. Tylen has committed to LSU to continue his football career while studying Business so in the future he can start his own clothing businesses.