News

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.

Jaxon Brock Foster has been named this year’s Many Christmas Parade Academic Rising Star.

Jaxon is the son of Randall & Stacye Gordon of Many and Chris & Rachelle Foster of Lake Charles, LA. He is a brother of eight siblings. Jaxon is 18 and a senior at Many High School. Jaxon is a proud Many Tiger! Jaxon has been a part of the MHS Tiger football team his entire career in high school. Jaxon will receive the Academic All-State Award in football and be recognized at the 2023 LHSAA Football State Championship at the Superdome in New Orleans. Jaxon is also a part of the MHS track and field team and will receive the Academic All-State award during the LHSAA Track and Field State Championship at LSU in Baton Rouge. The awards go to senior high school athletes with a composite GPAof 4.0.

Judge Verity Gentry of the 11th Judicial District completed an intensive Digital Evidence course the week of Nov. 13-17 at the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, AL. The program, which provides advanced training for state and local law enforcement, prosecutors and judges, was a unique opportunity that came at no cost to the parish or the state.

As one of only 25 judges selected nationwide, Judge Gentry’s participation distinguished her as the sole attendee from Louisiana, the youngest judge, and the one with shortest tenure on the bench. Most of the class participants have served as judges for a decade or more.

The diverse group hailed from widespread jurisdictions, including Wisconsin, Saipan (U.S.

Commonwealth), Puerto Rico, California and Idaho, among others. The breadth of experience represented ranged from limited jurisdiction to tribal court, district court and appellate court.

Three pillars of the Northwestern State University family were honored and memorialized Nov. 18 when the NSU Foundation announced the creation of the Jack Brittain Jr., Jerry Pierce and Richard Ware First Generation Endowed Scholarships, made possible by a $300,000 donation from Robert “Skeeter” Salim.

“The impact of these scholarships cannot be overstated,” said NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, noting that 34 percent of NSU students are the first in their families to attend college.

Jones and Edgar Cano- Lopez, assistant professor of art, unveiled a portrait of Brittain, Pierce and Ware depicting the three individuals with the NSU columns in the background, symbolic of their legacies at the university.

As early as 1916, when New York became the first state to declare an “American Indian Day,” efforts have been underway to acknowledge the many contributions and achievements of Native peoples.

In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial commemoration, S.J. Res. 209 authorized President Gerald Ford to proclaim October 10-16, 1976, as “Native American Awareness Week.” In 1986 Congress passed S.J. Res. 390, requesting that the president designate November 23–30, 1986, as “American Indian Week.” Congress continued this practice in subsequent years, declaring one week during the autumn months as “Native American Indian Heritage Week.”

The 2023 Grand Marshals of the Many Christmas Parade and Festival are the South, Central, and North Sabine Firemen.

This years grand marshal choice was a unanimous decision! We have the best Fire Districts in the state and two months ago they proved how important a role they played by protecting our Parish from further destruction due to the wildfires! We honor you all for your dedication and commitment to protecting our communities. Thank you!

All parade honorees were honored at the Christmas poster unveiling and presented with a plaque, on Thursday, November 15 at the CDC Building in Many.

As Christmas approaches it is asked 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 panties, 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.