What a blessing it was to have been reared and introduced to hunting by a dad who did it right. He started me at the bottom, tagging along behind him and watching how he did it.

Squirrel hunting was how it began. As a little tyke, I’d sit on a log beside him and watched how he located and downed squirrels. Later, he felt I had gained enough experience that he let me pack along a little single shot .22 as we sat together. I made some mistakes for sure, miscues like squirming when I should have been still, whispering too loud, stepping on dry leaves or a stick that popped as the squirrel we were watching skedaddled.

Eventually I was able to master to a degree the art of hunting squirrels and later was introduced to hunting ducks down in the swamp. It was only after I had gained some confidence in hunting small game that hunting deer and turkeys became my passion and success I have had I attribute to the fact that my dad started me off the right way, at the bottom.

Last week, I ran across a Face Book post by friend and fellow hunter, John Brown, Jr., former videographer for the National Wild Turkey Federation. The point of Brown’s post had to do with teaching kids to do it the right way, exactly the way I learned.

Brown was talking with a friend who is a mature and wise hunter and was telling the friend about taking his own daughter hunting with him. The friend responded, “John, do you know why hunting is so important to us? Do you know why we love it so much, why we care for the animals we pursue? It’s because when we were young and learning to hunt, we developed a strong appreciation of simply seeing a deer. We went afield countless times without hearing a single turkey gobble, much less killing one. Nothing was guaranteed. And then he added….if you want her to be a lifelong hunter and gain a true understanding of why we must love and care for the animals we hunt, make it a challenge.”

Brown added, “As I hung up the phone I began to think about my own path to becoming a hunter. The more I reflected on my life as a hunter, the more what my friend had shared took on merit. Now think back about your own path and the role those challenges played in your development as a hunter. Did you begin with small game like squirrel and rabbit, or maybe doves? I firmly believe that these small game lessons are an important factor in one’s ability to successfully move to the next level. And it’s not just about learning the skills, it’s about doing so on your own and experiencing the trial and error that firmly plants within us the knowledge needed to advance.”          

I also had Brown as guest on my radio program, Glynn Harris Outdoors on Sports Talk 99.3 and in plugging the program on Face Book, I had several comments from those reading my post that agree with how to get youngsters interested in hunting.

Some comments included one who said “As a beginner I didn’t really learn to love it until taking game was not the main focus; the scent of trees, the earth and seeing birds and animals. Some of my favorite hunts were those when I never fired a shot.” Another suggested “Stop hunting while they’re still having fun.” Another said “Make sure there is action; something to shoot. Deer hunting can be boring for kids.”         

In today’s world with a plethora of activities in which our kids have the opportunity to partake, learning to hunt or even wanting to sometimes take a back seat. If our desire is to see the sport of hunting we love continuing into the years ahead, it is imperative that we instill in our youngsters that same desire that we find so special.

In his post, Brown summed it up with an expression of just how important it is to do it the right way. “I’m afraid,” Brown concludes, “that by bypassing these critical steps in the development of a hunter, we are harming our ability to create individuals who will become lifetime hunters.”

FISHING REPORT

BUSSEY BRAKE – Bass fishing has been fair on crank baits, spinners and Rogues around tops fairly shallow. Bream are fair on worms and crickets. No reports on crappie or catfish. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

BLACK BAYOU –  Bream and bass are fair; crappie are slow. Contact Honey Hole Tackle Shop 323-8707 for latest information.

OUACHITA RIVER – Best bets for crappie has been spider rigging jigs in the river lakes. The Crappie Masters tournament was won with 14 fish weighing an average of 2 pounds each, proof that the river has some big crappie. Bass are fair in the run-outs on shad imitations. For latest information, contact the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE D’ARBONNE – The lake level continues to drop with the drawdown underway. Look for best crappie fishing on the flats as the fish have moved from the channels to escape too much current in the channels. Jigs and shiners are picking up some fish. Bass are in the deeper portions of the old sloughs and have been best on soft plastics including drop-shot rigs. Bream have slowed while catfishing is good on cold worms or night crawlers. For latest reports, call Anderson’s Sport Center at 368-9669 or Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE CLAIBORNE – The cool down accompanied by windy conditions has slowed down fishing in general. However, some crappie are still hanging out around the submerged tops in deeper water and hitting shiners or jigs. Bass fishing has been fair on a variety of lures but most of the fish are running rather small. Striper fishing has been fair trolling white bucktails or spoons. Catfishing has been fair tight-lining cold worms off the boat docks and piers. Bream are slow. For latest information, call Tim Loftin at Kel’s Cove at 927-2264.

CANEY LAKE – Bass fishing has been fair to good this week with most caught on shaky tails and jigs along the edges of the channels. Schooling activity has slowed this week. Crappie fishing is fair around the deeper tops on shiners or jigs. Catfishing has been fair tightlining cold worms. Bream are slow to fair. For latest information contact Bateaux on Caney Lake at 259-6649, Hooks Marina at 249-2347, Terzia Tackle at 278-4498 or the Honey Hole Tackle Shop at 323-8707.

LAKE POVERTY POINT – Crappie are gradually starting to improve on shiners or jigs. Catfishing has been good on blood bait. Bass have been fair while bream are slow. For latest reports, call Poverty Point Marina at 318-878-0101.

LAKE ST. JOHN – Bass have been fair on topwaters early and late and soft plastics during the day. Catfishing is fair. Bream and crappie are slow. For information, call Ken Mahoney at 318-201-3821.

LAKE YUCATAN – The water is falling and fishing has improved. Catfishing has been good, bass are fair while crappie are slow to fair but some big slabs reported. For information, call Surplus City Landing at 318/467-2259.

LAKE BRUIN – Bass fishing has fair on soft plastics. Stripers are fair at night around lighted piers. For information, contact Carlos Gray at 318/766-0075.

To say that is important to vote in the November 3^rd elections goes without saying. After all this election will determine who will be elected into offices ranging from the President of the United States to who will serve as a local Justice of the Peace or Alderman.

There is another section of the ballot that is also vitally important to Louisiana residents as well and that is the seven constitutional amendments and a proposition that will be voted on. These cover key and often controversial issues such as abortion, sports betting, property value and taxes, disaster aid, budget restrictions and manufacturing exemptions for taxes.

Often times the way an amendment is worded makes it hard to understand exactly what a vote for or against means. See below for each amendment as stated and what a yea or nay vote would mean.

Amendment 1: Do you support an amendment declaring that to protect human life, a right to abortion and the funding of abortion shall not be found in the Louisiana Constitution?

1. Yea Vote: State that nothing in the Constitution protects a right to abortion
2. Nay Vote: Leave the Constitution with no specific language on abortion

Amendment 2:  Do you support an amendment to permit the presence or production of oil or gas to be included in the methodology used to determine the fair market value of an oil or gas well for the purpose of property assessment?

1. Yea Vote: Allow for a well’s oil and gas production when valuing it for property tax assessment.
2. Nay Vote: Keep the current methods of oil and gas well assessment

Amendment 3:  Do you support an amendment to allow for the use of the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund, for state costs associated with a disaster declared by the federal government?

1. Yea Vote: Allow the Budget Stabilization Fund to be tapped when there is a federally declared disaster.
2. Nay Vote: Continue to restrict use of the Budget Stabilization Fund to revenue shortfalls.

Amendment 4:  Do you support an amendment to limit the growth of the expenditure limit for the state general fund and dedicated funds and to remove the calculation of its growth factor from the Constitution?

1. Yea Vote: Create a new state budget spending limit with probable slower growth.
2. Nay Vote: Continue the current method for an expenditure limit.

Amendment 5:  Do you support an amendment to authorize local governments to enter into cooperative endeavor ad valorem tax exemption agreements with new or expanding manufacturing establishments for payments in lieu of taxes?

1. Yea Vote: Provide new options for manufacturers and local governments to schedule payments instead of property taxes for industrial expansions.
2. Nay vote: Leave the current system as the only set of options for property taxes, payments or exemptions for manufacturers. 

Amendment 6:  Do you support an amendment to increase the maximum amount of income a person may receive and still qualify for the special assessment level for residential property receiving the homestead exemption?

1. Yea Vote: Allow homeowners with higher incomes to qualify for the property tax assessment freeze.
2. Nay Vote: Keep the current income threshold for property tax freezes.

Amendment 7:  Do you support an amendment to create the Louisiana Unclaimed Property Permanent Trust Fund to preserve the money that remains unclaimed by its owner or owners?

1. Yea Vote: Protect unclaimed property money in a new trust fund.
2. Nay Vote: Keep the current program that benefits the state general fund.

Proposition:  Shall sports wagering activities and operations be permitted in the parish of ______?

1. Yea Vote: Permit sports wagering in the voter’s parish.
2. Nay Vote: Forbid sports wagering in the voter’s parish.

Don’t know what to do this weekend or next? Maybe you have heard about something that is taking place but don’t know where to find any information about it. The Jackson Parish Journal is hoping this new site will be of value to you. See below for activities and events that are taking place this week or in the near future.

RESIDENTS ROCK (month of October): The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce announces that October is national Residents Rights Month in Louisiana. Forest Haven Nursing Home invites you to get involved by showing off your artistic talents to the residents there.

Participation is simple. First find a rock that is not too big. Second paint it however you want. It can be a picture of anything you want to portray or provide some kind of inspirational meaning. Once finished drop it off at a designated box located at the front door of the facility. They will then be given to residents in an effort to brighten their day and rooms.

Concerts in the Park (October 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd) : The Jackson Parish Tourism  Committee and Jackson Parish Library invites you to come and enjoy good fellowship and music each Wednesday evening throughout the month of October at Veteran’s Park in downtown Jonesboro.  Come one and all as there no admission fee charged.

1. October 8^th – rock/blues/soul singer Josh Love will perform from 5:30- 7:00 pm.
2. October 15^th – folk/soft rock singer Jon Sorenson will provide his “coffeehouse sound.” Also that evening is the Jackson Parish Art Contest Awards Ceremony.
3. October 22^nd – 1940’s/big band and patriotic songs will be the theme sung by the Belles at 5:30-6:30 pm.

CAMP MEETING (October 19-22): Full Gospel Temple located on 773 Walker Road in Jonesboro announces the 2020 Camp Meeting will begin on Monday, October 19^th and run until Thursday, October 22^nd. Each day will at 10:00 am and again at 7:00 pm inspirational services will be taking place led by several dynamic speakers. Youth services will be held that Tuesday thru Thursday at 5:30 pm. For more information please contact Pastor Joel Sneed at 318-237-1583.   

Fall Decorating Contest: (Month of October)The Jackson Parish Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the following businesses have entered the Fall decorating contest: Grits and  Grace, Serendipity, Sunrise and Company, Forest Haven, Jackson Parish Bank, Driving done right, Kay’s design and Protective Insurance.

Participants are reminded to please keep in mind that decorations should be in your window or door entering your business. Winners will be announced on Halloween Day, October 31^st.

Part II of a II Part Series

For citizens of color this election could well mean the death nail in the coffin, especially in view of the fact that federal courts are now being stacked with young, ultra conservative, Republican judges and justices who will sit on the bench for the next thirty or forty years.  These conservative judges and justices (some who are unqualified and have little or no experience) are predicted to move quickly and with vengeance to overturn or weaken the existence of national liberal policies and ultimately overturn the Affordable Health Care Act, the case of Roe V Wade, overturning gay and lesbian marriages, deciding in favor of striking down the 1965 Voting Rights Act as being unconstitutional and no longer needed and are eager to  uphold white supremacy views and philosophy .

 The successful appointment of a new justice to replace Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will create a conservative majority on the United States Supreme Court.  Whomever is appointed is expected to repay the favor of having been selected and appointed by the president by rubber stamping and doing the president’s bidding, as has been done by the people’s Attorney General Bill Barr.  These new federal bench appointees will in all probability waste no time in moving swiftly to uphold state’s requests to limit voter participation, uphold the government’s goal to outlaw a free press, ruling favorably on state’s requests to limit expansions of Federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, addressing issues regarding lack of fair and affordable housing opportunities embedded throughout our society as well as gentrification of communities across America, the notion of scaling back Social Security benefits, outlawing affirmative action programs and granting more powers to the executive branch of government should president Trump be re-elected.

Stacking the Federal courts with young, white, aggressive, conservative judges is indicative of President Trump’s goal to seal the fate of his non supporters and reward his supporters.  The Trump administration has taken a page from the playbook of the late former President Richard Nixon.  Nixon defined Politics as “rewarding your friends and punishing the hell out of your enemies.”  Over the last four years President Trump is credited with having appointed more Federal Judges and Justices than any President other than former President Jimmy Carter. Research data show that President Trump with the aid of Senate Majority leader and fellow Republican Mitch McConnel has made 198 appointments to federal benches across the nation. Of this record- speed breaking number of appointments, (198 being appointed), there has not been one African Amerian appointed under the Trump Administration.

Judges and justices who sit on the United States Supreme court and on lower subordinate federal courts speak and rule on important matters affecting the entire nation, matters regarding job discrimination within corporate America, racial injustice and inequality across the land,  disparities in our educational and health care systems, voter’s rights and voter suppression by states, women’s rights and who and how many citizens will sit in trial court jury boxes to name a few.  They will have the final say about the nation’s important business affairs, its social, economic, and political agenda.  It is believed and felt by many political commentators that these judges and justices (who are appointed for life) will play to the politics of reshaping America’s future, rather than being concerned about what is the just, fair and honorable thing to do. Consequently, the playing field of justice will never be leveled.

Thoughts concerning the outcome of the 2002 election have given writers, legal scholars and pundits much to think and write about.  The stakes are high, and reporters and writers must continue to cover as many aspects concerning this election as possible.  I will continue to write about the 2020 election because there is a need for the public to be kept abreast as to what is going on, the public needs to hear both sides of the story.  Having worked in the field of  Criminal Justice and consumer advocacy for much of my professional life and having been subjected to a life of fending for  poor and disadvantaged citizens across the nation, I have witnessed firsthand the cruelty and unfair treatment visited upon citizens who were barely hanging to the last rung of the social and economic ladders.  These experiences have provided me and other troopers with a unique perspective, a frontline view, and have compelled us to become advocates, trench men,  servants of the people, soldiers for justice, racial equality and fairness, and to become a small, faint voice for those who have no one to speak for them.  Our work has been and continues to be about the fulfilment of justice in America.

We learned very early in the struggles for Civil Rights and social justice that complacency is not an option.  Why?  Because the call of justice is an upward and lofty call that requires one to never give up or give in.  It requires one to be persistent, keep praying, keep hoping, keep knocking, keep protesting, and keep beating on the doors of justice and equality until they are opened for all citizens.  Advocates for social justice must never choose to become spectators during an election and opt to sit on the sideline while the game of life is being played down on the field by a team of questionable and unsavory politicians.  What is important and needed most at this juncture is for citizens to get in the game, mobilize, REGISTER and VOTE and do so as if their lives depended upon it.  Believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that YOUR vote will count and that by voting, you will have made a difference in the outcome of the 2020 Presidential Election.

Remember that you are not only voting for your personal and family freedom, you are voting for freedom and justice from a nation that has oppressed a race of people (African Americans) for centuries.  You are voting for quality health care for all citizens, for economic and racial justice, for a stand against police brutality in communities of color, against white supremacy, voting against voter suppression, and above all you are voting for a just and free society where all men and women are treated fairly.  This is what is at stake in the 2020 elections!!  

Every waking hour of the day, citizens and advocates must pursue the call of justice and equality and do so with a resolve never to turn back, to stop or turn around.  Someone once reminded me that “justice will not arrive like a lightning bolt, but with persistence and resolve it will occur, all the days of our lives we must pursue justice”.   

Dr. Herbert Simmons, Jr. is an associate Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Grambling State University, former President, Grambling State University Faculty Senate and former Chair, Department of Consumer Education and Resource Management, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

It was going to be a hard enough game as it was. After all the Tigers were facing the team that beat them 41-0 last year at home and then Loyola College Prep was considered a young team. Now the Flyers boast 20 seniors and are coming off a 45-0 shellacking of Magnolia School of Excellence. To make matters worse the Tigers will be once again playing without their normal starting offense/defensive line.

“Without a doubt we have our work cut out for us,” said JHHS head coach Terrance Blankenship. “We are going in less than full strength to the home of the team that won district 1-3A last year and have over 30 lettermen returning.”

Despite what looks like incredibly long odds against coming home with a victory Blankenship remained optimistic about the contest that pits the two teams that both won their season opener.

“Our guys have one thing going for them and that is they remember what happened last year” said Blankenship. “Also we may be down in numbers up front for the game but we still have all our playmakers. We aren’t going to just show up. We are going to win the game.”

The Flyers are led by versatile junior Jacob Lafitte who returns for a second campaign since taking over quarterbacking duties last year.  Rugged running back Wes Barlow, who also doubles as middle linebacker returns as well.

The Tigers will counter with returning quarterback Tydre Malone, fresh off a 2 touchdown performance and several gamebreakers in Jammariyea Lewis and Justin Calahan out wide and running backs LaJavion Nichols and Brantrel Thompson.

Keys to victory:
1.  Be strong upfront! It is asking a tall task but the youthful line is going to have to at least play to a standstill up front. If they get gashed like they did early in the Delta Charter contest the game will be over before it even gets started.

2. Get off to a good start! It is imperative that the Tigers start the game well. A few miscues early and it will be a long night.
3. Quick strike capability! Chances are JHHS isn’t going to be able to grind out a long drive. As result the Tigers must be able to demonstrate quick strike ability.
4. Stay away from injury! The Tigers are already thin going in. If certain playmakers get hurt it will be hard to overcome.
5. Don’t quit! Chances are the Tigers are going to get behind at some point. It is imperative they don’t give up and keep fighting.

Prediction:

Last week I predicted the Tigers to get off to a quick start and win 48-16. The Tigers did win by a 37-9 score but it wasn’t from a quick start but by finishing strong.

This week I would love to be able to pick JHHS to win but with them being so shorthanded it would be only a choice from the heart. I hope the Tigers pull off a shocker but the good money says……

Loyola 35     JHHS 16 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout this month the Jackson Parish Hospital is providing important information about breast cancer, including lifestyle related risk factors and how to get treatment and/or support.

Whether you or a loved one are worried about developing breast cancer, have just been diagnosed, are going through breast cancer treatment, or are trying to stay well after treatment this detailed information can help you find the answers you need. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Jackson Parish Hospital at 318-259-4435.

This week we look at Lifestyle-related Breast Cancer Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease, such as breast cancer. But having a risk factor, or even many, does not mean that you are sure to get the disease.  Certain breast cancer risk factors are related to personal behaviors, such as diet and exercise. Other lifestyle-related risk factors include decisions about having children and taking medicines that contain hormones.

Drinking alcohol

Drinking alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who have 1 alcoholic drink a day have a small (about 7% to 10%) increase in risk compared with non-drinkers, while women who have 2 to 3 drinks a day have about a 20% higher risk than non-drinkers. Alcohol is linked to an increased risk of other types of cancer, too. It is best not to drink alcohol. For women who do drink, they should have no more than 1 drink a day.

Being overweight or obese

Being overweight or obese after menopause increases breast cancer risk. Before menopause your ovaries make most of your estrogen, and fat tissue makes only a small part of the total amount. After menopause (when the ovaries stop making estrogen), most of a woman’s estrogen comes from fat tissue. Having more fat tissue after menopause can raise estrogen levels and increase your chance of getting breast cancer. Also, women who are overweight tend to have higher blood insulin levels. Higher insulin levels have been linked to some cancers, including breast cancer.

Still, the link between weight and breast cancer risk is complex. For instance, the risk of breast cancer after menopause is higher for women who gained weight as an adult, but the risk before menopause is actually lower in women who are obese. The reasons for this aren’t exactly clear.

Weight might also have different effects on different types of breast cancer. For example, being overweight after menopause is more strongly linked with an increased risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, whereas some research suggests that being overweight before menopause might increase your risk of the less common triple-negative breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends you stay at a healthy weight throughout your life and avoid excess weight gain by balancing your food intake with physical activity.

Not being physically active

Evidence is growing that regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risk, especially in women past menopause. The main question is how much activity is needed. Some studies have found that even as little as a couple of hours a week might be helpful, although more seems to be better.

Exactly how physical activity might reduce breast cancer risk isn’t clear, but it may be due to its effects on body weight, inflammation, hormones, and energy balance. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these). Getting to or going over the upper limit of 300 minutes is ideal.

Not having children

Women who have not had children or who had their first child after age 30 have a slightly higher breast cancer risk overall. Having many pregnancies and becoming pregnant at an early age reduces breast cancer risk.

Still, the effect of pregnancy on breast cancer risk is complex. For example, the risk of breast cancer is higher for about the first decade after having a child, particularly for hormone receptor-negative breast cancer (including the less common triple-negative breast cancer). The risk then becomes lower over time.

Not breastfeeding

Most studies suggest that breastfeeding may slightly lower breast cancer risk, especially if it’s continued for a year or more. But this has been hard to study, especially in countries like the United States, where breastfeeding for this long is uncommon.

The explanation for this possible effect may be that breastfeeding reduces a woman’s total number of lifetime menstrual cycles (the same as starting menstrual periods at a later age or going through early menopause).

Birth control

Some birth control methods use hormones, which might increase breast cancer risk.

Oral contraceptives: Most studies have found that women using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than women who have never used them. Once the pills are stopped, this risk seems to go back to normal within about 10 years.

Birth control shot: Depo-Provera is an injectable form of progesterone that’s given once every 3 months for birth control. Some studies have found that women currently using birth-control shots seem to have an increase in breast cancer risk, but other studies have not found an increased risk.

Birth control implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), skin patches, vaginal rings: These forms of birth control also use hormones, which in theory could fuel breast cancer growth. Some studies have shown a link between use of hormone-releasing IUDs and breast cancer risk, but few studies have looked at the use of birth control implants, patches, and rings and breast cancer risk.

 

Hormone therapy after menopause

Hormone therapy with estrogen (often combined with progesterone) has been used for many years to help relieve symptoms of menopause and help prevent osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). This treatment goes by many names, such as post-menopausal hormone therapy (PHT), hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT).

There are 2 main types of hormone therapy. For women who still have a uterus (womb), doctors generally prescribe estrogen and progesterone (known as combined hormone therapy, or just HT). Progesterone is needed because estrogen alone can increase the risk of cancer of the uterus. For women who’ve had a hysterectomy (who no longer have a uterus), estrogen alone can be used. This is known as estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) or just estrogen therapy (ET).

Combined hormone therapy (HT): Use of combined hormone therapy after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer. This increase in risk is typically seen after about 4 years of use. Combined HT also increases the likelihood that the cancer may be found at a more advanced stage.

The increased risk from combined HT appears to apply mainly to current and recent users. A woman’s breast cancer risk seems to go back down within 5 years of stopping treatment.

Bioidentical hormone therapy: The word bioidentical is sometimes used to describe versions of estrogen and progesterone with the same chemical structure as those found naturally in people (as opposed to the slightly different versions found in most medicines). The use of these hormones has been marketed as a safe way to treat the symptoms of menopause. But because there aren’t many studies comparing “bioidentical” or “natural” hormones to synthetic versions of hormones, there’s no proof that they’re safer or more effective. More studies are needed to know for sure. Until then, the use of these bioidentical hormones should be considered to have the same health risks as any other type of hormone therapy.

Estrogen therapy (ET): Studies of the use of estrogen alone after menopause have had mixed results, with some finding a slightly higher risk and some finding no increase. If ET does increase the risk of breast cancer, it is not by much.

At this time there aren’t many strong reasons to use post-menopausal hormone therapy (either combined HT or ET), other than possibly for the short-term relief of menopausal symptoms. Along with the increased risk of breast cancer, combined HT also appears to increase the risk of heart disease, blood clots, and strokes. It does lower the risk of colorectal cancer and osteoporosis, but this must be weighed against the possible harms, especially since there are other ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis, and screening can sometimes prevent colon cancer. ET does not seem to increase breast cancer risk, but it does increase the risk of stroke.

The decision to use HT should be made by a woman and her doctor after weighing the possible risks and benefits (including the severity of her menopausal symptoms), and considering her other risk factors for heart disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. If they decide she should try HT for symptoms of menopause, it’s usually best to use it at the lowest dose that works for her and for as short a time as possible.

Breast implants

Breast implants have not been linked with an increased risk of the most common types of breast cancer. However, they have been linked to a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which can form in the scar tissue around the implant. This lymphoma appears to happen more often in implants with textured (rough) surfaces rather than smooth surfaces. If BIA-ALCL does occur after an implant, it can show up as a lump, a collection of fluid, swelling, or pain near the implant, or as a change in a breast’s size or shape.

At about 4:30 p.m. on June 19, 1999, 51-year-old Edwin was enjoying his daily stroll along the highway near his home in Lovell, Maine.  It was a gorgeous walk under the shade of a variety of Oak and evergreen trees.  Although there was no sidewalk, Edwin felt safe as he walked along the gravel shoulder of the road.  Old stone fences stood just off of the west side of state highway 5.  An occasional break in the fences and trees offered Edwin gorgeous views of Maine’s countryside.         

41-year-old disabled former construction worker Bryan Smith and Bullet, his Rottweiler, were camping on nearby Kezar Lake.  In preparation for their camping trip, Bryan had filled his ice chest with steaks and cold drinks.  Twenty years earlier, Bryan had an accident at work which severely injured his back.  His chronic back pain was so intense that his mobility was limited and he was only able to walk with a cane.  Much to his pleasure, his work-related injury did not hinder his driving ability.  While at the campsite, Bryan got a craving for something sweet.  When he realized he had not brought any snacks, he decided to go to the nearest store to get some Mars candy bars.  He loaded Bullet into his 1985 Dodge Caravan and headed to the store.  As they drove, Bryan heard a commotion coming from behind him.  He turned and saw Bullet trying to get to the steaks in the cooler.

Edwin was walking up a short hill against traffic when he saw Bryan’s Dodge veer toward him.  There was no time for Edwin or Bryan to react.  Bryan’s van struck Edwin on his right side.  The force of the impact threw Edwin about twelve feet into the air and into the ditch near a pile of rocks.  Bryan slammed on the brakes. 

Stunned and injured from the impact, Edwin looked up and saw the back of Bryan’s van.  He noticed the back of the van was dusty and dirty.  He carefully wiped blood out of his eyes.  He glanced around and saw Bryan sitting on a nearby rock with a cane across his lap.  When Bryan noticed that Edwin was conscious, he calmly, yet somewhat cheerily, reassured him that help was on the way.  Bryan then commiserated, “Ain’t the two of us just had the [expletive] of luck?”  Edwin gave no reply.  He looked at his body and noticed that it was “wrenched half a turn to the right.”  Bryan told him that his right leg was broken in “maybe six places.”  Edwin drifted in and out of consciousness while Bryan calmly waited for emergency services to arrive. 

Edwin regained consciousness when Emergency Medical Technicians cut the jeans from his lower body.  One of the bones in Edwin’s right leg was crushed into something resembling “many marbles in a sock.”  He suffered a fractured hip and pelvis, four broken ribs, a scalp laceration, and his spine was chipped in eight places.  EMTs strapped him onto a gurney and loaded him into an ambulance.  The EMT treating Edwin told the driver “You want to really hammer it.”  The ambulance sped off and traveled at speeds nearing 100 miles per hour toward the nearest hospital.  Once at the hospital, doctors quickly made the decision to fly Edwin to a larger hospital which was better equipped to render the aid that Edwin’s injuries required.  One of the EMTs asked Edwin if he had ever flown in a helicopter before.  Edwin tried to respond but suddenly struggled to breathe.  He was only able to whisper, “Feel like I’m drowning.”  Edwin’s lung had collapsed.  EMTs inserted a breathing tube and Edwin was able to breathe again.  Edwin remembered looking out at the bright summer sky and thinking “I am actually lying in death’s doorway.”

The EMTs’ quick response saved Edwin’s life.  Doctors performed several “marathon surgical procedures” and repaired his broken body.  Ten days after the accident, Edwin was finally able to get out of the hospital bed.  He was only able to sit up for short times before the pain to his hip and pelvis was too much to endure.  Edwin’s recovery was slow and painful.  Sometime during Edwin’s recovery, his wife bought Bryan’s van for $1,600 to keep Bryan from selling pieces of the van as souvenirs.

Police learned that Bryan had several driving offenses to his discredit.  He was convicted of two speeding violations in 1988, operating under the influence in 1989, failing to produce proof insurance in 1991, two more speeding violations in 1994, and driving to endanger and failing to stop for a police officer in connection with an incident in 1998.  On September 30, 1999, a grand jury charged Bryan with aggravated assault and driving to endanger.  If convicted, Bryan would face more than 10 years in prison.

Bryan was remorseful but claimed that he was being treated unfairly.  “To be honest with you,” he told reporters, “I am very deeply sorry.”  He argued that “I’m being used as a guinea pig.  I know I hit him.  I didn’t mean to.  Somebody can’t accept that.  Why can’t they accept that it was an accident?”  Edwin was angry that Bryan was able to keep his driving privileges for three months following the collision, and argued for jail time for Bryan to keep him from driving as long as possible.  Bryan eventually pled guilty to driving to endanger and received a six-month suspended sentence.  As a condition of his plea agreement, he was banned from driving for a year.  Edwin, shocked by the lite sentence, referred to the plea agreement as “irresponsible public business.”  Edwin angrily criticized Bryan to reporters, “This guy…has the IQ of a tomato-soup can.  An empty tomato-soup can.”

In September of 2000, Bryan’s mother became concerned because none of the family had heard from Bryan in three days.  She went to Bryan’s trailer but was unable to get him to answer the door.  Bryan’s brother asked that a deputy from the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department check on Bryan.  A deputy peered through the windows and saw Bryan lying in his bed with the covers pulled up to his chest.  The deputy knocked on the window and shouted but Bryan would not respond.  The only sound from the trailer came from Bryan’s two Rottweilers, Bullet and Pistol, who barked at the deputy.  The deputy forced his way into Bryan’s trailer and an animal control officer took charge of Bullet and Pistol.  The deputy checked but found no pulse.  43-year-old Bryan was dead.  The deputy found seven different medications that Bryan had been taking for pain and depression.  There was no evidence to suspect foul play and they found no suicide note.  Three months later, the medical examiner revealed that, based on Bryan’s toxicology report, he had died of an accidental overdose of the strong painkiller Fentanyl.                           

According to his headstone, Bryan died on September 21, 2000, which was Edwin’s 53^rd birthday.  In addition, Bryan and Edwin shared the same middle name.  Edwin, the man whom Bryan hit with his van, was the middle name of horror fiction writer Stephen King.

 

Sources:

1. The Bangor Daily News, January 5, 2000, p.11.
2. The Province (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), June 18, 2000, p.38.
3. The Observer (London, England), September 17, 2000, P.224.
4. The Bangor Daily News, September 25, 2000, p.1.
5. The Bangor Daily News, September 27, 2000, p.14.
6. The Bangor Daily News, October 30, 2000, p.3.
7. The Bangor Daily News, December 6, 2000, p.15.
8. Find A Grave. “Bryan Edwin Smith.” Accessed September 27, 2020. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5083094/bryan-edwin-smith.

One more day! That is all the time that is left to help support for the Jonesboro-Hodge High School football team by ordering your Tiger T-Shirt. Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Terrance Blankenship is hoping that Tiger fans will step up to assist the team following the loss of income caused by the problems associated with the Coronavirus epidemic.

“Dealing with this epidemic has been the most trying situation we have ever had to deal with and it has severely hurt us financially,” said Blankenship. “We lost what would have been our two biggest revenue making games in Winnfield and West Ouachita when it was decided to only have an eight game schedule. Plus there have been large expenditures that we have had to incur that normally wouldn’t come into the picture.”

As result the coaching staff and players have been working hard in attempting to bridge the gap through fund raisers like the sale of the T-Shirts. As shown below the front designates this is the JHHS 2020 football season with the back having the name of each player. To place an order simply copy the form and bring it to the high school by the end of the school day Thursday.

The 46th Annual Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival will open its gates on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11. Exhibitors will display their wares beneath the gorgeous live oak trees of Melrose Plantation. Artists and crafters will showcase their original paintings, drawings, stained glass, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing, photography, plants toys, woodworking, pottery and so much more.

The festival is sponsored by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN) and all proceeds go directly to the preservation and conservation of Melrose Plantation, a National Historic Landmark.

Masks will be required to be worn at all times on site.

This year, the event has been modified to ensure a safe experience for visitors, vendors, and workers. Hand sanitizing stations will be erected. All vendor booths will be spaced out and the number of people on site will be carefully monitored to ensure social-distancing guidelines are met.

Tours of the plantation home, the “Big House,” will be available, with guides. Tickets for tours of the Big House are $5 and will be available for purchase on the day. Self-guided tours of the grounds and viewing of all the historic buildings are free.

Festival Hours: Saturday, October 10th: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, October 11th: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

To purchase tickets go online to http://www.melroseplantation.org/shop. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-12, and children 5 and under are free!

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Below is a listing of people arrested by the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO), Jonesboro Police Department (JPD) and Hodge Police Department (HPD )including the charges brought against them during the dates of September 29 thru October 4^th.

1. Leonza T. Davis (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug, Speeding
2. Zjhavaelin Holmes (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Marijuana, Speeding, Driving under suspended license
3. Leterron Thompson (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drug, Illegal possession of a weapon in presence of a controlled dangerous substance, Headlight violation
4. Richard Carvell III (Jonesboro, LA) – Criminal Conspiracy
5. Jimmie Thompson (Saline, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting an Officer, Distribution of a Schedule II drug, Criminal Conspiracy
6. Jennifer Lowe (Jonesboro, LA) – Distribution of a Schedule II drug
7. Adam Malone (Chatham, LA) – Obscenity
8. Dustin H. Westbrook (Jonesboro, LA) – Possession of Schedule I drug, Distributing the Peace
9. Mathew J. Guy (Jonesboro, LA) – Disturbing the Peace(Public Intoxication)
10. James P. Norris (Quitman, LA) – Execution of Sentence X2
11. Leslie B. Bougous (Dodson, LA) – Possession of Schedule II drug