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Iota’s Young has career night against Lake Arthur

Avery Young has had some big performances for the Iota Lady Bulldogs during her four-year career on the hardwood.
None, however, was bigger than the performance she had Monday against defending Class 2A state champion Lake Arthur.
The senior guard went off on the Lady Tigers, torching the nets for a career-high 45 points to help lead Iota to a 68-49 victory.
The Lady Dogs improved to 6-1 overall with the victory heading into Thursday’s 7:30 p.m. contest against Class 5A Sulphur in the Lake Arthur Tournament.
It was just Iota’s second victory over Lake Arthur in nine years.
The Lady Tigers fell to 6-3 on the season with the loss.
“Not only was this Avery’s career high in scoring, she also added double digit rebounds and had some blocks and steals as well,” said Iota coach Meghann LeJeune. “She’s special and we all know she’s special; but tonight, she played with such confidence and swagger. They would send three and four (defenders) at her and she used that as motivation.”
Lake Arthur actually got off to a quick start behind five points from Kali Hornsby and the Lady Tigers took a 13-12 advantage after the first frame.
It was all Young after that.
The LSUE commitment knocked down six 3-pointers in the second quarter and scored 22 of Iota’s 26 points in the frame to help the Lady Dogs build a 38-25 advantage.
“Avery’s first three shots in the first quarter were short, but in the second quarter, she just exploded,” said LeJeune.
Young wasn’t quite finished just yet, however.
She added nine more points in each of the final two frames to round out her impressive point total.
Sage Wimberly added four points in the third quarter and Iota pushed its lead to 55-37.
The hosts went on to outscore the Lady Tigers 13-12 in the final frame.
Young’s impressive stat line included 15 rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and four steals.
She also went 13-for-14 from the free throw line and made 10 of 11 free throws in the second half.
“We got in the bonus early in the second half and Avery wanted to keep the ball,” said LeJeune. “She put the world on her shoulders and kept the ball and they kept fouling her. She went to the line and she would knock them down every time.
“But that’s what you expect from your star player. It was just fun to watch.”
Wimberly also played a big role in the victory with 10 points and nine rebounds.
“Sage was big for us on the boards and she’s really special defensively,” said LeJeune of Wimberly. “When you are playing a small team that’s fast like Lake Arthur, you tend to get a little nervous with your bigs on the floor, but with Sage being such a versatile big girl, she’s able to do so many things, especially defensively.”
Emily Hebert added five points for the Lady Dogs, Leah Hebert and Brinna Hebert each scored four.
Vivian Sketoe and Hornsby were the leaders for the Lady Tigers with 17 and 16 points, respectively.
Bulldogs come up short
Lake Arthur was able to avoid a sweep in the nightcap by knocking off Iota 80-74 in the boys game.
The Tigers stormed out to a 38-29 lead at the half.
Chase Lalonde and Andrew Thibodeaux combined for 15 points and Kolton Morgan knocked down a pair of 3-pointers in the third quarter to help Iota trim the lead to 56-52 to get within striking distance.
The Tigers answered the call in the fourth quarter with nine clutch free throws and the guests outscored the Bulldogs 24-22 to secure the victory.
Lalonde and Thibodeaux paced the Bulldogs with 26 and 24 points, respectively.
Morgan added nine points, Bronx Tullos scored five and Luke Duhon, Conner Daigle and Ashton Andrepont each scored two.
Lake Arthur’s Kenyon Boese was the high man on the night with 31 points.

Eastern Star chapter makes donation

PHOTO SUBMITTED
In recognition of the Christmas holiday season, Excelsior Chapter #84 of the Order of Eastern Star made a donation of baskets filled with useful items to the ASSIST Agency’s women’s shelter. On hand for the delivery were, from left, Lavera George, chapter secretary; Brenda Holbert, chapter treasurer; Tronda Glodd ASSIST community services director; Lakeisha Senegal, ASSIST shelter coordinator; and Marie Breaux, chapter associate matron.

Husband’s little secret revealed after 30 years

DEAR ABBY: I have been with my husband for 41 years, married for 30, but we lived together for five years before we tied the knot. I have just learned he has a son who is two months younger than our son. The mother is a woman he slept with while I was pregnant with our first child. She put the baby up for adoption, and the young man has just reached out to my daughter. My husband claims he didn’t find out about the child until after he was relinquished, and he didn’t believe the woman ever really gave birth.
I am devastated. I feel like my entire marriage to him has been a lie. He says after we were married 31 years ago, he never cheated on me, and I should move past it. What do you think I should do? – UNABLE TO LET IT GO

DEAR UNABLE: You have my sympathy. I agree with your husband that you need to move past this, but that doesn’t mean you should forget it. Solid marriages are based on trust, and yours has understandably been shattered.
If his behavior since your wedding has been as exemplary as he claims, you should be able to review his financial records and see where the marital assets have been going. He should also be willing to discuss this in the office of a licensed marriage and family therapist. If he is unwilling to do this, it is another red flag, and you should consider consulting a lawyer.

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been Christian all my life. When I married my husband 22 years ago, he was too. We raised our kids in the same faith. Well, he has recently decided he will no longer practice Christianity. I never would have married someone outside my faith. How do I continue in this marriage? – FAITHFUL IN OREGON

DEAR FAITHFUL: I am sure this has been upsetting for you, and you have my sympathy. I would hope that your husband’s recent change of mind is something you have discussed with him, because he may have his reasons for it.
Because of your own deep religious beliefs, this may be something to discuss with your religious adviser. Some couples in these circumstances adopt a “live and let live” attitude, which means you follow your Christian path and allow your husband to follow his.

DEAR ABBY: My sister-in-law emailed me Christmas lists for my niece and nephew. Abby, I didn’t ask for them, nor did I request gift ideas for her children. In fact, I haven’t seen my sister-in-law in more than six months. Of course I will be giving gifts to both my nephew and niece, but I think it was awfully presumptuous of her to just send a link via email. How can I respond to this in the future? Should I just let it go? Am I wrong in thinking that it was poor etiquette on her part? – DUMBFOUNDED IN FLORIDA

DEAR DUMBFOUNDED: Your sister-in-law may have been trying to be helpful, but I agree that what she did was presumptuous. Handle it by sending gifts of your own choosing to your niece and nephew. If you receive any more links of that nature in the future, do the same thing.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

How to properly select and care for poinsettias

The holidays are here and if you haven’t passed by dozens of poinsettias in stores yet then you will soon.
It’s easy to throw caution to the wind and load your shopping cart up when you see all the beautiful shades of red, green and white. Remember, patience is a virtue and taking time to properly inspect plants for damage or imperfections will prevent the disappointment of tossing out a spent plant before the season is over.
Healthy poinsettias can last up to six weeks after purchase. However, if you like a challenge, it is possible to keep a poinsettia around to see next year’s holiday festivities.
When looking for the perfect poinsettia, it is important to familiarize yourself with a little plant anatomy. Unbeknownst to many, the large colored leaves on the top half of the plant are not flower petals but called bracts. The flowers are actually the small yellow and green clusters in the center of the plant, known as cyathia. Because the flowers are so small, the large colorful bracts help in attracting pollinators.
If purchasing a traditional red poinsettia, the lower green leaves should be large, dense and dark in color. Leaves should be attractive with no signs of wilting or curling. Bracts should also be large and robust. Depending on the shade of red (and if not marbled), coloring should be bright and uniform. Leaf drop can occur if bracts are sagging or discolored. Take a step back and look at the shape of the plant. The poinsettia should appear healthy and evenly balanced. Check the cyathia for size and appearance of pollen. If you want a poinsettia that will last a while, choose a plant with small, unopened, and green cyathia. If the cyathia is plump, yellow, and pollen is present, then the plant won’t last as long. While you’re inspecting the plant up close, carefully check underneath bracts and between leaves for insects. It is not uncommon to take home a poinsettia with insects depending on where you purchase them.
Now that you’ve selected your poinsettia, it must be safely transported to your home or office. Poinsettias cannot handle temperatures below 50° F or excessive heat so leaving them in the car while you finish your holiday shopping is not the best idea. Breakage of branches and leaves can be prevented by carefully storing it in a sleeve or placing it in a secure location where it won’t fall over.
When home, remove the sleeve and find a location with at least 6 hours of bright light. Some sources say indirect sunlight is best to prevent fading of color. Avoid over and underwatering. Severe leaf drop can occur if the soil gets too dry, while root rot is very common in overwatered plants. Only use room temperature water and take plants out of decorative wrapping to avoid oversaturation. The best method to determine when it’s time to water is by lightly probing the soil with a finger. If soil is dry and crumbly, it’s definitely time to water. If the soil feels moist and firm, then you’re good to go.
Poinsettias are a true holiday staple. If traditional red, green or white isn’t your thing, then there are plenty of other cultivars to choose from. Bright pinks, speckled reds, marbled yellows and many more brilliantly colored poinsettias are now available to express your unique holiday style.
For more information on poinsettias and other winter ornamentals, contact your parish horticulture agent or visit the LSU AgCenter’s website.

Carencro woman sentenced for defrauding her employer

A Carencro woman has been sentenced to 14 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for defrauding her employer, U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced.
Yvette L. Fontenot, 54, was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $149,461.48.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Fontenot pleaded guilty to the charge on Aug. 20.
In her position as office manager at a Lafayette business, Fontenot was authorized to use certain credit cards for business expenses, as well as certain business accounts to pay the balances of those cards and other business expenses.
Evidence presented in court showed that from November 2008 until August 2016, Fontenot used several of the business credit cards for personal expenses for herself and her family.
Fontenot knew that these credit cards were obtained and authorized for business use only and she knew that other business accounts would be used to pay the balances of the credit card accounts, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Business funds were used to pay these credit card balances and personal expenses of Fontenot through business checks prepared by Fontenot herself. She did this with the intent to defraud the company for personal gain, the evidence showed.
The amount of loss suffered by the company as identified in the criminal proceedings was $149,461.48.
The United States Secret Service investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Myers P. Namie prosecuted the case.

Woodmen donate flag to Mire Elementary

SUBMITTED PHOTO Mire Elementary School Principal William Smith, far left, accepts a donated American flag from Eurella Cahanin, far right, local ...

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U.S. announces diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics

On Monday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced that the Biden administration would diplomatically boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights.
“Given the People’s Republic of China’s ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and other human rights abuses, the Biden administration will not send any diplomatic or official representation to the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games,” Psaki told reporters.
Psaki added that Team USA athletes will “have our full support” as they cheer them on from home.
The news of the diplomatic boycott comes after lawmakers pressured the Biden administration to take a stand against China’s human rights abuses, NBC News reported.
China responded to the news by saying that it would take “resolute countermeasures” if the diplomatic boycott took place, CNN reported.
According to the media outlet, pressure mounted of a diplomatic boycott after Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai disappeared from public view for three weeks after accusing a senior leader of the Chinese Communist Party of sexual assault.
Beijing is set to begin hosting the Winter Olympics on Feb. 4.

Readers invited to enter to win a Christmas voucher

Crowley Post-Signal readers are being invited to enter to win a voucher worth $15 off the cost of Christmas dinner.
A dozen area merchants are participating in the event.
To enter, clip the entry form from the advertisement on page 8 of today’s Post-Signal, fill it out completely and deposit it at the store whose name appears on the coupon.
Anyone 18 or older may deposit the coupons and readers are invited to enter as often as they like. However, photocopies of coupons will not be accepted.
Deadline to enter is noon Wednesday, Dec. 15. Winners’ names will be drawn on Thursday, Dec. 16, and they will be notified by phone by a member of the Post-Signal staff that afternoon.
No purchase is necessary.
Winners will pick up their vouchers at the newspaper office at 602 N. Parkerson Ave.
Duplication of winners will be avoided so that more people have a chance to win.

Bob Dole to lie in state in Capitol Rotunda Thursday

On Monday, congressional leaders announced that former Senate majority leader and 1996 Republican presidential nominee Bob Dole would lie in state in the US Capitol Rotunda on Thursday.
Dole died Sunday at age 98. He had announced in February that he was being treated for advanced lung cancer.
Dole was a decorated veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1948. He was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his service in World War II. In 1945, Dole’s two vertebrae were crushed, and he was paralyzed in his arms and legs when a shell fragment hit him in northern Italy in 1945. He spent three years in a hospital recovering and never regained the use of his right hand.
Arriving in Washington at the dawn of the Kennedy administration, Dole would serve for 27 years as a U.S. senator from Kansas, including two stints as the Senate majority leader, though he might be best known for his unsuccessful run as the Republican presidential nominee against Bill Clinton in 1996, his third attempt at the White House. He also served as President Gerald Ford’s running mate in 1976 after Nelson Rockefeller declined to stay on as vice president. 

20 complete Leadership Class after year-long COVID delay

The Leadership EXCEL Advisory Board has announced the conclusion of its 2020-21 year.
The 26th Leadership EXCEL Graduating Class met at the Grand Opera House on Wednesday, Nov. 17, for a reception and graduation ceremony.
The evening began with a cocktail hour prior to the graduation where graduates, sponsors and families of the graduates were invited to attend.
Michael Doughty, chairman of the Advisory Board, served as the evening’s emcee and began by welcoming those in attendance. Jeremiah Meck, Advisory Board member, recognized the year’s sponsors, including Jimbo Petitjean, Acadia Parish Assessor; Bank of Commerce; Dugas, Soileau and Breaux; Encore Healthcare & Rehabilitation; Kolder, Slaven and Company; JD Bank; Rayne Building and Loan Associate; Suzy Webb, Acadia Parish Farm Bureau; and The Bank.
Doughty introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Justin Robichaux, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, assistant women’s softball coach.
Robichaux addressed the graduates on the importance of leadership and getting involved in their respective communities.
Graduate Chuck Lejeune, sponsored by the Church Point Community Development Corporation, provided a recap of the 23-month program. Lejeune made light of the chaos the world has put forth over the last two years and encouraged his classmates to apply their recently gained knowledge to make the world a better place.
Founding member Katie Chiasson presented plaques to graduates to complete the evening.
Members of the 2020-21 graduating class include:
• Joan Blair, Jeff Davis Registrar of Voters
• Jena Bordes, C.J. Prevost Insurance
• Crystal Broussard, Encore Healthcare & Rehab
• Nichole Broussard, Acadia Parish Police Jury
• Jeff Cavell, Upland Services
• Jennifer Charlie, Darnall, Sikes, and Fredrick
• LeAnne Cormier, Home Bank – Jennings
• Kyle Gordon, Gator Custom Graphix
• Brooke Hornsby, Jennings American Legion Hospital
• Heather LaBouve, The Bank – Iota
• Jessica Landry, Parish Realty
• Jerad Langley, Southwind Healthcare and Rehab
• Debra Leger, Rayne Building & Loan
• Chuck Lejeune, Church Point Community Development Corp.
• Stephanie Martinez-Hernandez, Kolder, Slaven and Co.
• Jonathan Murphy, Town of Church Point
• Shelly Reiners, Ochsner Acadia General Hospital
• Connie Tregle, Lakeside Bank
• William Vincent Jr., Acadian Ambulance
• Mark Woods, Bank of Commerce
Leadership EXCEL is an annual leadership development program of the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce.
The program is designed to prepare emerging leaders to meet the future needs of our community and strives to develop informed, resourceful, civic-minded leaders committed to making our community a better place to live and work.

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