Category Archives: Ascension

Contributed Report| Gonzales Weekly Citizen

East Ascensions football team received good news this week.

It was announced that the LHSAA has ruled that Brother Martin will be forced to forfeit its first five victories of the season. One of those wins came against East Ascension back on Sept. 16.

The Crusaders were off to a 6-0 start. Now, their record plummets to 1-5.

The LHSAA determined that two of Brother Martins players were academically ineligible. This was due to the misinterpretation of an academic-eligibility rule.

The first player ruled to be ineligible was discovered when the LHSAA sent a member of its compliance staff to the school to check rosters and make sure athletes were registered properly.

Later, the school self-reported another case. That player was also found to be academically ineligible by the LHSAA.

Brother Martin had its first game canceled due to Hurricane Ida. The Crusaders then played East Ascension at Dutchtown High on Sept. 16 for their opener.

The Spartans were ahead for most of the matchup. They were clinging to a late lead, but Brother Martin scored on a fourth-and-goal at the East Ascension 1-yard line with less than a minute remaining in the game.

Brother Martin ended up holding on for an 8-7 victory.

In the latest Louisiana Sports Writers Association poll that was released before Brother Martin was forced to forfeit its five wins, the Crusaders were ranked third in Class 5A.

With the LHSAAs ruling, East Ascensions record has now improved to 4-2 overall. The Spartans only losses have come against Scotlandville and top-ranked Catholic.

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EA football awarded forfeit victory - Weekly Citizen

Ascension and AdventHealth have announced plans to unwind AmitaHealth, the joint operating company formed by the faith-based systems back in 2015 to serve the greater Chicago area.

The systems said in a Thursday announcement that they came to the decision together, saying that it is in their collective best interest in order to more nimbly meet the changing needs and expectations of consumers in the rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

The systems did not give a timeline for the split or any additional information about why they are ending the collaboration. Fierce Healthcare has reached out for further comment.

Amita Health is among the largest systems in Illinois with 15 acute care hospitals, four specialty hospitals and numerous outpatient care sites, making it the largest system in the area.

The partners said they are working to ensure a smooth and expeditious transition that will not interrupt patient care.

RELATED: Ascension latest nonprofit to rebound with $5.7B net income for 2021

Once separated, AdventHealth and Ascension would operate their individual facilities. Presumably, this would mean that AdventHealth retains the four hospitals and other outpatient facilities of Adventist Midwest Health while Ascension controls the five hospitals and outpatient facilities of Alexian Brothers Health System as well as the 10 hospitals and other locations of Presence Health.

Ascension and AdventHealth will begin the process of unwinding the partnership in a way that best serves the needs of the community, the systems said. AdventHealth and Ascension maintain a strong relationship and are united in ensuring the residents of Chicago have access to the best possible healthcare.

AmitaHealth was initially formed in 2015 as a nine-hospital system but more than doubled in size with Ascensions acquisition and merger of Presence Health in 2018. The system provides more than $335 million in annual community benefits, according to its website.

Word of the breakup runs counter to the industrys broader consolidation trends. The past several months in particular have seen systems target high-value megamergers, albeit at the expense of the higher frequency of single-hospital deals, Kaufman Hall reports.

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Ascension, AdventHealth are breaking up Amita Health, their 19-hospital joint system - FierceHealthcare

One of Illinois largest health care systems one that includes 14 acute care hospitals says that it is splitting up.

AdventHealth and Ascension, which together formed AMITA Health seven years ago, will go their separate ways, Amita said in a news release Thursday.

Leaders of both sponsoring organizations have determined that going forward separately is in their collective best interest in order to more nimbly meet the changing needs and expectations of consumers in the rapidly evolving healthcare environment, the company said.

Both organizations are committed to a smooth and expeditious transition. Following the transition, AdventHealth and Ascension will operate their individual hospitals and care sites in the Chicagoland area. There will be no disruption to patient care.

The company had no specifics on when the break-up is expected to occur, saying only: Ascension and AdventHealth will begin the process of unwinding the partnership in a way that best serves the needs of the community. AdventHealth and Ascension maintain a strong relationship and are united in ensuring the residents of Chicago have access to the best possible healthcare.

AMITAs facilities include St. Joseph Hospital on the North Side, St. Francis Hospital in Evanston and Resurrection Medical Center on the Northwest Side.

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After seven years, AMITA Health partnership breaking up - Chicago Sun-Times

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ST. AMANT - Several people were arrested this week after deputies raided a home in Ascension Parish and found a variety of illegal drugs.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office said the arrests happened after deputies executed a search warrant Sunday at the property along Gold Place Road in St. Amant. Inside the home, they found heroin, methamphetamine, amphetamine pills and other drug paraphernalia.

The following suspects were arrested.

Brandy Garner, 37, Country Drive, Prairieville was charged with possession of schedule III CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia.

John Tullier Jr, 56, of Camelia Drive, St. Amant was charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute amphetamine pills, possession of a drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor bench warrants for failure to appear.

Spencer Rouyea, 39, of Gold Place Road, St Amant was charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute amphetamine pills, possession of a drug paraphernalia, felony bench warrant for failure to appear, and misdemeanor bench warrants for failure to appear.

Christina Morris, 19, of Leo Lambert Road, St Amant was charged with resisting an officer, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute amphetamine pills, possession of a drug paraphernalia, felony bench warrant for failure to appear, and misdemeanor bench warrants for failure to appear.

Rodney Carlson, 36, of Camelia Drive, St. Amant, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a legend drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor bench warrant for failure to appear.

Shawn Leblanc, 50, of Valmon Roddy Road, Prairieville was charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute amphetamine pills, possession of a drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor bench warrant for failure to appear.

Darien Bennet, 27, of Germany Road, Prairieville was charged with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute heroin, possession with the intent to distribute amphetamine pills, possession of a drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor bench warrants for failure to appear. Bennett also had active warrants for second degree battery (domestic violence), aggravated assault with a firearm (domestic violence), misdemeanor theft, resisting an officer, and 3 counts of criminal trespass.

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Seven arrested in drug bust at Ascension Parish home - WBRZ

GONZALES, La (BRPROUD) Its the reason for the season! A local sheriffs office has opened a Christmas toy drive for people to donate to children and families within the parish.

Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office (APSO) along with Sheriff Bobby Webre has opened up applications for the 2021 Christmas Crusade Program, which brings new toys to children through donations from others. The program makes its 24th year, this year.

People can make toy donations for newborns, toddlers, and kids up until 12-years-old. Monetary donations will also be accepted until Friday, Dec. 31. Monetary donations that are made by check can go out to Bobby Webre Community Outreach PO Box 343, Gonzales, La 70707.

Families who want to apply for the program need to pick up and return the application to one of the APSO locations are listed below.

APSO locations:

All locations are open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A valid state photo ID, a birth certificate for each child, proof of income, and proof of residency must be presented. Applications will not be accepted without the mentioned documents.

The application deadline is Friday, Nov. 12 with no exceptions. Families accepted into the program will be notified by letter.

For more information, contact Sgt. Misty Turner at (225)-6321-8827.

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Ascension Parish Sheriffs Office opens toy drive applications for families - BRProud.com

East Ascension had to wait more than a half before it found its game, but once it got on a roll it could not be stopped.

Trailing by two touchdowns midway through the third quarter, East Ascension rallied scoring the last 20 points as they took a 26-20 District 4-4A win at Woodlawn on Friday night.

Spartans running back Walter Samuel got the comeback started with a 49-yard touchdown run. He got East Ascension close with a 74-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.

The Spartans took their first lead of the game on Troy Dunns 7-yardtouchdown run with 1:47 left to play.

Behind the play of quarterback Rickie Collins, Woodlawn (3-3, 2-1) moved the ball all game, but was scoreless after Collins 15-yardtouchdown pass to Jaylon Henry with eight minutes left in the third quarter.

Trailing 20-12, East Ascension (3-3, 2-1) faced a fourth-and-1 from its own 34 early in the fourth quarter. Dunns sneak picked up the first down, and after losing 10 yards on penalties, Dunn found Samuel on the left sideline for a 74-yard catch-and-run score.

After forcing a Woodlawn punt from midfield, East Ascension went 77 yards in 10 plays for the go-ahead score. The key play was Samuels 41-yard run, when he started left before reversing field on his way to a first down at the Woodlawn 25.

The Spartans used six running plays to get to the end zone.

Woodlawn got the ball back with 1:47 left, but stalled after a personal foul put it in a hole. Three Spartans defenders tackled Collins for no gain on fourth-and-14 at the Woodlawn 40.

EA running back Walter Samuel: Samuel had just 21 yards rushing at halftime, but gave his team the spark it needed after that. He finished with 127 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. He also caught three passes for 111 yards and another score.

East Ascension coach Darnell Lee: I challenged the kids at halftime. I said, Look, were not playing Spartans football.' The light was off. They got off the bus flat, but they dug deep and they responded.

Both teams played a great game tonight. I told (our kids) to show some respect. Our kids are so happy they want to dance and celebrate, but thats a team (Woodlawn) that worked just as hard as we did.

Samuel describing his touchdown reception: I already had it in my head that I was going to take it (all the way). The pass came in low, and I caught it. All I saw was a touchdown after that.

Collins threw his third interception of the season, a pass that was deflected, in the second quarter. He finished the game 20 of 32 passing for 229 yards and one touchdown.

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East Ascension finds footing in second half, rallies past Woodlawn - The Advocate

GONZALES - East Ascension running back Walter Samuel is a dynamic football player on the field, rushing for 614 yards and seven scores so far this year. But off the field, he is quiet and preserved and likes to lead by example.

"I don't like to talk a lot. I like to just stay to myself. I like to stay focused. I feel like when I talk to people, it takes me off track," said Fans' Choice Player of the Week winner Walter Samuel.

"When he scores, he will jog off. You won't see this big celebration. Normally, if you get a kid that don't talk much in public, when he gets around his friends you'll see a different guy. But that's just who he is, you know, he's kind of like that. He's a solid guy who leads by example," East Ascension head coach Darnell Lee.

Samuel tries to emulate his game around his favorite player, Saints running back Alvin Kamara. The back studies everything he does and even tried to change his number to 41.

"We already have one Kamara. I think Walter Samuel needs to be Walter Samuel," said Lee about when Samuel asked to get his number changed from 22 to 41.

"He has a lot of balance. I think I have a lot of balance too. When I watch him on TV it looks it he's going slow. But coach told me he goes fast and I need to go fast too. So when I see a hole, I hit it hard," Samuel said.

"That's his favorite player, and I can definitely see where he respects his game," Lee said.

Like Kamara, Samuel is an all-around back. He currently leads the Spartans in rushing, and he's second in the team in receiving.

To win the Fans' Choice Player of the Week, Walter had 170 yards on 11 attempts and 4 touchdowns against rival Dutchtown.

Originally posted here:

Fans' Choice Player of the Week 7: East Ascension Walter Samuel - WBRZ

With the OKC Thunder finished preseason play the club turns their attention to this coming Wednesday. Theyll be in Utah to open the regular season versus the Jazz.

Preseason offered some hints or who is most likely to help Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to produce offensively. Two players, in particular, stood out as the most likely secondary and third scoring options and both offered an argument to be the OKC Thunder preseason MVP.

Rookie Josh Giddey lived up to the hype filling up the three key statistical categories. However, the player who perhaps served up the biggest surprise was Luguentz Dort. As per usual his defense was on point, but it was his offensive growththat stood out.

Specifically, the Thunder wings stats by match were:

Hornets vs. OKC Thunder:Shot 4 of 9 from the field, 3 of 6 from deep for 11 points, plus 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 2 turnoversin 17 minutes

OKC Thunder at Bucks (first game):Shot 7 of 11 from the field, 4 of 6 from deep for 19 points, with 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 turnover in 19 minutes

Nuggets (starting core) vs. OKC Thunder:Shot 4 of 7 from the field, 3 of 4 from deep, 3 of 4 from the line for 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 turnover in 26 minutes

Dort only broke the 20-minute threshold in the third match featuring the Nuggets (who played their presumed starting lineup).

Although it was an extremely small sample size the clear takeaway was Dorts improved 3-point shooting. He shot 10 of 16 from the perimeter for a whopping 62.5 percent efficiency.

The Canadian seems more comfortable shooting in general. His shooting motion is fluid although his tendency to pull the ball down first is still a factor.

"Lu Dort only plays defense" ??????????????????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/pNiP1CIQPg

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) October 14, 2021

The work he put in this offseason made a difference and its feasible his time with Nick Nurse and Team Canada also helped. Evidence of Nurses success can be found throughout his tenure in Toronto.Copious players the Raptors acquired were deemed to be bad shooters like Norman Powell, OG Anunoby, Yuta Watanabe, etc who all mastered perimeter shooting under Nurses tutelage.

Whatever Dort did to improve at least in this extremely small preseason sample size the results proved fruitful. Of players who attempted at least three 3-pointers and appeared in at least three games, only Joe Harris (65 percent on 6.7 attempts) had a better percentage than Dort. Thats heady company.

When Sam Presti locked in Dort the hope was he could develop into a 3 and D specialist. Sure its only three games but it wasnt via a lopsided one-game burst. He was consistent in all three outings and he wasnt just jacking up shots. In each contest, he took between four and six 3-point shots with his lowest efficiency being 50 percent versus Charlotte.

Intentions will be invested in keeping track of how effective Dort is over a longer stretch of games. But, if he flirts with averaging 40 percent from deep on five attempts hell have a legitimate argument to be considered among the premier 3 and D specialists in the association.

To put how ridiculously economical Dorts contract is in perspective, Ive offered up five 3 and D specialists. The list includes two established guys in this role and three youngsters. For comparison sake Ive noted their age, contract (term/dollars) as well as last seasons points per game and 3-point shooting efficiency/ attempts in brackets:

Danny Green 34-years old, two years $20M deal, (9.5 points, 3PFG 40.5% on 6.3 attempts)

Matisse Thybulle I have to put him in because Im still annoyed he beat out Dort gaining an All-Defensive team nod in spite of being a reserve and only playing 20 minutes per game. Hes 24 (two years older than Dort) on a 3-year deal of $2.84M/$4.38M/$6.27M (3.9 points, 3PFG -30.1% on 2.2 attempts).

Robert Covington 30 years old has one year left on his deal $12.97M (8.5 points, 3PFG 37.9% on 5.1 attempts)

Personally, Id putOG Anunoby andMikal Bridges in a tier by themselves with Dort potentially joining if he delivers consistently from the perimeter this season. Bridges is still awaiting a rookie extension offer with the deadline to get the deal done today. The 25-year old will make $5.5M this season regardless (13.5 points, 3PFG 42.5% on 4.4 attempts).

Anunoby is likely to be one of Gilgeous-Alexanders greatest challengers for Most Improved Player. He just turned 24 and was locked up by Toronto with a four-year $72M deal. (15.9 points, 3PFG 39.8% on 6.1 attempts).

OG could challenge both SGA and also be Dorts biggest challenger for best 3 and D specialist. The Raptor has improved every season, looked great in preseason, and will benefit from Pascal Siakam being out to start the season so will split the primary scoring responsibilities with Fred VanVleet.

Lu the Beast is the youngest of all these players at 22 with two years remaining on his deal its almost embarrassing that hell make $1.78M this season and $1.93M next year. He scored 14 points per game last season and shot 34.3 percent from deep on 6.3 attempts.

While Presti deserves an award just for this deal, the one concern is hell enter the 2023 offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Hes such a loyal guy its likely hell want to stay in OKC to reward the Thunder for believing in him. That said, there was mutual admiration gushing between Nurse and the wing this summer and hes from Montreal (Toronto has two Montreal natives on their squad Chris Boucher and Khem Birch) so the Raptors will likely be the main market OKC would need to fend off.

The good news is the OKC Thunder are still two years away from that contract negotiation and in the interim Presti has arguably one of the best 3 and D specialists locked up for less than $4 million. This begs the question is there any deal in the NBA that remotely rivals the value for the price of Lu Dort? Im hard-pressed to find any.

Link:

OKC Thunder: Preseason hints at Lu Dorts ascension to 3 and D master - Thunderous Intentions

HOUSTON This past offseason, Rockets center Christian Wood had a point to prove not only to the organization but also to himself.

During the 2020-21 season, Wood certainly looked the part of a blossoming, bona fide big man in the 41 games he played. Averages of 21 points and 9.6 rebounds were enough to vault him into discussions for accolades like All-Star selections and Most Improved Player. The big contract he signed, three years and $45 million, looked like one where the return would be well worth the investment.

Regardless of the outside noise, Wood had certainly voiced his opinion on a number of things happening that year. He wasnt pleased with the lack of plays called for him in head coach Stephen Silas offense. He wasnt pleased with the apparent lack of respect around the league for his ability to shoulder an offense. And he definitely didnt take kindly to being perceived as a defensive liability.

But perhaps nothing irked him more than not being selected for Team USA. After Washingtons Bradley Beal and Clevelands Kevin Love had to withdraw from the squad because of COVID-19 and injury recovery, respectively, JaVale McGee was given the nod over Wood, with Keldon Johnson taking Beals place. Internally, that snub was used by Wood as a motivational tool.

The Rockets have always expected big things out of Wood.

Excerpt from:

Christian Wood's ascension with the Rockets has begun: 'There's been big-time growth' - The Athletic

The News Herald/USA TODAY NETWORK| The News Herald

Daily Aspirin Increases Risk in Some Older Adults

Older adults without heart disease shouldnt take daily aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke. Thats according to preliminary updated advice from an influential health guidelines group. (Oct. 12)

AP

PANAMA CITY A Panama City hospital has begun offering a new heart procedure that could reduce the chances of strokes for certain at-risk patients.

Ascension Sacred Heart Bay recently announced that its cardiovascular team began treating patients on Oct. 7 with the new procedure, which involves implanting a small device into the heart. The new procedure could reduce the chance of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation not caused by heart valve problems, hospital officials say.

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular, often rapid heart rhythm that can lead to blood clots.

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According to an Ascension press release, Dr. Amir Haghighat, an interventional cardiologist, said the procedure, which closes the heart's left atrial appendage, can benefit a select number of patients with atrial fibrillation who are unable to tolerate long-term blood thinners.

Strokes are one of the most dreaded complications of atrial fibrillation and a large number of residents in our area suffer from the arrhythmia, Haghighat said. The risk of stroke is five times higher if you have AFib. Now, we can offer this advanced procedure to minimize that risk and keep our patients healthy.

The first four cases at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay were successfully performed by three cardiac specialists on the medical staff: Dr. Haghighat, Dr. Nghia Hoang, a cardiac electrophysiologist, and Dr. Samir Patel, an interventional cardiologist, the press release states.

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Patients with AFib are typically required to take blood thinners to prevent blood clots from being formed. Patients who are not able to take blood thinners due to risk of bleeding and additional complications may be eligible to receive the procedure and discontinue blood thinners. The procedure to implant the device is performed in the cardiac cath lab at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and the majority of patients are discharged the same day or the day after. The hospital is the only one in the Bay County area that performs the procedure, the press release states.

With AFib, which is the most common type of abnormal heart rhythm disorder, the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly, affecting heart flow to the heart and the rest of the body. When blood flow is sluggish, it can cause blood clots to form in some patients. This creates an increased risk that a clot will block blood flow to the brain, causing a potentially disabling or deadly stroke.

During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through the groin and is used to place the device in the upper left chamber of the heart where clots mostly commonly develop. The device has a metal frame that is shaped like a parachute. It acts as a filter to prevent blood clots from leaving the heart and entering the bloodstream.

For more information about the services offered at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, visitascension.org.

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Ascension Sacred Heart Bay in Panama City offers new heart procedure - The News Herald