Category Archives: Ascension

Jan. 4COVE A leather fisherman's cap worn by Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu saved the day for a party he was traveling with on Interstate 84 in Baker County four decades ago.

The South African was riding in a car with Rustin Kimsey, then the bishop of the Eastern Oregon Diocese of the Episcopalian Church, and his wife, Gretchen, on a hot August day in 1983. The three had left the Ascension School Camp in Cove a half hour earlier. They were bound for the airport in Boise, where they were supposed to pick up Tutu's daughter, M'Pho, before returning to Cove where Tutu was making presentations during a week-long conference.

The trip to Boise was going well until the car overheated because of a malfunctioning radiator. The vehicle was stranded on the side of Interstate 84 and the situation looked bleak before Tutu spotted a drainage ditch below the road.

"Undaunted by the steepness and while wearing his leather fisherman's cap, he scampered down the ravine, dipped his hat into the drain ditch and brought enough water to our overheated radiator to cool it. Soon we were on our way again," Gretchen Kimsey said.

The three, after a stop in Baker City for repair work, made it to Boise to pick up Tutu's daughter and soon returned to Cove.

Gretchen Kimsey has fond memories of that day and of Tutu. Kimsey's husband, Rustin, had become a good friend of Tutu's after getting to know him at international meetings of Episcopalian church leaders. Tutu, who had just attended a meeting of the World Council of Churches in Vancouver, B.C., had come to Cove to speak at the Ascension School Camp at Rustin Kimsey's invitation.

'He spoke to the heart'

The Kimseys were among about 70 people who attended the 1983 conference Tutu spoke at. Tutu, who died Dec. 26, 2021, at the age of 90, was well known but not yet in the international spotlight in 1983.

He was a year away from being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent opposition to apartheid in South Africa. Tutu, on the verge of major celebrity status, was able to move about freely in Northeastern Oregon.

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"He was not well known yet. I think it was fun for him to be anonymous," Gretchen Kimsey, who lives in The Dalles, said.

Kimsey marveled at Tutu's ability to connect and communicate with people using plainspoken brilliance at the conference in Cove.

"He never spoke in complex terms. He spoke straight to the heart," she said.

Kimsey was also struck by Tutu's sense of humor, which he displayed during his visit to Northeastern Oregon and throughout his life.

"He brought laughter to a lot of people's lives, and we all know how healing laughter can be," she said.

Kimsey said her husband shared Tutu's sense of humor.

"That is what drew them together," she said.

A great spirit

Jim Hayes, of Joseph, then an eighth grader, was among the younger people who attended the 1983 conference at the Ascension Camp in Cove. Hayes said he was struck by the sense of happiness Tutu exuded.

"He was joyful, a great person," he said.

The Wallowa County resident grew more impressed with Tutu following the conference when he learned what he had endured while fighting apartheid in South Africa.

"I didn't understand how, after what he had gone through, he could have such great spirit," Hayes said.

The Rev. Churchill G. Pinder, of the Episcopal Church, who then lived in Baker City, was impressed with stories Tutu shared of his life in a close-knit setting.

"We all had the privilege of sitting at the feet of Desmond as he shared his experiences with the struggles in South Africa as well as his journey of faith," he said. "I clearly remember him describing his experiences of being very sick as a young child in a hospital and the impression he had when an Anglican priest came and visited him and prayed with him. Desmond shouted with glee, 'For me. What a wonder God's love is.'"

Pinder said the magnitude of the experience is hard to put into words.

"How can I explain the wonder of enjoying all the activities of Family Camp including playing softball, singing around the campfire, and eating meals with Desmond Tutu and his family and many of the members of the Diocese of Eastern Oregon," he said.

Pinder was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church at the Ascension School Camp during a ceremony conducted by Tutu and Rustin Kimsey.

Sarah Moore, a former reporter for The Observer, who attended the conference, said that Tutu was always accessible.

"It was such an intimate setting. Everyone had access to a famous person. He was always willing to sit down and talk at meals and outside," said Moore, who now lives in Orcas Island, Washington, with her husband, David, who was the rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in La Grande 40 years ago.

Moore said Tutu accepted the invitation to come to Cove because he knew Rustin Kimsey so well.

"His friendship with Rustin Kimsey is what made it happen," she said.

Rustin Kimsey died in 2015, and Tutu was among those who attended his service in The Dalles. Tutu came unannounced, Gretchen Kimsey said, because he did not want to take away attention from his friend.

"We were so happy to see him," Gretchen Kimsey said. "It was such a wonderful gesture."

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Bishop Desmond Tutu's visit to Cove remembered - Yahoo News

Its said that downtown is the living room of any community. Its the place where we host out-of-town guests. Its where we gather to entertain, host a party or simply have a good time.

And here in Baton Rouge, the downtown area serves as a symbolic representation of the city and the larger Capital Region: A semi-vibrant area of rebirth along the Mississippi River thats made a lot of progress over the past 20 years, continues to possess remarkable potential and is a barometer for what we can becomeand the work that remains for potential to become reality.

Yet downtown is hardly this regions only treasure, as detailed in Business Reports latest cover package Capital Assets 2022.

From the splendor of the rolling hills of the Felicianas to the economic might of industrial plants hard against the Mississippi River in Ascension, Iberville and West Baton Rouge parishes. From the hamlets of suburban bedroom communities in Livingston and Ascension to the emergence of traditional neighborhood developments dotting East Baton Rouge Parish. From the championship exploits of our high school and college athletic teams to the seeds of our intellectual and economic future found at LSU, the states flagship university, Southern, the nations largest historically black university system, and a host of community and technical colleges across the region. From the remarkable research being done at Pennington Biomedical to the incredible potential of a growing health care corridor.

At its core, however, what makes this place so special is its people. For it is all of us who define our cultural gumbo and our identity. And even when were going through growing pains, its the people of the Capital Region who will determine our future.

Make no mistake, it is all of us who are this regions greatest asset.

Read the full Capital Assets cover package from the latest edition of Business Report.

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Capital Assets: The best of Baton Rouge and the Capital Region - Greater Baton Rouge Business Report

That's right, "Ascension" was canceled just two months after we found out about it.

The Hollywood Reporter explained that despite leaks and rumors confirming the film's title and shooting schedule, the film had never officially been greenlit. Although early prep work had begun and filming was just months away, "Tron: Ascension" was abruptly canned.

Why did Disney pull the plug? No reasons were given, but during the fallout, it was revealed that Jared Leto had apparently been pursued for an unknown role. It was thought to be the son of the classic "Tron" villain Ed Dillinger (David Warner), a role which had been played by Cillian Murphy in "Legacy."

Despite these plans, it looked as though "Ascension" was faced with a big, fat system error. It was a devastating blow that shook fans, many of us believing that all hopes of a sequel had been derezzed for good.

But Disney would soon revisit the Grid once more...

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Will There Be A Tron: Legacy Sequel? Here's What We Know - /Film

Azeez Al-Shaair has been one of the brightest spots on the 49ers.

Before this season, Al-Shaair was nothing more than a solid base defense linebacker. He wasn't really a player you would run out too much outside of that.

However, Al-Shaair has been a shining light this season. When Dre Greenlaw went down with a groin injury in Week 1, Al-Shaair easily filled the void. In fact, he has done more than fill it -- he's added to it.

Al-Shaair has a physical style that sets the tone, which is something the 49ers needed -- a player who can let the opposing offense know what kind of aggressive game it is going to be.

And boy, does Al-Shaair let them know.

Seeing how far he has come as a fierce starting caliber every down linebacker is enlightening for the 49ers. It is impossible not to acknowledge his development. Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday brokedown the ascension of Al-Shaair in full at his presser.

Azeez in college or even when he got here, I thought Azeez was always a kind of a splash player. Anybody who runs without hesitation and is very physical and is running through people and doesn't hesitate, those guys make plays. Now, sometimes they mess up plays too, because they're out of control.

"So I always think Azeez has made some plays for us, but I think the more reps hes gotten in these few years, taking a starter role. I think him making mistakes, hes got a lot less and the more that happens, the more confidence you get, and that's why he's playing at his best when he is doing those things."

The linebacker position could've easily unraveled once Greenlaw went down. Al-Shaair brought stability and improvement to it. Now, he still gaffs now and again. That is only natural. He is by no means in the elite category, but to have him alongside Warner is a sweet benefit for the 49ers.Throw in Greenlaw whenever he is healthy, then suddenly the 49ers have a fantastic trio at linebacker again.

Al-Shaair's ascension trend will need to continue against the Seahawks as he will be filling in as leader of the defense with Warner out.

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Kyle Shanahan Breaks Down the Ascension of Azeez Al-Shaair - Sports Illustrated

The 2019 NFL Draft presented the Green Bay Packers with a rare opportunity for an early first-round pick. It seemed likely theyd take a blue-chip difference-maker like either one of the Iowa tight ends, T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, or a premier pass-rusher like Brian Burns or Montez Sweat.

Instead, they took Rashan Gary out of Michigan. The selection was met with skepticism, especially since other edge prospects like Burns and Sweat appeared to be more polished. An athletic freak of nature entering college, Gary hadnt quite lived up to the hype in Michigan. Though he tested well at the combine, taking what appeared to be a project that early rubbed many Packers fans and media the wrong way.

Green Bay had recently signed ZaDarius Smith and Preston Smith, so the Packers did not need to throw Gary into the fire. He showed flashes in his first two seasons, but nothing 12th-overall pick worthy.

In his third season, it seems like patience and coaching paid off. Gary has been one of the keys to this dominant Green Bay defense, and his star shines brighter every week. Hes a bonafide threat, and his success will affect the outside linebacker group in 2022 and beyond.

With ZaDarius Smith out due to a back injury, Gary was thrust into the starting role. Hes been the best OLB on the team, with an 82.3 PFF grade. Gary leads the Packers defense with 6.5 sacks. Hes created two forced fumbles, had 17 solo tackles, and he has a monstrous 29 pressures. Gary has been in the face of quarterbacks all season, and hes getting better at turning pressures into sacks. Hell only be 24 by the end of the season, and hes improving every week.

Gary had his most impactful play of the season against the allegedly good Los Angeles Rams offense. He had a beautiful strip-sack of Matthew Stafford, which set up Green Bays first points on the day. He beat Andrew Whitworth, one of the leagues best tackles. Whitworth had only given up seven pressures before facing Gary and the Packers defense. Gary would finish the day with a sack, forced fumble, two quarterback hits, and four pressures.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry praised Garys toughness following the game. Im really proud of him because hes tough as nails, man, he said. He wasnt 100%. Hes hurting. But, man, did he battle through it. There was a lot of huge plays yesterday, but that sack-fumble was a crucial part early in the game.

Being able to learn behind two veteran leaders and being coached by such a passionate position coach in Mike Smith turned out to be the ideal incubator for Gary. A few good Smiths turned young Gary into the Bane Gary he is today.

Gary has played so well, its hard to see him going back to a rotational role. While ZaDarius Smith could return this season, his status is still unknown, and there is no clear timeline on a potential return. With Smiths large cap hit and desire for a long-term deal, he could be a cap causality as Green Bay heads into a tight financial year.

Losing ZaDarius would be hard to swallow. Hes been one of the defensive leaders since arriving in Green Bay in 2019. Hes beloved by the fans, has a great friendship with Preston, and hes been terrific on the field. Giving up an elite edge rusher isnt ideal, and I am by no means advocating this action.

But with Aaron Rodgersand Davante Adams futures uncertain, releasing ZaDarius might be the easiest way to clear cap space to bring their two best offensive players back. Its a very real possibility. That decision might be a little easier with Gary playing as well as he has as the No. 1 OLB.

Should the Packers move on from ZaDarius Smith, Green Bay may feel comfortable with Gary and Preston Smith as their starting edge rushers. However, a tight cap situation could mean Preston has to go eventually, too. The team needs depth at OLB regardless, and an early-round investment next season seems logical.

Still, Garys hunger to improve every week should have Green Bay feeling good about their investment. He went from a pick many scoffed at to a Pro Bowl-level OLB1.

For now, the future is a long way off. What matters now is that the Packer defense has an elite, young pass-rusher causing havoc regularly. Rashan Gary has embraced the chance to be in the spotlight and is making the most of ZaDarius Smiths absence. Hes more than proved he can handle the responsibility, and his future is bright.

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Rashan Gary's Ascension Gives the Packers A Lot Of Options - Zone Coverage

ASCENSION PARISH - Two major multi-million dollar drainage projects are underway for Ascension Parish.

The parish has hired contractors to dredge the New River Bayou starting at West Main Street.

The project will remove years of silt and debris build-up from the river.

"It's going to increase water flow, and not only help people in that area, but increase the capacity of people in south Prairieville as well as Geismar," Parish President Clint Cointment said.

"Unless you can see the road, I would advise not driving, because you can end up in the canal," resident Ellen Posey said.

She has lived near New River Road for half a century and says the flooding can get quite scary in her neighborhood.

"We just have a problem of being an island," Posey said.

The equipment is already in place. The project will also deepen the bayou to allow more water to flow to pumping stations. That water then should drain into Lake Maurepas.

"They will continue to the dredging from that point on to Gonzales to the weir behind Walmart," Cointment said.

Posey says this problem is one that's been around too long. In May, it took three days for floodwaters to drain from the roads.

"I think it's long overdue... maybe it would drain a little bit better and faster, and no one would be afraid of having flooding. I would think it would help the subdivision across the highway. They flood really bad," said Posey.

Besides the dredging, the parish will also add two flood gates. One will be in the New River Bayou. The other will be at Alligator Bayou near the Iberville Parish Line, allowing water to flow into Bayou Manchac and away from homes.

In the next few weeks, drivers can expect road closures when dredging begins on West Main street.

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Ascension Parish starts New River Bayou dredging project - WBRZ

Staff Report| Gonzales Weekly Citizen

Ascension Parish Public Schools announcedthe 2021-22 Students of the Year for fifth, eighth, and twelfth grades.

The students will be recognized before the Ascension Parish School Board meeting on Dec. 7, and the district winners will be named at that time.

"Our mission, vision, and purpose are anchored in student success. Our students make great efforts each day to grow academically, develop talents through participation in various in-school and out-of-school activities, and make a positive contribution to their school and their community by volunteering in various service activities. It is always exciting when we can gather with our students families and community to celebrate their successes and outstanding contributions," said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander in a statement.

"Being named Student of the Year is certainly among the most significant accomplishments our students can achieve," said Alexander. "We look forward to honoring these incredible students individually. They are among the best of the best and deserve this moment in the spotlight!"

FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS OF THE YEAR

Mary Susan Cedotal, Bluff Ridge Primary School

Cooper Waguespack, Bullion Primary School

Santiago Banda, Central Primary School

Carleigh Allen, Duplessis Primary School

Leyla Oubre, Dutchtown Primary School

Kaylyn Descaya Levert, Galvez Primary School

Cameron Deshay Mumphery, Gonzales Primary School

Samuel Tyrone Darville, G.W. Carver Primary School

Carlee Smith, Lake Elementary School

Jiselle Fierro, Lakeside Primary School

Taliyah Buggage, Lowery Elementary School

Kate Lyons, Oak Grove Primary School

Brielle Taylor Poche', Pecan Grove Primary School

Blake Lee Hebert, Prairieville Primary School

Noah Lathan Williams, Sorrento Primary School

Sophia Marie Guilbault, Spanish Lake Primary School

Alex Roques, St. Amant Primary School

Lena Cate Fourroux, Sugar Mill Primary School

EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS OF THE YEAR

Raegan Garnier, Bluff Middle School

Molly Kilgore, Central Middle School

Clarke Richardson, Dutchtown Middle School

Rylie Causey, Galvez Middle School

Logan McQuarn, Gonzales Middle School

Brookelyn LeBlanc, Lake Elementary School

Ray'shawn Dunham, Lowery Middle School

Nathan Henderson, Prairieville Middle School

Addey Ohmer, St. Amant Middle School

TWELFTH GRADE STUDENTS OF THE YEAR

Donalynn Alayshia Daniels, Donaldsonville High School

Matthew Lass, Dutchtown High School

Caris Green, East Ascension High School

Mya Chrisie Bascom, St. Amant High School

In order to be considered for the Student of the Year process, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. The school-level coordinator submits all students in fifth, eighth, and twelfth grades who meet the initial criteria. Teachers are asked to vote for students on the list based on the child's academics, behavior, and leadership qualities. The school-level coordinator chooses the students with the top votes to enter the school-level competition. A small committee of school staff and stakeholders is assembled to score students based on test scores, grades, an essay, a portfolio, and an interview. The student with the highest committee score is named the school's Student of the Year.

Those students are now eligible to compete at the district level. The students have to submit a biographical sketch, writing sample, portfolio of their accomplishments, and be interviewed by members of the Ascension Parish community who volunteer as judges. District level primary, middle, and high school winners will be named before the school board meeting on Dec. 7, 2021. The district winners will be entered in the regional competition, which will occur in February. Winners from the state's regional competition will be named in March.

Individual photo banners for Students of the Year are available to view and download at https://www.apsb.org/index.cfm/gallery/category/4. To learn more about Ascension Public Schools, visit http://www.apsb.org.

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Ascension Parish Schools announce students of the year - Weekly Citizen

Donaldsonville hosts holiday yard decorating contest

The City of Donaldsonville is hosting its annual Holiday Yard Decorating Contest. Residents interested in taking part can register by call (225) 473-4814 or emailing dvillecoc@bellsouth.net or lee@visitdonaldsonville.org. Judging will be Dec. 18-19 after dark. Awards will go go best house and yard, best yard and best door decorations. Deadline to enter is at 4 p.m. Dec. 17.

Local veterans groups are hosting the annual Wreaths Across America project. The group is selling the holiday wreaths, which will be available for pickup starting at 9 a.m. Dec. 18 at Veterans Memorial Park in Gonzales. For more information, call (256) 656-2124.

Do you love hearing stories before bedtime? Then put on your favorite, comfy pajamas and join Ascension Parish Library staff for an evening of storytime fun. Staffers will read stories, sing fun songs, and you will get to make an easy craft to take home. Pajama Storytime is being held on the second Thursday of the month in Gonzales and Galvez and the third Thursday of the month in Dutchtown through Dec. 16. Designed for kids ages 8 and younger and their families. Pajama Storytime lasts approximately 25 minutes, followed by a quick craft. Kids ages 5 years and younger may need assistance. For more information, call the library or visit us online at myAPL.org.

Winter is a great time to make snowflakes. Beginning Dec. 6, visit any location of the Ascension Parish Library to pick up a packet containing everything you will need to make your own pipe cleaner snowflake. Try out different bead patterns and when you find the one you like best, twist the ends of the pipe cleaners to keep the beads in place. Designed for kids ages 6 to 8 years old. Available while supplies last. For more information, call your local library location or visit myAPL.org.

Punch needling is an art style that has been used for centuries to handmake rugs or patches. Artists use a specialized needle to push thread into cloth. Tweens between the ages of 9 and 11 years are invited to Ascension Parish Library at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 in Dutchtown; 10 a.m. Dec. 18 in Galvez; and 10 a.m. Dec. 29 in Gonzales to introduce this old-school fiber art technique to the modern gaming world. Choose between "Among Us" characters or keep it classic with Mario and Luigi. Then, learn how to turn these video game characters into fun, fluffy 3D patches in just a few easy steps using fabric, colored thread and a specialized needle. For more information, call your local library location or visit myAPL.org.

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Bring new life to old books by transforming an authors words into a new work of art using colored pencils, stencils and more. Repurpose loose pages from worn-out books and turn them into artful designs that celebrate the unending creativity of the written word. Book Page Art will be held at Ascension Parish Library at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7 in Gonzales and Galvez and Tuesday, Dec. 21 in Dutchtown. Designed for teens ages 1218. For more information, call your local library location or visit us online at myapl.org.

Discover the best practices for creating a YouTube Channel and compelling video content that promotes your products and services and drives engagement with your brand. Learn how to create and organize a YouTube Channel, add videos, and promote your business with video ads during this Grow with Google virtual workshop led by a Google-supported trainer at noon Thursday, Dec. 2. Advance registration required. Visit Ascension Parish Librarys Business Resource Center website at aplbusinessresource.com and click on the banner to register online. Once registered, you will receive an email with more information on how to join the webinar, hosted on GoToWebinar. For further assistance, call the library at (225) 647-3955.

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Around Ascension for Dec. 1, 2021 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

HELENA Both Carroll basketball teams are ranked inside the NAIAs top-5. In the latest NAIA top-25 coaches poll released on Wednesday, the Saints men and women each moved up a spot, with Kurt Paulsons team advancing to No. 4 and Rachelle Sayers team breaking into the top-5 at No. 5 for the first time this season.

Wednesdays poll was the second-straight edition in which both Carroll teams have moved up. The men began the season at No. 10 and moved up to No. 5 before the latest advancement. The women were ranked No. 7 in the preseason poll and improved to No. 6 before cracking the top-5 this week.

Carrolls men are off to a 10-0 start to the season, while the women are 9-2 with a trio of wins over top-25 opponents, including back-to-back victories over top-15 teams last weekend.

Carroll is the only NAIA program in the country with both basketball teams ranked in the top-5.

Jovan Sljivancanin paces the mens team with 18.9 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. Senior point guard Shamrock Campbell is also averaging double-digits with 13.6 points per game on 46.9 percent shooting.

Dani Wagner (17.3), Christine Denny (12.7) and Jamie Pickens (12.7) are all averaging double figures for Carrolls womens basketball team.

Around the Frontier Conference, Montana Western was the lone womens team to join Carroll in the top-25, checking in at No. 24. Providence was in the receiving votes category.

On the mens side, Montana Tech was in the receiving votes category.

Conference play begins on Thursday with Providence hosting Rocky Mountain College, Carroll hosting Montana State Northern and Montana Tech hosting Montana Western for both mens and womens contests.

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Carroll basketball teams continue ascension in latest NAIA poll with top five rankings - 406mtsports.com

Since August, many hospitals have been in surge mode with cases climbing.

INDIANAPOLIS Health experts call it "a pandemic among the unvaccinated" and as the winter months approach, some fear that could cause the worst surge yet.

I am worried about the way the winter is going to go and I am worried about the people who are unvaccinated, said Dr. Gabriel Bosslet, a pulmonary critical care physician at IU Health and associate professor of clinical medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

This week, Bosslet tweeted a warning to Hoosiers.

Looks like this winter may be the worst surge yet," his post read. "The only patients I have cared for in the ICU in the past weeks have been unvaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated, now is the time. If you are due for a 3rd shot, get it now.

If people would just get vaccinated, 95 percent of the people I meet in the intensive care unit, I would not meet. Things would be normal. So it is hard because I dont know what else to do to make people understand what this is like, Bosslet said.

Since August, hospitals have been in surge mode with cases climbing.

Data from across IU Health shows, in August, there were 107 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The hospital system reached its peak in September with 425 patients. As of Tuesday, they had 328.

Number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at IU Health:

They are not alone. Ascension St. Vincent has also noticed an increase. There were 33 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 across Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis hospitals on Thursday. Six of them were in the ICU.

Number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at Ascension St. Vincent:

Its known that COVID-19 thrives in cold weather, especially around the holidays when people are gathering, but this year, health officials are worried about the more contagious variants and the threat of more flu cases. Also, healthcare workers are short-staffed and tired.

We are exhausted, emotionally exhausted. Its really hard to see this many people die, Bosslet said.

Many health care workers said it feels like dj vu because around this time last year, Indiana reached its peak with more than 3,400 Hoosiers hospitalized. This year, the number is lower, with more than 2,300 admitted, but some worry it's just the start.

What makes it even more difficult is that we just have a lot more patients in our hospital. We have more patients in our hospital than we ever have, said Dr. Ram Yeleti, chief physician executive at Community Health Network.

Yeleti said its not all COVID-19 patients, but the concern is beds are filling up at an alarming rate, causing hospitals like Community Health Network to start preparing.

Right now, our staff and our leadership have been instructed this week to look at contingency plans if every one in three or every one in four beds is a COVID patient what do we do, Yeleti said.

One option he said is to delay surgeries and other services, which would affect even more Hoosiers in need of care.

Get the vaccination not just for yourself but for your family member and for your neighbor because one of you may have a health condition that needs a hospital bed and there may not be one, he said.

On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced vaccinations as a key part of his plan to prevent another winter surge, especially as the omicron variant starts spreading across the country.

The five-step plan includes increasing booster shots and vaccinations among kids as young as five. The White House also wants to distribute COVID-19 treatment pills around the country as soon as they're approved. They plan to work on expanding free at-home testing for those who struggle to afford it and extend transportation mask mandates through March. Lastly, if you're flying into the country from overseas, you'll have to test negative within 24 hours of your flight.

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Expert: 'Pandemic among the unvaccinated' could lead to worst winter surge yet - WTHR