Baton Rouge Weekly Press Week of 03-14-13

baton

THURSDAY, march 14, 2013

rouge,

louisiana

Food Access Policy Commission to Determine Long-Term Solutions to Food Deserts in EBR

By William Martin

BATON ROUGE, LA - For decades, many Baton Rouge residents have suffered from low access to a supermarket or large grocery store that sells fresh produce and healthy food options. Some of these areas are considered food deserts, where

East Baton Rouge Council on Aging Prepares to Celebrate its 40th Anniversary

by Serving Seniors BATON ROUGE, LA – The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging announced today that it would be holding a series of events to celebrate its 40th year anniversary. The agency began the year in style by kicking off its 1st “Wheels for Meals” Raffle, sponsored in part by Gerry Lane Chevrolet and Guaranty Broadcasting. The East Baton Rouge Council On Aging “Wheels for Meals” Raffle will end May 15, 2013, with the drawing to be held at Gerry Lane Chevrolet.

In addition, EBRCOA will hold its 2nd annual Crawfish Boil for Seniors, April 11, 2013 at The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging’s Main Location (5790 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge 70806) from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The celebration culminates with an Annual Meeting and Volunteer Celebration to be held May 15, 2013 from 4p.m.

– 8p.m. at the BREC Administration Building (6201 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge 70806). For more information on upcoming events and how you can participate; check out the website at www.ebrcoa.org or call (225) 923-8000.

See anniversary, on page 2

residents lack easy access to healthy foods due to the over saturation of fast-food restaurants and convenient stores, lack of transportation, and/or the cost of food.

The time has come for our community to address these needs. Not through the topdown model that we are so used

Vol. 37 • No. 36 • FREE

a people’s publication

to seeing, but through a grassroots effort – one that includes the input of our community, one that includes the insight of those who are impacted. Such a grassroots effort began back in September 2011 when Together Baton Rouge (TBR) spearheaded a Food Access Research Team to look into the issue of why gro-

cery stores moved out of Scotlandville – a common concern expressed at TBR meetings.

In October 2012, prior to city elections, TBR organized a Metro wide Assembly where more than 500 TBR leaders won commitments from every See Food Deserts, on page 3

High School Students Take Control of Louisiana State Capitol Building

Caucus Requests Minority Judgeship For Terrebonne Parish

By Katie Urbaszewski Daily Comet Staff Writer Morrison, who was one of several judges who visited Houma and ultimately concluded the parish’s caseload did not call for another judge, mentioned after Thursday’s meeting that some judges responded negatively to Rep. Patricia Smith’s letter, citing “the cost of staffing those agencies would have to bear” if a judge is added.

In her letter, Smith also requested three new judgeships in the minority subdistrict of East Baton Rouge Parish and one minority judgeship in Baton Rouge City Court. The letter was brief, citing a “growing caseload” as her reasoning.

Despite their concerns about their role in Smith’s request, some council members seemed willing to pursue the issue.

“We have not in the past looked at whether we should create a subdistrict,” said Chief

Rep. Patricia Smith

Justice Bernette Johnson, who presided over the meeting. But if doing so is within their scope, “we should do our duty, do our due diligence.”

Johnson mentioned Boykin and his work to have this minority judgeship created during the meeting.

Boykin “thinks the comSee caucas, on page 3

We are not Scared Negroes, British Petroleum PENSACOLA, FL - Thousands marched against BP on Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama on March 3, 2013.

Charles Steele, CEO of National Southern Christian Leadership International Conference (SCLC), Don Cash, Vice President of National SCLC and Art Rocker, Chairman of Florida SCLC and Chairman of Operation People for Peace, Inc. lead the march with various SCLC chapter leaders and 1000’s of people from the Gulf Coast Region.

This group marched against many issues but primarily against BP who has not paid the claims of the underserved and underrepresented. In the Gulf Coast, the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill affected 1.4 million jobs, destroyed over a 416 billion dollar seafood industry, a 50 billion dollar cash industry and killed 11

rig workers and caused 17 injuries according to the US Department of Justice.

Charles Steele said, “BP, I am coming for the funding for the underserved and the underrepresented. I am coming to collect.” Steele continued, “Too many have died, too many are hungry, too many are crying and we are not scared Negroes. We want restitution, not promises of mules but restitution in cash for all Churches, maids, small businessmen, fishermen, and people who have worked in cash industries and don’t have receipts that should still be paid,” said Steele. “We must provide a program for those in need. British Petroleum, you destroyed the environment and in the process you killed workers, now you should pay See negroes, on page 2

Over 300 Students from high schools across Louisiana participated in a three day Youth Legislature Conference.

Baton Rouge, LA – On March 1, 2013, over 300 students from 24 high schools across Louisiana seized the state capitol building to participate in the Louisiana Youth Legislature Conference. During the conference students assumed the roles of senators, house representatives and public officials. Replicating

Doug Williams Honored

our own government, students researched and proposed their own bills to a mock legislature in the House and Senate chambers and committee rooms.

The Program facilitates a mock legislative process through the debating of bills, and replicates our state officer structure through elections of a Youth Governor, Attor-

ney General, Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, Supreme Court Chief Justice and a few others. These elections are held on Friday night and the votes are cast using actual electronic voting machines provided by the state.

“The YMCA Youth and See students, on page 2

Pictured Right (L-R): SCLC Leaders March against BP. Art Rocker, Rev. and Mrs. Charles Steele, Kenny Glasco with TOP, Don Cash, SCLC Board Member and many SCLC Chapter leaders

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state & local News

Business News

Health News

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SERVING UP SOUL, hosted by Dorinda Clark-Cole, announces a major expansion of the radio show with Rejoice Radio Networks. Rejoice will provide programming, distribution, advertising sales, marketing, etc....See Page 6

INDEX

Farmer of the Year Honored In recognition of African American History Month, the Odell S. Williams Now And Then Museum of African-American History honored former MVP Super bowl Winner Doug Williams.....See Page 3

The Louisiana Radio Network named Harper Armstrong of Bastrop the 2013 Louisiana Farmer of the Year at its 16th Annual Awards Banquet on Feb. 28 at White Oak Plantation...See Page 2

Five Facts to Know About AMT

The Alternative Minimum Tax may apply to you if your income is above a certain amount. Here are five facts the IRS wants you to know about the AMT..See Page 5

National Kick Butts Day 2013

According to a recent study, over 20% of current Louisiana high school students have smoked cigarettes in the past month. Studies estimate that 6,200 Louisianans under the age of 18 will begin smoking in 2013..See Page 7

Local & State............................2 Commentary.............................4 Business....................................5 Religion....................................6 Health.......................................7 Sports.......................................8

Classified Buying or selling a service, looking for for a good job? Check out the classifeds .

THEWEEKLYPRESS.COM Celebrating 37 Years Of Service To The Baton Rouge Community 225.775.2002

Women’s History Month MARCH 2013: Celebrating The Achievements of Great women

Educate, Engage & Inspire Our Readers by Sharing Your Diversity or Community Initiatives

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Weekly Press • Thursday, March 14, 2013

state & Local

La. Farmer of the Year Honored for Work as Innovator, Mentor

BATON ROUGE, LA – The Louisiana Radio Network named Harper Armstrong of Bastrop the 2013 Louisiana Farmer of the Year at its 16th Annual Awards Banquet on Feb. 28 at White Oak Plantation.

A lifelong farmer for nearly 50 years, Armstrong was recognized for his work in agricultural innovation and his dedication to helping fellow minority growers adopt the latest technology. He also serves as an industry advocate and a local youth mentor.

His 2,500-acre farm in Morehouse Parish produces corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton. He also raises cattle and has a haying operation. Armstrong serves as president of the Morehouse Parish Black Farmers and Landowners Association and as Assistant Chairman of the National Black Growers Council.

For the past several years, Armstrong’s farm has been used to demonstrate some of the latest agricultural advancements and equipment to farmers throughout Louisiana and around the country. In addition, he opens his farm to area young people to promote agriculture as a livelihood.

The Weekly Press Newspaper is a published weekly in Baton Rouge and distributed every Thursday with a circulation of 7,500.

Subscription rates are $65.00 per year for Louisiana residents; $72.00 for one year for out-of-state residents; half price for six months subscription: and $1.00 per single copy.

All money orders or checks should be made payable to The Weekly Press, P.O. Box 74485, Baton Rouge, La. 70874

Harper Armstrong, left, with his wife, Lois, was named the 2013 Louisiana Farmer of the Year recently in Baton Rouge, La.

“His dedication to improving and refining Louisiana agriculture alone makes Harper Armstrong a substantial candidate for Farmer of the Year,” said Jim Engster, president of Louisiana Radio Network. “What sets him apart is his commitment to his fellow farmers, his role as a community leader and his willingness to spend time with young people. Harper is a reminder of what the American farmer means to us all.”

Armstrong was chosen Farmer of the Year by an independent panel of judges from

Negroes

1283 Rosenwald Road Baton Rouge, La. 70807-41 Phone: (225) 775-2002 Fax: (225) 775-4216 E-Mail theweeklypress@yahoo.com thewpres@bellsouth.net Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Saturday, Sunday and all Major Holidays

the University of Kentucky and Texas A&M. The award includes a $1,000 prize and 100 hours’ use of a CaseIH Magnum tractor from Progressive Tractor & Implement Co. Louisiana Radio Network sponsors the Farmer of the Year Program in conjunction with the Louisiana Farm Bureau Agrinews Radio Network, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.

Founded in 1974, Louisiana Radio Network provides 71

radio stations throughout Louisiana and parts of Mississippi with news, sports and agri-news.

LRN also publishes Tiger Rag, “The Bible of LSU Sports” since 1978, and presents the annual Louisiana Farmer of the Year award.

Contact Jim Engster with the Louisiana Radio Network at (225) 291-2727 x203 or by e-mail at jim@louisianaradionetwork. com and Ashley Lemoine with Zehnder Communications at (225) 448-0760 or by e-mail at alemoine@z-comm.com for more information.

ley’s corporate official requested that we return to America and get the claims paid and then the company reneged on the payments. “This organizing of leaders and our youth is a prelude to the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington with 1 million plus on April 24, 2013, commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. We are coming with strong international leaders to support our discussion against BP. British Petroleum places greed over safety and we are going to March and wake

up America and the World on BP. We are also dealing with Equality for All, Environmental devastation and disruption, military families in need, gun violence, and voters suppression. We are also marching for nonviolence and peace. We are bringing youth, ages 17 and up with parents and chaperones to let BP know we won’t turn back.”

from page 1

the people.” Steele spoke at a rally with over 1000 plus at First Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama and he vowed to discuss BP with International leadership in Russia and other countries where he is organizing chapters and donors.

Art Rocker stated, “BP is trying to pay the Federal Government and the States so they will provide social services to the people, but we want the funding to come from BP and go directly to the ones in need.”

Rocker continued, “On our visit to BP in London, BP Bob Dud-

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Anniversary

Chit Chat

teachers should bring KEYTHOUGHT: resumes and attend Who can be beyond to talk to administrathe vision of civil tors and staff at 4:00 rights? Young - 6:00pm.

THE SUSAN B. BEST WISHES KOMEN fellowship TO MONIQUE CROrun has been called QUET. She has been a successful event. named the new direcThanks to all who Marge tor of alumni affairs participated and at Nicholls State Uniasked others to join Lawrence versity in Thibodaux. them. It really was gratifying to see all the partici- She is a graduate of Nicholls pation of men! While men do and has been the public renot get breast cancer in record lations for the city. She will number as women (so it is be responsible for organizing recorded) they do get the dis- campus events and coordinating alumni communications. ease. Thanks to everyone.

Poet Maya Angelou was You go, girl!

THE LOUISIANA GOSin town recently at Louisiana State University (LSU) PEL FEDERATION, an all for their African – American male group, will be at the history celebration. It was Jones Creek Library at 3 pm good to know that she still on Friday. You won’t want has a wit about her that is to miss this event and you just without parallel. Thanks to might sing along!

KENILWORTH MIDDLE the Afro-American/Diversity Committee for inviting her for (CHARTER) SCHOOL STUDENTS Desiree Gardner and a good evening.

THE OUCHITAU HILLS Jalen Scott have recently ACADEMY CHOIR OF AR- published an article on the KANSAS was in the capital research they have done on city recently to share their tal- elevated levels of toxic subents in song. Friends who stances found on school playattended said that it was a grounds in our city. Wow! good evening of spiritual song Thanks, guys!!

STATE SENATOR SHAand scripture. The fine young ladies and gentlemen shared RON WESTON BROOME their testimonies and love for presented an informational God that propel them to go meeting on the issues on the here and there telling others. upcoming general legislative session. The meeting was held Sounds like winners!!

Dr. Seuss’ READ ACROSS at LSU Medical Clinic ComAMERICA was a tremendous munity Room and the organizsuccess. The Louisiana As- ers appreciated attendance.

COACH CARLOS SAMsociation of Educators noted numerous guests throughout PLE has done it again! Yes, he the various schools. Some has led his team the Scotlandeven wore the Cat in the Hat’s ville Hornets as they stung crown. Some looked like the their opponents in an overtime cat himself (smile). Thanks victory for the Class 5A basto everyone who participated ketball championship. This is and the fun was very great!! the second state championship THE SCIENCE & SOCIAL in consecutive years. CongratSTUDIES FAIRS are over and ulations to the hornets!!

Lets go Jags in SWAC congratulations to the local school winners. Many good play!

With love and Sympathy projects were done and lots of thought was put into them. to the family of Betty Moore It was something to behold, on the loss of her father.

Happy Birthday to Ms. especially the projects done by students themselves. Some Yvette Lawson, Ms. Latania parents had input in their chil- Anderson, Brice Jones and dren’s projects, but students Perry Dotson.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHwho did their own were the DAY to Keylauna Dixon for real winners!!

T H E R E C O V E R Y Uncle Bear.

Have a super and blessed SCHOOL DISTRICT will have a job fair for teachers on weekend.

Thursday, March 14 at their Love you! office at the old Prescott MidMarge dle School gym. Prospective

from page 1

“The Council on Aging is grateful to the community for their 40 years of support and this year we will celebrate this anniversary by living our mission through serving our Seniors.” stated Tasha ClarkAmar EBRCOA Executive Director.

The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging (EBRCOA) is a non-profit organization serving the senior population of East Baton Rouge Parish. There are more than 71,575 seniors in East Baton Rouge Parish alone, and it is an ever-growing population that we are striving to serve. We support our seniors through innovative and independence-sustaining programs. Annually, our agency delivers 125,000 meals through our “Meals on Wheels” Program and over 155,000 meals to seniors through our senior centers and meal sites.

Students

from page 1

Government Program is a program that helps to build our teens in multiple ways.

Everything from building confidence, fostering positive debate, learning parliamentary procedures and being civically engaged is what we hope the students gain through this program.” said Eddrick Martin, branch executive of the Baranco Clark YMCA. “There is nothing more inspiring than watching our youth voice their opinions and demonstrate their knowledge of the government. Many of our leaders today have participated in this program when they were in school, and we

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believe that the fruits of their early engagement as teens are a key factor of some of our leaders being in these positions.”

With over 20 volunteers, the Youth and Government program produces two conferences for Louisiana high school students, the Louisiana Youth Legislature and the Louisiana Model United Nations. Since 1962, the YMCA of Louisiana through the Youth and Government Program has been educating youth across Louisiana the importance of fellowship, respect, responsibility and leadership through the judicial process of local and international governments.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but also to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymcabatonrouge. org

Thursday, March 14, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 3

Mirror of Grace Free Computer Training Program BATON ROUGE, LA – Mirror of Grace Computer Training Program mission is to implement educational programs and technology skills awareness for opportunities. We provide basic computer training classes, which assist each individual in obtaining and developing the understanding/skills to meet the needs of employers today.

We provide free public access to computers and the Internet Monday thru Thursday 9am-3pm. We are located at 921 N. Lobdell Blvd., Suite E. Classes are as follows: • Wednesday – March 20 Power Point • Tuesday – March 26 - Excel (part 1) • Wednesday – March 27 - Excel (part 2). Due to the demands on the program PreRegistration enrollment is required.

All Training Classes start at 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm.

For additional information Contact our Office: 225-300-4528 to speak with Patricia A. Harrel the Executive Director of Mirror of Grace Outreach. We can also be reached at www.mirrorofgrace.org, or by e-mail at info@mirrorofgrace.org.

Proposal for Elected BR Police Chief Deleted BATON ROUGE, LA -Voters in Baton Rouge will not be deciding on whether the city’s police chief should be an elected position, at least for now.

If approved, a proposal before the East Baton Rouge Metro Council Wednesday would have put the measure before voters.

However, after a brief discussion on the issue, the council voted to remove the item from the agenda. Councilwoman C. Denise Marcelle supported the move to delete the item after it was clear she did not have the support needed for it to pass.

Marcelle said she would move to have the proposal reconsidered in the near future.

Currently, the Mayor-President has sole authority to hire or fire the city’s police chief.

Motions for Funding Community Center Fail BATON ROUGE, LA -Two separate motions for funding for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center failed at Wednesday’s EBR Metro Council meeting.

Councilwoman Denise Marcelle was trying to redirect $51,000 from the center’s prior years’ and current self-generated revenues. It is money that already belongs to the center but needed a council vote to redirect.

Marcelle said it would provide funding for center events and services, children programs, and a volunteer dinner. Speakers did get up at the EBR Metro Council meeting asking council members to fund the community center.

When Marcelle motioned to pass the item, no one seconded. Some council members expressed they did not have adequate information on the item to vote.

Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards said she was offended and people in the community would blame the council for refusing to help the community only because they had further questions.

Marcelle motioned for a substitute, asking the item to be deferred by two weeks so her colleagues could study up on the item. Again, no one seconded her motion.

Museum of African-American History Honors Doug Williams

Shown in the photo are Doug Williams presented an autographed football to Mrs. Sadie Roberts-Joseph

BATON ROUGE, LA – In recognition of African American History Month, the Odell S. Williams Now And Then Museum of African-American History honored former MVP Super bowl Winner Doug Williams.

It was 25 years ago, that Doug Williams made history by becoming the first African American to win a Super bowl

Championship as quarterback for the Washington Redskins.

Shown in the photo are Doug Williams presented an autographed football to Mrs. Sadie Roberts-Joseph, who is the Curator of The Odell S. Williams Now And Then Museum of African-American History.

The public is invited

to come and visit the Doug Williams Art Column that is highlighted in the newly created Art and History Garden at 538 South Blvd.

For additional information, please contact the curator Mrs. Sadie Roberts-Joseph at 225-353-4431 about scheduling tours and visiting the museum.

East Baton Rouge Council on Aging Prepares to Celebrate 40th Anniversary BATON ROUGE, LA – The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging announced today that it would be holding a series of events to celebrate its 40th year anniversary. The agency began the year in style by kicking off its 1st “Wheels for Meals” Raffle, sponsored in part by Gerry Lane Chevrolet and Guaranty Broadcasting.

The East Baton Rouge Council On Aging “Wheels for Meals” Raffle will end May 15, 2013, with the drawing to be held at Gerry Lane Chevrolet.

In addition, EBRCOA will hold its 2nd annual Crawfish Boil for Seniors, April 11, 2013 at The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging’s Main Location (5790 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge 70806) from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The celebration culminates with an Annual Meeting and Volunteer Celebration to be held May 15, 2013 from 4p.m.

– 8p.m. at the BREC Administration Building (6201 Florida

Caucas

Blvd. Baton Rouge 70806). For more information on upcoming events and how you can participate; check out the website at www.ebrcoa.org or call (225) 923-8000.

“The Council on Aging is grateful to the community for their 40 years of support and this year we will celebrate this anniversary by living our mission through serving our Seniors.” stated Tasha ClarkAmar EBRCOA Executive Director.

The East Baton Rouge Council on Aging (EBRCOA) is a non-profit organization serving the senior population of East Baton Rouge Parish.

There are more than 71,575 seniors in East Baton Rouge Parish alone, and it is an evergrowing population that we are striving to serve. We support our seniors through innovative and independence-sustaining programs. Annually, our agency delivers 125,000 meals through

our “Meals on Wheels” Program and over 155,000 meals to seniors through our senior centers and meal sites.

Food Deserts Mayoral and Metro Council candidate to prioritize the issue of food access in East Baton Rouge. On February 14, 2013, TBR launched the Food Access Policy Commission, in collaboration with Mayor Holden and the Mayor’s Healthy City Initiative, to examine the root causes of food deserts in Baton Rouge and to identify and implement sustainable solutions.

Over the next 10 months, the Commission will also review best practices from

Without the required caseload, the issue of a minority judgeship cannot be raised for the same district again until two years later, Morrison said.

However, that issue was not raised Thursday.

Staff Writer Katie Urbaszewski can be reached at 448-7617 or katie.urbaszewski@ dailycomet.com.

from page 1 around the country and meet with local experts to develop a concrete set of policy and implementation recommendations for East Baton Rouge.

The next Commission meeting will be on March 14, at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, 9450 Scenic Hwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70807. All meetings are open to the public and community input is needed. For more information or to learn how to get involved, please visit togetherbr.org or email contact@togetherbr.org.

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BATON ROUGE – Older drivers generally drive less than their younger counterparts but have high death rates when involved in a crash, according to state and federal data.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds older drivers, their families and friends to be on the lookout for signs that a person’s ability to drive safely has been reduced.

Age itself is not a determining factor for safe driving, but older drivers involved in crashes are more at risk of dying than younger drivers.

For example, preliminary data for 2012 shows the fatal crash rate for 75-84 year-old drivers in Louisiana was 21 percent higher than the fatal crash rate for 55-64 year-old drivers. The fatal crash rate is the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers.

I m p r o v e m e n t s i n healthcare and medicine are enabling people to live active lifestyles longer, but older drivers are at higher risk in crashes because they can be physically more fragile than younger drivers. Older drivers are also more likely to crash in complex situations – such as intersections – because of impairments in vision, cognitive skills and motor function.

“The fact that a person has reached a certain age doesn’t necessarily mean that his or her ability to drive safely has been compromised,” said Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.

“However, family members and close friends of older drivers should be on the lookout for signs of unsafe driving.”

Driving abilities often decline gradually, which provides opportunities for interventions and modifications to maintain safe driving. Most drivers 70 or older will outlive their ability to drive safely by an estimated seven to 10 years, according to a training manual produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The number of people 65 and older is estimated to more than double by the middle of the century to 80 million seniors. By 2020, there will be an estimated 40 million licensed drivers 65 or older.

Common errors made by older drivers involve failure to yield right of way or to see oncoming traffic and greater tendency toward improper turns or lane changes. Left turns at intersections are among the most frequent places where crashes involving older drivers occur.

Some warning signs that friends and family members of older drivers should watch out for include: • Slow reaction time • Forgets to buckle seat belt • Does not obey stop signs or traffic lights • Fails to yield right of way • Drives too slowly or too quickly • Often gets lost, even on familiar routes • Stops at green light or at the wrong time • Doesn’t seem to notice other cars, pedestrians, or bike riders on the road • Is honked at or passed often.

Please contact Elaine Rougeau 225-925-6846 for more information.

ExxonMobil congratulates graduates the

Kendal Bellard Shawanya Bradford Albert Carter Cory Collins Donald Cook Kwame Deemer

from page 1

munity should have a minority judgeship. ... There are people in that community with a legitimate interest in it,” Johnson said.

They voted to write a letter to Smith as well as to pursue future requests for minority judgeships, even without the response of the legislators who raised the issue.

Older Drivers Have High Fatality Rate In Crashes

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Anthony Camel Rick Davis Dakeith Hall Adrino Hamlin

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John Martin Jermaine Morrison Khaalis Murphy Andrius Stewart Leroy Thomas

Electrical

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Baton Rouge Community College/Capital Area Technical College ExxonMobil . Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance AssociatedBuilders and Contractors . ISC . Turner Industries Performance Contractors . Jacobs Engineering . Brock Group Triad . Pala Group . Formosa Plastics Stupp Corporation . HOPE Ministries

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Commentary Thursday, March 14, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 4

Jindal Wants to Fix What’s Working

By John Maginnis As the state awaits the release of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s grand tax swap plan, his press office is in campaign mode, responding rapidly to any discouraging words, particularly those spread in the media. Deputy communications director Michael Reed, in fact, was hard at work Sunday morning ferreting out perceived skepticism and innuendo in the daily prints regarding the tax plan and the state’s economic performance.

Two back-to-back email messages in my inbox entitled “Setting the Record Straight” were not duplicates, but separate records in need of straightening.

The first email detected “a skeptical view” in a Baton Rouge Advocate story toward the Tax Foundation’s state business climate rankings, which the governor seeks for Louisiana to boost by eliminating its personal and corporate income taxes.

Thus, the press officer cited an array of other statistics from other sources to underscore how Louisiana would benefit from repealing its income taxes.

The second email found fault with a Gannett News column that stated while Louisiana has “supposedly” created thousands of jobs, some “wonder where they are.” To set that record straight, Deputy Reed listed a half-dozen facts attesting to Louisiana’s lowest unemployment rate in the South, as well as its above-average growth in jobs, population, net in-migration and personal income.

Those two straightened records, set side by side, though impressive, do raise the question: if the Louisiana economy is doing so swimmingly under Gov. Jindal, why, instead of tweaking what already is working, are we contemplating radical surgery on state tax policy? Can the tax system be so bad for an economy that the facts show to be humming?

There is always room for improvement, of course. Yet the governor may need a stronger rationale when he presents his

plan to legislators, who are taking their own skeptical view of what increases in sales and other taxes would be required to fill the $3 billion revenue hole left by the income tax repeal.

For the record then, the press office refers to a report in Forbes Magazine that the nine states without an income tax had 50 percent greater economic growth between 1998 and 2008 than the nine states with the highest income tax rates. It also cited a recent Wall Street Journal story that said states without an income tax experienced significantly more growth in jobs than the rest of the country over the last 10 years. The same story pointed to a 58 percent higher population growth in states without the income tax compared to the national average in the last decade.

Those are interesting comparisons, but some will want to know how the Louisiana economy stacks up against the rest of the country and those states without income taxes. Well, according to the press office’s other email, Louisiana’s unemployment rate “has remained below that of the South and the U.S. every month since the beginning of the national recession.”

The press office is too modest. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana ‘s 5.6 percent jobless rate in December 2012 was tied for 12th lowest nationally, lower than seven of nine states without income taxes, including Texas (16th), Tennessee (32nd) and Florida (33rd).

On per capita personal income, the press office points to Louisiana’s leap from 45th in 2000 to 28th in 2011, its highest ranking “in more than 80 years.”

Left unsaid is that we are hard on the heels of Florida (27th) and Texas (26th).

Job growth? Says the press office, “Louisiana is one of only six states that have seen employment gains since January 2008.” More recently, however, the rest of the country has caught up some. From 2011 to 2012, the BLS ranks Louisiana 26th in job See jindal, on page 5

Where Our Money Goes

By Lee H. Hamilton Over the last few weeks, as the deadline for the congressionally mandated budget cuts known as the “sequester” came and went, we got a taste of how difficult cutting federal spending actually turns out to be. The news is disconcerting: thousands fewer food safety inspections, some 70,000 fewer kids in early education programs, people with mental illness losing access to treatment, ships and aircraft going without maintenance...

It’s a long and dispiriting list.

Yet as painful as the sequester might be, most policymakers know it’s not the main event when it comes to our fiscal challenges. If you think of federal spending as a pie, by far the biggest slices go to Social Security and unemployment support, Medicare, Medicaid, and other health programs, which altogether make up well over half. Military spending accounts for about another quarter, while the next biggest slice, about 7 percent, are for interest on the federal debt. Far and away the biggest drivers of growth in the budget are Medicare and Medicaid. We cannot get control of federal spending without reining them in.

So if Congress and the White House are serious about tackling federal spending, then the piece they left out of the se-

quester — entitlement reform — must be on the table. But it’s been hard to tell from their actions that they’re really serious. Members of Congress have been taking to the airwaves for weeks to decry the sequesters meat-cleaver approach to budget cutting, yet most of them voted for it. That’s because they find it easy to demand cuts in federal spending in the abstract, but painfully difficult to cut specific programs.

This is why it takes extraordinary leadership to address our fiscal issues. Americans may bear some responsibility, but our leaders have not leveled with us about what it takes to get a sensible budget and put the economy on a path to recovery.

I am hard-pressed to think of an example of government failure to match our political leaders’ inability to lead us to a solution.

Their prolonged fighting is causing businesses to hesitate; workers to remain in limbo, and an economy that needs a boost to continue to stutter. They are denying us the ability to invest in our future, promote economic growth, and deal with the many other challenges our nation faces.

Let’s stop the blame game and get to work.

Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

The Rich are Treated Differently

By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist F. Scott Fitzgerald got it right when he said the rich are different.

We are witnessing that in the sequester fiasco and we heard it in another form last week when Attorney General Eric H. Holder offered an asinine reason for not prosecuting bankers/gangsters known as banksters.

Testifying before Congress, Holder said, “I am concerned that the size of some of these institutions becomes so large that it does become difficult for us to prosecute them when we are hit with indications that if you do prosecute, if you do bring a criminal charge, it will have a negative impact on the national economy, perhaps even the world economy.”

Holder is not the Secretary of Treasury. While he, like all of us, might be concerned about the economy, that’s not his area of responsibility. His job as the nation’s chief law enforcer is to enforce the law. And that should apply to banksters like it applies to gangsters. But, as we know, the rich and institutions they

control are treated differently.

This variation of banks being “too big to fail” is essentially telling us their CEOs are “too big to jail.” If banks are too big to fail, we should remind ourselves who allowed them to grow that large. Each time big banks gobbled up smaller ones like ATMs suck in your check deposit, they had to first win approval from the federal government. That is the same federal government that bails them out when they get in trouble and the same federal government that now whines that their CEOs are two big to jail. Try explaining that to a first-time, non-violent drug user who is rotting away behind bars.

Even in clear-cut cases of gangster behavior, there is a double-standard. Take the case of HSBC, which signed a $1.9 billion settlement with the U.S. after CEO Stuart Gulliver acknowledged the bank’s failure to catch at least $881 million in drug trafficking money that was laundered through the institution’s accounts. Officials admitted their bank had facilitated illicit financial transfers on behalf of rogue nations, including Iran and Libya, as well as Mexican

and Colombian drug cartels.

Their punishment? A fine that equaled 11 percent of last year’s profits and a promise to do a better job of monitoring their accounts. And they avoided criminal prosecution.

Like other banks, HSBC will continue to benefit from American taxpayers underwriting its deposit insurance.

Senator Elizabeth Warren [D-Mass.] observed, “It has been almost five years since the financial crisis, but the big banks are still too big to fail. That means they are subsidized by about $83 billion a year by American taxpayers and are still not being held fully accountable for breaking the law.”

The $83 billion a year Warren referred to represents the amount taxpayers pay in insurance to make sure U.S. bank deposits are guaranteed.

Think about that. Banks are profit making entities yet the public pays their insurance.

Does anyone else pay for your homeowner’s insurance? Health insurance? Car insurance? So why should the public share in banks’ expenses, but not their profits? It is yet another example of the rich and their powerful

institutions being different?

Contrast that different treatment with what’s happening in our nation’s capital.

In the never-ending game of chicken, Republicans are threating yet another budget showdown. They are adamant that whatever comes out of the ongoing sequester and deficit debates, all cuts must come from the spending side, including Medicare and Social Security.

Although President Obama has used strong, protective language in his State of the Union and inauguration speeches, he has a tendency to cave in when negotiating with Republicans – and that has many Democrats worried.

Obama and his advisers have already stated that they are amenable to a “grand bargain” whereby the White House and Republicans will reach an agreement on budget cuts.

So far, 107 of the 200 House Democrats have signed a letter to the president threatening to vote “against any and every cut to Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security benefits – including raising the retirement See the rich, on page 5

Black Unemployment has not Improved

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist When unemployment numbers were released on Friday, commentators reacted joyfully.

Alan Krueger, who heads the White House Council of Economic Advisors, described the creation of 247,000 jobs as a victory because the predictions were that the economy would only generate 170,000 jobs. Unemployment rates went down to 7.7 percent, while predictions were that they would drop to 7.8 percent. Some might call this good news, but many might wonder who is affected by this good news.

A deeper examination of the unemployment data shows the disappointing reality that African American unemployment rates remained level, at 13.8 percent. Meanwhile, White unemployment rates fell to 6.8 percent and the rate for White men dropped to 6.3 percent.

The racial disparities in unemployment rates are not new, but it is hypocritical to celebrate a drop in White unemployment rages, without noticing or mentioning the stagnation in Black unemployment rates.

More than new construction jobs were generated last month, but since Black unemployment rates remained

level, that suggests that African Americans are not being brought into that industry (if at all) at the same rates that Whites. Implicitly, these data make the case for continued affirmative action, especially in well-paid jobs. In times of economic hardship, those hiring are inclined to look after their own instead of spreading the jobs around. And recent data suggests that African Americans enter the labor market with a shallower rolodex than Whites.

Fewer contacts mean fewer job opportunities.

Whose employment situation has improved?

The number of long term unemployed remained level at 4.8 million people who have been unemployed for 37 weeks or more. To be sure, this is a drop from the 39 weeks of a year or so ago. Still, the situation for some of the unemployed has simply not improved. One of the reasons that the unemployment rate dropped is because 130,000 people dropped out of the labor force because they could not find jobs.

Eight million people work part-time for economic reasons.

They would take full time work if only they could find it. The number of “marginally attached” workers stands at 2.4 million. If underutilized

workers are included, the unemployment rate is 14.3 percent for everyone. If the relationship between underutilization and reported unemployment is the same for African Americans as for Whites, then the real unemployment rate is 25.5 percent, or almost a fourth, for African Americans. That’s alarming, yet as I watch televised reports on Black unemployment rates, this is unmentioned.

Black unemployment rates are at more than Depression levels, which ought to be completely unacceptable. It is not.

Yet few are paying attention to the plight of the unemployed, underemployed, or out of the labor force Black worker. The White House and others love to talk about all of us being in the same boat. Yet some are hanging onto the board by their fingernails, and others are drowning. And some are struggling to row. Others are riding relatively smoothly through this recession, watching their situation improve.

CEA Chairman Krueger says the data from this employment report suggests that we are well on our way to economic recovery.

From my perspective this recovery is neither robust nor inclusive.

In order for this recovery to be fully celebrated, every sector of Americans should see their mate-

rial conditions increase. They’ve increased for some. What about the others? Where are their advocates?

Too many African American leaders are asleep at the wheel when it comes to the employment situation. Unemployment rates become a line in their speeches, not a lode for their leadership.

High unemployment rates explain why so many African Americans, at the economic margins, don’t support civil rights organizations. They are asking what’s in it for me.

What if huge numbers of unemployed people were mobilized?

What if, in their economic misery, some rose up and demanded that Congress and others pay attention to their situation? To watch the situation of Whites improve, while Black unemployment rates remain the same, suggests that the vision of a post-racial society is extremely unrealistic. African American people are bearing a disproportion amount of pain in the current employment situation.

Black people are starving, and it seems that no one, not even civil rights advocates, will act on their behalf.

Julianne Malveaux is a Washington, D.C.-based economist and writer. She is President Emerita of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.

The views expressed in the editiorial columns are not necessarily the veiws of The Weekly Press or its staff. Address all opinions and comments to: Letters to the Editior, P.O. Box 74485 Baton Rouge, La. 70874 or E-mail them to: theweeklypress@yahoo.com

Thursday, March 14, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 5

business

Five Facts to Know About AMT IRS Tax Tip 2013-17 The Alternative Minimum Tax may apply to you if your income is above a certain amount. Here are five facts the IRS wants you to know about the AMT: 1. You may have to pay the tax if your taxable income plus certain adjustments is more than the AMT exemption amount for your filing status.

2. The 2012 AMT exemption amounts for each filing status are: • S ingle and Head of Household = $50,600; • Married Filing Joint and Qualifying Widow(er) = $78,750; and • Married Filing Separate = $39,375.

3. AMT attempts to ensure that some individuals and corporations who claim certain exclusions, tax deductions and tax credits pay a minimum amount of tax.

4. You should use IRS efile to prepare and file your tax return. You figure AMT using

Jindal

different rules than those you use to figure your regular income tax. IRS e-file software will determine if you owe AMT, and if you do, it will figure the tax for you.

5. If you file a paper return, use the AMT Assistant tool on IRS.gov to find out if you may need to pay the tax.

Visit IRS.gov for more information about AMT. You should also check Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax – Individuals and its instructions.

Both are available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Additional IRS Resources: • IRS Free File • E-file Options • Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Assistant for Individuals • Tax Topic 556 - Alternative Minimum Tax • Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax – Individuals IRS YouTube Videos: • Do Your Taxes for Free: Taxes Made Less Taxing - English | Spanish

from page 4

growth, but ahead of Florida (28th) and just behind Tennessee (23rd). Curiously, of the top 10 job growth states in that period, only one, mighty Texas (4th), has no income tax.

One can throw statistics and rankings back and forth all day, and Gov. Jindal, no doubt, has a few more up his sleeve.

But clearly, it is a combination of factors that determine

The Rich

a state’s economic well being, and tax policy, while important, is not always the prime driver.

So when the governor goes before the Legislature this spring, it will be hard for him to argue that the state’s economy can only thrive by the massive overhaul of its tax system-lest his press office sets the record straight on him.

from page 4

age or cutting the cost of living adjustments that our constituents earned and need.”

In the alternative, they want the grand bargain to “rely on economic growth and more fair revenue-raising policies to solve our fiscal problems.”

Those policies should include putting an end to subsidies for big businesses and raising the taxes on the wealthiest Americans.

Speaking on CNBC last week, House Speaker John Boehner said, “Listen, we’ve got a structural spending problem that has to be addressed.

The president’s sequester is in effect, and it will be in effect until there’s an agreement on

cuts and reforms that put us on a path to balance the budget over the next 10 years.”

But none of those cuts and reforms on the patch to a balanced budget involve touching the banksters or the rich. After all, as well all know, they are different.

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter. com/currygeorge.

Baton Rouge to Host 2017 United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships, 2025 Open Championships BATON ROUGE, LA. – Mayor-President Kip Holden announced today at a press conference that Baton Rouge has been selected to host the 2017 United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships and the 2025 Open Championships at the Baton Rouge River Center.

The USBC Women’s Championships is the world’s largest annual participatory sporting event for women, attracting between 30,000-40,000 bowlers annually over a 90-120 day period. Last year, the Women’s Championships had a $38 million direct spending impact in Syracuse, NY. The Open Championships is the world’s largest annual participatory sporting event, attracting between 12,000 and 17,000 5-player teams. In 2012, Baton Rouge hosted the event.

In total, 58,704 USBC bowlers and 11,496 guests from all over the country visited Baton Rouge for this event, which began Feb. 11 and concluded July 10.

“Baton Rouge truly is committed to making the bowlers feel welcome, and we know they’re looking forward to revisiting some of the places they’ve enjoyed during previous visits as well as seeing how the city has changed,” said Brian Lewis, USBC Managing Director of Tournaments. “Our numbers indicate how much the bowl-

ers enjoy Baton Rouge and the Louisiana culture, and the River Center will continue to be a great home for our championship events.”

A previous study commissioned by Visit Baton Rouge and conducted by SCI Research estimated that the 151-day tournament had a $113.2-million economic impact on Baton Rouge and the surrounding area in 2012.

During the 2012 tournament, Mayor Holden, Visit Baton Rouge President and CEO Paul Arrigo, and Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation President and CEO Jerry Stovall began discussions with USBC officials about not only returning the Open Championships to Baton Rouge for a third time, but also bringing the Women’s Championships here as well.

“The relationships we have built with the U.S. Bowling Congress have been critical to securing these championships, but the real credit goes to the people of Baton Rouge, who have welcomed bowlers from across the country to our city and made their stay here an enjoyable one,” said Mayor Holden. “This is truly one of our greatest economic achievements, because it has solidly established Baton Rouge as a great place to visit among American cities.”

Paul Arrigo said, “It is an honor for Baton Rouge to be selected by the United States Bowling Congress and I am very proud of the Baton Rouge delegation for their efforts to secure these two events again. It is unprecedented that a city would be selected multiple times and I think that is a true testament to our city and the partners we have constantly working to bring conventions, meetings and events to Baton Rouge for long-term growth.

I want to thank Baton Rouge area residents for welcoming USBC in 2005 and 2012. We plan on using the next several years to expand on our success and deliver even more of an economic impact to the city of Baton Rouge.”

USBC is bowling’s national governing body and serves nearly 2 million adult and youth bowlers in the United States. Officially launched January 1, 2005, it resulted from the merger of the American Bowling Congress, Women’s International Bowling Congress, Young American Bowling Alliance and USA Bowling.

The mission of Visit Baton Rouge is to increase visitation to and awareness of the Baton Rouge Area, therefore enhancing economic impact. For more information, log onto www.VisitBatonRouge.com.

Amendments to Consent Orders Memorialize $9.3 Billion Foreclosure Agreement WASHINGTON, DC -The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Reserve Board today released amendments to their enforcement actions against 13 mortgage servicers for deficient practices in mortgage loan servicing and foreclosure processing. The amendments require the servicers to provide $9.3 billion in payments and other assistance to borrowers.

The amendments memorialize agreements in principle announced in January with Aurora, Bank of America, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JPMor-

gan Chase, MetLife Bank, Morgan Stanley, PNC, Sovereign, SunTrust, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo. The amount includes $3.6 billion in cash payments and $5.7 billion in other assistance to borrowers such as loan modifications and forgiveness of deficiency judgments.

Borrowers covered by the amendments include 4.2 million people whose homes were in any stage of the foreclosure process in 2009 or 2010 and whose mortgages were serviced by one of the companies listed above.

These borrowers are expected to be contacted by the Paying

Agent—Rust Consulting, Inc.— by the end of March 2013 with payment details. The Paying Agent will send payments and correspondence.

Borrowers covered by the amendments are expected to receive compensation ranging from hundreds of dollars up to $125,000. Borrowers are not required to take any additional steps to receive the payments.

In addition, borrowers will not be required to execute a waiver of any legal claims they may have against their servicer as a condition for receiving payment.

BBB Warns Of Email Scam Targeting Baton Rouge Area BATON ROUGE, LA — The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about another scam targeting businesses and individuals in the Baton Rouge area.

Officials said the following email has gone out: They want people to know even though it uses the format of the BBB system, it is not from any Better Business Bureau.

The bureau does not use the wording “Your Accreditation Aborted”. The BBB said it uses the term canceled, not aborted. Also, its cancellation notifications are sent through the mail from the Better Business Bureau of South Central Louisiana, not the parent company in Arlington, VA. The poorly written email has statements that contradict other policies of the BBB. Officials said the email refers to “complains” against a company or person, but complaints are also sent by mail. There is also no such thing as a “termination report.”

The Better Business Bureau pointed out the signature is Hayden Gray, Dispute Counselor.

However, officials said there is no employee with the bureau with that name and that title does not exist.

Louisiana’s Unemployment Rate Down Workforce Commission.

Initial UI claims for the week ending March 2, 2013, decreased to 2,887 from the previous week’s total of 2,918. Continued UI weeks claimed for the week ending March 2, 2013, decreased to 28,217 from the previous week’s total of 28,501.

The total number of people who filed a claim for regular unemployment insurance in Louisiana, and received at least one check during the reference month, decreased to 26,158 in February 2013, down 4,701 from See rate down, on page 7

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225-775-2002

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HELP WANTED

Due to Rapidly growing business Utility Technology Services is looking for an experienced outside sales professional.

Candidate will introduce and sell exciting, cutting edge technology in the municipal water and electric market in southern Louisiana. Will train experienced salesperson on product line. Base pay + commission, company car, and excellent benefits provided! For more information and to submit your resume visit www.utilitytechnologyservices.com.

Buying or Selling a service?

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Call one of our sales reps and find out how you can reach your target group 225-775-2002

Drivers: Busy Chemical & LPG Operation Needs Company Drivers!

Good Pay and Benefits.

CDL w/X End. and 1 Year T/T Exp. MARTIN TRANSPORT 1-888-567-4973.

HELP WANTED Personal Assistant needed to organize and help. Basic computers skills needed good with organization. We are ready to pay $650 per week-interested person Should contact (susankate0@hotmail.com).

Sales Persons The Weekly Press, Baton Rouges’ oldest muti-cultural community newspaper is building a diverse sales team. We are seeking sales personnel to service the Baton Rouge, Baker and surrounding areas who are looking to earn an above average income. The right person must be a team player, professional, aggressive, creative, earnest, able to think outside of the box, have reliable insured transportation, committed to working and great communication skills. Contact Mr. Ivory Payne at (225) 775-2002 for appointment and interviews.

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LET US PUT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE STREETS !

Sales Position Utility Technology Services, an authorized dealer of Sensus water and electric smart meters is looking for an experienced sale professional to cover the Southern part of LA. Experience in the waterworks industry or working within a Municipality or Parrish would be helpful.

Applicants should upload their resume and salary requirements to www.utilitytechnologyservices.com.

Excellent benefits, including company car.

Information Technology Manager/Networks Responsible for: supervising analysts in design, configuration, & maintenance of the LSU Backbone Ethernet network & the LSU Wireless Network; trouble ticket resolution, trouble shooting, & diagnostics of all network topologies on the LSU Baton Rouge Campus, incl:, but not limited to wired & wireless networking; coordinate with IT Services Management in the planning, development & implementation of the future campus network infrastructure. Master’s, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or closely related discipline; alternatively Bachelor’s in any of the foregoing fields plus five yrs of progressively more responsible IT experience. Must possess expertise in: network maintenance, incl: but not limited to wireless device configuration, switch & router configuration, network protocols (Ethernet, TCP/IP), wireless protocols (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n) & network diagnostic tools (wired and wireless); Cisco Equipment configuration & maintenance; Cisco switches & unified wireless network configurations & management tools; ability to manage projects in a complex network environment. Must possess excellent analytical & communications skills. Job is in Baton Rouge, LA. Send resume & credentials to: Gaston Reinoso, Office of Human Resources, Louisiana State University, 110 Thomas Boyd Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Must respond within 30 days & refer to Job#12688 to be considered. LSU IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER

Page 6 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, March 14, 2013

Religion

Serving Up Soul with Dorinda Clark Cole Closes Deal with Rejoice Networks Los Angeles, CA SERVING UP SOUL, hosted by Dorinda Clark-Cole, announces a major expansion of the radio show with Rejoice Radio Networks. Rejoice will provide programming, distribution, advertising sales, marketing and affiliate sales for the two hour weekly radio. SERVING UP SOUL is nationally syndicated and serves up a two hour weekly music and lifestyle show of non-stop inspiration, health tips, and showcases some of the best music ever! SERVING UP SOUL touches your heart and fills your spirit with today’s hottest entertainers, personalities, and recording artists sharing special moments with the host and three time GRAMMY® award winner, Dorinda Clark Cole. SERVING

UP SOUL is produced by DMI Music & Media Solutions.

Rejoice Radio Networks, 24/7 Gospel Radio Network, Musical Soul Food is a Stellar Award winning and Crystal Mic Media Award nominated network. Musical Soul Food plays a mixture of the latest contemporary and traditional Gospel music, plus classic hits. The program boasts Interviews with gospel artists, nationally-known ministers, authors, etc. and can be heard on-air weekly with features that educate and inform listeners of topics of interest to the urban and the Christian audience. “Everyone at Rejoice is ecstatic about the partnership with the GREAT Dorinda Clark-Cole,” says Rejoice Radio Networks President and CEO, Mike Chandler.

Leadgendary Clark Sister Dorinder Clarke Cole host of hour weekly radio. SERVING UP SOUL is nationally syndicated and serves up a two hour weekly music and lifestyle show of non-stop inspiration, health tips, and showcases some of the best music ever!

“This is a partnership that was brought together by God himself and I know this partnership will strengthen both companies.

Rejoice is expanding rapidly by

adding new shows, daily features, choirs, musical specials and developing partnerships with other radio networks.”

“Dorinda’s radio show Serv-

ing Up Soul is a perfect fit for the Rejoice Radio Networks. Serving Up Soul is already on more than 50 radio stations in great radio markets from Dallas to Detroit,

from Austin to Augusta and from Tulsa to Tupelo. Rejoice has recently added many new shows and daily features such as Earl Bynum, SoulFunny, Marina Brett, HipHop artist G.L.O, James Hall, and Sunday Only Gospel programming to our growing lineup.

We are building a network that meets the needs of today’s radio stations,” adds Mike Tyler, VP New Business Development for Rejoice Radio Networks. “We are truly blessed to have Dorinda and her team see the same vision we have at Rejoice and that is to build better radio shows.”

Dorinda went on to say, “I am delighted to have Serving Up Soul join the largest gospel radio network in the world, Rejoice Radio Networks. My team at Serving Up Soul, my management company and everyone at Rejoice Network understand the importance of this partnership.

My team has done a fabulous job of building Serving Up Soul and we all see a bright future in partnering with Rejoice Radio Networks.”

Dorinda’s manager Keith Douglas, CEO of RKD Music Management will be overseeing this large venture of new See networks, on page 8

Relying On Scripture For Wisdom On Singleness And Relationships Is Valuable

By Donald Lee The Lord placed it on my heart to talk about singleness and relationships with Matthew 6:33 as my guide. This scripture talks about seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness first and that His blessings — which include God-ordained relationships — will flow into our lives as a result. In ministry, we use this scripture a lot when we’re referencing money or material things.

But I have yet to hear anybody come from the standpoint of using this scripture when it comes to believing God for a husband or a wife.

This column is birthed from a discussion I had with a friend, Michelle Dawson, minister of music at Adriel Christian Min-

istries in Baton Rouge, La. So many divorces come about, I’ve observed, because men and women alike (generally speaking, that is) tend to zoom in on the physical (or material) FIRST and maybe think about the Lord’s plan for their lives later (if they ever do). But I’m convinced by the Word that when a man or woman is being about HIS business (seeking the kingdom and kingdom advancement FIRST), then He’ll send to that person someone who appeals to both the eye and the heart.

That’s in mate selection or finding. But also, for those who may not care to get married, applying this scriptural principle, I believe, works in every other area of life as they relate to them, too.

Matthew 6:33 is perfect for sharing with others as it relates to depending on God to connect you with that special someone.

Dawson shared with me some interesting tidbits concerning what God says in Isaiah 54, as it relates to this subject. In essence, the Lord encourages single people not to be discouraged.

The scripture basically says that although a person may be without an earthly husband and may not have children, He is that person’s husband (Isaiah 54:5).

This lines up with what God gave me concerning Matthew 6:33. This means that single adults have to be satisfied with Jesus first and forever. Jesus is the Husband of every Christian, as you know. And when He comes back, there will be no more marrying, husbands and

wives, etc., as you know. Because there will be no need for it. The ultimate marriage in Him will have occurred.

Our earthly marriages are symbolic of Jesus being joined to His church, Dawson explained.

So, we must be at peace in the Lord and be in a state of mind and position to focus on our relationship with Him because that is what will last in the end. The earthly marriages and genders will pass away. He also says in that chapter that more are the desolate than the (earthly) married wife. This lines up with what Paul said in 1st Corinthians 7:34-38.

When a person is single, he or she is able to focus on the Lord and does not have the responsibilities that go with being See scripture on page 7

Church Directory

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25

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Thursday, March 14, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 7

Required Re-Enrollment for Louisiana Medicaid Providers Now Open Providers can Re-enroll Online at www.medicaid. la.gov/PRISM BATON ROUGE - The Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) announced today that Medicaid provider enrollment through the new claims payment system, Provider Recipient Integrated System for Medicaid (PRISM), is now available at www.medicaid. la.gov/PRISM. The PRISM claims system will replace the current Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) that is operated by Molina. PRISM will be implemented in phases, with full operations expected in fall 2014. One of the first phases is a required Medicaid provider re-enrollment, which began Feb. 28. All Louisiana Medicaid Provider Enrollment activity (new enrollments, changes, re-enrollment of all existing providers) will be performed

by DHH contractors CNSI and Noridian Administrative Services. CNSI is the contractoradministering PRISM. Every Louisiana Medicaid provider is required to re-enroll in the new Medicaid claims system to comply with Medicaid provider enrollment requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and to continue provider Medicaid reimbursement after the 2014 transition to claims payment through PRISM. This re-enrollment requirement applies to all providers, regardless of what type of Medicaid provider they are, and whether they are in the Bayou Health plans, the legacy fee-for-service system or both. Providers can enroll in the new system entirely online, but DHH is offering both webbased and face-to-face enrollment training for those who would like more guidance.

“We are available to help providers through every step of this process, especially during this critical re-enrollment phase,” said Ruth Kennedy, DHH Medicaid Director.

“Timely online enrollment by providers will help ensure a smooth transition from the legacy MMIS system to the new claims system, PRISM. We are starting the enrollment process

Rate Down

from page 5

30,859 in January 2013. February’s figure is the lowest level since September 2008 with 24,396.

Scripture

well in advance of the 2014 golive date for PRISM because we have more than 30,000 active Medicaid health care providers enrolled in the legacy system who must re-enroll in PRISM this year. Having them enrolled and ready will help us ensure a smoother transition, and minimize any disruptions in providers’ cash flow when the switch is complete in 2014.”

The PRISM website, www.medicaid.la.gov/PRISM, contains pertinent information for providers about the new system, including training materials, training schedules, answers to frequently asked questions and PRISM Provider Enrollment Unit contact information.

PRISM technology is based on a Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services-certified system that has been tailored to meet Louisiana’s unique business needs for the Medicaid program.

The new system delivers a modern and flexible webbased platform for the state’s Medicaid providers. When fully operational in the fall of 2014, the system will also offer Medicaid members access to information about health care services they received through Medicaid so they will have an electronic health history record.

In June 2011, Louisiana selected CNSI, a Marylandbased health care technology services company, to replace the state’s current MMIS and fiscal agent operations. CNSI has partnered with Noridian Administrative Services, LLC, which is supporting administrative and health care operations, Magellan Medicaid Administration, Inc., which is providing pharmacy benefit administration support, and several other key service providers. When PRISM is fully operational, CNSI will manage system operations and maintain fiscal agent responsibilities.

The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens. To learn more about DHH, visit http://www. dhh.louisiana.gov. For up-todate health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH’s blog, Twitter account and Facebook.

UI Weekly Claims Data are featured on Louisiana’s employment homepage http:// www.laworks.net.

from page 6

a spouse and paraent. So, it just emphasizes what has already been established — and that is: the most important part of life is to know God. Isaiah, the 54th chapter, also encourages a person to lengthen the cords of his or her tents. In other words, despite how a situation may look, God is working on a plan for our lives and will manifest it at the time when we are ready. There will be an overflow of blessings that we may not have enough room to receive, so, we have to make room. This can be spiritual as well as physical.

Also, it’s important for singles to know that every act of fornication a person commits (with various people) is serious and dangerous, physically and spiritually. So, singles have to be careful not to get caught up in relationships that are not ordained by God. So, as Paul says — both to be single and to be married are good because they both reflect the Lord. The single reflects how we will be after the rapture — just us and the Lord. The married reflects how we will be when Jesus comes back — married to Him. And for those who are waiting for God to send that compatible spouse, continue to be encouraged and patient.

When the focus is more on the Lord instead of an undesirable situation, His plan manifests.

It’s worth the wait!

Donald Lee is founder-pastor of Kingdom Living Christian Center in Dallas. To contact the Pastor Lee for comment, prayer or to book him for speaking engagements, he can be reached at (225) 773-2248 or by e-mail at pastordonjlee@yahoo. com. Pastor Lee also is co-author of the future bestselling book, “Married to Commitment,” a powerful manual for healthy relationships.

“Married to Commitment” ministers to married couples, singles and divorcees alike. You can follow Pastor Lee on Twitter at @ donaldj_lee. To order, “Married to Commitment,” call toll-free (866) 909-2665 or http://www. xulonpress.com. You can also see the trailer for “Married to Commitment’ on http://www.youtube.com.

Pastor Lee is also a ghostwriter for both professional and aspiring authors, and he is a free-lance reporter, editor, speechwriter and he writes business plans. Kingdom Living Christian Center can be accessed at 10 a.m. Sundays (CST) and 7 p.m. Thursdays via teleconference at (218) 862-4590 (conference code: 279498#). Prayer on the line also is from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

tantRum from page 6 apart. You must continue to hold on to your faith and stay before the Lord. But, it may be that the time has come when you may need to take some quality time for yourself and spend some of that time with God. Get on your knees before God and tell him of how you are feeling inside. And maybe the words wont come out exactly as you wish but you can have a good weeping, wailing crying falling, out tantrum and give all those problems to him.

While you are praying, you might forget some of the things that vexed you but God knows what you are going through. he can read the pain, which flows through your tears. even though he knows what’s troubling you, he still wants to tell him about it and bring your problems and burdens to him.

Health

therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hands of God, that he may exalt you in due time, “casting all your cares upon him, for he cares for you,”(1st Peter 5:6-7).

After you finished having your tantrum. You may have a stopped up nose and swollen eyes and mucus running down your lip and dried tears on your face, but you’ll feel better after emptying yourself of those things which had been heavy on your heart.

Sometimes we go for weeks or months trying to take matters into our hands and try to solve our own problems. We are not super humans; we can’t handle everything alone. We need God’s help.

We have to let go of those situations and let God handle them. there are some things we can’t humanly do anything about.

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March 20 is National Kick What’s Butts Day and Counseling at Is G Good For Your Heart Smoking Cessation Trust Encourages Young People to Say No to Cigarette Smoking and to Share the “Kick Butts” Message with their Parents, Grandparents (NAPSM)-A survey commissioned

ChildRen from page 4 ering all children. the citizens of the nation must the CDF Action Council, build- demand that our leaders free our ing on the best practices in states children from the false ideological and lessons learned about children and political tugs of war among falling through the bureaucratic those who put excess profits ahead cracks of Medicaid and SChiP, result of children’s lives. judgment in NEW ORLEANS – Accordof a court strongly urged Congress to enact how well didclass Congress protect ing to a recent study, over 20% a 14-year-old action lawAll healthy Children Act, suit children in 2007?

Notv.well enough: ofthe current Louisiana high school entitled Scott American S. 1564/h.r.

1688, introduced 276 Members of Congress had students have smoked cigarettes Tobacco Company.

The judgby representative Bobby Scott good CDF Action Council Conin the past month. While over- ment became final in 2011 and (D-VA) in the house gressional Scorecard scores of 80 all, smoking rates and are Senator down ordered certain tobacco compaBernie Sanders (i-Vt) in the Senpercent or higher, and 198 of those throughout the United States, nies to fund a statewide, 10-year ate. theestimate measurethat would provide had stellarcessation scores of 100 percent. studies 6,200 Loui- smoking program to comprehensive benefits including But 231 more members scored 60 percent sianans under the age of 18 will benefit than 200,000 Louidentalsmoking and mental simpli- siana or lower—a failing from our begin in health, 2013, joining smokers whograde are members fied bureaucracy, and a national school days. the 888,300 adult Louisianans of the plaintiff class (the “Scott eligibility plan for families up to Whether Members of Congress who already smoke regularly. Class”). The recipient of the 300 percent of the federal poverty are liberal, conservative or modStudies have also shown that award was a court-established level. We thank the 62 house co- erate; Democrat, republican or children are three times more and court-supervised smoking sponsors for their support. how- independent, children need all of likely to smoke if their parents cessation program to benefit all ever, we regret that neither a single them to vote, lobby, speak for and smoke. residents whotobegan house republican nor any other Louisiana protect them.

Adults need listen

To counteract the numersmoking cigarettes before Senator joined them to push for carefully to what candidatesSepsay ous messages coverage for alltargeting children. young tember they will1,do1988. for children and famismokers, Butts Day was lies and, Applicants the CDFKick Action Council strongly once they who are inregister office, started 1996 as a day ofcovac- for the new smoking cessation supportsinlong overdue health we need to hold them accountable. tivism toeveryone empower youth to approved as erage for in America as program Please thankand yourare Members of Constand out, speak up and seize qualified recipients will be elisoon as possible—because children gress with scores of 80 percent or control Tobacco. is gible receive anywith of the followcannot against wait. AsBig SChiP comesItup abovetoand let those scores of organized by the Campaign for ing cessation services completely again for reauthorization in early 60 percent or below know you are Tobacco-Free Kids andMember sponsored cessation medications, 2009, we hope every of free: dissatisfied with their performance. by the United group cessation Congress willHealth insist Foundation. on covering individual/ And please convey that same mesBy hosting Butts” events telephonecandidate. quit-line every child“Kick and pregnant mother counseling, sage to each presidential around country, cessanow by the enacting and including adequately support, We must and/or demand intensive that our leaders many here Louisiana,of they support services.

By using funding theinprovisions theaim All tion commit to children as a condition tohealthy explain the dangers Children Act. of ciga- these of ourservices, vote. evidence suggests rettes to thisclaims young,that potentially Specious we could that participants will increase vulnerable, success rateEdelman of attempts to not find the audience. money—$70 billion theMarian Wright is Presiestablished smoking cigarettes, andFund may over The five recently years—to cover all stop dent of the Children’s Defense Smoking is the successfully quit—for good. children isCessation belied by Trust that amount and its Action Council whose Leave spent in eleven months for tax cuts No Child Behind® mission is to for the top one percent of richest ensure every child a Healthy Start, Americans and in seven months a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe for the iraq War. We do not have Start and a Moral Start in life and a money problem in America: We successful passage to adulthood have(NAPSI)—New a priorities and political with needles the help of families needlewill in- pen as caring short as 4mm deficit. it isare time for all patients adults to with and communities. novations helping a thinner gauge and a protect the health ofcomfortably our children. modified needle tip have been with diabetes more inject insulin, helping dispel the designed and shown to improve myth that injections are pain- the comfort of injections. These alk adio from page 4 ful. According to the American shorter needles also lower the Diabetes Association, diabetes chance of accidentally injecting all funny remotely appropri- insulin we forget o’reilly’s less-thanaffects 25.8ormillion Americans. into the muscle, which ate about the use a lynching informed comments regarding a Type 1 diabetes canofoccur at any can be painful.

Needles as short reference Michelle obama,’’ dinner lastfor year with age but isabout often diagnosed in as 4mmhe areshared effective children he said. ‘’it’s i’myoung speechless.’’

Sharpton Sylvia’s in harlem? children, teens- or adults. as well asatadult patients, even As 2President Bush pointed o’reilly expressed over Type most often occurs out in those with a highsurprise body mass so eloquently during the Black index how similarSylvia’s wasneedles to other adulthood.

Treatment options (BMI). Longer history Month event, the noose restaurants in deep New York restaucan include diet, exercise and could go too into the parepresents ‘’more than arequire tool of tient’s rants. body and actually deliver medication that may murder but a tool of intimidation’’ ‘’there wasn’t one person in multiple injections a day, such insulin into the muscle, where to generations of African-AmeriSylvia’s who was screaming, as insulin. absorption could be unpredictcans.While Noosesmillions not only robbed some able ‘M-Fer, want more iced tea,’’’ of patients andi potentially create unof their lives every but many their anticipated he said. inject insulin day,ofmany hypoglycemic (low peace of mind.

As the Washington Post’s robpeople may not know that new, blood sugar) conditions. ‘’As needles a civil society, wemake must insonAnother sadly observed shorter can help benefitonofMSNBC using a understand noose displays in February, can go by injecting morethat comfortable.

New 4mm needle ‘’All is thatyou most patients and lynching jokes are deeply is his words and his actions. And offensive. they are wrong. And he keeps saying these things that they have no place in America sound pretty darn racist to me.’’ today,’’ he said. has talk radio learned anything Neither o’reilly nor ingraham from imus’ decline and fall? of has been reprimanded by their re- course not, because it didn’t take spective employers even though imus too terribly long to get a the Fox News personality did offer new gig. a half-hearted apology. our nation’s media outlets At least ingraham didn’t drop should not provide a platform for the l-word but her suggestion that racialhostility and hateful speech Sharpton, a former presidential now or in the future. What kind of candidate and respected member of messageare we sending to our chilthe African-American community dren, our nation and our world? and beyond, is a petty thief reeks in such an historic election year, of race-baiting and negative ste- we cannot stand aside and allow reotyping of African-Americans individuals to use the airwaves and black men in particular. as an outlet for insensitive and But it’s hardly the first time ei- misguidedcommentary. if you ther has ventured into questionable hear something that offends you, and offensive territory. how can speak up.

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12:00 Noon, every second Satur“By the year 2030, the number of day.

African Americans age 65 or older is expected to more than double to 6.9 million,” said emil Matarese, M.D., American heart Association spokes “Studies have shown that person.

“Although Alzheimer’s 90% of adult smokers begin is partteens of normal aging, age is the in not their or earlier with greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s two-thirds becoming regular disease.before So it isthey important smokers reachthat the AfAmericans take steps now to agerican of 19,” says Mike Rogers, decrease their risk of heart disease, Chief Executive Officer of SCT which research has shown could Management Services.

“While decreaseall theyoung risk ofpeople cognitive Research shows a link between heart and brain heal wealso encourage heart function could lead to impaired brain functio decline.” ‘not to start’ or ‘quit smoking cigarettes,’ we also ask that they (NAPSI)—Those who have share the ‘kick butts’ message emphysema may soon be able with their parents, grandparents to breathe a sigh of relief. That’s and other older adults in their because alternative ways to treat lives, many whom are eligible advanced cases of the condition to register for the various free are being developed. smoking cessation products (NAPSi)-here’s an alertand worth ness of diabetes, particularly when increased p Emphysema is a progresservices offer. to: Sometimes, payingwe attention According to it is left undiagnosed and untreated. delay or pr sive, debilitating lung condiespecially for parents, the American Diabeteshearing Association the day is held on the fourth tuesday diabetes. tion affecting the(ADA), message of concern from learning your risk for type 2 of every March. nearly 5 million Among people in the andare 60 million their children orsave grandchildren diabetes could your life. on that day,U.S. people encour- for type 2 worldwide. It’s caused is just the impetus they needthat people Diabetes is a serious disease aged to take the Diabetes risk test, weight, sed by irreversible damage the 45 and hav nearly 21 million children either with paper and pencil or to online. to strikes kick the cigarette smoking delicate tissue of the lung that and adults in the U.S. it is named the risk test requires users to answer diabetes. Af habit.” makes it difficult to breathe.

The Native Ame the “silent killer” because one-third seven simple questions about age, For more information or to most commonly prescribed of thoseonline, with thevisit disease--more than 6 weight, lifestyle and family history-- islanders a register the Smoktherapies emphysema are are women know they have it. all potential for risk factors for diabetes. ingmillion--do CessationnotTrust’s website bronchodilators (inhalers) and For many, diagnosis may come People scoring 10 points or more are more than at www.smokefreela.org or call seven to years after the onset of anti-inflammatory at a high risk for type 2drugs, diabetesboth and the Dia toll-free at 10 1-855-259-6346. of which are designed to relax type 2 diabetes. early diagnosis is are encouraged to talk with a health Media Contact: Ann Wills open the airways. for successful treatment care professional. forcritical Smoking Cessation Trustand and However, when medicacan delay or /prevent some of the An estimated 54 million Ameri504-299-7168 awills@keattions fail to provide relief, emcomplications such as heart diseases, cans have pre-diabetes. those with ingmagee.com for additional physema patients have limited, blindness, kidney disease, stroke and pre-diabetes have blood glucose levinformation. highly invasive options: a major amputation. els higher than normal but not high as that’s one reason the ADA holds surgical enough toprocedure be diagnosedknown with type (Lung Volume Reduction the American Diabetes Alert® Day, LVRS 2 diabetes. or a lung transplant. a one-day wake-up call to inform the Surgery) early intervention via lifestyle aresuch high-risk andloss rarely American public about the serious- Both changes as weight and performed. don’t have to “pinch up” the An alternative treatment opNo skin when injecting, making it tion that is approved in Europe possible to use only one hand. is now being tested in a clinical If you With a one-handed technique, trial in the United States. Called patients can be more discreet scree the AeriSeal System, manufacwhen injecting and also rotate scree tured by Aeris Therapeutics, it to more injection sites—such as uses a specialized foam sealant the upper arm and buttocks— Presen to seal and shrink diseased areas to avoid getting bumps (called of Our of the lung. This is thought to be Land under Line (225) 356-0703 “lipos”) the skin. a less risky way to reduce lung made Cell Phone If you or a (225) loved235-6955 one is new volume without major surgery.

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Page 8 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, March 14, 2013

Cliff Avril Leaves Detroit on a Short-term Deal

sports

Scotlandville Magnet Tops Ouachita 80-71 Tiger Woods Stays In Control, Wins By Two Shots At Dora Tiger Woods earned his fifth title in his last 22 events worldwide

By Kevin Seifert NFL teams occasionally resign their own free agents after the market opens, as the Detroit Lions did Wednesday with cornerback Chris Houston. More often, however, those players sign elsewhere once they hit the open market -- a path defensive end Cliff Avril apparently has followed.

Avril agreed to terms on a two-year, $15 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and was en route to the team’s headquarters Wednesday night.

Further terms were not immediately available, but as NFC West colleague Mike Sando notes, it appears Avril agreed to a shorter team deal to give himself another chance in free agency in 2015, the year he turns 29.

Avril has 29 sacks in his past three seasons, numbers that you would have thought might earn a bigger payday. He played last season on a $10.6 million franchise tag after turning down a three-year deal reportedly worth $30 million.

The Lions had interest in bringing Avril back, from what I understand, and must now decide how to replace both of their starting defensive ends following Avril’s departure and the release of Kyle Vanden Bosch. Willie Young is one option; the Lions placed a second-round tender on him as a restricted free agent.

Another is newcomer Jason Jones, whom coach Jim Schwartz would said Wednesday would mostly play end.

By Sharief Ishaq MONROE, LA - Behind the 1-2 punch of Damian Jones and Brian Bridgewater, Scotlandville Magnet defeated Ouachita Parish 80-71 in overtime to capture the 2013 LHSAA Class 5A boys state championship Saturday night.

Jones finished the game with 21 points and 10 rebounds

for Scotlandville (34-3), and Bridgewater finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Cameron Sims led all Ouachita (315) scorers with 24 points and 10 rebounds Leading 31-30 heading into the start of the second half, Scotlandville outscored Ouachita 27-19 in the third quarter as Bridgewater ignited an 11-4 run

to start the third. Ouachita went on a late run to put the game into overtime as Chris Sumbler hit a 3-pointer with under a minute left in regulation.

The 2013 championship marks back-to-back titles for the Hornets, the first for a 5A program since Brother Martin captured back-to-back crowns in 2004 and 2005.

DORAL, Fla. -- That red shirt is starting to look ruthless on Sunday again.

One year after Tiger Woods hobbled off the Blue Monster, he picked up the pace in his march to the Masters. Woods delivered two quick birdies to take the drama out of Doral, and two late bogeys only made his victory in the Cadillac Championship seem closer than it really was.

Woods had full control of his game and never let anyone get closer than three shots until he had locked up his 17th World Golf Championship title.

With a conservative bogey that didn’t matter on the final hole, he closed with a 1-under 71.

For the first time in five years, Woods has two wins before the Masters.

And both of them were dominant.

“That’s how I know I can play,” Woods said. “That’s the thing. To be able to bring it out a couple times so far this year - and then be able to close and get the Ws on top of that that’s nice. Any time I can win prior to Augusta, it always feels good.”

And to think it was one year ago Sunday that Woods withdrew after 11 holes in the final round at Doral because of tightness in his left Achilles tendon, the same injury that had cost him to sit out most of the previous summer. It created uncertainty about his health and whether he could ever get his game back.

Woods now has five wins in the last year, the most of anyone in the world, and he can return to No. 1 with a win at Bay Hill in two weeks.

He won by two shots over Steve Stricker, who might want to claim a share of this trophy.

Woods ran into Stricker on the putting green Wednesday afternoon, and in a 45-minute session, Stricker helped him with his posture over putts.

Woods left feeling as good as he did at Torrey Pines, where he won by four shots. And it showed. Woods made 27 birdies this week, one short of his personal best on the PGA Tour, and he took the fewest putts (100) over 72 holes in any tour event.

“Thank you to Steve for the putting lesson,” Woods said at the trophy presentation. “It was one of those weeks where I felt pretty good about how I was playing, made a few putts and got it rolling.”

Stricker, playing a parttime schedule, picked up his second runner-up finish in just three starts. He closed with a 68, and had no regrets about offering Woods some help.

“At times you kick yourself,” Stricker said with a laugh.

“He’s a good friend. We talk a lot about putting. It’s good to see him playing well.”

Asked if he would have

Tiger Woods

won without that chance meeting with Stricker, Woods hedged a little.

“I would like to say I probably would have, but ...” he said with a smile. “I’ve been putting at home and it just still hadn’t felt right. I still was a little bit off. ... He basically got me in the same position that I was at Torrey. So once he put me in there where I felt comfortable, I said, `Well, this is not too foreign. This is what I was a month or so ago.’

And I started rolling it and it felt really, really good.”

The Masters is a month away, and Woods is sure to be the favorite.

“Majors and World Golf Championships are the best because you know you are playing against the best players,” Woods said. “That’s what makes wins like this special. That’s why I love to compete.”

Woods improved to 41-2 on the PGA Tour when he had the outright lead going into the final round, the last two wins with McDowell at his side.

Woods last won while ahead at Bay Hill a year ago.

Woods finished minus 19 at 269 and earned $1.5 million in winning this World Golf Championship for the seventh time.

McIlroy’s weekended on a happy note.

Not only did he finish the tournament, he might have turned the corner with a bogeyfree 65. McIlroy opened with a 7-iron into 18 feet for eagle, which he called one of the best shots he hit. He shot a 32 on the back nine for a round that surprised him considering how far away he felt when he arrived at Doral.

In what could have been the most significant putt Woods made, he buried an 18-footer for birdie.

“It was important to make that,” Woods said.

That’s how it went all weekend. Woods never gave anyone a chance, and he didn’t give anyone much hope. His lead was back to four shots, he hit an 8-iron to 4 feet on the par-3 fourth hole, and no one seriously challenged him the rest of the way.

Woods now has won more than $24 million in the WGCs alone since the series began in 1999, winning 42 percent of the tournaments. This was his 76th career win on tour, leaving him six short of the record 82 wins by Sam Snead. He now has more wins than Mickelson and Vijay Singh combined.

Southern Baseball Loses to Texas Southern in Double-Header Games

By Steve Schneider BATON ROUGE, LA Marquis Curry hit a grand slam to highlight a five-run eighth inning comeback in game one and scored the win-

Networks

ning run in game two after a ninth inning triple, as Texas Southern spoiled Southern’s return to Lee Hines Field Saturday afternoon by sweeping the Jags in a doubleheader 9-7 and 2-1.

from page 6

opportunities to come for Serving up Soul. Serving up Soul is also Winner of the 2011 Crystal Mic Media Award for Best Syndicated Radio Show of the Year. The show will now air in 100 markets nationwide.

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