The Weekly Press Weeok of April 12, 2012

BATON

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2012

ROUGE,

LOUISIANA

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A PEOPLE’S PUBLICATION

George Zimmerman in Custody, Charged in Trayvon Martin Death Rev. Al Sharpton Urges Trayvon Martin Supporters not to “Tarnish� his Name With Violence

Sybrina Fulton (3rd from left), mother of Trayvon Martin who was fatally shot by neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman in Florida, speaks during a news conference as her husband Tracy Martin (4th from left), Trayvon’s brother Jahvaris Fulton (left), and President and Founder of National Action Network Rev. Al Sharpton (2nd from left) listen April 11, 2012 in Washington, DC. It has been reported that Zimmerman will be charged in the Trayvon Martin shooting according to Florida special prosecutor Angela Corey.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— George Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Trayvon Martin, special prosecutor Angela Corey announced today. “It is the search for justice for Trayvon that brought us here today,� Corey said at a press conference in Jacksonville.

Zimmerman, a 28-year-old neighborhood watch volunteer, is in custody, Corey said, in rela-

tion to the Feb. 26 shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. Corey said she would not give specifics on Zimmerman’s location “for his safety as well as everyone else’s safety.� “I can tell you we did not come to this decision lightly,�

Corey said, explaining her office reached its decision last week regarding the charge. “We do not prosecute by public pressure or by petition.�

Corey said she spoke with Martin’s parents moments before her announcement. “We launched an intensive investigation building on the work by the Sanford Police Department� and the prosecutor she replaced, Corey said.

She said Zimmerman turned himself in.

Trayvon Martin was shot and killed in February.

Corey’s decision to file

charges is the result of “a swift and thorough investigation� and a “commitment to bringing justice to Trayvon’s family and allowing due process for Zimmerman, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

Reaction to the announcement was emotional.

NAACP President and CEO Ben Jealous, who had publicly See MARTIN, on page 2

WASHINGTON -- Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton and attorneys for the family of Trayvon Martin pleaded with supporters today to remain peaceful and let them work the justice system to find resolution to the February shooting of the teenager in Sanford.

At a press conference in downtown Washington, Sharpton said “Trayvon’s name must not be tarnished� by violence -- in either words or deeds -- in response to the killing of Martin, who was black, by Neighborhood Watch volunteer George Zimmerman.

Special Prosecutor Angela Corey of Jacksonville reportedly will announce at 6 p.m. today that she is charging Zimmerman. Sharpton and attorney Benjamin Crump repeatedly urged that supporters in Central Florida and elsewhere remain calm, regardless of the decision. “We are not in the business of revenge. We are in the business of justice,� said Sharpton, speaking at a convention for the National Action Network, his civil rights group. “We must make the justice system work. Otherwise the movement is for nothing. To go outside the justice system is to achieve

nothing.�

Added Crump: “We have got a lot of calls from government officials about when the special prosecutor makes her decision that we want to make sure that everything remains peaceful and responsible and that nothing gets out of hand.�

He said supporters to should replicate the “composure� of Trayvon’s parents. “No one can be hurting more then them. No one can be more outraged than them.

And if they can continue to carry themselves in a dignified manner, we all can,� he said.

The team also addressed an unusual press conference

by Zimmerman’s lawyers on Tuesday, at which they said they were dropping their representation of Zimmerman because they had not been able to communicate with him for three days. They also indicated Zimmerman was no longer was in Florida. “The killing of Trayvon Martin is unaccounted for. We are concerned he is a flight risk,� said Crump.

Still, Trayvon’s mother, Sybrina Fulton, said she had “faith in the justice system� to find Zimmerman if and when the time came to arrest him.

Scotlandville AARP Chapter Tours LSU Rural Life Museum

Girls and Their Families Invited to Girl Scout Camp Open Houses on April 15, 21 & 22 NEW ORLEANS — Uncertain whether your daughter is ready to go away to overnight camp? In making the decision to send a child to camp, Girl Scouts Louisiana East encourages families to attend Camp Open House at either Girl Scout Camp Mary-

dale in St. Francisville on Sunday, April 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., or Girl Scout Camp Whispering Pines in Independence on Sunday, April 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. An open house at Camp Covington, the camp for this year’s new “Family Staycations,� is set for Saturday,

A COMMUNITY BRUNCH WITH FRIENDS

April 21, from 1 to 3 p.m.

According to Marissa Baham, camp coordinator, attending camp open house provides both parents and girls a great opportunity to ask any

Photo credit: Carl Slaughter

“Shown are some of the members of the Scotlandville AARP Chapter #1828 who toured the LSU Rural Life Museum on Friday, March 16, 2012, as they listen to information shared by the tour guide relative to housing available to plantation residents during the l8th and l9th centuries. SEE STORY ON PAGE 2

See GIRLS, on page 2

STATE & LOCAL NEWS

BUSINESS NEWS

HEALTH NEWS

RELIGION NEWS

Join the Greater Mt. Canaan Baptist Church located at 5820 Evangeline St. Baton Rouge, LA on Friday April 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. for the Installation Service of their Pastor, Rev. Levi Wright. ..See Page 6

INDEX

BR ZOO EIGHTH ACCREDITATION State Representative Dalton Honore and friends held an Easter Brunch for the residence of Westminster Scotlandville on April 4, 2012. ..See Page 2

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is excited to announce the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) granted accreditation

by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. This places the Baton Rouge Zoo in the top 10 percent of zoos in the nation....See Page 3

NATALIE COLE TO PERFORM IN BR

Nine-time GrammyÂŽ award winner Natalie Cole will be performing at the River Center with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Sunday April 15...See Page 5

1 IN 88 KIDS HAS AUTISM

One in 88 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, by age 8, according to a study released today by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- a rate that has risen far above the 2006 estimate of 1 in 110..See Page 7

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

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Residents from the Westminster Scotlandville Apartments enjoyed an early Easter luncheon sponsored by the Scotlandville Alumni Association. Photo by James Terry III

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State Representative Dalton Honore and friends held an Easter Brunch for the residence of Westminster Scotlandville on April 4, 2012. The senior residence living facility requires an age of 62 or older to be a resident. All participants enjoyed a delicious meal and ticket numbers that were handed out to the residents as they entered the event distributed a variety of appreciation gifts.

A short program preceded the meal, which included a scripture reading and prayer by Reverend Felton Thomas of Greater King David Baptist Church, followed by solos from Mr. Robert McKinnis. The guest speaker was Scotlandville Magnet High School Principal Howard Davis and Mr. Alex Cole did the blessing of the meal.

Shown in this photo are some of the servers at the Westminster Scotlandville Apartments while the residents enjoyed an early Easter luncheon. hoto by James Terry III

This event was a way for Rep. Honore to reach out and fellowship with the constituents of the community and his district.

The group of friends and members who assisted in this event were; Mimia Hunt, Chair, Shirley Cummings Co-Chair,

Alicia Moore, Evelyn Kirk, Shirley Williams, Washington Cummings, Adlean Gamble, Roderick Wells, Ronald Johnson Sr., Gene Lane, Julia McKinnis, Alex Cole, Trudy Sumpton, Rita Scott and a special thanks to Diamond for her work with the program.

Scotlandville Chapter of AARP Tours LSU Rural Life Museum Members of the Scotlandville AARP Chapter #1828 toured the LSU Rural life Museum located on Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, on Friday, March 16, 2012.

Members of the group of retired persons, some of whom were familiar with some of the artifacts, tools and utensils, shared their insights about past experiences with younger retirees. The tour guide shared insightful information about the cultures and life of Louisianans during the 18th and 19 centuries through the museum’s extensive collection. Many of the items included modes

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of transportation, dress, housing and churches of the period as well as dwellings of slaves and the overseers. The group could appreciate the progress that has been made over the years.

Following the tour, the group enjoyed dinner at Piccadilly’s Restaurant on Essen Lane before returning to the Jewel J. Newman Community Center of Scotlandville.

T h e To u r C o m m i t t e e , chaired by Mrs. Bonnie Thomas planned the tour. Mr. Carl Slaughter, Center Director and Mrs. Joyce Bankston, Assistant Director accompanied the group. Dr. Rosa H. Williams is president of the Chapter.

GIRLS

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questions they might have about overnight camp, tour the camp’s living units, meet some of the camp staff, and learn about the various camp session offerings.

Sleep away camp is open to girls including non-Girl Scouts, ages 6-17, from June 3 to July 20 with sessions lasting three to 10 days and costing from $125 to $325.

Both Girl Scout overnight camp programs are accredited by the American Camp Association which means they each undergo a thorough review process by outside camping professionals every three years, achieving the highest standard in the areas of personnel, program, site administration, and health care.

Camp Marydale’s facilities include an archery field, low-ropes challenge course, hiking trails, sports field, swimming pool, in addition to its equestrian center See GIRLS, on page 3

MARGE'S

CHIT CHAT

Ester, Daisha Falcon, MARGE’S CHIT Markle Fisher, TreCHAT quinden Grey, Kobe THOUGHT Green Trevion Jacob, FOR THE WEEK: Jakayla Landry, Merek How colorful is your Lemaine, Alexandra world? Maze Martin, Ceionna N O W T H AT Mitchell, Jaquiell NichEASTER IS OVER olas, Linden Sanders, (AND PASSOVER Ryan Smith, Cristal Marge ALMOST OVER) it Tovar, Talia Watson is time for us to take and Malik Williams.

Lawrence care of ourselves Thanks to the teachers during these last days of this who worked with the students hot spring. It seems that a and, especially, the parents. virus has been in the air for WEDDING BELLS RANG the past few weeks and the LOUDLY this week for Ms. young children are most vul- Kari Trahan and Mr. Christonerable. When you hear of pher Joseph Revees. She is the complaints, such as headaches, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Randy a little fever, upset stomach Trahan of Plaquemine and his and/or vomiting, do not take parents of the senior Reeves of it lightly. Seek professional that city. The venue for this afhelp (or grandma’s). fair was St. John the Evangelist IT IS NOT ANYONE’S Catholic Church. She is a phyFAULT BUT YOURS IF YOU sician assistant, while Chris is DID NOT WIN THE LOTTERY. an employee at CF Industries Your numbers did not match as an engineer. Congrats to and you were too excited about this happy couple. the sum to choose the correct LET’S COME TOGETHER ones. Perhaps you did not have AGAIN at the Odell S. Williams a plan of action for the enor- Now And Then African-Amermous sum, (who knows?) but ican History Museum is held it is certain that you did not every 1st Saturday from 8:00 win. It’s over! Now get on with a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call Sadie your life! There is so much Roberts-Joseph at 225-343-4431 to be done in our community for more information. and you are really needed out CONGRATULATIONS there, money or not! Get up and TO OUR OUTSTANDING get out!!

BASKETBALL COACHES of NAT KING COLE has the area. They include Coach given his daughter a great Nikki Caldwell of Louisiana legacy and she will be using State University who led that smooth, velvety voice this the Lady Tigers to the Sweet weekend downtown.

Sixteen; and McKinely High The Office of Emergency School Coach Chube whose Preparedness (OEP) has in- team won 17 games this season stalled a new safeguard in while he too is in his first year.

Ascension and that is a new Also commendable was Coach digital imagery system. The Carlos Sample at Scotlandville entire objective of the OEP is to with their first state basketball safeguard the area of which is championship. located. Now, with this instruSPEAKING OF COACHES, ment, the latest in technological LSU’s Trent Johnson has deadvancement, give responders cided to move on to Texas a much broader view of areas Christian University (my alma during emergencies, according mater) to that basketball proto the Gonzales office. gram. We wish him well.

THE MARY BIRD PERWITH LOVE AND SYMKINS CANCER CENTER has a PATHY to Mrs. Bernice Parker branch in the St. Elizabeth Hos- and family on the lost of her pital for those who need their sister. To the Dixon Family treatments closer home. So of Hammond, Louisiana on many patients who are served the passing of Ernest Dixon,

by Mary Bird Center and from Sr., may God comfort you in the Gonzales area are grateful your time of sorrow from The that the staff is so awesome and Weekly Press Family. travel is a breeze.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to WELL DONE TO OUR James Lawrence, Ms. Lillie NINE WEEKS HONOR ROLL Rose Hill, Marilyn J. Hamilton, STUDENTS FROM AREA Leon Gorman, and Mrs. Virgie SCHOOLS: (Some of the stu- Brown Ricardo. dents include the following Love and have a blessed 4.0 students only:) Sanja Bell, weekend. Avoid the pollen, Lakia Bell, Laila Brown, Chance if you can.

Butler, Troy Cole, Love, Danalynn Daniel, Marge Ta’Shalynn Davis, Airess

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lobbied for charges to be filed, praised the move in a statement released Wednesday night. “Forty-five days after Trayvon Martin’s life came to a violent end, the wheels of justice have finally begun to turn,� the statement read. “This is an important first step toward bringing justice for Trayvon and his family.�

The statement continued, “We anticipate and expect a thorough federal investigation of the Sanford Police Department and their role in exacerbating this tragedy.�

In Sanford, several people crowded around a small television at Allen Chapel AME Church. Shortly after Corey made the announcement, people clapped and smiled, some with tears in their eyes. “We’re here to give thanks to the almighty for making this possible,� Velma Williams, a Sanford city commissioner, told the crowd.

Williams said the announcement is the first in a series of things that need to change in Sanford. “There is a cancer in the police department that must be eradicated before we can move on,� she said.

Sanford city officials were scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday evening.

Zimmerman, whose father is white and mother is Hispanic, told police he shot Trayvon in self-defense after following the unarmed black teen as he walked in a gated Sanford community.

The decision on charges was especially difficult, legal and forensic analysts say.

Zimmerman’s claim of self-defense, Florida’s “stand your ground� law allowing lethal force if a person feels threatened, questions about racial profiling, intense public attention and nationwide rallies calling for Zimmerman’s arrest have combined to make the case a complicated stew.

Michelle Jacobs, a defense attorney and law professor at the University of Florida who teaches about the role of race in prosecutions, said self-defense is difficult to establish in the case because it’s unclear who was defending himself against whom. “If Trayvon Martin perceived an unknown individual to be a threat to his safety, then he was entitled under the selfdefense law to protect himself,� she said.

She said the case is further hampered because police did not fully investigate after the shooting. Sanford police conducted toxicology tests for drugs and alcohol on Martin but not Zimmerman. “We lose the opportunity to get that kind of information because of a lack of thorough police work,� she said.

Jacobs said Corey is “going to have to eat her Wheaties, because no one is going to be satisfied no matter what she decides. ‌There is no easy choice she can make.â€?

Even if the case gets to a jury, she said, it could be another Casey Anthony case, in which the jury acquitted the mother of killing her toddler because jurors said there was See MARTIN, on page 3

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BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Announces Eighth Consecutive Accreditation from the Association of Zoos, Aquariums

Louisiana Tech students row to victory at ASCE regional concrete canoe competition.

BATON ROUGE — BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is excited to announce the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. This important accreditation places the Baton Rouge Zoo among the top 10 percent of zoos in the nation. “Our accreditation is another indicator that we’re achieving our mission of connecting people with animals,� said Zoo Director Phil Frost. “This significant achievement comes after the AZA rigorously reviews all aspects of our Zoo, including animal care, conservation, education, safety, physical facilities, staff, finance and guest experience. We are honored to be recognized with this accreditation; our staff is very proud to be an AZA-accredited Zoo.�

Accreditation requires a thorough review to ensure the Zoo has and will continue to meet ever-rising standards, including animal care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety. Zoos and aquariums must undergo this process every 5 years to remain accredited.

According to AZA, the Baton Rouge Zoo was first accredited in September 1977, the same year as the San Francisco Zoo and St. Louis Zoo, making Baton Rouge Zoo the 19th institution accredited by AZA. BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo was also the first zoo to be accredited in Louisiana. Other accredited zoos in the state include Audubon Zoo (accredited in 1981) and Alexandria Zoo (accredited in 1986). The USDA licenses more than 2,500 zoo and animal exhibitors. As of March 2012, there are only 225 AZA-accredited institutions, placing the Baton Rouge Zoo among the top 10 percent of zoos in the nation. “When our guests visit the Baton Rouge Zoo, they are

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visiting a facility that meets the very highest standards of animal care,� added Frost. “As an AZA-accredited facility, our Zoo, and our community, can proudly say we are a part of America’s largest wildlife conservation movement. We know that when people have the opportunity to see animals up-close, they connect. It’s our Zoo’s hope that this connection inspires people to protect wildlife and wild places.�

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is a place where people connect with animals, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos and alligators. The world-class Realm of the Tiger is now open featuring highly endangered tigers, Siamang gibbons and beautiful Asian birds. Visitors can enjoy the Flamingo Cove and Giants of the Islands, featuring the Zoo’s Chilean flamingos and Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises, as well as the Safari Playground, the Otter Pond, our exhibit featuring a replicated fishing cabin with underwater viewing of the otters, L’aquarium de Louisiane, Parrot Paradise and KidsZoo. Adults and children can ride the Cypress Bayou Railroad on a scenic ride through the unique Louisiana habitat that surrounds the core Zoo. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredit the Zoo. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things.

Visit us at www.brzoo. org Admission: Adults and Teens: $8.25 Seniors: $7.25 Children 2-12: $5.25 1 & under: FREE Hours: Admissions open 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily.

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with two riding arenas. Camp Whispering Pines’ facilities offer many program options including a high ropes challenge course and rock climbing wall, a junior Olympic pool, hiking trails, and a stocked 23-acre lake for canoeing, fishing and row boating.

According to Baham, Family Staycations at Camps Covington or Whispering Pines are a great alternative to an expensive family vacation. At a cost of only $45 for a family of five per night, families can enjoy swimming, canoeing, fishing, archery, easy to moderate hiking trails, fitness stations, outdoor games and stargazing, with a trained staff onsite each day to help facilitate activities. “We wanted to offer a unique vacation for Louisiana families. With the staycation

option, families can take full advantage of our properties including the Whispering Pines pool, lake, and rock climbing wall and zip line,� said Baham. “They can also venture off site during their stay. The Northshore is a fun place to explore, and there are some great excursions nearby including horseback riding stables and Global Wildlife Safari.�

Families will also have access to cooking equipment if they wish to cook their own meals. Staff will be on hand to help build a Girl Scout fire for a cookout, and all family campers have access to stoves and refrigerators.

Session information for overnight camp and family staycations is available on the council’s website at www.gsle. org/summer/program.asp

Louisiana Tech Students Take Top Honors at Concrete Canoe Competition RUSTON, LA – Louisiana Tech University’s student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) won first place in the concrete canoe competition during the 2012 Deep South Regional Conference held last week at The University of TennesseeMartin.

Louisiana Tech’s students competed against students from 14 other southern universities in events such as concrete canoe, steel bridge, surveying, and the Mead Paper Student Contest. The concrete canoe teams participate in endurance races, sprint races, technical papers, and aesthetics competitions.

This is the fifth time that

Louisiana Tech’s concrete canoe team has won the regional competition and moved on to compete in the national competition. “The students participating in the ASCE competitions have dedicated a lot of time and effort to these projects,� said Jane Petrus, student success specialist for Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science. “Outside of learning about concrete and steel, these students learn how to work in a team and communicate with professors, individuals in industry and other students. The College is very proud of these students, and all students who go above and beyond in both their academics

and extra-curricular activities.�

In addition to winning first place overall, the concrete canoe team also won first place in the Final Product/Aesthetics category, first place in Design Paper, first place in Co-ed Sprint, second place in Women’s Sprint, and second place in Men’s Sprint.

The Louisiana Tech steel bridge team, who also participated in the competition, won first place in the Economy category, second place in Display, and third place in Construction Speed.

Louisiana Tech’s student teams have been working on these engineering projects since fall quarter, applying what they

have learned in the classroom.

Through the construction and competition, the students also learned about time management, leadership, and dedication.

ASCE’s Deep South Region is comprised of schools such as LSU, University of New Orleans, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, and Arkansas State University.

Louisiana Tech’s concrete canoe team will next compete at the national competition to be held in June in Reno, Nevada.

Please contact Dave Guerin with Louisiana Tech University at 318-257-4854 or by e-mail at dguerin@latech.edu for additional information.

Appointment Of Rick Nowlin To Position Of Legislative Policy Analyst BATON ROUGE – Rep. Tony Ligi (R-Metairie), chairman of the House Republican Legislative Caucus, is pleased to announce that former Rep. Rick Nowlin, Republican of Natchitoches, has agreed to serve as the legislative policy analyst for the House Republican Caucus.According to Rep. Ligi, after the 2011 Regular Session of the Legislature, a number of members of the caucus recommended that the Delegation retain a policy analyst to as-

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sist the caucus during the 2012 session. The role of the policy analyst would be the review of bills from the standpoint of their respective impact on the policy objectives of the caucus and in crafting bills and/or amendments to achieve those objectives.

Former Rep. Nowlin is recognized as an intellectual, energetic leader who served in the House with exceptional ability and integrity.Nowlin received a number of awards as

a legislator, including the NFIB Freshman Legislator of the Year (2008), Council of State Governments “Toll Fellow� (2010 - one of 40 nationwide), Hudson Memorial Award for outstanding efforts in healthcare (2010), and Louisiana Family Forum “Outstanding Family Advocate� (2009 and 2010).

When contacted by Rep. Ligi, Nowlin said that he would serve as a volunteer during the 2012 Regular Session, if the ser-

vice were to be approved by the Board of Ethics. The Board granted that approval on March 16, 2012. Although Nowlin had been busy in his engineering business since the election, he said that he could not turn down the opportunity to assist the Republican Caucus and to stay involved in state government.

Representative Tony Ligi can be reached at (504) 289-3023 or by e-mail at www.lrld.louisiana.gov

Prosecuting Attorneys and a former prosecutor, said self-defense cases can be the most difficult to prosecute. Often, the killer and victim know each other or are from the same neighborhood, and deciphering what actually happened is difficult if one of the witnesses is dead and there are no others to refute or corroborate the suspect’s version of events. “There are a lot of other sides to them,� LaBahn said.

There’s no guarantee Zimmerman will face trial. The case may yet be thrown out.

George Dekle, a University of Florida law professor who prosecuted serial killer Ted Bundy, said the court will hold a hearing to determine if Zimmerman is entitled to immunity from prosecution under stand your ground. If a judge finds there is insufficient evidence to show that Zimmerman acted in any way other than self-defense, he can toss the case out of court. “This is no fun case for a prosecutor,� Dekle said. “You

will get one group of people or another after you like a pack of wolves. ‌No matter what happens you are going to get toasted.�

Trayvon’s parents, in Washington to attend rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network convention, said before Corey’s press conference that they were “confident’’ in the criminal justice system and appealed for a peaceful reaction to whatever decision was announced. The network, a civil rights group, has been calling for an arrest in the case.

“It’s been a nightmare for 44 days,â€? said Sybrina Fulton, the slain teenager’s mother, referring to the time since her son was killed. “God is holding me up and keeping me. ‌ I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that justice will be served.’’ Benjamin Crump, the family’s attorney, said it was “troublingâ€? for the parents when they heard Zimmerman’s lawyers announce this week that they were withdrawing from the case and that they were not certain of Zimmerman’s location.

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not enough evidence to convict.

Corey is “hamstrung by the reality of what’s been given to her,�

Jacobs said.

Little by way of physical evidence has been released publicly.

Lawrence Kobilinsky, a forensics expert at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, says the physical evidence — the autopsy and ballistics reports, for example — are likely to play an important role for the prosecution because the eyewitness accounts are unreliable.

Witnesses who called 911 or spoke to news media have said it was dark. Some say they heard the scuffle between the men but didn’t see it. “In this case, the witnesses give contradictory statements,� he said. “It’s a mess. It’s a total mess.� “It’s the politically correct thing to have him arrested, but I don’t know that there is enough evidence,� Kobilinsky said.

David LaBahn, president and CEO of the Association of

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THE WAY I SEE IT

Just as I Predicted: Charter Schools are not the Answer to Louisiana Educational Problems

BY WILLIAM JONES

When I first heard about charter schools been introduced as a mean to correct the problems the state was experiencing with its educational system. And my answer was No. No this ideal will not work.

Now that years have passed by my writings were true; the charter schools are not the answer to solving Louisiana Educational problems.

I cannot understand the powers that may be are still forging ahead with these huge expansions of voucher system in the public school systems.

At this writing, public bill 976 has already won approval in the House of the legislature and it seems to me that it will sail through the Senate without any trouble.

Now, if this bill passes here is what is going to happen in the long run with the Louisiana Educational system. Those students that will be given vouchers to attend private and/or parochial schools; in many cases, will lag behind in their studies because they are not equipped to deal with their courses in these new

schools. Now, these same students who are not willing to study harder will end up dropping out because of failing grades, teasing, and feeling depressed because they are not achieving like other students. This dropout rate will be at a higher level than it is at the present time. Furthermore, if these dropout students return to public schools their age will be a factor with their fellow classmates and they will dropout more. This will be a bigger drain on the resources and teachers.

One only have to look at the situation of the charter school system in New Orleans and you will see that the schools are not doing any better.

And investing money in charter schools will only cause more layoff of more teachers because the money is being drained off to pay for the charter schools.

There are several likely reasons why students are not succeeding in our public schools: parents, teachers, the schools’ equipment, and environmental – the communities they live, if education is stressed as a key to success, etc.

That is the way I see it.

Tears of grief: Tracy Martin, Father of Trayvon Martin, Speaks at a Rally About the Death of his Son Once upon a time, millions of people seemed to believe that electing Barack Obama president would automatically improve race relations in America. Jason Wilhite, an African-American from Charleston, S.C., was one of them. “I did a jig around the house I was so happy,� Wilhite says. “I thought Americans really had made progress in how they viewed black people as a whole.�

His assessment now? “Man, did I read that wrong.�

Wilhite isn’t alone. Nearly four years into the Age of Obama, many Americans are coming to the conclusion that choosing a black man as commander in chief has done little to speed up racial progress or soothe racial tensions.

In fact, some even suspect that Obama’s presence in the Oval Office may be slowing us down— and pushing us farther apart.

A new Newsweek poll puts this remarkable shift in stark relief for the first time. Back in 2008, 52 percent of Americans told Pew Research Center that they expected race relations to get better as a result of Obama’s elec-

tion; only 9 percent anticipated a decline. But today that 43-point gap has vanished. According to the Newsweek survey, only 32 percent of Americans now think that race relations have improved since the president’s inauguration; roughly the same number (30 percent) believe they have gotten worse. Factor in those who say nothing has changed and the result is staggering: nearly 60 percent of Americans are now convinced that race relations have either deteriorated or stagnated under Obama.

Whites are especially critical of Obama’s approach: a majority (51 percent) actually believes he’s been unhelpful in bridging the country’s racial divide. Even blacks have concluded, by a 20point margin, that race relations have not improved on Obama’s watch.

The question now is why.

It is no surprise that race still divides America; it has divided us since the first settlers landed on our shores. (Even in 1969, in the See TEARS, on page 5

Suicide as a Political Act

BY JULIANNE MALVEAUX NNPA Columnist Dimitris Christoulas was a retired pharmacist whose neighbors said he had enormous dignity. At 77 years old, he looked forward to a life. He had saved during his 35-year career and did not expect government to be involved in his pension. But the austerity budget that Greece has imposed on its citizens reduced Christoulas’ pension. So he killed himself after writing in a suicide note that he would rather have “a decent end� than forage thorough garbage to find enough “rubbage to feed myself.�

Neighbors say he wanted to send a political message. They say the law-abiding man was a committed leftist who was so meticulous that he paid his condo fees ahead before taking his life.

The Christoulas suicide has mobilized many in Greece, some of whom describe his act as one of fortitude, not simply despair.

Some describe it as a “political act� because it took place in a public square during the morn-

ing rush hour. Generally, Greece has a lower level of suicide than the rest of the countries in the European Union, but last year suicides rose by 45 percent, giving it one of Europe’s highest rates.

Many attribute the increase in suicides to the economic crisis.

Anecdotal cases are reported: of the anchorman who killed himself when his contract was not renewed, and of a man who set himself on fire when a bank foreclosed on his home.

The United States in threatening an austerity budget. We are threatening, like Greece, to balance the budget on the backs of the least and the left out, of the poor and the needy. We have maintained the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy even though we don not need to, largely because Republicans want to respond to their donors, not to working people.

And as I read that the Newt Gingrich health think tank has gone bankrupt, I wonder why this man would dare run for President of the United States when has set up a fiscal flim flam house (one of his creditors is his wife).

America’s Public Schools: Still Unequal and Unjust

BY MARIAN WRIGHT EDLEMAN NNPA Columnist

Millions of children in America are denied the opportunity to receive a fair and high quality education. In March, the U.S. Department of Education released new information showing that children of color face harsher discipline, have less access to rigorous course offerings, and are more often taught by lower paid and less experienced teachers.

Inequities in funding and educational resources place poor children in low-performing schools with inadequate facilities and often ineffective teachers. Practices such as tracking, grade retention, out-of-school suspensions, expulsions, and one-size-fits-all zero tolerance policies continue to contribute to the discouragement, disengagement, and eventual dropout of countless children in America to their detriment and to all of us who need a competitive future workforce. Instead of serving as “the great equalizer,� American public education is serving as a portal to the cradle-to-prison pipeline for millions of poor children of color, stunting their lives by school dropouts, arrests, and incarceration.

The struggle to make sure

a quality education is available to every child—and not just a privilege for a few—is the unfinished and critical business before the nation for it will determine America’s future place on the global stage in a rapidly changing competitive world.

The 2009-2010 Department of Education Civil Rights Data Collection survey, the most expansive of its kind, covered 85 percent of the nation’s students and was the first release of this crucial federal data since 2006 when it was suspended by the Bush administration.

The results from the schools surveyed show public school systems where Black students represented 18 percent of students but 46 percent of those suspended more than once and 39 percent of those expelled. One in five Black boys and more than one in 10 Black girls received an out-of-school suspension compared to 9 percent of Hispanic boys and 4 percent of Hispanic girls and 7 percent of White boys and 3 percent of White girls.

Disabled students were more than twice as likely to receive one or more out-of-school suspensions. One in eight students in the study reported having a disability and 18 percent of those students were Black boys. Black and Hispanic stu-

dents represented more than 70 percent of those involved in school-related arrests or referrals to law enforcement, an astonishing number that requires rigorous examination of the reasons why and action to change unfair racial practices in the application of discipline. Children of color were also at a disadvantage in access to academic opportunities. Fifty-five percent of the lowminority high schools surveyed offer calculus but only 29 percent of high-minority high schools do. Similarly, 82 percent of lowminority schools offer Algebra II compared to 65 percent of the high-minority schools.

Black and Hispanic students represented 44 percent of the students surveyed but only 26 percent of students in gifted and talented programs and were overrepresented when it came to repeating a grade. Across all grades, Black students were nearly three times as likely and Hispanic students were twice as likely as White students to be retained. More than half of all fourth graders retained in the reporting districts were Black.

Although Black students were only 16 percent of middle school students surveyed, they were 42 percent of those who repeated a grade.

Teacher experience and

salaries varied widely. In schools with the highest Black and Hispanic enrollment, 15 percent of teachers were in their first or second year in the profession compared with 8 percent of teachers in schools with the lowest minority enrollments.

And teachers in high-minority elementary schools were paid on average $2,251 less a year than their colleagues in low-minority schools in the same district.

The Department of Education, and its Office for Civil Rights, is to be applauded for reinstating this crucial data collection survey and creating an extensive data tracking system.

But that is just one crucial step.

It’s time for all of us to use these numbers as a springboard for robust examination of and discussion about school discipline policies and practices and how they are contributing to school dropouts and the school to prison pipeline, and systematic and sustained action where required.

We all must support strong, consistent and fair discipline policies in our schools and classrooms where learning can occur for all children. At the same time, we must raise important questions about how to make See UNJUST, on page 7

Young Blacks More Optimistic About Race Relations

BY BENJAMIN F. CHAVIS, JR. NNPA Columnist Over the past 11 years, I have had the opportunity to work closely with the Godfather of Hip-Hop, Russell Simmons. We co-founded the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) in 2001. We have convened more than 75 Hip-Hop Summits across the United States, Canada, and in South Africa, all dealing with such empowerment issues as education, financial literacy, civic engagement, housing and cultural transformation.

Summits that ranged in themes from “Get Your Money Right� to “Get Your House Right� drew thousands of young people. One of the essential findings that we experienced in those youth summits was that young African Americans today who consider themselves to be in the hip-hop generation see the question of race from a more transcendent and optimistic perspective than from the views of their parents or from generations the past.

Consequently, it was not surprising that a recent study

by CNN found that AfricanAmerican children were more optimistic on the issue of race than White children of the same age categories. Although the

study that was commissioned

by CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 was widely distributed through the news media, it was strange to hear that somehow the “groundbreaking� results provided some new revelations about racial progress in America. The timing of the release of this study was ironic given the latest national divide on the issue of race in the wake of the killing of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla. How a 6-year-old child feels about race or how a teenager or a young adult understands the significance of race in society is often determined at a very early age by what the child experiences or observes from parents and others who interact with them.

According to the study, “A white child and a black child look at the exact same picture of two students on the playground but what they see is often very different and what they say speaks volumes about the racial divide in America.

The pictures, designed to be ambiguous, are at the heart of a groundbreaking new study on children and race commissioned by CNN. White and black kids were asked: ‘What’s happening in this picture?’ ‘Are these two children friends?’ and ‘Would their parents like it if

they were friends?’�

The study concluded that there was a significant “chasm� and difference between the racial perspectives of the youth involved in the study who were as young as age 6.

CNN reported, “Overall, black first-graders had far more positive interpretations of the images than white first-graders.

In fact, only 38% of black children had a negative interpretation of the pictures, whereas almost double – a full 70% of white kids – felt something negative was happening.�

The study also revealed that by the time Black children reach the age of 13, their views about race become much more pessimistic, similar to the views of White children their age. An explanation was offered by the study’s author, Melanie Killen of the University of Maryland: “Experiences of rejection and the harsh realities of race relations most likely explain the trend.�

The burden of eliminating racism and the ideology of White supremacy from the institutions of this society and from the mindset of people is not consigned to one racial group versus another racial group. In a multiracial society, there has to be a full commitment and serious responsibility

for all people to work together to bridge the nation’s complex racial divide.

There is no question that we have made racial progress during the past 100 years in the United States. There is also no question that we have not overcome yet. Our youth are intelligent and conscious of the ways that race still is a discriminating factor that can determine ones quality of life.

All youth, not African American youth alone, have to rise to the historical and contemporary challenges that must be faced and transformed. That is why, from my vantage point, it is healthy for so many young people to become energized in response to the tragedy of Trayvon Martin. We all must remain vigilant and active.

There is much more progress to be accomplished.

The 2012 national elections, the reform of the educational system, the upcoming Supreme Court rulings on health care, the attempts in 30 or more states to suppress the Black vote, and other issues that will impact how our young people and others can have a better life are all matters of urgent concern. Let’s avoid cynicism and fear of change.

See RELATIONS on page 7

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

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BUSINESS

FEMA Begins Approval of Disaster Survivors’ Debt Waivers

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that they have begun to mail letters to disaster survivors who requested and were found eligible for a waiver of their disaster related debt.

However, the deadline is approaching for those who have not yet requested a waiver.

The deadline for submitting a waiver request is 60 days from the date of the Notice of Waiver from FEMA. For the majority of disaster survivors, the deadline to submit their waiver is between April 16 and 23. As an additional measure, FEMA will also be mailing reminder letters to those who have yet to request a waiver, urging them to do so. “FEMA is committed to implementing this law to

TEARS

the fullest extent possible so that it offers a fair resolution to individuals who received improper payments through no fault of their own� said Deputy Associate Administrator for Response and Recovery Elizabeth Zimmerman. “Since the deadline is approaching, we urge anyone who may be eligible for a waiver to contact FEMA quickly, even if you have already submitted an appeal of your Notice of Debt.�

Any disaster survivor with questions about their eligibility requirements or the process to request a waiver is encouraged to contact FEMA’s Recoupment Helpline at 1-800816-1122 between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM EST, Monday through See FEMA, on page 7

from page 4

wake of landmark civil-rights legislation, 59 percent of blacks told Newsweek that the pace of change was too slow.) And it is no surprise that African-Americans are feeling particularly pessimistic after a recession that drove black unemployment as high as 16.7 percent.

The surprise is that one of the most encouraging signs of racial progress in our nation’s history, the election of an AfricanAmerican president, now seems to be deepening our divisions rather than diminishing them.

But perhaps that shouldn’t be so shocking either. What the Newsweek poll reveals—and what a review of recent history reiterates—is that Obama didn’t create the misunderstandings and resentments that complicate a controversy like Trayvon Martin’s death. He’s just the spark that sets them off. see race as a factor in how people are treated, period.

In other words, it’s not him. It’s us. Despite the powerful symbolism of Obama’s election, blacks and whites is still living in two different worlds.

At the heart of America’s persistent racial divide is a fun-

damental disagreement over the frequency and severity of discrimination against AfricanAmericans. When asked, vast majorities—89 percent of blacks and 80 percent of whites—agree that racial stereotyping still occurs in America today. But ask how racial stereotyping actually affects people’s lives, and blacks and whites no longer see eye to eye. Seventy percent of whites, for example, think that blacks have an equal shot at affordable housing; only 35 percent of blacks say the same.

Seventy percent of whites believe that the two races receive equal treatment in the job market; a mere 25 percent of blacks concur. And while more than 80 percent of white people say the cops and courts usually or always treat blacks the same as whites, that number doesn’t even clear 50 percent among African-Americans. It’s no wonder, then, that blacks are twice as likely as whites (82 percent versus 38 percent) to say that race played a role in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

They are simply more likely than whites to still see race as a factor in how people are treated, period.

Natalie Cole To Perform With Baton Rouge Symphony BATON ROUGE —Ninetime GrammyŽ award winner Natalie Cole will be performing at the River Center with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Sunday April 15.

The Orchestra will be under the direction of Music Director Timothy Muffitt and Cole will be accompany them as the 2012 Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation Great Performers in Concert guest artist. “We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing this truly legendary artist to our audience,� said Muffitt.

Natalie Cole has proven to be one of the most beloved performers of all time. This historic, one night only event, will feature Natalie Cole in concert with the BRSO, performing jazz, ballads, and big band arrangements with her 17-piece band. “Our family is proud to support the Great Performers in Concert series which showcases the world’s finest musical

AT&T’s ‘Socially Innovative’ Approach Aims To Increase High School Graduates, Boost Workplace Readiness NEW ORLEANS — As access to skilled workers becomes increasingly vital to the U.S. economy, AT&T is launching a quarter-billion-dollar campaign to help more students graduate from high school ready for careers and college, and to ensure the country is better prepared to meet global competition.

According to a March 19, 2012 report by Civic Enterprises, the Everyone Graduates Center, America’s Promise Alliance and the Alliance for Excellent Education, Louisiana has seen a

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Natalie Cole

AT&T Announces Quarter-Billion-Dollar Expansion Of Education Commitment Through Aspire

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talent. Natalie Cole’s artistry has touched multiple generations and I am delighted for her to perform here in Baton Rouge,� said Paula Pennington de la Bretonne.

The one-night only gala performance is a benefit concert for the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, and a part of the Symphony’s on-going Irene W. & C. B. Pennington Great Performers in Concert series.

Those who attend will hear Cole astonish with her vocal dexterity and her intimate, knowing way with a lyric and melody.

Those talents will be on display as Cole continues to tour to promote Still Unforgettable. “Ms. Cole is a remarkably diverse musician, exceptional in many styles. This will be a truly special and memorable evening for Baton Rouge,� said Muffitt.

Tickets are still available call the River Center Box Office at 225-389-4940 for more information.

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2.9 percentage increase in 2009 graduation rates, compared with data from 2002.

AT&T Aspire, already among the most significant U.S. corporate educational initiatives with more than $100 million invested since 2008, will tackle high school success and college/career readiness for students at-risk of dropping out of high school through a much larger, “socially innovative� approach. Social innovation goes beyond traditional philanthropy – which typically involves only charitable giving – to also engage people and technology to bring different approaches, new solutions and added resources to challenging social problems.

The Aspire effort already has impacted more than one million U.S. high school students, helping them prepare for success in the workplace and college. “Building a skilled work-

force is critical to the future success of our state,� said State Senator Conrad Appel, Senate Education Committee Chairman. “To succeed in the global economy, we need to ensure our students graduate ready to face any challenge.� “It is crucial that we prepare the youth of our state for higher education and their future careers,� said State Representative Steve Carter, House Education Committee Chairman. “I am committed to promoting excellence and accountability in our schools so that our children will graduate ready to meet the needs of Louisiana’s businesses to advance economic development and the quality of life of Louisiana residents.� “It will take all of us working together and supporting Louisiana educators’ hard work to continue to improve graduation rates and preparedness for

future careers and college,� said Sonia Perez, AT&T Louisiana President. “American business has an enormous stake in the success of our students, and it is time to commit more innovation and resources to the task.�

The greatly expanded effort centers on a new, $250 million financial commitment planned over 5 years. AT&T Aspire will build on that commitment by using technology to connect with students in new and more effective ways, such as with interactive gamification, Web-based content and social media. The company will also tap the innovation engine of the AT&T Foundry to look for fresh or atypical approaches to educational obstacles. Finally, AT&T Aspire will capitalize on the power of personal connections in the form of mentoring, See AT&T, on page 7

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Churches, Community Urged to be More Outspoken Regarding Serial Rapist Attacking Sorority

BY DONALD LEE Dr. Cheryl Ensley, a Dallasarea member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority and head principal at DeSoto High School, said that while she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to give too much publicity to a Dallas/ Fort Worth-area serial rapist, it is imperative that awareness campaigns stay prevalent --- at least until the rapist, who remains at large, is caught and brought to justice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I definitely donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to see (public awareness) die down until the perpetrator is caught,â&#x20AC;? said Ensley, who also has four sisters who are members of the sorority organization.

Asked whether she thought the community, in general, and area churches, in particular, are doing enough to raise awareness of the crimes that have gone on since 2010, when the first woman from the sorority group was raped, Ensley said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The issue has sort of died down in the local churches, as far as I know, but it is definitely in the hands of the local law enforcement.â&#x20AC;?

Ensleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message to area churches and the community is simple: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keep the awareness going ... be vigilant in making sure that everything else is taken care of.â&#x20AC;?

There have been three rapes and one rape attempt involving women who are members of Delta Sigma Theta, with the first incident occurring in November of 2010. The most recent crime happened this past October. Authorities have noticed a pattern in these crimes committed. All of the women are members of the sorority, and all of them are in their mid-50s to mid-60s.

The rapes have occurred in Plano, Coppell and Corinth --- all in the Dallas area.

As Ensley stated, there should be continued awareness campaigns throughout the DFW metroplex. Just because there hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been a reported rape or attempted rape in this pattern since October, that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that the rapist has decided to stop this madness.

And no woman should let her guard down because sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a member of Delta Sigma Theta or she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the age range that the attacker has previously targeted. Moreover, churches should lead the charge in speaking out against these atrocious acts.

Vigils are ways that churches can be more vigilant.

My appeal to pastors in D/ FW: Please, if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet;

remind your congregations that this area rapist is still on the loose. Remind the women to not let their guard down. And by all means, stay tuned in to the news.

Keep abreast of latest developments. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t disregard matters outside of your church. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some churches are so busy with the operations and issues concerning their own churches that they fail to see the importance of focusing on issues affecting the surrounding community,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Aimee Colbert, a faith-based counselor in Fort Worth.

Heightened awareness will improve these womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s safety.

Donald Lee, pastor of Kingdom Living Christian Center in Dallas, is a free-lance journalist.

He also co-authored â&#x20AC;&#x153;Married to Commitment,â&#x20AC;? a book about commitment. To order, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Married to Commitmentâ&#x20AC;?, call Xulon Press toll-free at (866) 909-2665.

Follow him on Twitter at @donaldj_lee. Also, visit http://www. christiancouplesconference.com for information on the July7, 2012 relationships conference Lee is hosting with Fort Worth evangelist Aimee Colbert in Fort Worth.

Scott United Methodist Church to Host Health Fair Scott United Methodist Church will be hosting a Community-Wide Health Fair on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The purpose of the Health Fair is to increase health awareness through education and prevention.

Scott United Methodist

Church believes this Health Fair will provide valuable service to our community. We want to provide basic health screenings, blood pressure check, glucose check, breast cancer awareness as well as a variety of informational booths designed to help the community become aware of

the many health-related programs, services, and providers located in our surrounding community.

The Health Fair will be open to both adults and children.

For more information, please contact the church at 225-383-2234.

The Greater Mt. Canaan Baptist Church will be Installing Rev. Levi Wright

Reverend Levi Wright

Join the Greater Mt. Canaan Baptist Church located at 5820 Evangeline St. Baton Rouge, LA on Friday April 20, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. for the Installation Service of their Pastor, Rev. Levi Wright.

Rev. Perry Wright, Pastor of Promised Land and Travelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rest Baptist Church will be the guest speaker and the installation prayer will be prayed by Rev. Sterling Wright, Pastor of Beauchum Grove and New Charleston Baptist Church.

On April 29, 2012, we will host Family and Friends Day at our 8:00 a.m. service and everyone is invited. Special guest will be Greater New Zion Baptist Church from Norwood, LA

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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Manage Your Risks Â&#x2021; :DWFK WKH QXPEHUV RHPHPEHU WKDW GHVLUDEOH EORRG SUHVVXUH LV OHVV WKDQ PPHJ .HHS \RXU ERG\ ZHLJKW LQ WKH UHFRPPHQGHG UDQJH DQG PDNH VXUH WKDW WKH WRWDO FKROHV WHURO LV OHVV WKDQ PJ G/ that the CDC report relies on the that studies have shown no conÂ&#x2021; HHDOWK\ OLIHVW\OH FKRLFHV LQFOXGH records of many different provid- nection to autism.

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1 in 88 Kids Has Autism; Docs Debate Cause

One in 88 children is diag- children from 14 different areas nosed with an autism spectrum across the country. disorder, or ASD, by age 8, acThe study focused specificording to a study released today cally on 8-year-olds because most by the U.S. Centers for Disease autism spectrum diagnoses are Control and Prevention -- a rate made by the time a child reaches that has risen far above the 2006 their eighth birthday. The signs estimate of 1 in 110. of autism are often seen much But experts remain locked earlier, however. Some experts in debate about whether these believe that the first hints of abnumbers tell the whole story. normal behavior can be seen as The CDC report, which ana- early as 6 to 12 months.

Research shows a link between heart and brainâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Ifhealth, which means impaired lyzed data from 2008, indicates parents suspect somethng functionrise could to impaired function. aheart 23 percent inlead diagnoses of brain is wrong with their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deASDs over a two-year period. velopment, or that their child The news could be most is losing skills, they should talk alarming for boys. The study to their pediatrician or another reports that on average 1 in 54 developmental expert,â&#x20AC;? said boys was diagnosed with au- Rebecca Landa, director of the tism, compared to only 1 in 252 Center for Autism and Related girls.

Disorders at the Kennedy Krieger 1$36I HHUH¡V DQ DOHUW ZRUWK QHVV RI GLDEHWHV SDUWLFXODUO\ ZKHQ But what this rise actually LQFUHDVHG SK\VLFDO DFWLYLW\ FDQ KHOS Institute in Baltimore, Md., in a SD\LQJ DWWHQWLRQ WR $FFRUGLQJ WR means LW LV OHIW XQGLDJQRVHG DQG XQWUHDWHG is still a mystery. Some GHOD\ RU SUHYHQW WKH RQVHW RI W\SH news release. Landa has pubWKH $PHULFDQ 'LDEHWHV $VVRFLDWLRQ doctors TKH GD\ LV KHOG RQ WKH IRXUWK TXHVGD\ contacted by ABC News GLDEHWHV lished a list of 10 infant behaviors $'$ OHDUQLQJ \RXU ULVN IRU W\SH believe RI HYHU\ 0DUFK a broader definition of to$PRQJ WKH SULPDU\ ULVN IDFWRUV watch for that may herald a (DARFA) as part of the Fiscal GLDEHWHV FRXOG VDYH \RXU OLIH OQ WKDW GD\ SHRSOH DUH HQFRXU IRU W\SH GLDEHWHV DUH EHLQJ RYHU autism has contributed to rising developmental problem.

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Still, experts say that parents tions Bill.

DARFA provides the VWULNHV QHDUO\ PLOOLRQ FKLOGUHQ HLWKHU ZLWK SDSHU DQG SHQFLO RU RQOLQH â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it has to do with DQG KDYLQJ D IDPLO\ KLVWRU\ RI need not start analyzing their baAdministrator of FEMA with DQG DGXOWV LQ WKH 8 6 IW LV QDPHG TKH ULVN WHVW UHTXLUHV XVHUV WR DQVZHU GLDEHWHV $IULFDQ $PHULFDQV /DWLQRV changing diagnostic criteria, bies just yet. the authority to waive a debt WKH ´VLOHQW NLOOHUÂľ EHFDXVH RQH WKLUG VHYHQ VLPSOH TXHVWLRQV DERXW DJH including mine over the years 1DWLYH $PHULFDQV $VLDQV DQG 3DFLILF According to the CDC, a arising from improper payRI WKRVH ZLWK WKH GLVHDVH PRUH WKDQ which ZHLJKW OLIHVW\OH DQG IDPLO\ KLVWRU\ IVODQGHUV DUH DW DQ LQFUHDVHG ULVN DV have made me label many child should only be diagnosed ments provided for disasters PLOOLRQ GR QRW NQRZ WKH\ KDYH LW DOO SRWHQWLDO ULVN IDFWRUV IRU GLDEHWHV DUH ZRPHQ ZKR KDYH EDELHV ZHLJKLQJ more children as being on the with an Autism Spectrum Disdeclared between August 28, )RU PDQ\ GLDJQRVLV PD\ FRPH 3HRSOH VFRULQJ SRLQWV RU PRUH DUH autism spectrum than say 10-20 PRUH WKDQ SRXQGV DW ELUWK order (ASD) if they meet criteria 2005, and December 31, 2010, VHYHQ WR \HDUV DIWHU WKH RQVHW RI DW D KLJK ULVN IRU W\SH GLDEHWHV DQG years ago,â&#x20AC;? said Dr. Isabelle forTKH 'LDEHWHV RLVN THVW LV DYDLO one of three diseases outlined if W\SH GLDEHWHV EDUO\ GLDJQRVLV LV certain conditions are met.

DUH HQFRXUDJHG WR WDON ZLWK D KHDOWK Rapin, professor of pediatrics and in The Diagnostic and StatistiFULWLFDO IRU VXFFHVVIXO WUHDWPHQW DQG neurology FDUH SURIHVVLRQDO at the Albert Einstein cal Manual of Mental Disorders, FDQ GHOD\ RU SUHYHQW VRPH RI WKH College $Q HVWLPDWHG PLOOLRQ $PHUL %(! ?[P]Z A^PS Â&#x201C; 1Pc^] A^dVT & ' Â&#x201C; !!$ "$% !$" of Medicine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only Fourth Edition, commonly reFRPSOLFDWLRQV VXFK DV KHDUW GLVHDVHV physicians, FDQV KDYH SUH GLDEHWHV TKRVH ZLWK 1>A34;>=šB ?70A<02H 7>DAB) but parents, teach- ferred to as the DSM-IV. EOLQGQHVV NLGQH\ GLVHDVH VWURNH DQG ers, SUH GLDEHWHV KDYH EORRG JOXFRVH OHY therapists and the public are These are Autistic disorder, <^]SPh ´ 5aXSPh) ')" P \ c^ &) _ \ DPSXWDWLRQ findings, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The HOV KLJKHU WKDQ QRUPDO EXW QRW KLJK much more aware of the symp- Pervasive developmental disordepartmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BPcdaSPh () P \ c^ ") _ \ Â&#x201C; Bd]SPh () P \ c^ ) _ \ TKDW¡V RQH UHDVRQ WKH $'$ KROGV HQRXJK WR EH GLDJQRVHG ZLWK W\SH toms of autism, and I suspect der -- not otherwise specified, or power of the data is not only WKH $PHULFDQ 'LDEHWHV $OHUWÂ&#x160; 'D\ GLDEHWHV some may apply the diagnosis Asperger disorder. Generally, the in the numbers themselves, D RQH GD\ ZDNH XS FDOO WR LQIRUP WKH EDUO\ LQWHUYHQWLRQ YLD OLIHVW\OH based on one symptom, which CDC describes them as, â&#x20AC;&#x153;a group # ?70A<028BC but in the impact it can have $PHULFDQ SXEOLF DERXW WKH VHULRXV FKDQJHV VXFK DV ZHLJKW ORVV DQG is inadequate.â&#x20AC;? of developmental disabilities when married with the cour>= 3DCH Dr. Lisa Shulman, also at the characterized by impairments age and the will to change.

FT 2Paah 1^cW =P\T 1aP]Sb Albert Einstein College of Medi- in social andrequired comNointeraction appointment for most screenings.

The undeniable truth is that 6T]TaXRb 3adV cine, echoed this concern. munication and by restricted, rethe everyday educational exâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the years, children petitive, and stereotyped patterns If you do not have a doctor and have not been perience for many students with autistic disorder remain of behavior.â&#x20AC;? has 12 alsomonths, these cancer screenedThe in CDC the last of color violates the principle 38B2>D=C ?A824B Â&#x201C; 70H 54E4A BD??;84B Â&#x201C; 6A44C8=6 20A3B a relatively small group in our published extended definitions of equity at the heart of the screenings are available to you for free. center,â&#x20AC;? said Shulman, director for these disorders online.

5D;; ;8=4 ?70A<02H Â&#x201C; 2>D=B4;8=6 Â&#x201C; 50G4B American promise. It is our of Infant and Toddler Services at But as for the new research, 1;>>3 ?A4BBDA4 <>=8C>A8=6 Â&#x201C; 2>?84B Â&#x201C; ?4A5D<4B collective duty to change Presented as part of the comprehensive Cancer Program Einstein and an associate profes- the CDC was quick to caution that that.â&#x20AC;? ofresults Our Lady of not the be Lake and Mary Bird Perkins. Screenings sor of pediatrics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is the group these may applicaLand Line (225) 356-0703 ÂśF4 0224?C 0;; <43820A4 ?0AC 3 ?;0=B¡ Marian Wright Edelman of children with milder social- ble to the whole country, as gifts. data made possible by donor Cell Phone (225) 235-6955 is president of the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s communicative impairment and from only certain sites around the GSRASAC E-mail: Fund Goodshepherdbapt@bellsouth.

Defense whose Leave without a large array of manner- nation was collected.

This means (888) 616-4687 (225) 215-1234 No netChild Hours:BehindÂŽ Mon-Thursmission 8am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8 pm isms and atypical interests consisis to ensure every child a tent with an ASD diagnosis that Breast Cancer Screening Colorectal Cancer Healthy Start,Good a Head Start, Substance has increased significantly.â&#x20AC;?

Shepherd Abuse Center Screening Tuesday, March 11 a Fair Start, aIntensive Safe StartOutpatient and The data was collected by / Inpatient Therapy Thursday, March 13 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12pm & 1pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm a Moral Start in life and sucThe Autism and Developmental For Drugs, Alcohol, Anger Management 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm cessful passage to adulthood LSUHSC Mid City Clinic Disabilities Monitoring network, Wal-Mart with theMission help of caring families Rev.anDonald 1401 N. Foster Drive organization funded by the 2873 Drive Britton, MA, LAC 2171 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal Lane and communities. For more Baton Rouge CDC to track autism rates.

For Baton Rouge, LA 70805 Clinical Director Baton Rouge information go to www.chilthis report, the ADDM reviewed (225) 315-0740 Bishop Harris Hayes, drensdefense.org. medical records of Overseer 8-year-old

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Friday, March 14 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12pm & 1pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4pm Leo S. Butler Community Center 950 E. Washington Street Baton Rouge

Breast Cancer Screening Tuesday, March 18 5pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7pm (Appt required) Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital 9050 Airline Highway Baton Rouge

Colorectal Cancer Screening Monday, March 17 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm

Brusly Town Hall 601 S. Vaughan Street Brusly

Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Screenings Wednesday, March 26 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2pm

Ed Price Building Materials

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Trent Johnson Resigns as LSU Hoops Coach BATON ROUGE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; LSU menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball coach Trent Johnson has resigned â&#x20AC;&#x153;to take another head coaching position,â&#x20AC;? LSU athletic director Joe Alleva said in a release by the university on Sunday afternoon.

Johnson is expected to be named the new coach at Texas Christian University on Monday, the Forth Worth StarTelegram reported on Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes coaching changes work out well for all parties involved,â&#x20AC;? said Alleva, who hired Johnson from Stanford at about this time four years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And we will take this opportunity to seek out the best coach for the long-term future of LSU menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball.

We will move quickly but deliberately to find a coach who will lead our program with integrity and discipline, someone who will recruit effectively in order to build championship teams while inspiring success in academics, and someone who will energize our fan base. I wish Trent all the best in his new job.â&#x20AC;?

Alleva did not confirm that TCU is that new job.

Johnson, 55, is coming off an 18-15 season that included an NIT berth and a 7-9 finish in the Southeastern Conference for eighth place. Johnson turned in the two worst seasons in the history of LSU basketball by the same coach in 2009-10 and 2010-11 when

Trent Johnson

the Tigers finished last in the SEC both years with 2-14 and 3-13 seasons while going 11-20 and 11-21 overall in those seasons.

In his first season in 200809, Johnson guided LSU to a 27-8 overall record with an SEC championship and victory in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

TCU athletic director

Chris Del Conte has a resume similar to Johnson, as he previously was an athletic director at Rice and an associate athletic director in the Pac-12. Johnson was an assistant at Rice from 1992-96 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a decade before Del Conte became Riceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletic director. Del Conte was also an associate athletic director at Arizona and Washington State in the Pac-12.

La. Guard Participates In Disaster Response Exercise

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A Louisiana National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk prepares to drop a sling-loaded sandbag Hawk during a simulated disaster response exercise at the Bonnet Carre Spillway in Norco, La., March 31, 2012. The purpose of this exercise is to test the current LANG response plan, identify deficiencies and evaluate their ability to respond to multiple missions simultaneously prior to the 2009 hurricane season. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Toby Valadie, Louisiana National Guard/Released)

BY SPC. RASHAWN PRICE AND SPC. TARELL BILBO 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment NEW ORLEANS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Louisiana National Guard participated in the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness two training exercises to test disaster response capabilities of several state, local and federal agencies at the Bonnet Carre Spillway in St. Charles Parish and Hackberry High School in Cameron Parish. As the 2012 hurricane season approaches, these agencies are evaluating their ability to respond and test their level of preparedness.

The exercise tested the LANGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response plan to identify possible deficiencies and also to evaluate its ability to respond to multiple missions simultaneously. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This exercise validates not just our hurricane exercise plan, but also an all-hazards approach, to make sure that it is coordinated well with the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emergency response plan,â&#x20AC;? said Brig. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, adjutant general of the LANG. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to make sure we instill confidence in our citizens so they know that when a disaster hits, we are prepared to respond to any emergency in order to protect them and their property.â&#x20AC;?

The training showcased the LANGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to respond quickly to any and all emergency situations by conducting simulated air, water, and ground search and rescue operations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being complacent is never an option. Our level of preparedness is constantly being tested

whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s through an actual event or a full scale exercise,â&#x20AC;? said GOHSEP Director Kevin Davis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exercises such as this one keep everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skills sharp. But more importantly, it identifies any gaps or deficiencies agencies may have.â&#x20AC;?

Other areas of training tested security, commodities distribution and interoperability communications. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most important component of any all-hazard event is the ability to communicate,â&#x20AC;? said Lt. Col. Dallas Jones, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By having this ability, it gives us the opportunity to leverage our assets by allowing us to send help where it is needed. In addition, our leaders have situational awareness and a common operating picture.â&#x20AC;?

With this enhanced training, Soldiers say that they are more capable of doing their jobs and working together as a team to serve their communities during disasters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was exciting to get more hands-on training and be able to gain more experience,â&#x20AC;? said Pfc. Desirae Skipper, a bridge crewmember for the 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The more knowledgeable you are in your military job, the better leader you will become.â&#x20AC;?

Different tasks were exercised at the two locations to fit the threats that pose a danger to each area.

During the exercise in Hackberry, Guardsmen from multiple units practiced personnel and livestock aerial search and rescue missions and waterborne search and rescue missions from

Hackberry Marina. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not often that we get to work side by side like this,â&#x20AC;? said Master Sgt. Orise Cormier, senior operations non-commissioned officer with the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It helps us do our mission and helps train the younger Soldiers.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great pleasure to watch and observe everyone perform,â&#x20AC;? said Kirk Burlough, Cameron Parish police juror. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about us working together to protect our citizens.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gives me a great sense of accomplishment to train alongside different organizations to achieve a similar goal,â&#x20AC;? said Sgt. Matthew Lewallen, a dock master of the 2225th MRBC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These events build teamwork and confidence in our ability to complete a mission in a real-world scenario.â&#x20AC;?

Participating agencies included: Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, Department of Corrections, Louisiana State Fire Marshalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Health & Hospitals, Department of Transportation & Development and other local and federal emergency management agencies.

Please visit http://www. geauxguard.com for the latest Louisiana National Guard releases, photos and videos.

Please contact Staff Sgt. Denis B. Ricou with the Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office, Media Relations/Editor at 225.803.6712 or by e-mail at denis. ricou@us.army.mil for more information.