SU Alumni to Host Fifth Annual Crawfish Boil and Music Festival
Adrian Peterson Confirms Contract With Saints
S E E PA G E 5
BATON
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director to speak at SU Ag Center
ROUGE,
LOUISIANA
See USDA, on page 2
VOL. 41 • NO. 27 • FREE
PEOPLE’S PUBLICATION
The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Holds Legislative Prayer Breakfast
Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy
BATON ROUGE, LA - Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, Director of the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Dr. Ramaswamy presented a seminar titled, “National Institute of Food and Agriculture: An Update from Your Federal Partner.” Ramaswamy was appointed by President Obama to a six-year term in May of 2012. Prior to becoming NIFA’s director, Ramaswamy held a number of academic positions, including: dean of Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences; director of Purdue’s Agricultural Research Programs; university distinguished professor and head
S E E PA G E 6
Goveronr John Bel Edwards was one of the speakers at this event.
BATON ROUGE, LA - The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus held a Legislative Prayer Breakfast to start the 2017 Legislative Session. Over 500 were in attendance.
Governor John Bel. Edwards -D, spoke and Rev./Dr. C.J. Gordon, Jr. of the New Zion Baptist Church, New Orleans, La. was the Guest Speaker.
Mayor Broome Announces Dr. James Llorens As Interim Chief Administrative Officer BATON ROUGE, LA — Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome addressed the resignation of her recent choice of chief administrative officer and ways she will move forward with the top office in her cabinet. “Last week, I announced the appointment of Troy Bell as my chief administrative officer. As the week unfolded, more information emerged about his professional history and academic credentials,” Broome said. “It became obvious, even after a number of meetings and talking with the mayor of the last city where Mr. Bell was employed, that additional vetting should have occurred. I made a mistake with this important hire and I accept full responsibility. Mr. Bell was not the person that this city and parish deserved. I immediately accepted his resignation before the close of business on April 21. This action was taken so that my administration could put this completely behind us, and continue to serve our fellow residents and move our city-parish forward.” The mayor-president said she hopes to hire a permanent chief administrative officer soon. Broome has selected Dr. James Llorens to serve as the interim chief administrative officer, effective Tuesday, April 25. “I look forward to having Dr. Llorens join our team,” Broome said. “I know that he will ‘hit the ground running,’ and contribute immensely to the important work we do daily. He has spent several years serving this community in a number of capacities, including here in
Dr. James Llorens
city hall.” Llorens previously served of director of intergovernmental relations; director of human services; and director of human resources during the Screen administration. He also served as assistant chief administrative officer during the Holden administration, with management and oversight of community development, workforce development, social services, and human resources. A native of Alexandria and longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Llorens has also had a long career in education, with many years spent at Southern University. His last position there was as chancellor of the Baton Rouge campus from 2011 to 2014. Prior, he served as professor and department chair in the Nelson Mandela School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, and dean of the graduate school. In 2015, after chairing a See LLORENS, on page 2
Obama Urges Next Generation to ‘Knock Down Barriers’ “What’s been going on while I’ve been gone?” he quipped as he entered the stage to an uproar of applause on Monday. Fresh off a three-month hiatus that included sun-soaked beach holidays and news of a forthcoming memoir, the 44th president made his return with ease - and without a tie - despite the current dismantling of his legacy back in Washington. But Mr Obama, a former constitutional law professor at University of Chicago (UofC), spent less time talking about his old job at the White House and instead focused on his next task at hand: passing the political baton to a new generation. “The single most important thing I can do is help in any way to prepare the next generation of leadership to take up the baton and
take their own crack at changing the world,” he told an auditorium full of Chicago-area students and community organisers. The former president appeared alongside a mix of young civic leaders including a local senior high school student, an Indian immigrant who lost a state representative race, a US Army veteran college student and a member of UofC’s Young Republicans. And though he took centre stage, Mr Obama used the next 80 minutes to press his featured speakers about their own leadership challenges, at times offering maxims from his own political career. “It felt very intimate,” Sarah Evans, 19, told the BBC. “Everything he was saying was very meaningful and specific to us.”
JOHNNY JONES NAMED ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH
Students huddled together outside the auditorium after the event, sharing notes on their favourite lines lifted from the former commanderin-chief. Ms Evans, a Northwestern University student, recited Mr Obama’s words on what he did during his time as a community organiser on Chicago’s South Side. “Listen to understand rather than listen to respond,” he told the See OBAMA, on page 2
Former President Barack Obama embraced a warm homecoming at University of Chicago, where he stepped back into the public eye while hosting a youth forum on civic engagement.
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INDEX
MOTHER HONORS LATE DAUGHTER Former Louisiana State University head coach Johnny Jones has been named associate head coach of Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball by head coach Eric Musselman. Jones joins the staff after one of the most successful seasons in Wolf Pack history....See Page 6
In efforts to honor her late daughter, Kaiya Smith’s legacy, Petrouchka Moïse is continuing Smith’s fashion show and body-positive movement, Bigger than Fashion (BTF), to be held on Sunday, April 30...Page 2
SU PROFESSOR RECEIVES AWARDS
Dr. Yadong Qi, Ph.D., received the distinguished Morrison-Evans Outstanding Scientist Award for 2017 from the Association of 1890 Research Directors’ (ARD) at its biennial symposium in Atlanta, Georgia, April 1 – 4. See Page 3
CRYING EAGLE NOW IN BATON ROUGE
Crying Eagle Brewing Company announced that three of its most popular craft beers—The Chuck, Ready To Mingle and Calcasieu Common—are now available in retail stores, bars and restaurants in Baton Rouge. ...See Page 5
State News...............................2 Religion....................................4 Business....................................5 Classifieds.................................5 Sports.......................................6
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STATE & LOCAL
Baton Rouge Mother Honors Late Daughter READER INFORMATION By Hosting Her Body-Positivity Fashion Show How to Reach Us General Information225-775-2002 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . 225-775-4216 Email Address brweeklypress@yahoo.com The office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and located at 1283 Rosenwald Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Correction Policy The Baton Rouge Weekly Press strives to be fair and accurate. The newspaper corrects any significant errors of fact brought to the attention of the editor. If you think an error has been made, call 225-775-2002
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Kaiya Smith walks the runway at the 2016 Bigger Than Fashion showcase.
BATON ROUGE, LA – In efforts to honor her late daughter, Kaiya Smith’s legacy, Petrouchka Moïse is continuing Smith’s fashion show and body-positive movement, Bigger than Fashion (BTF), to be held on Sunday, April 30, at the McKinley Alumni Center, 1520 Thomas H. Delpit Drive. Smith passed away suddenly in the summer of 2016, but had already begun planning her 2017 showcase – “Confident Curves”. Through this show, Smith’s intentions were set to bring awareness to the importance of mentorship and the impact it has on the development of self-esteem, and pay homage to her mentors. Of those mentors is Anna West, who said she was deeply inspired by Smith’s project. “Bigger Than Fashion is a celebration of our greatness, our thickness, our tallness, our loudness, our intellectual and spiritual wholeness, our wit and refusal of the ways we have been told to hold
ourselves back to fit into someone else’s notion of what it means to ‘fit in’,” West said. “Kaiya actively strove to live in this big way, and she sought out teachers, mentors and friends who could expand the world with her. When I felt uncertain about my own ability to carry my own greatness, Kaiya called it up in me.” The fashion showcase will highlight works by Smith, Moïse, designers from Dubai, and other local designers, as well as Charlotte Charles of Jacmel, Haiti, in an effort to honor the Moïse family’s Haitian heritage, and further support the mission of BTF with a campaign “Cotton is Bigger Than Fashion”. Through the campaign, funds will be raised at BTF to send cotton underwear to Haitian girls, whom Moïse found are in desperate need while on her last trip to Jacmel. “The greatest challenge that these women have is purchasing cotton undergarments because a pack of panties is worth a day’s salary in Haiti,” Moïse said. “During my trip to Jacmel, I met a group of women artist who are utilizing their talent and time to mentor young women before they are entrapped in the world of prostitution and
drugs. These women have pooled their limited resources together to mentor young women who come to the city looking for opportunities. Their focus on health, wellness and independence embodies what Kaiya and BTF stands for.” This year’s BTF will also serve as a fundraiser for Forward Arts’ Slam Camp, Transfhermation, and Miss Black Louisiana USA – all organizations that Moise said promote character development, leadership, wellness and body-positivity. “We hope to build awareness so that we can reach more young girls and women,” Moïse said. “Kaiya was definitely a voice for her generation and an inspiration to us all – her dream was that we all would learn to dress from within. She was larger than life, and this movement represents how she will continue to encourage me and others through her legacy.” Bigger than Fashion “Confident Curves” will begin with a reception at 4:30 p.m., the fashion show will begin at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 on Eventbrite.com or $25 at the door. For more information, visitbiggerthanfashion.squarespace. com.
Three High Schools in Baton Rouge Area Recognized in National Rankings The U.S. News & World Report has released its 2017 high school rankings, and three schools in the Baton Rouge area were nationally recognized. Baton Rouge Magnet High School was recognized as #5 in the state and #735 in the country. Holden High School was ranked #13 in Louisiana and #2,405 overall. St. Amant High School came in at #15 in the state and #2,514 overall. Some other high schools that appeared in the top 40 in the state
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include: • 18: Zachary High School • 29: Maurepas High School • 34: Dutchtown High School • 36: Brusly High
School • 38: Southern University Lab School • 39: Louisiana State University Laboratory School • 40: Springfield High School The #1 ranked high school in the nation went to BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. For the complete report of national rankings, visit https://www. usnews.com/education/best-highschools/national-rankings
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marge's
Chit Chat
J U S T A CONGRATULATHOUGHT: Get TIONS to Miss Joy everything you want Trosclair who reign as now, not later! Eads queen over the coterie WA S Y O U R of debutantes for the SPRING BREAK Alpha Kappa Alpha SUFFICIENT? I do Sorority, Inc. hope so!! Now it is THE ANNUAL time to concentrate ALLONS MANGER on Teacher AppreciaFOOD FESTIVAL Marge tion Week, which is will be this Sunday, Lawrence next week. We must April 30 at St. Jules honor or recognize Catholic Church. The our teachers in some way. They day kicks off with beignets and have such an awesome respon- coffee at 7 am with lunch being sibility as they work daily so served at eleven am and entermany thankless hours with our tainment from 11am - 2pm. You children. Do not let next week are invited. go by without thinking about CARA HOUSE has been and do something special for given a $7,000 donation. If our teachers. you are an animal lover close VOTING THIS WEEK- up, you will be happy to know END FOR SOME PRECINTS. every penny will go for an aniIs it yours? One such election mal shelter. Strike up one for is going on in Ascension, As- the pets!! sumption, St. James and IberMARK YOUR CALENville for the state second senato- DAR FOR MAY 4. It is D-D rial district. You are electing a Breaux Day!! This is in honor senator to fill the vacancy for of Sara DD Breaux of LSU gymTroy Brown. While there are nastic coach in her hometown approximately twelve or so in (and mine) Donaldsonville. The the race, the two with the high- day is filled with activities and est numbers of votes will have she will meet with the city couna run-off on May 27. Get ready cil at 6:oo pm that evening for and go vote. a proclamation in her honor. TESTING IS GOING Congratulations, DD!! ON IN THE SCHOOLS THIS Happy Birthday this week WEEK, AT LEAST SOME OF to Denise Myles Green, Ilheanyl THEM. Please tell your chil- Nkwocha, Eric Adams Jordan, dren their record follows them II, John Davis, and Marque Mcthrough high schools and then Carter. on to college. While some of Happy Wedding Anniverit reflects the teachers, it is on sary to Arthur and Irma Self their own shoulders because Bates. They are celebrating their they themselves take the tests. 60th year on April 27. Wow! The teachers may instruct for WITH LOVE AND SYMweeks, but no one but the stu- PATHY to the family of the dents take the tests. The mark- late Donald Thomas, Ernestine ing of any answer on the test Chambers and Betty Thomas and putting your head down is Winston. You are in our long gone! Read and think, then thoughts and prayers because mark. They may pass. your lives were so good. We SPEAKING O F thank God for you. SCHOOLS, CONGRATULAIt has been a very blessed TIONS are in order for Mary week and the weather just suMcMahan. She has been name perb. Hope you have a beautiful instructional supervisor in As- weekend, too. cension Parish and will take up her duties July 1. Much sucLove, cess, Mary. Marge
USDA from page 1 of Kansas State’s Entomology Department; and professor of entomology at Mississippi State. NIFA provides leadership and funding for programs that advance agricultural-related sciences. Dr. Ramaswamy provid-
ing an update on USDA-NIFA as well as interacting with SU students, professors and researchers. Contact LaKeeshia Giddens Lusk, lakeeshia_giddens@suagcenter.com or by calling 225771-2160.
Llorens from page 1 feasibility study on establishing a new private Catholic high school for underserved communities, Llorens was appointed founding president of Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School. He retired from that position in December 2016. Llorens’ volunteerism in the Baton Rouge community has also been extensive. He currently serves on the boards of the East Baton Rouge Redevelopment Authority and Care South, a federally qualified health center. His previous board appointments include service on Baton Rouge
General Health System, Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport and the East Baton Rouge Parish School System Foundation. Llorens received a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University in New Orleans; a master’s degree in urban affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and a Ph.D. in political science from Louisiana State University. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship in public policy and minority communities at the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Obama from page 1 crowd, noting it was actually a lesson he learned in marriage. “That will save you a lot of heartache and grief.” Afreen Ahmed, a 19-yearold UofC student, was struck by Mr Obama’s response when asked about his 2000 loss in a race for a US House of Representatives seat in Illinois. It was the “sole time” in his political career, Mr Obama revealed, that he ran because he thought it was the next move rather than what he really wanted to do. “Worry less about what you want to be,” he said, “and worry more about what you want to do”. That piece of advice was a reminder for why Ms Ahmed takes on leadership roles in school programmes like the UofC Institute of Politics’ Leaders of Colour and within her Muslim community. “You can get so caught up in the positions and the titles and your career and it becomes less about the work that you’re doing,” she said. Mr Obama was quick to emphasise that civic engagement,
however, was not just about running for elected office or showing up on election day. Though he evaded talking about his successor, Mr Obama lamented that the decline of civic organisations like union clubs and churches, where Americans could find common ground, had deepened the growing divisions across the US. “We’re a more individualistic society,” he explained. “I think that has a spillover for civic engagement, but also empathy because we’re dealing with fewer people.” But much like the farewell speech he delivered in Chicago three months earlier, Mr Obama left his audience with another note of optimism, calling on a new class to usher in change. “It’s a message a lot of people need to hear right now,” said Hanna Addis, 19. “Things are hard now, especially with such a shift in the political climate, and we need to remember we are a generation open to having more dialogue See OBAMA, on page 3
Thursday, April 27, 2017 • The Weekly Press • Page 3
More Than A Dozen Arrested During Southwest Louisiana Warrant Sweep Probation And Parole Violators Locked Up BATON ROUGE, LA – Department of Public Safety and Corrections (DPS&C) Probation and Parole (P&P) Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 14 people in Southwest Louisiana as part of a massive warrant sweep in Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis Parishes. Law enforcement spent the morning in search of 50 individuals who have failed to report to their P & P officer, violating the terms of their supervised release. In many cases, offenders break contact due to having returned to a criminal lifestyle and they are trying to avoid detection. Today’s roundup involved more than 60 officers from P & P’s Lake Charles, Lafayette, Leesville, and Ville Platte Districts, the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center Chase Team, and deputies from the Calcasieu and
Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriff’s Departments. The warrants were for individuals under Probation and Parole supervision for various crimes including manslaughter, battery, distribution and possession of drugs, as well as burglary and theft. Today’s warrants represent both parole and probation cases, and include men and women offenders. The arrested individuals were booked into the the Calcasieu and Jefferson Davis parish prisons. In support of today’s sweep, Acadian Ambulance provided paramedic teams to assist with any medical needs. P & P Officers will continue to serve the outstanding warrants, arresting individuals who have violated their probation or parole.
Living Faith Resurrection and Rededication 2017
Bishop Romon Johnson pastor of Living Faith Christian Center. Photos by James Terry III
WT Winfield attending rededcation/Easter servie at Living Faith Christian Center. Photos by James Terry III
BATON ROUGE, La.: Louisiana State Capitol, Easter Sunday saw the reopening of Living Faith Christian Center, over 5,000
members returned. They were flooded out last August and they worked to reopen for Easter.
SU Land-Grant Campus’ Urban Forestry Professor Receives Morrison-Evans Outstanding Scientist Award, Students Recognized at Conference
Dr. Yadong Qi, Ph.D., received the distinguished Morrison-Evans Outstanding Scientist Award
BATON ROUGE, LA. – Dr. Yadong Qi, Ph.D., received the distinguished Morrison-Evans Outstanding Scientist Award for 2017 from the Association of 1890 Research Directors’ (ARD) at its biennial symposium in Atlanta, Georgia, April 1 – 4. Qi is Interim Department Chair & Director of the Urban Forestry Graduate Program, a professor of Urban Forestry with the Southern University College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences and a research scientist in the SU Ag Center. What makes this even more impressive is that she is only the second Southern University scientist to ever receive the award! The first Southern University recipient was in 1989. Nominees were submitted for selection from the 1890 Institutions and Qi emerged the sole winner of the prestigious award. The ARD biennial symposium honors one outstanding scientist from the 19 intuitions based on established criteria. The theme of this year’s symposium
Standing from left, front row, are Brittany Benjamin, Asia Rubin, and Patrice Lazard. (Second row) From left are student mentors Drs. Zhu Ning, Renita Marshall, Patricia Meyinsse and Chancellor-Dean Bobby R. Phills. The three ladies placed in the undergraduate and graduate student oral presentation competitions held during the Association of 1890 Research Directors’ Symposium in Atlanta, Ga. Benjamin, an Urban Forestry graduate student from New Orleans, La., won third in the graduate student category of Renewable Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment; Rubin, an Animal Science undergraduate student from Lafayette, La., won third place in the undergraduate student category of Animal Health and Production and Animal Products; and Lazard, an Agricultural Economics undergraduate student from Lawtell, La. won first place in the undergraduate student category of Family, Youth, Community and Economic Development.
was “1890 Research: Meeting the 21st Century Challenges Through Innovation.” “I feel extremely honored to receive this prestigious award, it is like a dream coming true,” said Qi. “This honor belonging to not only me but the entire Southern
University System and The LandGrant Campus.” Qi went on to express her appreciation to Dr. Bobby R. Phills, Chancellor-Dean of the Land-Grant Campus, for nominating her for the award and for his visionary leadership to establish
Obama from page 2 with each other.” “Are there ways in which we can knock down some of the barriers that are discouraging young people about a life of service?” Mr Obama asked. “And if there are, I want to work with them to knock down those barriers.” And once this next generation begins moving toward a path of leadership, he continued: “I think we’re going to be just fine.”
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the nation’s first urban forestry BS degree program at Southern University 25 years ago. She also thanked all of her
administrators, colleagues, postdoctoral students, visiting scholars, See AWARD, on page 6
National Teacher Appreciation Day to Be Observed in Month of May
National Teacher Appreciation Day, also known as National Teacher Day, is observed on the Tuesday of the first full week in May. This day is part of Teacher Appreciation Week, which is the first full week in May of each year. The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day “as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives”. Teachers play a critical role in educating and shaping our children: the future leaders of our country. They are kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated and understanding professionals that mold our children’s lives in a positive direction. We entrust our children with the teachers, and they affect their lives on a daily basis. HOW TO OBSERVE It is time to say “Thank You” to the special teachers that you know. Let them know that they are appreciated for all that they do. Use #TeacherAppreciationDay to post on social media. Political and educational leaders first began discussions for a day to honor teachers in 1944. In 1953, Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim National Teachers’ Day. Congress declared March 7, 1980, as National Teacher Day. The National Education Association continued to observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March until 1985, when the National PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first full week of May. DATES: • May 9, 2017 • May 8, 2018 • May 7, 2019 • May 5, 2020 • May 4, 2021 There are over 1,200 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day with National Day Calendar!
Page 4 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, April 27, 2017
RELIGION
I Lost An Amazing Aunt Last Week, But Am Comforted This Week, Pleasant Memories Of Her Humble Spirit By Donald Lee Last week, I lost an Aunt, Loise Mae Thierry, one of my mother’s sisters. My Aunt Loise, of Beaumont, were 62. She was such an awesome soul. And it’s only fitting that, as my family prepares to lay her body to rest in Beaumont on Saturday, April 29, I take a moment to reflect back on the special person she was. The fifth child born to my grandparents, Calvin and Josephine Thierry, both of whom preceded Aunt Loise in death, had special needs. One of the countless numbers of things I adored about my aunt was her humble spirit, her heart for serving others. Though she was a longtime resident of Beaumont, she, along with my mom, Earlene Lee of Beaumont, my uncle and two other aunts, was originally from Opelousas, La. So she had a certain country drawl that I thought was so cool (not that my native Beaumont is a big metropolitan city). When she’d
Aunt Loise Thierry
greet someone, she’d ask, “How ya durin’?” My auntee never met a stranger. She was always smiling and always welcoming. When one of my brothers called me late last Wednesday (April 19) to tell me she had passed (of natural causes), I
was shocked. I really didn’t expect to hear that kind of news. But while I join my family in mourning my aunt’s transition from this life into eternity, I take great comfort in knowing that she’s now and forevermore living in the presence of God.
In Matthew 23:11,12, the Lord Jesus says, But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. Humility was definitely her modus operandi. It was more than what she did; it was who she was. When you needed help with anything, Aunt Loise was there to serve; she was there to have your back. The love that she had for others was authentic. She loved her seven siblings and adored her many nephews and nieces. Her uncle, aunts and cousins all had special places in her heart. But her love, which was so genuine, didn’t stop at blood relatives. She had special bonds with her neighbors, with everyone she knew. (Oh, and she was a big fan of the late, great comedian-actor Flip Wilson.) When I take occasional trips home to Beaumont, it’ll definitely be a strange feeling not having my See AUNT LOISE, on page 5
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 THE KINGDOM OF GOD CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25
10132Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815 Telephone: 225-272-9755 Fax: 225-272-9754 Cell: 225-603-2711 E-mail: maxie111@cox.net Lee Dell Maxie, Pastor “Spreading the message of the Kingdom of God while building on a foundation of love”
Greater Mount Carmel Baptist Church Sun. Worship 10 am • Tue. Bible Study 7pm • 2nd & 4th Sun. Broadcast 8am WXOK
NEW RISING SUN BAPTIST CHURCH
16444 Highland Road • Baton Rouge, LA 70810 Church: 225.302.5062 Home: 225.654.8947 • Cell: 225.572.7036
Bishop Ernest Mills & Evangelist Yvonne Mills
Sunday School..........................................11:00 am Worship......................................................12 Noon Communion.......................................... 4th Sunday Bible Class Tuesday.................................. 7:00 pm Saturday Prayer Service.............................7:30 am
Thousands of people move to the city of Baton Rouge area every year. Many are looking for a place to worship. Help them find YOUR CHURCH by placing your ad in the CHURCH DIRECTORY Call 225.775.2002 VISIT US ONLINE @www.theweeklypress.com
1414 Sora Street • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70807 Telephone: 225-775-7372 • Fax: 225-774-1767 Website: www.gmcbc.org Reverend Clee E. Lowe, Pastor
Sunday Morning Worship................................................10:45am Lord’s Supper..............................................................4th Sunday Sunday School..................................................................9:30am Mid-Morning Prayer Service.................................. Wed. 10:30am Prayer Service......................................................... Wed. 6:00pm Bible Study.............................................................. Wed. 6:30pm
NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH 5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimille: (225) 925-8022 Toll Free: 888-700-6174 Websites: www.newhopebr.com Rev. Leo Cyrus Sr., Pastor Order Of Services Sunday Worship...................................................... 11:30 A.M. Holy Communion................................3rd Sunday 11:30 A.M. Sunday School..........................................................9:30 A.M. Bible Study................................................Thursday 7:00 P.M.
Thursday, April 27, 2017 • The Weekly Press • Page 5
BUSINESS
SU Alumni to Host Fifth Annual Crawfish Boil and Music Festival BATON ROUGE, LA -The Southern University Alumni Federation Home Chapter is hosting its Fifth Annual Crawfish Boil and Music Festival on Saturday, May 6 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at BREC’s Greenwood Community Park in Baker. Guests will enjoy boiled crawfish or fried catfish and a live performance by U4RIA, the Southern University Human Jukebox, and the Michael Foster Project. There will also be games for the kids and vendors selling everything from ladies accessories to T-shirts. The park
also features a hiking trail and splash pad. “This is a fun event for the whole family to enjoy,” said Cortny Jarrell, president of the Home Chapter. “You’ll enjoy some great food, great music and the company of great Alumni and friends.” Proceeds will help fund student recruitment and scholarships. Early bird tickets are $25 per person. Starting April 30, tickets are $35 per person. To purchase tickets, go to www.suhomechapter.com or call (225) 443-2167.
Aunt Loise from page 4 Aunt “Loisey Mae” around to greet me or to sit at the bedside of my mom’s youngest sibling, my Aunt Stacey, 49, who also has special needs. Aunt Loise would sit at a chair at Aunt Stacey’s bedside and watch as Aunt Stacey (who’s been in a wheelchair since she was a toddler) and I’d go head-to-head in a friendly rivalry card game that has spanned over several years. The observant Aunt Loise every now and then would offer pointers to her younger sister
on how to play the hand she was dealt. It was just too cute, especially since her offer to help would often annoy Aunt Stacey. Now, I’m going to miss my Aunt Loise. But, again, there’s great comfort in knowing that — as the scriptures say — for a child of God to be absent from his or her earthly body is for that person to be present with the Lord. Thanks for the memories, Aunt Loise. See AUNT LOISE, on page 6
Crying Eagle Brewery Now Available In Retail Stores, Bars And Restaurants In Baton Rouge LAKE CHARLES, LA— Crying Eagle Brewing Company announced that three of its most popular craft beers—The Chuck, Ready To Mingle and Calcasieu Common—are now available in retail stores, bars and restaurants in Baton Rouge. The Lake Charles brewery has made its mark on the craft beer industry with rapid growth and success in the southwest corner of the state. The expansion into Baton Rouge marks significant growth for Crying Eagle as a Louisiana brand, and solidifies Southwest Louisiana as a player in the craft beer world. “Our ambition and ingenuity is reflected in our brews. These aren’t your typical craft beers,” said Eric Avery, president of Crying Eagle Brewing Company. “Lake Charles and Lafayette have been tremendously supportive of our microbrewery, and we’re ‘ready to mingle’ with the rest of Louisiana.” “It’s all brewed right here in the heel of the boot, and what makes us dif-
ferent is drinkability,” said Avery. “We hope the craft-beer lovers here will adopt Crying Eagle as one of their favorites.” Brewed in Calcasieu Parish, Crying Eagle takes its name from the word “Calcasieu,” which roughly translates to “cry-
ing eagle.” That was the name of the legendary local Atakapa Indian chief who charged into battle
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with a fearsome cry. The three brews available in Baton Rouge are: Ready To Mingle: A Belgian single with a crisp bitterness and robust undertones that exemplify the distinct Belgian character. The Chuck: Named for Lake Charles’ affectionate nickname, The Chuck is golden, drinkable ale that is as flavorful as it is refreshing. Calcasieu Common: An amber-colored lager created by an unusual hybrid lager-ale brewing process that was used during the Gold Rush. About Crying Eagle Brewing Company Opened in 2016 in Lake Charles, Crying Eagle Brewing has launched several popular craft beers, three of which—The Chuck, Ready To Mingle and Calcasieu Common—are available in select See CRYING EAGLE, on page 6
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Weekly Press • Thursday, April 27, 2017
SPORTS
Former Louisiana State University Head Coach Johnny Jones Has Been Named Associate Head Coach Of Nevada Wolf Pack Men’s Basketball BATON ROUGE, LA - Former Louisiana State University head coach Johnny Jones has been named associate head coach of Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball by head coach Eric Musselman. Jones joins the staff after one of the most successful seasons in Wolf Pack history. “We are absolutely thrilled that coach Jones has joined our staff,” said Musselman. “I saw the leadership and basketball knowledge he possesses when we worked together at LSU. He’s going to be a very important part of many more tournament runs here at Nevada.” Jones won 90 games in his five years as the head coach at LSU, the most of any head coach at LSU in their first five years. He was the fourth-winningest coach in LSU history. The DeRidder, La. native led the LSU Tigers to two
postseason appearances, an NIT and NCAA tournament bid, and coached the 2016 No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons. Musselman was on Jones’ staff during the 2014-15 season. “I had the opportunity to work with Coach Musselman during our NCAA tournament run,” Jones said. “We had a great experience working together and developed a really good relationship. I’ve watched him grow his Nevada team over the last two years and seen the success. I jumped at the opportunity to work with him again.” While at LSU, Coach Jones also recruited Tim Quarterman (Portland Trail Blazers), Johnny O’Bryant (Charlotte Hornets), Jordan Mickey (Boston Celtics) and Jarrell Martin (Memphis Grizzlies). Jones was also a head coach at North Texas for 11 seasons from
Johnny Jones
2001-12. He led the Mean Green to two NCAA tournaments berths
and five top-three conference finishes. Overall, Jones has 33 years
of Division I coaching experience, and will bring all that to the Wolf
In Court, Strong Emotions From Coach, Family Of Slain Saint
Racquel Smith, widow of former New Orleans Saints star Will Smith, enters the Orleans Parish criminal courthouse with supporters, for a sentencing hearing for Cardell Hayes, who was convicted of manslaughter in the shooting death of former New Orleans Saints star Will Smith, in New Orleans, Wednesday, April 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
NEW ORLEANS — The killer of retired New Orleans Saints star Will Smith was denied a new trial last Wednesday by a Louisiana judge, who then heard tearful, sometimes bitter “victim Impact” testimony from Smith’s family and friends. Racquel Smith said her daughter fears the day Cardell Hayes gets out of prison. She said one of their sons is “lost” without his father. And with tears and anger, she lashed out at the man who shot her and killed her husband during a traffic dispute last year. “All I ask of you is to tell the truth,” she said, looking straight at Hayes and accusing him of lying at his December trial, where he said Smith punched him first. Hayes, 29, faces up to 40 years for manslaughter for killing Smith,
and another 20 years for attempted manslaughter for wounding Racquel. Prosecutors want the maximums, served consecutively, for a total of 60 years. Other witnesses included Racquel’s sister, Smith’s older sister, an aunt who helped raise Smith, and two friends of Smith’s daughter. “Man, he was special,” an emotional coach Sean Payton, said, choking up during his lengthy tribute. “Like rare. Not as a player but as a man, a player and a teammate.” Payton disclosed that he had planned for Smith to coach the Saints’ defensive line in 2016. “There’s no winners,” Payton declared, recalling how he watched Hayes being found guilty. “I hope I never have to speak at one of these again.” Judge Camille Buras will hear
defense arguments when the hearing resumes Thursday, and is expected to announce the sentence no later than Friday. The judge denied Hayes’ request for a new trial, rejecting several defense arguments, including one based on the claim of a newly found witness who contradicted trial evidence by saying he heard more than two weapons fired that night. Michael Burnside lives near the crime scene. He said he’s familiar with guns. He testified that he heard “baps” from a smaller weapon, then “booms” from a larger one. “There were four baps before there were eight booms,” he said. Hayes, who killed Smith with repeated shots from his .45-caliber handgun, has insisted that he fired in self-defense, but evidence at trial showed Smith’s loaded .9-mm
New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith appears before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J. Cardell Hayes, the man who killed Smith in an argument following a traffic crash avoided a mandatory life sentence when a jury convicted him of manslaughter instead of second-degree murder. But Hayes may still be locked away for a very long time if prosecutors get their way at a sentencing hearing.
Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office shows Cardell Hayes. Hayes, who killed former New Orleans Saints star Will Smith in an argument following a traffic crash, avoided a mandatory life sentence when a jury convicted him of manslaughter instead of second-degree murder. But Hayes may still be locked away for a very long time if prosecutors get their way at a sentencing hearing Wednesday, April 19, 2017.
semi-automatic handgun was found unused inside Smith’s car. Wearing a wild mane of hair and a bushy beard, Burnside spoke clearly and confidently but appeared near tears at times and twice let slip a profanity. He acknowledged that he didn’t witness the killing, and called himself a “coward” for failing to come forward immediately. Assistant District Attorney Jason Napoli noted that Burnside - who said he doesn’t own a clock or a calendar - couldn’t be certain of the time and date of the shooting he heard. In fact, there was another shooting in the same area about 45 minutes before Smith was killed, Napoli said. Napoli also noted the lack of evidence of any other guns being fired - no shell casings from a second gun, and no witnesses, other than Hayes, who indicated a second gun was involved.
“That man is certifiably insane. It is very apparent,” he later told the judge. “Just because people are different from you, doesn’t make them liars,” countered defense attorney John Fuller. Hayes appeared to have caught something of a break at his December trial when a jury decided against second-degree murder, which would have meant mandatory life in prison. But New Orleans District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro soon made it clear he believes Hayes deserves a 60-year sentence. The defense has noted the absence of any serious criminal record and has said Hayes, a tow truck business owner and the father of a 6-year-old son, feared for his life when he encountered a drunken, belligerent Smith in the traffic dispute.
Pack as associate head coach. “I’m excited to be a part of the Wolf Pack family and serve in any capacity that is needed to help the team continue to build on the success and the momentum from last season.” Jones also reunites with assistant coach Ronald Dupree and graduate assistant Hays Myers on the coaching staff. Dupree was the director of student-athlete development for the Tigers during the 2015-16 seasons while Myers was a student manager in the same season. Jones played his college ball at LSU. He was a part of the 1981 Final Four team and joined head coach Dale Brown’s staff after his playing time, helping lead the Tigers to another Final Four in 1986. Jones and his wife Kelli have two children, John and Jillian.
Award from page 3 undergraduate and graduate students; long-time collaborators from the USDA Forest Service, the USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program at Colorado State University, Louisiana State University, Rutgers University, the University of Wyoming, the University of Maryland, College Park and international partners and the many funding agencies that have supported her research throughout her tenure at Southern University. Undergraduate and graduate student oral and poster presentation competitions were also held during the symposium. Land-Grant Campus students Brittany Benjamin, Patrice Lazard and Asia Rubin placed in the oral competition. Benjamin, an Urban Forestry graduate student from New Orleans, La., won third in the graduate student category of Renewable Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment; Lazard, an Agricultural Economics undergraduate student from Lawtell, La. won first place in the undergraduate student category of Family, Youth, Community and Economic Development; and Asia Rubin, an Animal Science undergraduate student from Lafayette, La., won third place in the undergraduate student category of Animal Health and Production and Animal Products. The Morrison-Evans Outstanding Scientist Award is named in honor of Dr. Richard D. Morrison, President Emeritus, of Alabama A&M University and Congressman Frank E. Evans of Colorado. Dr. Morrison and Mr. Evans provided leadership in seeking research and extension funds for the 1890 Institutions under the Second Morrill Act of 1890.
Crying Eagle from page 5
‘Excited’ Adrian Peterson Confirms Contract With Saints Running back Adrian Peterson confirmed to ESPN’s Josina Anderson on Tuesday morning that he’s agreed to a deal with the New Orleans Saints. On paper, the contract is for two years, but is effectively a oneyear deal with a one-year option with a max value of $8.25 million. Peterson will receive $3.5 million for 2017, all of which is guaranteed at signing; his base salary will be $1 million, plus a $2.5 million signing bonus. His 2018 compensation will also be $3.5 million plus incentives, but none of that money is guaranteed. Peterson also gave a statement to Anderson with his thoughts on signing with the Saints: “I am excited to be joining the New Orleans Saints. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. Most importantly, I chose this team because it just felt right within my spirit. Ad-
ditionally, my wife and family added their confirmation with the same feelings. “On offense, it goes without saying that the Saints are really solid behind Drew Brees. I feel like my skill set can make them even more dominant as a unit. They have a great offensive line, which is something that stood out to me as well. I could tell from talking to head coach Sean Payton over the last two weeks that he did his due diligence in evaluating how I could contribute. I also did a lot of homework on the defense as well. While I know that injuries have played a role in performance, I also see areas of potential with a lot of younger guys having the ability to step up. Lastly, it goes without saying that the Saints have an amazing fan base and I look forward to making them proud and creating everlasting memories.” It’s been six weeks since the
Adrian Peterson has signed with the New Orleans Saints.
Vikings, who drafted him seventh overall in 2007, released Peterson. Yahoo’s Charles Robinson
wrote on Monday that it’s been a humbling time for Peterson as he visited only the Seattle Seahawks,
New England Patriots and New Orleans; only New Orleans offered the 32-year old a contract. A seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro and the 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player, Peterson isn’t too far removed from the league-leading 1,485 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns he posted in 2015, but last year was marked by knee injury. That’s the most recent image most teams have of Peterson: averaging less than two yards a carry in three games in 2016. He’ll get at least one year to show that he’s healthy and able to contribute with New Orleans, which went 7-9 last season and was middle-of-the-pack in terms of team rushing, though Mark Ingram, healthy at last, posted the first 1,000 yard season of his career.
locations in Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Ruston, Monroe, Houma and Thibodaux. Crying Eagle Brewing Company has set the standard for craft brewing in Southwest Louisiana, and its Lake Charles taproom offers limited-release beers, local events and tours. For more info or to find a location near you, contact Krickett Schmidt Crying Eagle Brewing Company krickett@ cryingeagle.com 337-990-4871.
Aunt Loise from page 5 Donald Lee, founder-pastor of Kingdom Living Christian Center in Dallas, is a freelance columnist, copy editor, speechwriter and ghostwriter. He also co-authored the Xulon Presspublished Christian book “Married to Commitment,” which centers on relationships. Lee may be contacted at leedonaldj@gmail.com or (225) 773-2248.