Baton Rouge Weekly Press - Week of 03 16 2017

Trump, GOP Budget Calls for Elimination of Dozens of Federal Programs See Business On Page 5

BATON

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2017

State Releases Plan To Shed Louisiana’s #1 Imprisonment Ranking

ROUGE,

LOUISIANA

Under GOP, A Lot Of People Will Lose Healthcare Coverage The danger to economic data in the age of Trump

See STATE, on page 2

Trump: We will repeal and replace Obamacare

A draft of the House Republicans’ bill to repeal Obamacare would replace its subsidies with less generous tax credits, increase the amount insurers could charge older Americans and effectively eliminate Medicaid for low-income adults.

These provisions could leave a significant share of the 20 million people who gained coverage under Obamacare without insurance. The proposal would go fully into effect in 2020.

The draft bill, which was dated two weeks ago and was obtained by CNN Friday, closely follows House Republicans’ previous proposals to repeal Obamacare, though it actually offers somewhat larger tax credits and stronger protections for those with pre-existing conditions. The bill, which was first reported by Politico, has been updated since, but remains in the “same ballpark,” a GOP source told CNN. Lawmakers plan to release a final version of the bill the week of March 6.

This framework, however, would likely not be enough to

Restore La. Task Force Meet at Lamar-Dixon in Gonzales Homeowner and Small Business Assistance Updates on Agenda BATON ROUGE, LA — The Restore Louisiana Task Force met at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. The meeting was open to the public.

Task force members were updated on the latest developments regarding the Restore Louisiana homeowner assistance and small business programs for residents affected by the 2016 floods across the state.

Gov. John Bel Edwards’ Office of Community Development has invited qualified organizations to apply as lenders for the Restore Louisiana Small Business Program.

Through the program, qualified small businesses impacted by the flood will be eligible for partially forgivable loans.

Prospective lenders have until April 11 to apply. The application process for small business owners is expected to open in May. In addition, the Office of Community Development has begun distributing an overview of the Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program, which is expected to

Recommendations would protect public safety, save $305 million over next decade BATON ROUGE, LA – The Louisiana Justice Reinvestment Task Force today handed Governor Edwards and legislative leaders a comprehensive plan for safely reducing the state’s highest-in-the-nation imprisonment rate. Based on a yearlong examination of sentencing and corrections trends and research, the bipartisan Task Force came to consensus on strategic reforms designed to get more public safety for each taxpayer dollar spent. If adopted into law, the recommendations would reduce the state’s prison population by 13 percent over the next decade; reduce the number of people supervised in the community by 16 percent, and save taxpayers $305 million.

“Louisiana is not only the incarceration capital of the country, we are the incarceration capital of the world,” said Governor John Bel Edwards. “For too long this has been a stain on our reputation and a drain on our communities.

It’s not a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. We now have a roadmap that will allow us to keep our streets safe while shrinking our bloated prisons. It is now time for us to act.”

The Task Force found that taxpayers were not getting a good public safety return on the twothirds of a billion dollars that the state spends each year on the correction system. Among the key findings: One in three people return to prison within three years of release.

Louisiana sends people to prison for drug, property, and other nonviolent offenses at twice the rate of South Carolina and three times the rate of Florida, even with nearly identical crime rates.

Among those sentenced directly to prison rather than probation, the top 10 crimes were all nonviolent, the most common by far being drug possession.

Over half of the people sent to prison in 2015 had failed on probation or parole by violating supervision conditions or engaging in new criminal activity.

“Louisiana is tough on crime, and we’re going to keep it that way,” said Senate President John Alario. “But part of being tough

VOL. 41 • NO. 23 • FREE

PEOPLE’S PUBLICATION

Gov. John Bel Edwards open in April. The overview gives residents an advanced look at the criteria for eligibility, the method of distributing assistance in phases and how the application process will begin with a survey.

The survey is important for several reasons. When homeowners make the application for rebuilding assistance, they become subject to federal rules that could require extra steps and more time to complete. The survey allows the state to gather information outside of the formal application process and minimizes the number of homeowners affected by those rules, which keeps participants moving as quickly as possible in the rebuilding assistance process.

Moreover, as Gov. Edwards and other leaders continue appealing for more federal flood .

‘Recognizing The Real From The Fake’

By Eddie Bynog Southern Digest News House Speaker Paul Ryan is leading efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

allow everyone to keep their plans.

On top of that, it’s questionable whether some of the provisions outlined in the draft bill could be accomplished through budget reconciliation -- the Republicans’ chosen method for repealing Obamacare because it only requires a simple majority in the Senate. Legislation passed

under reconciliation must be tied to federal spending and revenues.

Insurance reforms, such as eliminating federal mandates on what benefits insurers must cover and allowing insurers to charge older Americans more, do not appear to be allowed, experts said.

Also, it remains unclear how See GOP, on page 3

BATON ROUGE, La. — The Southern University Office of Student Media will host an event entitled “Recognizing the Real from the Fake”. The goal of this forum is to educate students on how to spot, report and ultimately curtail the spread of fake news.

As an organization that produces content for both print and online platforms, we have found that the current climate and dissemination of such news harms not only a substantial amount of

our readers but journalism and media at large.

As such, the SU Office of Student Media believes that it is our duty to inform our readers so that what we can do our part to combat the spread of fake news, click bait and spam articles that have become so prevalent within online social circles.

The purpose of this letter is to ask if you could volunteer your expertise and time by contributing to our event as a volunteer speaker. Please respond if you would be interested in volunteerSee THE REAL on page 3

Knock Knock Children’s Museum Launches Program for Low-Income Families BATON ROUGE, LA -Knock Knock Children’s Museum has launched their Knock Knock for All Access Fund program with a generous donation from the Dodge Family Fund.

The initiative includes free field trip to all Head Start pre-schoolers in the nine parish Capital area and reduced admission prices for low-income families. The goal of the program is to knock down financial barriers and provide high-quality museum

SWAC LEGEND JOBE PASSES AWAY AT AGE 84

opportunities to all children.

Guest speakers at the event included Mayor-president Sharon Weston Broome, Councilwoman Tara Wicker, and members of the Dodge family, among others.

The event was launched Thursday, March 16 at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library - Carver Branch in Baton Rouge.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum

STATE & LOCAL

BUSINESS

SPORTS

GOSPEL NEWS

Send your news to Lela Kelly about gospel events happening in Baton Rouge. brweeklypress@yahoo.com

INDEX

MED MARIJUANA PROGRAM Ben Jobe, the revered coach who led Southern to four SWAC Men’s Basketball Championships including three consecutive from 1987-89 and another in 1993, died Friday at the age of 84.....See Page 6

The Southern University consisting of the SU Ag Center and the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences – held an informational Medical Marijuana Town Hall meeting....Page 3

BRCC TO HOLD GRAND OPENING

Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ.N) Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) was holding a grand opening ceremony for the McKay Automotive Training center (ATC...

See Page 5

LSU GYMNASTICS BREAKS RECORD

With an average of 10,050 fans per meet in 2017, the LSU gymnastics program set a new attendance record for a fifth-straight season and checked in at No. 3 in the national attendance rankings....See Page 6

State News...............................2 Religion....................................4 Business....................................5 Classifieds.................................5 Sports.......................................6

CLASSIFIED

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

THEWEEKLYPRESS.COM Celebrating 41 Years Of Service To The Baton Rouge Community 225.775.2002

Page 2 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, March 16, 2017

STATE & LOCAL READER INFORMATION

‘Festival Of Negro Spirituals”, Preserving The Negro Spirituals”

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

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

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HERTIAGE, Mr. Clarence Jones, Founder and Director

By Mada McDonald On Friday, at New St. John Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana HERITAGE presented the Tom Joyner Foundation “BEST HBCU CHOIR”, The A Cappella Choir of Wiley College. Mr. Stephen L. Hayes, Artistic Director and Tamyka Jordan, Accompanist, traveled from Marshall, Texas and presented and outstanding, soulstirring concert and musical production. The concert commenced at 6:00 p.m.

Rev. W. Marshall! Myles, Pastor of New St. John Baptist congregation and the Baton Rouge Community enjoyed a wide array of musical selections. Musical Arrangements from Jeffery L. Ames was the opening song entitled “Gloria Fanfare to the Glorious Everlasting by M. Thomas Cousins in Part One. Some of the Part One music In Celebration of the “Hymn”,

Wiley College A Cappella Choir

Arrangements by Mack Wilberg, Moses G. Hogan and Nathan Carter.

Part Two featured students of the Wiley College A Cappella Choir, James Morgan Ill, Tenor; April Smith, Soprano; Nicholas Ward, Tenor. Musical Arrangements by Hall Johnson, Avery Robinson, William L. Dawson, Wendel P. Whal um, Sr., Stepehn L. Hayes and Stacy V. Gibbs.

Part Three - the highlight of the evening featured “I Wish I Knew Hot It feels To Be Free” by songstress Nina Simone, “The Lord Will Make A Way”, by Gary D. Hines/James Harris, Ill and Terry Lewis. “Climb Ev”ry Mountain” from ‘’The Sound of Music, Written

by Richard Rodgers/Oscar Hammerstein, II. Several members the The A Cappella Choir sang renditions of the music as listed.

A series of Medelies “Believe In Yourself” from ‘’The Wiz, “Power of Love/Love Power”, by Luther Vandross/Marcus Miller/Teddy Van. Members of The A Cappella Choir of Wiley College sang all of the selections The musical beat of the production that captivated the audience ended with the Medley “September” by Maurice White/Al McKay/ Allee Willis of Earth, Wind and Fire. All individuals in attendance were up on their feet, lots of hand clapping, singing and definitely an enjoyment of the selection and truly a fantastic way to end the concert.

The A Cappella Choir of Wiley College were greeted with many standing ovations, accentuated with

If this happens to you call Attorney McManus

CALL THE MCMANUS LAW OFFICE AND GET ALL YOU DESERVE

Charles C. McManus A T T O R N E Y

A T

Chit Chat

J U S T A ceived a $1500 donaTHOUGHT: Some tion and will use it in things are not what the fall as a freshman they should be but we at the great Southern must live with them.

University in Baton Neil Rouge.

Southern UniverWe Bid Farewell sity is celebrating its to Coach Johnny Jones 123-year month. We and wish him all the honor our past leaders, best!

Marge the Clarks and others, SO SORRY for Lawrence who kept the univerthe Southern University alive for students sity Lady Jaguars and who could not go anywhere else the Southern University Men’s but were accepted and gradu- Jaguars team in the SWAC ated from this great institution Championship game. We looked of higher learning. Thanks, SU! forward to the trophy and the Love you always.

NCAA bid. Yet, ... there is alThanks to Entergy Louisi- ways next year. ana LLC employees from LaCONGRATS TO NIKKI badieville for their community FARGAS and the Louisiana services contribution to senior State Lady Tigers who did earn citizens. The employees check the NCAA bid with Raigaine on the seniors and make sure they Moncriffe the SEC Defense are not lacking with blankets, Player of the Year. detergent and other household SYMPATHETIC CONDOitems. (Sounds like a winner!) LENCES to the family of the late The National Fish and Wild- Elisha “Tack” Jackson who was life Foundation announced the laid to rest on last week. award of five projects totaling Ben Jobe is gone! Can you more than $245 million dollars. believe it? We loved to see him Two of the amazing projects in- in action and during playtime clude the engineering and design his Southern men scoring high. of two major sediments diver- May he rest in peace. sions along the Lower MissisHAPPY BIRTHDAY to sippi River. It may not mean Christopher Selders, Sylvia anything to us today, but when Dixon Rogers, Cass (belatedly), the floods come, it will. Congrats Jalen Dixon, Kenneth Milton, to the winners.

Leon Dupar, Trina Moss, Bo CONGRATS to Ms. Tamica Dixon, Derek Gray and in loving Stroud who was presented Saint- memory of Mattie Foster Daniels sation Spirit Award for her dance on her birthday, March 17. techniques and her passion to Have a very blessed weekdance. She also has a passion end. Stay warm! for community involvement and Love, academic achievement. She reMarge

CASA Volunteers Needed

INJURED IN A CAR WRECK?

ILLUSTRATION SHOWING AN ACCIDENT

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L A W

8520 Scotland Ave, Suite C • Baton Rouge, La. 70807

charlesmcmanus@mcmanuslawoffice.brcoxmail.com www.charlesmcmanus.com • Phone225-774-5771

positive compliments and “warm fuzzies” to all of the choir members.

HERTIAGE, Mr. Clarence Jones, Founder and Director, ‘FESTIVAL OF NEGRO SPIRITUALS”, PRESERVING THE NEGRO SPRITIALS”, was held.

The Church of Baton Rouge located at 2037 Quail Drive in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Rev. Fitzpatrick Pitts, Pastor hosted this concert at 3:00 p.m.

Prelude by Terral Jackson, Trumpet and Jerrell Gray, Pianist. Processional - HERITAGE, “Walk Together Children. Invocation led by Dr. Raleigh Washington, Lt. Colonel United States Army.

HERITAGE sang Come Her Jesus If You Please”. Welcome given Stafford Trimble, Heritage President and the Presenter/Moderator was Gus Coleman of Cumulus Media/ KQXL-106.5.

Musical Presentations: Park Forest Middle School Choir, Baton Rouge, LA, Shelton Smith, Director; McKinley High School Gospel Choir, Baton Rouge, LA, Elizabeth Cobbins, Director. Landry-Walker High School Concert Choir, New Orleans, LA, Joseph Knox, Director; Jubilee Performing Arts Center, McComb, MS, Elliot Johnson, Director. New Dimensions Choral Society, Shreveport, LA, Bobby Wiggins, Artistic Director, Patricia B. Hall, Assistant Director, Natorshau Davis, Conductor; The A Cappella Choir of Willey College, Marshall, Texas, Stephen L Hayes, Assistant Professor of Music/Director; Southern University Concert Choir, Baton Rouge, LA, Dr. Charles Lloyd, Jr., Director. Heritage, Baton Rouge, LA, Clarence Jones, Founder/Director.

A Reception followed the concert in the gymnasium at The Church of Baton Rouge.

BATON ROUGE, LA - Our next volunteer training course begins April 18, 2017. We need to have a full volunteer class in order to continue serving every abused child who needs a voice.

As CASA volunteers must attend orientation and go through a screening process prior to training, the ideal time to promote this training would be sometime this month.

Below is a brief blurb that can be used to promote the upcoming training course. A photo is also attached. Any help in getting the word out would be greatly appreciated. Even a shout-out on social media would be helpful!

Please let me know if you need additional information.

Every child deserves a safe

home. Court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteers speak up for abused children to help them reach safe, permanent homes. Capital Area CASA Association needs volunteers to continue serving every child in East Baton Rouge Parish who needs a voice. CASA is accepting people into its next volunteer training course, which begins April 18, 2017. No special background is required. The first step to getting involved is to attend a 45-minute orientation session at the CASA office, 848 Louisiana Ave. Sessions will be held March 21 at 1 p.m. and March 30 at 3 pm.

For future orientation dates and more information, call (225) 379-8598, visit casabr.org or email volunteer@casabr.org.

State from page 1 is realizing that we can’t just throw money at problems. We have an obligation to taxpayers to spend their money in a way that makes them safe.”

The expert panel also examined state budget decisions, and reported that spending on prisons dwarfed investments in effective prison alternatives, programs that reduce recidivism and services that support crime victims.

“A lot of our low-level drug and property crime is driven by addiction,” said House Speaker Taylor Barras. “We can save millions and also have less crime by focusing prison beds on those who pose a more serious public safety threat and making smart investments in probation and drug treatment for nonviolent crimes.”

The Task Force recommendations are designed to: Ensure consistency in sentencing and release practices.

Focus prison beds on those who pose a serious threat to public safety.

Strengthen community supervision.

Clear away barriers to successful reentry into the community and the workforce.

And reinvest a substantial portion of the savings into evidencebacked alternatives to prison, programs that reduce recidivism, and services to support victims of crime.

“There’s no question that this package of reforms will help us save money and reduce reoffending,” said Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary James M. Le Blanc. “Reinvesting some of those savings into programs that reduce recidivism and support crime victims will be crucial to getting the best results for communities across the state.”

The Task Force conducted an extensive review of corrections data trends and research on what works to reduce recidivism. Members held public meetings, town halls, and roundtable discussions with crime survivors. They formed three subcommittees that examined sentencing and corrections practices from other states focusing on sentencing, release practices, community corrections, and financial policies.

“It was a great honor to serve on this Task Force,” said Chief Justice Bernette Johnson. “This report is the product of months of study and deliberation and our final recommendations set Louisiana on a path toward more safety and greater justice.”

Throughout the process, the Task Force received information and guidance from a broad range of stakeholders across the state, including judges, court administrators, corrections practitioners, law enforcement officials, behavioral health experts, service providers, formerly and currently incarcerated individuals and their families, justice reform advocates, business leaders, and faith leaders.

Thursday, Marh 16, 2017 • The Weekly Press • Page 3

SU Agricultural Land-Grant Campus Hosts Town Hall On Medical Marijuana Program Baton Rouge, La. - The Southern University Land-Grant Campus - consisting of the SU Ag Center and the College of Agricultural, Family and Consumer Sciences – held an informational Medical Marijuana Town Hall meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23 at the SU Ag Center.

Attorney Winston Decuire, Jr. provided the community and potential vendors with an overview of the law, which authorizes licensed physicians to recommend medicinal treatment for ten debilitating medical conditions. These conditions include Cancer, HIV, AIDS, Cachexia/Wasting syndrome, Seizure disorders, Epilepsy, Spasticity, Crohn’s Disease, Muscular Dystrophy and Multiple Sclerosis.

The law also stipulates that the plant must be developed into pharmaceutical grade medicines such as oils, pills, powders, gelatin-based chewables and other non-inhalable forms.

During the meeting Rani Whitfield, M.D., spoke about a five-year-old girl from Colorado named Charlotte, who suffered from Epilepticus and Autism along with several other health complications. There was no mediation that could control Charlotte’s seizures and she relied on a feeding tube for nourishment. After 20 months of receiving low doses of marijuana plant extract, Charlotte was able to feed herself by mouth and her autistic behaviors improved.

Dr. Janana Snowden, direc-

GOP from page 1 the Republicans would pay for the plan. The GOP legislation eliminates all Obamacare taxes quickly, but keeps the law’s subsidies and Medicaid expansion spending until 2020. It only contains one provision that would raise revenue -- capping the tax exclusion on employersponsored plans.

Here’s what the proposal would do: Replaces income-based subsidies with age-based tax credits: Instead of getting a subsidy based on your income and the premiums in your area, you’d receive a refundable tax credit based on your age.

The GOP plan calls for increasing this ratio to up to five times as much, leaving older participants to foot an even larger share of the premium after their tax credit.

Obamacare’s subsidies, on the other hand, allow eligible enrollees to buy a plan for less than 10% of their income.

However, there is a group of Americans who would benefit from the Republican plan -- those who earn too much to receive assistance under Obamacare. Those who make above 400% of the poverty level -- $47,520 for an individual or $97,200 for a family of four -don’t receive any assistance under Obamacare.

Also, freeing insurers from the federal requirement to provide certain benefits, such as maternity and prescription drugs, would let them offer less expensive plans. Republicans argue that giving consumers more choice of benefits packages would make coverage more affordable.

Eliminates Medicaid expansion funds and caps federal spending: The draft legislation doesn’t repeal Medicaid expansion for lowincome adults, but it eliminates the enhanced federal reimbursement for new enrollees starting in 2020.

Under Obamacare, states got more federal matching funds to cover newly eligible, low-income adults. The federal government paid 100% of the costs of these new participants for the first three years and is slowly reducing the reimbursement to 90% by 2020. It covers between 50% and 74% of the cost of the traditional Medicaid population, depending on the state.

Instead of reimbursing states a share of what they spend, it would send a fixed payment per participant. The amount would be based on the state’s average spending in fiscal year 2016, with an adjustment for inflation.

Allows insurers to charge more to those who let coverage lapse, but protects those with pre-existing conditions: The Republicans would eliminate the individual mandate as of last year -- so those who didn’t have coverage wouldn’t have to pay the penalty. And there’d be no requirement to get insurance going forward.

State Senator Barrow Sets Community Meetings Baton Rouge, Louisiana - State Senator Regina Barrow, along with other elected officials, will hold a series of community meetings in the Senate District 15 area to discuss a variety of legislative issues.

Representatives from many state agencies, including the Departments of Health, Education, Environmental Quality, Children and Family Services, and Revenue, as well as the Governor’s office, GOHSEP, Office of Community Development, Congressional offices, LA Spirit, and the Attorney General’s office, have been invited to attend.

Senator Barrow urges citizens in the area to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about important state issues and have their voices heard.

COMMUNITY MEETINGS March 20, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.

Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church 1414 Sora St., Baton Rouge, LA March 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

Fairwood Branch Library 12910 Old Hammond Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA March 27, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.

Baker Municipal Center 3325 Groom Rd., Baker, LA March 28, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.

Zachary Americana YMCA 4200 Liberty Way, Zachary, LA. If you need additional information, please contact Senator Barrow’s office at 225.359.9400.

The Real from page 1 Rani Whitfield, M.D., speaks during the SU Agricultural Land-Grant Campus’ Town Hall on Medical Marijuana on Feb. 23 at the SU Ag Center. Photo by Chris Rogers, SU Ag Center

tor of the Southern Institute of Medicinal Plants, stated that the University is planning to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Solicitation for Offers (SFO) in mid-March, with a 30-45 day application period. The University also plans to select a single vendor to contract with by mid to late summer.

The University has also identified undeveloped land at the Southern University Agricultural

Research and Extension Center’s Experiment Station in Baker, La., as the location of the facility. This site is located off the campus and students will not be involved in the growing or processing of the cannabis component. The vendor will be required to make an investment of $5-7 million and must be able to conduct a seed to sale operation.

Chancellor-Dean Dr. Bobby R. Phills expressed his desire for the Land-Grant Campus

to help educate the community.

“This Medical Marijuana Program will give us the ability to reach out into the community and provide some help by making medicine for debilitating medical conditions. We will also conduct research on other medicinal plants through the Southern Institute of Medicinal Plants,” said Phills.

For additional information, contact Dr. Snowden or LaKeeshia Lusk at 225-771-2242.

ing your time for this important event. We anticipate this being a commitment of approximately 1-1.5 hours. We have set this event for March 21, 2017 at 6pm.

Please contact either of the following persons Eddie Bynog Southern Digest News Editor

Southern University and A&M College Office of Student Media and Heather Freeman, Director, Southern University Office of Student Media Morgan BecnelAdams, Arts and Entertainment Editor, Southern Digest for additional information.

Email your news articles and photos

brweeklypress@yahoo.com 225.775.2002

“Wall of Fame” Tours at the Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Center BATON ROUGE, LA - The Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Center “Wall of Fame” Project welcomed the Children’s Group from the Community Bible Baptist Church to the Center in observance of February 2017 African-American History Month.

There were approximately twenty children and two youth groups who gained a wealth of history regarding the South Baton Rouge Community. They were able to tour the “Wall of Fame” via a showcasing of over 300 photographs.

South Baton Rouge was a selfsustaining African-American Community consisting of educators, entrepreneurs, ministers, churches, athletics players and coaches, politicians, community

activists, and those serving in the military, law enforcement and medical professions.

The children and youth were embraced with history in many areas that have left an impact and legacy from the South Baton Rouge Community. On February 18, 2017 they toured the “Wall of Fame”. On February 19, 2017 at the Sunday morning worship service, they spoke to the congregation expressing what they learned and all were very positive in their commentary and experiences.

Mr. Harry Johnson, who is on the “Military” part of the “Wall of Fame”, spoke to the group. He played his saxophone and played the McKinley High School Alma Mater.

The Youth Leader is

Valerie Butler, Black History Ministry Leader. Reverend Lee T. Wesley is the minister at the Community Bible Baptist Church. Several parents and church members were part of the tour. Tour guides and “Wall of Fame” Committee members were present. They are as follows: Mrs. Helen Rutledge; Ms. Sandra Marshall; Ms. Bennifer Tennell and Ms. Mada McDonald.

If any groups or organizations are interested in visiting the historical site and landmark, contact Mrs. Helen Rutledge, Assistant Director of the Dr. Leo S. Butler Community Center, at (225) 389-4860 for further information.

Gerald Wilson

Charles Pattman

Kay Stewart

Page 4 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, March 16, 2017

RELIGION

Where In The World Does Time Go? 93rd Annual

By Dr. James L. Snyder

I remember my grandfather telling me that the older you get the faster time flies. Laughing at him at the time I thought it was another of his little stories he loved telling.

Just the other day I caught myself telling one of my grandchildren, “The older you get the faster time flies.” Then it occurred to me. I am my grandfather. I am not sure how I got here, but here I am.

I was complaining about this the other day to the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Normally, I try not to do any complaining in her presence. She has the ability of turning my complaint upside down and confusing me to the extent that I have no idea what I am complaining about.

In my complaint I said, “Where does time go?”

“Where,” my wife said rather sarcastically, “do you want time to go?”

I had to stop and think about that one.

In my confused state of mind my wife said, “Would you do me

a favor and go to the grocery store and pick up some items? I just don’t have enough time to do it myself.”

As I was headed out the door, I heard her say, “And hurry, I need that stuff for this evening.”

In Pennsylvania we have an old saying that says, “The hurrier I go the behinder I get.” Believe me, much of my life has been in the behinder category.

I looked at the list and there were about 12 items she wanted me to get at the grocery store.

Starting up the first aisle, I grabbed for the shopping list to see what my first item would be.

I checked my shirt pocket, no shopping list. I searched all of my pockets and much to my chagrin,

no shopping list.

I thought I could do everything from memory. After all, I do not use my memory that often so I should be in good standing.

I threw about six items in the shopping cart and then looked at my watch. I was running out of time. Time goes so quickly when you are trying to remember something, especially your wife’s shopping list.

Knowing there were around 12 items on the shopping list I sank into panic mode. What were those other six items? For the life of me, I could not remember.

I tried to put in things I thought were on the list, but it was getting late. Time was running out.

When I brought all the items from the grocery store and put them on the kitchen table, my wife looked them over and informed me that I only got two items on her list. “Why didn’t you get the rest of the items?”

All I could say was, “I’m sorry, time got away from me.”

Believe me when I say, that will be the last time I use that excuse.

I could not help but think of a

Church Anniversary Program

BATON ROUGE, LA - The Greater St. Luke Baptist Church Family cordially invites you to worship with us on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 9:15 a.m. as we celebrate our 93rd Annual Church Anniversary Program. Greater St. Luke Baptist Church is located at 132 North 23rd Street is pastored by Rev. Lonnie Jefferson, Jr. and you can contact the church at 225-3871293 for additional information.

Our Messenger for the Program will be the dynamic Rev. Byron K. Sanders and the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Choir and Family.

Visit Us Online @

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See THE WORLD, 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 GREATER ST. PAUL BAPTIST CHURCH 3711 Hwy 1 South • Port Allen, LA 70767 Church: 225.302.5062 Home: 225.654.8947 • Cell: 225.572.7036

Bishop Ernest Mills & Evangelist Yvonne Mills

Sunday School.......................................8:00 am Worship..................................................9:00 am Communion......................................1st Sunday Saturday Prayer Service......................10:00 am Wed. Bible/Worship Service.................7:00 pm

THE KINGDOM OF GOD CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES 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, Marh 16, 2017 • The Weekly Press • Page 5

BUSINESS

BRCC To Hold Grand Opening For The McKay Automotive Training Center BATON ROUGE, La Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) was holding a grand opening ceremony for the McKay Automotive Training center (ATC) on Wednesday, March 15.

Individuals invited to speak at the ceremony included: • Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib - BRCC Chancellor • Dr. Monty Sullivan - President, Louisiana Community and Technical College System • Tim Hardy - Chairman, LCTCS Board of Supervisors • Stephen Smith, LCTCS Facilities Corp and LCTCS Board of Supervisors • Mayor Sharon WestonBroome • Matt McKay - All Star Automotive • John Spain - Executive,

Vice President, Baton Rouge Area Foundation • Gwen Hamilton - Redevelopment Authority.

The ATC is an 83,000 square feet state-of-the-art facility. It features two fully equipped diesel labs, three industry standard diagnostic and technical Labs, six high-tech classroom environments and a 100-seat auditorium.

A reception will follow the ceremony.

Baton Rouge Community College is located at 1969 North Lobdell Avenue Baton Rouge, La.

Mayor Broome Announces EmployBR Looking To Hire 100 Out-Of-School Youth BATON ROUGE, LA -Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced that the EmployBR Young Adult Services program is looking to hire 100 out-of-school youth for an eightweek work experience program starting next month.

To be eligible for the Making a Positive Step (MAPS) work experience program, applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 24 and currently not attending any school. The program is also open to school dropouts, offenders, youth who have aged out of the foster care system, homeless youth, youth with disabilities, and those who are pregnant or parenting.

“While many programs target youth who are in school, this program specifically targets those who are not in school so they

too can have a chance to develop their skills and get valuable work experience to become productive citizens in our community,” Mayor Broome said.

The program started March 13 and runs through May 12. The youth will be employed with the City-Parish, state government and various businesses throughout the parish. The City-Parish will pay 100 percent of their salary.

Interested persons should attend the following application site from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up an application and get more information about the program: · 1520 Thomas Delpit Drive Suite 145 in the McKinley Alumna Building.

For more information, call EmployBR at (225) 389-8901 or maddison@brgov.com.

Trump, GOP Budget Calls for Elimination of Dozens of Federal Programs Block Grant Program.

In addition to major cuts to a number of major federal government agencies, the White House budget released Thursday proposes the complete elimination of a number of smaller departments and programs.

More than 60 government agencies and programs would be entirely defunded, including money for public broadcasting, programs to combat climate change, help for low-income Americans, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Here’s a look at some of the most notable programs on the chopping block:

Community Development Block Grant program: One of HUD’s longest continuously run programs “is not well-targeted to the poorest populations,” according to the Trump administration.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration training grants: The Trump budget calls them “unproven” for the agency charged with making sure American workers are safe on the job.

National Endowment for the Arts: An independent federal agency that promotes participation in the arts.

Corporation for Public Broadcasting: The CPB supports

PBS, NPR, and public television and radio around the country.

performance outcomes,” according to the Trump budget.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program: The program aimed at helping elderly and lowincome Americans pay energy bills is “unable to demonstrate strong

Meals On Wheels: The program that delivers food to homebound seniors would be eliminated under the budget’s proposed cuts to the Community Development

Global Climate Change Initiative: The Trump administration would eliminate the program created by the Obama administration after the Paris climate agreement and fulfill the president’s “pledge to cease payments to the United See BUDGET, on page 6

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Page 6 • The

Weekly Press • Thursday, March 16, 2017

SPORTS

SWAC Legend Jobe Passes Away at Age 84 Courtesy: SWAC.org

Ben Jobe, the revered coach who led Southern to four SWAC Men’s Basketball Championships including three consecutive from 1987-89 and another in 1993, died Friday at the age of 84.

Jobe was a decorated coach throughout the Southwestern Athletic Conference, well known for guiding the Jaguars to their 1993 upset victory as a No. 13 seed over No. 4 seed and ACC champion Georgia Tech in the NCAA Tournament after trailing by as many as 15 points in the first half.

Jobe coached eight teams over a span of 31 seasons, winning at a 61 percent rate and accumulating 524 victories. But his longest tenure of 12 seasons was at Southern. In two stints with the Jaguars (1986-96; 2001-03) in which he coached such notable athletes as Avery Johnson and Bobby Phills, Jobe had a 209-141 record.

Jobe also coached at Tuskegee, Talladega, Alabama State, South Carolina State, Denver and Alabama A&M. Jobe briefly served as an assistant with the Denver Nuggets. Most recently, he served as a scout for the New York Knicks.

Many in the basketball world reached out on social media to express their condolences including

50+ Camps Johnson, who currently coaches the University of Alabama men’s basketball team, and Knicks general manager Steve Mills.

Johnson tweeted, “Lost a great man today! My college coach and mentor Ben Jobe passed away at home! I loved him so much! #RIP #SU1988.”

Mills released a statement from the Knicks PR twitter handle that read, “Statement from Knicks GM Steve Mills on the passing of NBA scout Ben Jobe: Ben Jobe will be sorely missed. His wisdom, perspective and honestly were just a few of the traits that made him a great member of the Knicks family.”

His impact on basketball is reflected in the presentation of the Ben Jobe Award, which annually goes to the top minority coach in Division I basketball.

“He was one of those coaches who was a trailblazer, broke down a lot of barriers,” legendary Southern baseball coach Roger Cador said.

“He came out of that system at historically black schools that taught you that you had to make the right first impression,” Cador said. “I know about it, because I came out of the same system. Ben lived it to the fullest. I’m sure he impacted a lot of young men’s lives, on and off the floor. Even in my 40s, I was impressed. I thought it was a thing of beauty.”

Jobe funeral arrangements finalized Family, friends, and former players will offer a final farewell to legendary Southern University men’s basketball coach Ben Jobe on Friday, March 17 in Montgomery, Ala.

LSU Gymnastics Breaks Attendance Record for Fifth Straight Season BATON ROUGE, LA -- - With an average of 10,050 fans per meet in 2017, the LSU gymnastics program set a new attendance record for a fifth-straight season and checked in at No. 3 in the national attendance rankings.

The program averaged more than 10,000 fans per meet for the first time in school history. The average is better than the 9,906, which set the record in 2016. LSU overtook Georgia for the third spot. Utah led the nation and Alabama ranked No. 2 with averages of 15,244 and 12,152 respectively.

More than 10,000 fans attended meets against Texas Woman’s, Missouri and Florida during the season.

The three meets of 10,000 or better matched the school record set in 2016.

Five of The Tigers’ six meets this season ranked in the top-10 of the best gymnastics attendance figures in Maravich Center history. On Sunday, March 5, the third-largest crowd in school history (12,609)

Budget from page 5 Nations’ (UN) climate change programs.”

Economic Development Administration: The administration charged with providing grants to struggling communities has had “limited measureable impacts,” according to the budget.

Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program: The Department of Education effort to promote effective educators has had “scant evidence of impact,” the administration says.

Water and Wastewater loan and grant program: The program aimed at providing clean drinking water to rural communities would become the responsibility of the private sector.

Section 4 Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing program: The administration calls the program “duplicative of efforts funded by philanthropy” and private sector investments.

Senior Community Service Employment Program: The program helps low-income seniors find work with the help of nonprofit organizations and public agencies.

The Trump budget says one-third of participants don’t complete the program and only half land unsubsidized employment.

2017

BREC

witnessed No. 2 LSU take down No. 3 Florida to clinch the Southeastern Conference regular season championship.

Thanks to the incredible fan support, LSU finished the season with a perfect 7-0 record for the fourth-straight unbeaten season and 18th in school history. The Tigers own a 28-0 record inside the PMAC since the 2014 season. The senior class of Sydney Ewing, Ashleigh

Gnat and Shae Zamardi recently finished their careers with a perfect record inside the PMAC. Season ticket holders are encouraged to renew for the 2018 season as soon as possible with the deadline set for Sunday, April 30. To renew, log in to your account through LSUtix.net.

LSU is now also accepting new season ticket requests for next season at LSUtix.net.

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