CAPITAL CITY
NEWS Baton Rouge’s Community Newspaper
®
CITY NEWS NEWS Thursday, Thursday, May May 16, 16, 2013 2013 17 17 CITY
Sorry but we DON’T cover New Orleans! — Capital City News
Thursday, June 27, 2013 • Vol. 22, No. 13 • 16 Pages • Serving Baton Rouge • www.capitalcitynews.us • 225-261-5055
New City for EBR Petition Could Begin for Southeast Baton Rouge
Arise, All Ye Paralyzed Single Moms
LSU coach Les Miles rappelled off One American Place to promote adoption.
Photo by Woody Jenkins
BATON ROUGE — Today Amanda Carroll is the epitome of a successful single mother of three. She is the host of a daily radio program heard nationwide on 450 radio Christian radio stations. Her show, which airs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays has made her a household name for 14 million listeners. But not long ago, things were very different for Amanda Carroll. Last Friday, she told supporters of The Life of a Single Mom Ministries that she and her husband had an ideal life with their three small children in the suburbs of Washington, DC. Then one day her husband was late coming in from an out-of-town trip. “When he finally got home, I knew something was wrong. He had a look of panic on his face and said, ‘I’m leaving you!’ I didn’t try to talk him out of it. I should have. I found out later the sordid
Organizers Hope To Fight Crime, Control Planning, Secure Schools
See MINISTRY on Page 4
RADIO HOST AMANDA CARROLL spoke at Life of a Single Mom luncheon.
SOUTHEAST — After one win and one loss in the recently complete session of the Louisiana Legislature, supporters of the Southeast Baton Rouge Community School District have a new mission — they are actively considering the process of incorporating a new city in the southeast part of the parish A community meeting at Woodlawn Baptist Church last Thursday drew more than 200 residents. Sen. Bodi White (R-Central), the author of the legislation to create the new school district, and Norman Browning, president of Local Schools for Local Children, spoke and answered questions. Browning explained the process of starting a new city and described the success of the City of Central. He said the creation of a new city could facilitate the creation school system, allow citizens to have a voice in planning and growth in the area, and fight crime. See PETITION on Page 16
Three Companies Compete for Baton Rouge Market
Georges Aims Advocate to New Orleans Advocate Publisher Says Paper to Offer Regional Coverage
East Baton Rouge Parish Circulation The Advocate 44,700
Owned by John Georges of New Orleans, BATON ROUGE — The new owner estimated net worth over $300 million. of the Baton Rouge Advocate, Circulation Source: Advocate rate card John Georges of New Orleans, told the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday that the Advocate will provide Capital City News 16,100 coverage from Lafayette to New Includes Central City News. Community Orleans to St. Tammany. When an employee asked it he newspapers. A Baton Rouge family business. planned to create a statewide paper, Georges said he told him, “Why Times-Picayune under 3,000 limit it to the state?” The new publisher, who has Owned by Advance Publications (S.I. Newmade a fortune in the food distrihouse family), estimated annual sales well bution business, spoke on his plans over $6 billion. 46th largest private company. for the Advocate, especially its expansion into New Orleans. For ADVOCATE PUBLISHER JOHN GEORGES discussed his plans for the Baton Rouge Advocate at the Baton Rouge Press more on Georges’ views, see New NEW Club Monday. Three companies currently compete with general interest newspapers in Baton Rouge — the Advocate, the Capital City Advocate Publisher on Page 6. News, and the Times-Picayune. The Capital City News is now the only locally-owned newspaper published in Baton Rouge.
2 CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013
COMMUNITY PRESS, LLC CAPITAL CITY NEWS Vol. 22 • No. 13
The Crusade
CENTRAL CITY NEWS
& The Leader Vol. 16 • No. 13, No. 347
910 North Foster Drive Post Office Box 1 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Greenwell Springs, LA 70739
Phone (225) 261-5055 • FAX 261-5022 • Entire contents © 2013
Email stories and photos to capitalcitynews@hotmail.com or centralcitynews@hotmail.com Published every other Thursday from January to August and every Thursday from September to December by Community Press, LLC The Leader was founded April 30, 1998, and the Central City News was founde April 21, 2005. They merged May 4, 2006. Capital City News is a continuation of the South Baton Rouge Journal, which went on hiatus in 2008 during its 20th year of publication. The Capital City News resumed publication of the Journal with Vol. 21, No. 1 on Aug. 16, 2012. Community Press also publishes the Central Community Directory and other publicatons.
Editor & Publisher Business Manager Graphic Artist Business Specialist
Woody Jenkins Candi Lee Terrie Palmer Jolice Provost
Member, National Newspaper Association & Louisiana Press Association Deadline for news and advertising: 5 p.m. Mondays $40 a year by subscription in advance • $50 a year outside East Baton Rouge
Country Living in the City
Can’t Baton Rouge Have Its Very Own Newspaper? With Population Of 450,000, EBR Shouldn’t Have to Share with NOLA Woody Jenkins
Editor
BATON ROUGE — On Monday, the new publisher of the Advocate, John Georges, spoke at length about his plans for the Advocate at the Baton Rouge Press Club and thereby invited public comment. Basically, he seems to be on a path to make the Advocate a regional newspaper with two editions, one for Baton Rouge and one for New Orleans. Frankly, the direction he is taking is very good for us. We are a locally-owned community newspaper serving the people of East Baton Rouge. Everything we do is about this community, not New Orleans or elsewhere. If the big daily in our community goes off on a tangent, it creates an opportunity for us. A lot of people read our newspaper. About 16,000 copies of each issue are circulated, and it is read by about 40,000 people — about 2.5 readers per copy. In addition, another 20,000 copies
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are delivered on-line. Virtually all of our readers are in East Baton Rouge Parish, especially South Baton Rouge and Central. Do we compete with the Advocate? Of course we do, because we compete for people’s attention and readership. Right now, we’re getting good reviews from our readers. People seem to truly enjoy our product. We’ve been increasing our reach by adding more and better locations for distribution — now more than 400 locations where you can pick us up. Compare this with the 44,000 copies of the Advocate distributed in East Baton Rouge Parish, and you see that we are beginning to make a difference and build a real audience. Moreover, our presence in the market helps define what news is and how the issues will be framed. So why should we object to the Advocate’s becoming a regional newspaper? Because it’s bad for our community! East Baton Rouge Parish has nearly 450,000 people. This is the State Capital, the wealthiest parish, the population center, the political center, and the media center of Louisiana. Doesn’t a market that size deserve a daily newspaper that intensely covers what is happening here? Of course it does. There is so much important news to be covered here, and our
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“Go forth, young King John Georges to recapture New Orleans and establish your dominion throughout all the land.” media only skims the surface. The daily newspaper in Baton Rouge should be covering all the local governments, investigating all the political shenanigans, and putting the spotlight on the churches, the schools, and the people. Instead, the Advocate is running off to New Orleans, Slidell, Lafayette, Houma, and all the rest in a 20-parish area. There is absolutely no way under the sun that they can do justice to the people in those areas. And they certainly cannot fulfill their obligations to the people of this parish. The entire Advocate could be filled with news about this parish, because there’s that much going on. They have the resources to do just that, but they are not. I believe John Georges is a good man and means well, but this is very different from a wholesale food distribution company. This is not about how far out you distribution your paper, or how many copies go to far-flung places. Rather, it’s about doing a great job in the communities you serve.
Every community of any size at all deserves its own newspaper. A State Capital city with all the things Baton Rouge has going for it certainly needs and deserves a newspaper devoted to IT. When you take on the ownership of a newspaper, you take on a lot of responsibilities. If you are the Woody Jenkins only daily newspaper in a community, you have to — first and foremost — cover that community. After that, cover what you possibly can about the state and nation. But don’t dilute your resources and the little space you have in every issue to cover communities in far distant places, such as New Orleans. Most people here aren’t really that interested in New Orleans, to be honest All of this brings me to the real news: We have a new motto for our newspaper: “We DON’T cover New Orleans!”
CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013 3
Confederate Bastion Challenged Union Control of River
150 Years Ago: Siege of Port Hudson
Confederate cannons at Port Hudson firing at Union ships on the Mississippi
Siege Lasted from May 22 to July 9,1863
PORT HUDSON — June 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the Siege of Port Hudson during the Civil War. The Union had control of the entire Mississippi River with the exception of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. It hoped to secure complete control by capturing those two citadels. At Port Hudson, 7,500 Confederate soldiers under Maj. Gen. Franklin Gardner set up their defenses over a large area that overlooked the river. Union Gen. Nathaniel Banks had more than 30,000 troops at his command — far more than enough, he believed, to secure an early victory or the surrender of the Confederate soldiers. Both sides endured privations, especially the Confederates whose supply lines were cut off. The de-
fense of Port Hudson was complex, using well-planned defensive earthworks and skillful reinforcement of threatened areas. The Union laid siege and launched several large attacks, all of them very unsuccessful. The battle marked one of the first large-scale uses of black soldiers by the North. They performed bravely but were decimated. In the final assault, the Union suffered 1,792 casualties to only 47 for the South. When Vicksburg fell on July 4, the Confederates’ position was unsustainable, especially without food or ammunition. Despite their courage and resolve, starvation and disease took its toll. Gardner negotiated lenient terms of surrender. A total of 5,935 Confederate soldiers were paroled, while 405 officers were taken prisoner, half ending up at Johnson Island prison in Ohio. Because of an error in the parole, most of the paroled soldiers returned to duty. Confederate soldier
Union sailors bombing Port Hudson
Books on Port Hudson include Where Bugles Called and Rifles Gleamed by Baton Rouge author William A. Spedale; The Guns of Port Hudson by David Edmonds, and Port Hudson, Confederate Bastion on the Mississippi by Lawrence Hewitt.
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4 CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013
Ministry to Single Moms Has Grown Continued from Page 1
BATON ROUGE — Today Amanda Carroll is the epitome of a successful single mother of three. She is the host of a daily radio program heard nationwide on 450 Christian radio stations. Her show, which airs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays has made her a household name for 14 million listeners. But not long ago, things were very different for Amanda Carroll. Last Friday, she told supporters of The Life of a Single Mom Ministries that she and her husband had an ideal life with their three small children in the suburbs of Washington, DC. Then one day her husband was late coming in from an out-of-town trip. “When he finally got home, I knew something was wrong. He had a look of panic on his face and said, ‘I’m leaving you!’ I didn’t try to talk him out of it. I should have. I found out later the sordid details.” Her world collapsed. She had little income and no help with her children. “I had no life except what I had built with him. I cast my lot with
The Life of a Single Mom A Ministry Started in Baton Rouge Now 1,200 Support Groups In 19 Countries www.thelifeofasinglemom.com
LIFE OF A SINGLE MOM MINISTRY held a fundraiser at Kress downtown. The featured speaker was Amanda Carroll (left); the emcee was Keith Cox (center); and the founder of the organization is Jennifer Maggio. For information, go to www.thelifeofasinglemom.com.
him,” she said. She faced overwhelming challenges on every front. But one of the worst things she faced was an almost complete paralysis. Like so many single moms, she had trouble knowing what to do next. One of her worst disappointments was her church. “I was afraid to go back to my church. We had been teaching Sunday School together. It was the perfect church that people want to go to. How could I walk in with three children, one in a stroller, and no husband?” “At my new church, I wondered where the single moms were. They weren’t in church at all.”
“So many of us are like the paralyzed man in Mark 2:1. Jesus was preaching to a multitude of people. The paralyzed man heard about Jesus and got four of his friends to carry him there to be healed.” “The crowd was so large that they could not come near Jesus. So they dug a hole in the roof and lowered the man on a mat to get him near Jesus.” “When Jesus saw him, we said, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ But the people were not satisfied with that. They wanted him healed. Then Jesus asked, ‘Which is eas-
ier, to say to the paralyzed man your sins are forgiven or Get up, take your mat and walk?’ And Jesus told them that he had authority to forgive sins on earth. Then he told the man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.’ The man got up, took his mat, and went home.” “We single moms are like that man. First, we must take away the shame. However you arrived at this place, your sins can be forgiven. That is the first step to be healed from the paralysis you are in. We must not think that our cir-
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CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013 5
from Baton Rouge to 19 Countries
LIFE OF A SINGLE MOM FUNDRAISER — More than 75 Baton Rouge area residents came to hear Amanda Carroll and support Life of a Single Mom Ministry Friday downtown.
cumstances control us.” “I say to you, ‘Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house!’” “The Life of a Single Mom Ministry reminds me that you are not a mistake. You do not have to be paralyzed.” “Nearly a year after my husband left me, my friend and I hatched a plan. I needed a full-time job and I was going to leave on Aug. 1, exactly one year after he left. But I didn’t know where we would go.” “We decided to have an epic yard sale. It lasted three days. I had to have the money. I called the moving people and asked them to bring me a POD. They asked where I was moving. I said I didn’t know. I would tell them
later. Meanwhile, we were filling the POD with our things. I was on the phone, calling everyone I knew in radio. I told them I needed a job. Then I got a call from a friend, who was the program director of a national radio network. He said, ‘I have a job for you!’” “He said, ‘We are prepared to offer you a job with K-LOVE radio.’ I said yes! I had to be in California before kindergarten started Aug. 7. The lady who booked the flight booked it for Aug. 1 — exactly the date I had picked! On the plane, my four-year-old, two-year-old, and 18-month-old annoyed everyone on the flight!” “Sometimes you are the paralyze mom who needs to be healed.
Sometimes you are one of the friends who carried the paralyzed mom. I’m doing this, because someone did it for me!” More than 75 Baton Rougeans gathered for the fundraising event at Kress downtown. The organization’s founder, Jennifer Maggio of Baton Rouge, told the audience her life story, which included being physically and sexually abused as a child, having been pregnant four times by age 19, and living in the projects. But she turned her life around, went back to school, and became a corporate executive with a Fortune 500 company. She won the Circle of Excellence Award 11 times with her company. She earned a
six-figure income. She said, “I thought I’d retire from that job!” But she met her husband, and they adopted their children. She decided to walk away from corporate America to work full-time without pay to start Life of a Single Mom Ministry. “Right now, two out of three single moms do not have a church. We must reach out to them.” Maggio advocates churches starting ministries aimed directly at single moms, in order to help them find God’s forgiveness and bring them into the body of Christ. She distinguishes between a singles ministry and a ministry to single moms, which are quite different, she said. At the fundraising event at the old Kress Building in downtown
KAREN AND BILL PROFITA (left) were among those who turned out to learn more about and support Baton Rouge-based Life of a Single Mom Ministries.
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6 CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013
Targets New Orleans for Future Growth
New Advocate Publisher Discusses Plans Advocate Publisher Says Paper to Offer Regional Coverage
EDITOR’S NOTE: John Georges of New Orleans, the new publisher of the Baton Rouge Advocate spoke at length to a packed session of the Baton Rouge Press Club. Much of his talk centered on his plans for the future of the Advocate. But he also said, “My father told me, ‘That which is spoken is never done, and that which is done is never spoken.’”
BATON ROUGE — In a speech to the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday, the new owner of the Baton Rouge Advocate told about his decision to purchase the Advocate and his plans for the future. Here are highlights of his talk: • Unlike so many daily newspapers, the Advocate has an attractive office and modern press facilities outside the downtown area. • Employees he’s spoken to are ready to expand to New Orleans. • The Advocate’s expansion to New Orleans before he arrived got the “foot in the door.” • He has 25 journalists in New Orleans plus Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany bureaus. • The Advocate’s printing facility can print 70,000 papers an hour. So he can expand throughout South Louisiana. “Our ability to serve South Louisiana is in place,” he said. • He has named Community Boards for Baton Rouge and New Orleans. These are not editorial boards but an attempt to get in-put from the community. • Entrepreneurs are buying newspapers. One reason is they are more affordable. Warren Buffet and the Koch brothers are among those making acquisitions. Entrepreneurs are well prepared to own newspa-
ADVOCATE PUBLISHER JOHN GEORGES, Advocate senior editor Carl Redman, and Brenda Hodge of the Louisiana Senate at the Baton Rouge Press Club Monday.
pers because they are competitive. • When asked how much he paid for the Advocate, he said it was something he could afford. • With growth, there will be pain. In New Orleans, circulation is the priority. • He said he’s the “business guy,” while Dan Shea and Peter Kovacs (former editors of the Times-Picayune) are in charge of the Advocate’s news content. • When asked if the Advocate will be a hometown paper or a regional paper, he said, “We will be two newspapers, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.” • The Advocate wants to be the primary content provider for LSU, the small towns, and the region. He will do the same things for New Orleans. • Before last Christmas, New Orleans was not getting New Orleans obituaries in the Advocate but now
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they are. • Before this Christmas, there will be another paper. • Right now the Advocate is touching 30,000 homes in the New Orleans area. He said he’s adding prep sports and social news. But he raised the question, “How much does Baton Rouge want to read New Orleans social news?” • In answer to a question on how the Advocate will provide “better journalism,” he said the Advocate has had six journalists competing with 40 (presumably at the Picayune) but now that has been increased. • He’s not responsible for everything that appears in the paper. “The smart entrepreneur gets out of the way,” he said. • Sears Roebuck was dominant, and now Wal-Mart is dominant. • In New Orleans, there isn’t even a press club. • When asked about the TimesPicayune’s four-day-a-week tabloid, the TP Street, which was launched Monday, he said, “Let them enjoy the day. It might be an insert in the Advocate some day.” • None of his personal views will be expressed in the Advocate. “I don’t intend on putting my imprint on the paper. Right now, the team is in place.” • When he was a candidate for office, he saw examples of bad journalism. “I hope the Advocate is not like that.” • When you become the publisher, it’s like being the governor. Your views moderate. You have to balance your views. You want both sides to be heard. “When the Manships felt strongly, they got involved,” he said. • When asked about future plans, he said his father told him, “That which is spoken is never done, and
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that which is done is never spoken.” • When the Picayune went to three days a week, he was not part of the outcry against it, because he was already in negotiations to buy the Advocate. • When he got the family business, it was grossing $29 million a year in a few parishes around New Orleans. Today it is doing more than $1 billion over several states. • When asked what is the “crown jewel” and where do you want to go? he said, “New Orleans is an opportunity. We already have the crown jewel. Post-Katrina, the Picayune lost half its readership and half its readers.” He said this gives the Advocate the opportunity to grow, defying the national trend. • When asked if he has regional plans, he said, “It’s like you’re advising George Bush to invade Iraq. But it’s slow growth, a years’ long battle. • He’s been invited to serve on the board at LSU’s Manship School of Journalism. He hopes his daughters will get their masters’ degrees there. • He doesn’t plan to make political endorsements, but he said he didn’t rule it out. “I like the independence of the Advocate. I don’t want any bias.” • He supports Freedom of Information. He said, “We’ll do our role. We’ll take it very seriously. • When asked how he could be independent and be the official journal of the state, he said there wasn’t a lot of money in that. There was more money in being the official journal for local government, he said. • There’s a lot to write about in New Orleans. He said the Advocate bureau in New Orleans can produce more content today. The Advocate can also serve more communities, including Houma and Thibodaux. • When asked what he looks for in acquisitions, he said, “Meat and potato businesses. We’re a distributor. We distribute 10,000 products a day. Newspapers have to be delivered. We look for well run companies, and sometimes companies that are not well run, if they fit what we need.” • When asked if he has a dream of a New Orleans Advocate Picayune, he said, “It does make sense.” “Our Baton Rouge facility can handle it all. Mobile, AL, would be difficult if not impossible. I get the Advocate at 4 a.m. I used to get the Picayune at 5 a.m. People in New Orleans love LSU, and people in Baton Rouge love the Saints.” • When an employee asked if he was going to take the Advocate statewide, he said he responded by saying, “Why limit ourselves to Louisiana? Who knows what’s in my future.”
CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013 7
Former Owner of Radio Station WLCS
Radio Pioneer Lamar Simmons Dies at 92
LAMAR SIMMONS — (Left to right) Lamar Simmons with brother Shelton during World War II; Lamar with partner Gene Nelson at WLCS radio; and Lamar in later years.
Simmons Fought At Iwo Jima, Guam, And Bougainville During World War II
BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge radio pioneer Lamar Simmons died last Thursday at age 92. Simmons, who graduated from Istrouma High School in 1938, attended the LSU School of Journalism but dropped out just before graduating to volunteer to serve in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. He was in the
Lamar Simmons received his degree from LSU from President Bush in 2004.
South Pacific and saw combat in some of the most difficult battles — Iwo Jima, Guam, and Bougainville. He lost most of his hearing during combat. His three younger brothers — Shelton, Gene, and Jimmy — joined the other three branches of the armed forces. All were graduates of Istrouma. Gene is a longtime resident of Central. After the war, Lamar Simmons recruited nine partners and together they purchased radio station WLCS, the first rock and roll station in Baton Rouge. It was often the No. 1 station in the market and in 1964 had a 55 percent share of the market. He and his partner Gene Nelson evenSIMMONS (left) with his brothers Shelton, Gene, and Jimmy. All graduated tually bought out the other partners. LAMAR from Istrouma High and served in the U. S. military. Shelton predeceased Lamar. He also owned WQXY-FM in Baton Rouge, along with stations in Beaumont and Jackson, MS. After selling the stations, he enjoyed raising cattle on a farm in East Feliciana Parish. In 2004, LSU discovered that Lamar had earned enough credits to receive his degree. It was presented by President George Bush. Lamar Simmons was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Wessie Olivia Harvey Simmons, his son Steven Perry Simmons, and his brother Shelton. He is survived by his wife Annie Walker Simmons; son David Lamar Simmons, Sr.; daughter Carol Anne White; daughter Janis Marie Swetman; spouses; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; his brothers Gene and Jimmy, and their families. Funeral arrangements and • Cholesterol Testing Home Health Products burial were at Resthaven Gardens. • A1C Testing • Walkers • PT/INR • Wheelchairs • Blood Pressure Checks • Bathroom Supplies • Blood Sugar Checks • Diabetic Supplies
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8 CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013
Teachers Group Says It Advocates for Kids, Instead of Themselves
EDITOR’S NOTE: Based in Baton Rouge, the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A+PEL) is a group of 8,000 nonunion teachers and administrators, whose roots go back to 1976. They say they take a professional approach and advocates on behalf of students instead of themselves. They are one of the most influence groups on education policy in the state.
Kelli Bottger
Director, Governmental Relations, A+PEL
BATON ROUGE — A+PEL members
A+PEL educators being welcomed at the Louisiana State Senate
A+PEL’s governmental affairs director Kelli Bottger and president-elect Mitzi Murray
HOUSE SPEAKER Chuck Kleckley recognized A+PEL teachers at House Chamber.
played a key role in the recently-completed 2013 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature. As A+PEL’s director of governmental affairs, I want to thank the many Louisiana educators who responded to our calls, communicated with their legislators, and enabled us to claim victory on bills that would have hurt our education system. The legislative setting was complicated by Louisiana court decisions that struck down parts of the education reform package that passed during the 2012 legislative session. Later in the session, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued a ruling that seemed to neutralize some of those earlier decisions. As a result of the first round of court decisions, supporters of education reform attempted to reenact some of the reforms, while those who opposed reform tried to repeal them. The uncertainties of the pending court cases make it difficult to know what is and is not the law, even as we go to press. Certainly, the 2013 legislative session was full of twists and turns. Most bills on both sides of education reform were killed in the Senate or House Education Committees. All bills aimed at dismantling the education reform package were killed in various stages of the session. Even HB 160 by Rep. Gene Reynolds, which would have delayed the implementation of Compass for one year, met its demise in the Senate Education Committee. HB 160 passed through the House Education Committee and the House Floor without opposition. But once the bill reached the Senate Education Committee, it was involuntarily deferred on a 4-3 vote. The author of the bill tried to amend the language of HB 160 onto HB 129 by Rep. Vincent Pierre. But all attempts to bring HB 129 to the floor failed. Other legislation of interest included SCR 68 by Sen. A.G. Crowe. The hearing on this resolution drew large crowds of proponents and opponents giving testimony on whether or not Louisiana should continue embracing the Common Core State Standards and administering the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and
A+PEL’s DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE gave to meet A+PEL members, officers, and staff
Sen. Conrad Appel, A+PEL’s Kelli Bottger, R
SEN. CONRAD APPEL with Jeanie Ach
pring Session of Louisiana Legislature
CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013 9
Louisiana senators and representatives the chance and hear the views of professional educators.
Rep. John Schroder, and Rep. Frank Hoffmann
hord and A+PEL president Lee Ann Wall.
Careers (PARCC). Another bill that went down in flames was HB 466 by Rep. Kenneth Havard, which would have stopped ACT scores from being used when calculating high school letter grades. This bill would also have given the Senate and House Education Committees the ability to make changes to the school letter grade system, adding another layer of bureaucracy. No one on the Senate Education Committee made a motion to report the bill favorably or unfavorably. So it remained on the calendar and died. In addition, the Senate Education Committee rejected SCR 23 by Sen. Conrad Appel to approve the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) formula recommended by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). The formula was heard twice in the Senate Education Committee. At the first hearing, the committee sent the MFP back to BESE for technical changes. BESE then sent over the corrected formula, but it too was rejected by the Senate Education Committee. No changes were made to the retirement system that would affect teachers. SB 7 by Sen. Barrow Peacock would have extended the final compensation average to five years, rather than three years. However, the bill never made it out of the committee. HB 57 by Rep. Kevin Pearson would have increased the employee contribution from the current 8 percent rate to a 10 percent rate over four years. This bill also died during the legislative process. Some education bills did make it through the legislative process and to the Governor’s desk. Those bills include SB 205 and HB 116. SB 205 by Sen. Eric LaFleur created the Immersion School Choice Act. This bill would help to establish foreign language immersion programs in public school districts. HB 116 by Rep. Frank Hoffmann would shift the responsibility for selecting textbooks from the state to the local level. SB 199 by Sen. Bodi White passed to create the new Southeast Baton Rouge Community School System. However, SB 73, a constitutional amendment authorizing the new district, failed. While the statute will be on the books, it cannot be implemented unless a constitutional amendment is approved. On the final day of the 2013 Legislative Session, HB 1 was approved with a pay increase for teachers. Teachers throughout the state of Louisiana will receive a pay increase averaging about $500 a year. Please remember that your involvement with A+PEL during legislative sessions is key to making improvements in our education system.
Rep. Steve Carter with A+PEL’s Charlie Davis and Keith Courville
Jennifer Andrews, Jeanie Achord, and Ana Rogers in House Chamber
A+PEL Teachers’
Legislative Day June 4, 2013
SEN. BODI WHITE with A+PEL’s Polly Broussard and Charles Davis.
10 CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013
What’s Happening Around Capital City
BATON ROUGE — Events coming up in and around the capital city: Thursday, June 27 Heritage Lecture Series • 6 p.m. Rod Dreher, American writer and editor, LSU graduate, and resident of St. Francisville, will join Foundation for Historical Louisiana members and guests as the featured speaker in its Heritage Lecture series at the Old Governor’s Mansion. The lecture is free for FHL members and $10 for guests. For information call 387-2464 or visit www.fhl.org. Thursday, June 27 Pachyderms of GBR • 6:30 p.m. Former Congressman Jeff Landry will address the Pachyderms of GBR meeting at the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 3084 College Dr. In 2010, Landry was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on a platform of cutting spending, creating jobs, and limiting government’s growth. He is the founder and president of Restore our Republic PAC. Cost of the buffet is $13. Reservations are requested. RSVP 644-5728 or em-mail info@ pachydermsofgbr.org. Friday, June 28 Summer Beat • 5 to 8 p.m. Councilman John Delgado invites you to Summer Beat — live music every Friday. The bandstand is located at 4264 Capital Heights. Band will be The Business. Friday, June 28 Paul Raiford in Concert 6 to 8:30 p.m. Comite Baptist Church, 12250 Greenwell Springs Rd., will present the music of Paul Raiford at Free Coffeehouse. The Coffeehouse is in the church foyer. Relax and enjoy free refreshments and beautiful music. Saturday, June 29 Color In Motion 5K A Color In Motion 5K will be held
number of players between the ages of 12 and 14. This camp is for experienced players who want to improve their skills for the next level and prepare for the upcoming season. Players will be videoed and their progress will be reviewed prior to each day’s workout and they will receive daily feedback on their performance and progress. For information contact Coach Ron Lewis at rlewis@centralcss.org or 261-2780. July 8 through 12 Masterpiece Kids Summer Arts Camp • 9 a.m. to 12 noon First Baptist Church Baton Rouge, 529 Convention Street, will host a Masterpiece Summer Arts Camp. The cost is $10 per child, which includes all art supplies and a t-shirt. For information, call 343-0397, email info@ fbcbr.com, or visit www.fbcbr.com.
CAYL UNDEFEATED SEASON — The Stingers 2013 Coaches Pitch team were 10-0 in their league play. They also won 1st place in the pre-season tournament. Shown are (1st row, left to right) Reagan Carroll, Madison Stephens, Annalise Leep, Hailee Lemoine, Shaun Leiva, Samantha Evans, and Rebecca Betz and (2nd row) coach Johnny Carroll, Allison Turner, Blair Entremont, coach Chuck Entremont, Grace Toler, Kiersten Zylks, and coach Mike Toler.
starting at 9 a.m. at the Central Intermediate School at the Central School Complex, 12636 Sullivan Road. Proceeds will help build a community bike/walk path. For details, visit ColorInMotion5K.com. Wednesday, July 3 “Guys & Doll” • 3 p.m. The LSU Museum of Art, located in the Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St., has partnered with the Manship Theater, on the first floor of the Shaw Center, to present “Guys & Dolls.” Tickets are $6 each. Thursday, July 4 Independence Day Celebration and Fundraiser • 7 to 10 p.m. The LSU Museum of Art will host its annual Independence Day Celebration and fundraising event at Tsu-
UPTOWN COUNTRY THINGS is now open at 14455 Greenwell Springs, Suite D in Central. Uptown Country is an antiques, resale, clothing, and gift shop. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed on Sunday. Owners are Peggy Duncan and Amy Williams. 225-277-2588.
nami, located on the roof of the Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St. Guests will enjoy a selection of Tsunami’s fine grill and sushi offerings, as well as wine and other drink specialties, while listening to the music of Blues4Sale and watching the annual fireworks extravaganza along the Mississippi riverfront. Tickets are $125 for LSU Museum of Art members, $150 for non-members, and $50 for guests age 5-21. Children five years of age and under will receive free admission. For information or to purchase tickets, call 389-7210. July 5 and 6 Garage Sale • 7 a.m. to 12 noon St. Alphonsus youth is having a garage sale. Great deals on appliances, tools, baby items, and much more. Must see to believe! In the Family Center behind the church. Proceeds to benefit the St. Alphonsus Youth Ministry. Sunday, July 7 Freedom Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, 19421 Greenwell Springs, will host their 4th annual Free Sunday. This is an event scheduled around Independence Day to celebrate both the civil and religious Freedoms we enjoy as Americans. This year’s program will feature the president of the Family Research Council, Tony Perkins, and the nationally acclaimed Voices of Mobile. Veterans and military personnel will be recognized and honored. Everyone is welcome. For information, call 261-2246 or visit www.gsbcla.com. July 7 and August 4 Free First Sunday • 5 p.m. Free admission to the LSU Museum of Art, located in the Shaw Center for the Arts at 100 Lafayette St., beginning at 5 p.m. July 8 through 11 Central Basketball Elite Camp The camp is offered to a limited
July 8 through 12 Vacation Bible School 6 to 8:30 p.m. Galilee Baptist Church, 11050 Greenwell Springs-Port Hudson Road, will host “Colossal Coaster World” Vacation Bible School for kids ages 4 years through 6th grade. To register visit www.galileebc.com or find a link on Facebook. For information, call 654-5633 ext. 2. Wednesday, July 10 “Lady Sings the Blues” • 3 p.m. The LSU Museum of Art, located in the Shaw Center for the Arts, 100 Lafayette St., has partnered with the Manship Theater, to present “Lady Sings the Blues.” Tickets are $6 each. Saturday, July 13 Cajun Dance • 7 p.m. The Cajun French Music Association will hold a dance at the UCT Hall, 11175 Florida Blvd., 8 to 10:30 p.m. with free Cajun dance lessons at 7 p.m. The band will be Coobie Joe Cajun Band. Admission is $10, children 12 and under free, and students with I.D. is $5. Party cakes, foods and snacks welcome. No outside drinks. Moderate price bar with beer, wine, See THINGS on Page 11
REV TONY PERKINS has been named interim pastor at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church.
CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013 11
Cheerleaders Named Cheer Camp Champs
UCA CHEER CAMP AT SOUTHEASTERN — Central High’s Varsity Cheer squad attended UCA Cheer Camp at Southeastern Louisiana University June 3 through 6. The Wildcats were named Overall Camp Champs and won 1st place for their Home Pom Routine, Champ Cheer, and being Game Day Ready. They also received 3rd place in Xtreme Dance Routine. Jordan Guay, Alicen Lieux, Blaire Bauer, Mary Ellen Hodges, and mascot Christopher Harris made All-American while at camp. In addition, several seniors received applications to tryout for the UCA staff. Willie the Wildcat (right photo), aka Christopher Harris, entertained the crowd at camp.
Things to Do, Places to Go, People to See Continued from Page 10
soft drinks, and water available. You may bring your own hard liquor. July 19 and 20 Swamp Pop Music Festival The Swamp Pop Music Festi-
val will be held at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center’s Trademart building to help raise funds to fight cystic fibrosis. The music starts at 6 p.m. Friday, July 19 and 12 noon Saturday, July 20. Admission is $10 on Friday and $15 on Saturday. For information,
visit www.swamppopmusicfest.com. Thursday, July 18 Lecture, Book Signing • 6:30 p.m. J. Michael Desmond, author, professor and architect, will join Foundation for Historical Louisiana
members and guests as the featured speaker in its Heritage Lecture series at the Old Governor’s Mansion. The lecture is free for FHL members and $10 for guests. For information or to pre-register, call 387-2464 or visit www.fhl.org.
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12 CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013
Milestones Births • Engagements • Weddings • Deaths Anniversaries • Reunions
McKENZIE, SAGONA
Lauren McKenzie and Benjamin Sagona were married June 1 at Oak Lodge Reception Center.
Mrs. Benjamin Sagona
The groom was attended by his best man, Barton Sing. Groomsmen were Michael Miller and Nathan Pilet. Usher was Brad McKenzie. Ring bearer was Reed McKenzie. A reception took place at Oak Lodge following the outdoor ceremony. Following a wedding trip to Seaside, Florida, the couple will reside in Denham Springs.
Local Couple Celebrates 60th Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bozeman
PRIDE — It was a lovely spring day in Baton Rouge, LA on June 7, 1953, when young US Marine Sgt. Paul Donald Bozeman married his beautiful bride, Kathleen Lively. They had been friends since childhood. Sixty years later they celebrate the joys of today, the memories
Meagan Roy and Austin Watts exchanged wedding vows April 13 at Journey Church in Central.
Austin Watts, Meagan Roy were Wed April 13 at Journey Church
Lauren McKenzie, Benjamin Sagona Exchanged Vows
BATON ROUGE — Lauren Ashley McKenzie and Benjamin Paul Sagona, both of Baton Rouge, were married in a 7 p.m. ceremony on June 1, 2013, at Oak Lodge Reception Center. Rev. Glen Miers officiated the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mark and Shelia McKenzie of Baton Rouge. She is the granddaughter of Lois McKenzie of Prairieville, the late Derrell McKenzie, Sr., and the late Otis and Versie Sharp of Greenwell Springs. The groom is the son of Paul and Charmagne Sagona of Baton Rouge. He is the grandson of Rooney Sagona of Baton Rouge, the late Sam Sagona, Frederick Copponex of Baton Rouge, and the late Catherine Copponex. The bride was attended by her matron of honor, Morgan Bellington. Bridesmaids were Annessa McKenzie and Samantha Tiblier. Flower girl was Jaydin Pilet.
ROY, WATTS
of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow. They were blessed in receiving the gifts of five talented children and 10 wonderful grandchildren. They currently reside in Pride, LA. John 3:16 is their favorite scripture. Kathleen is the daughter of the late Lois and Pearl Lively. She was salutatorian of her high school graduation class and still enjoys reading and keeping up with current events. Watching football games on TV is one of her favorite pastimes, but spending time with her children and grandchildren bring her the most enjoyment. Donald, a retired Baton Rouge City policeman, is the son of the late Harry and Annie Lee Bozeman. Gardening and woodworking, especially making unique walking canes, are some of his favorite things to do when he is not joking with or helping family and friends.
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CENTRAL — Meagan Ashleigh Roy, and Austin Milton Watts, both of Greenwell Springs, were married in a 5:30 p.m. ceremony April 13, 2013, at Journey Church in Central. Pastor Jay Coleman officiated. The bride is the daughter of Michael Hebert and Clarissa Hebert, of Greenwell Springs. She is the granddaughter of Robert L. Case of Denham Springs and Phyllis King, of Walker. The bridegroom is the son of Greg and Angie Watts of Greenwell Springs. He is the grandson of Jimmy and Mary Kay Watts of Greenwell Springs and Sue Ann and Gene Conerly of Greenwell Springs. The bride was attended by her maid of honor, sister, Macy Roy. Bridesmaids were Sydney Watts, Emily Moreno, Carlee Wilson, Kelsey Adams, Hollyn Capace, Shelby Criss, and junior bridesmaid, Samantha Hebert. Flower girl was Avery Jobe. The bridegroom was attended by his best man, Brandon LeSage. Groomsmen were Taylor Watts, Jake Watts, Blake O’Neal, Trev-
Mr. and Mrs. Austin Watts
or Smith, Austin Bourke, David Pugh, and usher, Jeff Robinson. Ring bearer was Grayson Watts. A reception took place at Elegant Memories. Following a wedding trip to Disneyworld, the couple will reside in their home in Greenwell Springs.
Bank of Zachary Announces Promotions
Kim McDonald and Andrea White
ZACHARY — The Bank of Zachary has promoted two of its banking officers, president Preston L. Kennedy announced. Assistant vice president Kimberly McDonald, formerly the branch manager of the Central City office, is now in charge of electronic banking. Andrea White, who served as the assistant branch manager, is now manager of the Central City office. Mrs. McDonald began her as-
sociation with the Bank of Zachary while still in high school. After working in the insurance industry and for a local credit union, she rejoined the Bank of Zachary in 2008 as the Central City manager. She was promoted to assistant vice president in 2011. Mrs. White came to the Bank of Zachary as assistant branch manager of the Central City office in April 2011. She had previous experience with a regional bank. Founded in 1904, the Bank of Zachary is the oldest State chartered bank in East Baton Rouge Parish. It is locally owned and operated with all decisions made locally. Hometown banking is Bank of Zachary’s mission and its specialty. For information, call 654-2701 or visit www.bankofzachary.com.
Katherine Lejeune, Damon Beck To Wed in Cancun, Mexico in July
Katherine Lejeune and Damon Beck
CANCUN — Katherine Lejeune and Damon Beck to wed in July. The bride-elect is the daughter of Randall and Deanie Lejeune of Baton Rouge. She is the grand-
daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Rolance Lejeune and the late Mr. and Mrs. Elter Smith. Katherine is a graduate of Central High School and Louisiana State University. She is a sales engineer for a European equipment manufacturer and resides in Prairieville. Her fiancé is the son of Danny and Mary Beck of Baker. He is the grandson of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lester Beck and the late Mr. and Mrs. Francis Brossette. Damon is a graduate of Baker High School and is a senior deputy with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and a personal trainer at Spectrum Fitness. Damon resides in Central. The couple will exchange vows and honeymoon in Cancun, Mexico. After the ceremony, the couple will celebrate with family and friends, including their children, Alana and Like Broussard and Kaylee, Beaux, Daylin, and Rayna Beck.
. Births , Cameron Mikaela Rogers
Alexandra Graycin and Sa-
mantha Isabelle are excited to announce the birth of their baby sister Cameron Mikaela. Proud parents are Christopher and Dawn Rogers of Central. Cameron was born April 26, 2013, at Woman’s Hospital. She weighed six pounds, 12 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long. Proud grandparents are Johnny and Jenny Rogers of Sorrento and Darryl and Barbara Williams of Central. Great-grandparents are Gloria Dupre of Baton Rouge, Joe and Othell Williams of Kentwood, and Tommy and Jane Morgan of Bogalusa.
Gavin Jesse Morain
Kaleb and Heather Penico Morain of Panama City Beach, Fla. are proud to announce the birth of their first child, Gavin Jesse. Gavin was born Jan. 23, 2013, at Sacred Heart of the Emerald Coast Hospital in Miramar, Fla. He weighed seven pounds, five ounces, and was 20.25 inches long. Proud grandparents are Dr. Jesse and Roxanne Penico of Pensacola Bleach Fla. and Dennis and Nealy Morain of Baton Rouge. Great-grandparents are Floyd and Clair Smith of Pensacola Beach, Fla., Pearl Ross of Denham Springs, Jane Kinchen of Baton Rouge and the late Alvin Emmett Ross, Jesse Morain, and Gloria and Pete Penico.
CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013 13
. Deaths , Elisabeth “Cookie” Kane
Elisabeth “Cookie” Kane, 93, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2013, in Pass Christian, Miss. surrounded by her family. She was a Veteran having served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was of the Catholic Faith. Cookie, as all knew her, was a registered nurse working in hospitals. She lived in Central until moving to the Gulf Coast in 1970. Cookie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many and will be sadly missed by all that knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert W. Kane, Jr.; parents, Ralph L. and Elisabeth Heinen Belford; brothers, William, Francis, and R.L. Belford. She is survived by her children and their spouses, William “Bill” John Kane of Bay St. Louis, Miss., Elisabeth “Candy” D’Armond and Lance of Baton Rouge, Patricia Nicosia and Michael of Baton Rouge, and Tara Stewart and Dennis of Daphne, Ala.; brother, Andrew L. Belford of Galesburg,
. Class Reunions , Saturday, August 17 Istrouma Class of ’73 Reunion Istrouma High Class of ’73 will have a reunion at Kristenwood, 14025 Greenwell Springs. Contact Rhona C. Watson, 654-7716 or rcw51055@aol.com or Debbie or Danny Wellman, 261-8358 or dwell96@bellsouth.net.
Ill.; sister, Lucie B. Blumstein of Morehead, N.C.; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. The visitation was on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, from 10 am until 12 noon at St. Clare Catholic Church in Waveland, Miss. The Mass of Christian Burial was at noon. Interment was at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, Miss. Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis, Miss. was in charge of the arrangements.
Billie P. Leteff
Billie P. Leteff passed away at 2:30 a.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at her home in Central at the age of 75. She was a retired payroll clerk with the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. Visitation was held at Seale Funeral Home in Central on Monday, June 24, and resumed Tuesday, June 25 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Greenwell Springs until the Mass of Christian Burial conducted by Fr. Mike Moroney. She is survived by her husband, George A. Leteff; two daughters and sons-in-law, Robyn and Tom Tonkyro and Risa and Jay Lanier, both of Tampa, Fla. and one brother, Dr. Robert Culpepper of Houston, Texas. Preceded in death by her parents, Wiley T. and Evelyn Childress Culpepper; step-mother, Rena Mae Culpepper; and brother, Joel Culpepper. She was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Greenwell Springs.
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14 CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013
Color in Motion 5K Run Saturday an
lliv
Su
Devall Road
York Dr.
Famham Ave.
Dorset Ave.
Virgil Jackson Ave.
ad
Ro
d
CENTRAL — Thousands of Central residents and others from around the Baton Rouge area will gather Sat-
Color in Motion 5K
Joor Roa
When: 9 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2013 Where: Central Intermediate School at Central School Complex, 12636 Sullivan Road, Central Why: Build a community bike/ walk path More Info: www.ColorInMotin5K.com
Core Lane
Parklane Dr.
Color in Motion 5K
Gurney Road
Central School Complex Service Road - Enter from Devall Rd.
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urday for the Color in Motion 5K at the Central School Complex on Sullivan Road. Proceeds received by the Central Community School System will be used to build a new bike and walking path. Several roadways in Central will be closed on Saturday, June 29 as part of the Color in Motion 5K Race. The roadways affected are Sullivan, Joor, and Gurney roads in the area of the new Central Community School complex on Sullivan Road. The event is expected to draw several
Jackson Park
Red River Ave. Calcasieu Ave.
Tickfaw Dr.
Ouachita Ave.
Reed Ave.
For information, go to www.ColorInMotion.com
thousand people to the city and will start and end at the school complex. The race course also includes streets in the Jackson Place subdivision. Gurney Road between Joor and Sullivan will be closed westbound starting at 7 a.m. Gurney Road will be closed in both directions starting at 8:45 a.m. Starting at approximately 8:30 a.m., Sullivan Road between Gurney and Joor will be closed. Local traffic from Jackson Place subdivision will be allowed to pass under police direc-
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tion; however, the road will remain closed completely during the actual race. Sullivan will remain closed until approximately 12:30 p.m. Joor Road will be closed between Core Lane and Gurney Rd. starting at 8:45 a.m. until approximately 10:45 a.m. Detour signs will be posted at Hooper and Joor as well as Core and Joor. Gurney Road will be open to oneway traffic eastbound after the last runner has cleared the intersection of Joor and Gurney. It is expected that Gurney Road will be re-opened to two-way traffic at approximately 11:45 a.m. The northern-most school campus driveway (to Central Middle) will remain closed, except to volunteers and staff. The only vehicles allowed on the course will be police vehicles and Color in Motion staff vehicles. Parking for participants will be on the school grounds on the south side of the school, near Gurney Road. It is recommended that you enter from the Devall Road entrance if possible. Parking will also be available at the old Central Middle School at the corner of Hooper and Sullivan, as well as at Zoar Baptist Church at the corner of Hooper and Joor. Shuttle buses will travel to and from both locations to the new school complex. The event is being sponsored in part by the Central Community School System. Funds will be used to build a new Community Bike/ Walking Path near the school complex. You may register for the event at www.centralcss.org and use the Promo Code: CENTRAL. Kids ages 6 and under may register for free.
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CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013 15
Let’s celebrate America’s Birthday, but let’s remember the fight for Liberty is never over!
It was 13 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776 before the United States Constitution was ratified in 1789. The Bill of Rights, however, was not a part of the original Constitution. • The Bill of Rights…the first ten amendments to the Constitution…was demanded by the people of the new nation, the United States. Our rights of speech, assembly, religion…our right to keep and bear arms… our property rights…our rights that protect us from an obtrusive and aggressive federal government…and states rights…came from the demands of the citizens of our nation.
Senator Dan Claitor
• It just demonstrates that the fight for freedom and liberty must never end! • On July 4th, we celebrate our nation’s birth and we renew our fight for liberty!
Pa i d f o r b y S e n a t o r Da n C l a i t o r
RF13-06 Claitor_4thAd_11"x17".indd 1
6/24/13 1:49 PM
16 CITY NEWS Thursday, June 27, 2013
Browning Says Southeast Could By-Pass Politicians
Petition Process Leaves Voters in Charge
20,000 Signatures On Petition May Be Easier to Get Than 70 Votes in House Continued from Page 1
Browning said the best way to get to a new school system may be indirect. “All through the legislative session, the opponents said we’re not a city, not even a community. Some legislators told us they would support us if we incorporated.” “My question is, what is more difficult — getting 20,000 signatures on a petition to incorporate or getting 70 votes in the House for a constitutional amendment?” Browning left the strong impression that getting 70 votes would be more difficult. The legislature passed and Gov. Bobby Jindal signed SB199 to create the Southeast Baton Rouge Community School System, but it failed to pass SB73, the constitutional amendment to authorize the
SOUTHEAST INCORPORATION — Norman Browning told the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge that citizens are investigating incorporating a new city.
statute. Browning said it was more of a victory than has been reported. “We will not have to go back and fight that battle again. The statute is on the books to create the new school system. We just have to focus on passage of the constitutional amendment, if we decide to go that route again,” he said.
In an address to the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Tuesday at Café Américain, Browning made an impassioned plea for the school children of East Baton Rouge Parish. He said the parish school system has utterly failed the students and the parents. He said opponents of the South-
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The Coming Boom Natural Gas-to-Gasoline Technology Is Here Now
South Louisiana Could Be Key to Changing World Oil Dependence Woody Jenkins
Editor, Capital City News
BATON ROUGE — Revolutionary technology, which allows natural gas to be converted to synthetic gasoline that can be used in any ordinary automobile without a conversion kit, is poised to come to South Louisiana in a big way. If it does, the future of the state and, for that matter, the world could change for generations. This technology, combined with Louisiana’s massive reserves of natural gas, could completely end America’s dependence on oil imported from the Middle East, VenSHELL GAS-TO-LIQUIDS PLANT IN QATAR — Revolutionary technology, which converts natural gas to synthetic gasoline and ezuela, and other OPEC countries. can be used in automobiles without any special devices, is used in this Shell plant in Qatar and may be coming to South Louisiana. Although public officials are mum, there is little doubt that a site in St. James Parish is being considered for a massive GTL (gasto-liquids) plant that would make Louisiana central to how the world gets its energy. The technology is no theory. Shell Oil currently operates the
CATS in Disarray After Disclosure
October 18, 2012
Government-Run Bus Company Says It Can’t Keep Its Election Promises
June 11-24, 2013
See CONVERTING on Page 3
CAPITAL CITY
NEWS Baton Rouge’s
How Romney’s
CITY NEWS Thursday, May 16, 2013 17
Popular Vote in Cell Phones Record Louisiana Will Violence in Schools Affect Election
BATON ROUGE — In court testiCommunity Newspaper mony and in interviews with Baton Rouge area media, representatives of CATS (Capital Area Transit System) revealed this week that they cannot keep the promises they made to voters prior to an April 21 referendum that approved a maStudents, Teachers Secretly Recorded Cell Phone Videos jor property tax increase in Baton BATON That Capture Violence in EBR Schools. See ROUGE Page 2— State RepubRouge. The tax is being challenged lican chairman Roger Villere ® in court by local businessman Milencouraged Louisianians to take ton Graugnard. the time• 225-261-5055 and trouble to vote on Thursday, June 13,Hernandez 2013 • Vol. 22, No. 12 • 16 Pages • Serving Baton Rouge • www.capitalcitynews.us District Judge Todd Nov. 6, even though Louisiana is said Monday that he will rule withnot considered a swing state in in 10 days on whether Graugnard’s the Presidential election. suit can go forward. Villere said, “We all have a CATS, a government-owned bus right to vote but also a duty to company, had expenses of $12 milvote. So many Americans have lion a year, revenues of $10 million, fought and died so that we can and a $2 million deficit at the time have this right, and we have an they asked for an $18 million-a-year obligation to do our duty by betax increase. But their proposed $30 ing informed and voting.” million budget has collapsed, CATS Villere said Gov. Romney See CATS on Page 3 hopes to win a majority of the GRAPE STOMPING — Maggie Bowles and Christy Chachere of Baton popular vote, as well as a maRouge Convention & Visitors Bureau jority of the Electoral College. put on quite an exhibition of their grape“Louisiana’s popular vote will stomping skills during the annual AmeriPhoto by Woody Jenkins
Coach Miles Goes ‘Over the Edge’
can-Italian Festival at the Belle of Baton Rouge Atrium. See pages 12-13.
Serious Debate On Proposal To Incorporate Southeast BR Key Issues: Education, Crime
See WHY on Page 2
Only Voters Decide SE Backers Say Issue of Whether to La. Constitution Create Municipality May Not Need SOUTHEAST — The battle to create a new community school system in the southeast part of East Baton Rouge Parish is about to take on a entirely new dimension. Now supporters of the new district say they are considering launching a drive to incorporate Southeast Baton Rouge into a new municipality. Norman Browning, chairman of Local Schools for Local Children, said there are at least three reasons to form a new municipality: • Facilitate creation of the Southeast school district • Allow Southeast residents to control planning and zoning within the school district, and • Serve as a bulwark against crime in the City of Baton Rouge. Browning said no decision has been made but that the topic will begin to be discussed publicly at a
June 13, 2013
LSU coach Les Miles rappelled off One American Place to promote adoption.
LSU Coach Says It’s Time to Get Serious about Adoption of Kids BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Family Forum says more than 100,000 children are available for adoption in the United States, including many with special needs. Here in Louisiana, more than 500 children could be adopted, and the
To Be Amended
SOUTHEAST — Supporters of the proposed Southeast Baton Rouge Community School District said Wednesday the recently-completed legislative session was far more successful than most people realize. Norman Browning, chairman of Local Schools for Local Children, said the passage of SB 199 has placed the new school district in the Louisiana Revised Statutes. “That is done. We passed the legislation through four committee hearings and both houses of the legislature. We don’t have to do that again. Now we can focus on passage of the constitutional amendment, but that’s not our only option.” Browning said
June 24, 2013
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Family Forum has set a goal of helping at least 100 of those children to find a family to permanently call their own. LSU coach Les Miles went “over the edge” to get people thinking about adoption. See LES MILES on Page 4
See WILL on Page 16
See SE BR on Page 16
GOP Nabs ex-General Counsel of Democratic Party
Key Democrats Switch to Republican Party
Our Motto: We DON’T Cover New Orleans!
Central’s No. 2 Man, State Senator Say ‘Democrats Left Us’
Central teachers Lisa O’Quinn, Julie Stevens (assistant principal) Ruby Stevens, and Judi Breaux
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Photo by Woody Jenkins
BATON ROUGE — Over the past week, three key Democratic officials have announced they are switching to Republican. Two of them are black conservatives. State Sen. Elbert Guillory of Opelousas announced his change of party registration at a national conference of black conservative leaders held in Baton Rouge last week. Guillory became the first black Republican in the Louisiana BLACK, CONSERVATIVE, AND NOW REPUBLICAN — Republican parish official Dr. Trey Thomas (left) and state GOP chairman Roger Villere (center) welcomed two black conservative Democrats, Central Mayor Pro-Tem Ralph Washington (2nd) and Sen. Legislature since Reconstruction. See BLACK on Page 8
Elbert Guillory (4th), to the Republican Party, along with former Louisiana Democratic Party general counsel Randy Piedrahita (5th).
east school district criticized the proposed district time and again but never once offered any suggestions to improve public education in the parish. Browning said incorporation could be a way to bypass the need for 70 votes in the state House. Browning said the Louisiana Constitution authorizes municipalities to operate school system without the necessity of a constitutional amendment. It’s also a way to bypass the politicians and let the voters decide the direction of things, he said. On Monday, William Daniel, chief administrative aide to MayorPresident Kip Holden, said a new City of Southeast Baton Rouge could not count on getting the two percent sales taxes now levied by the Parish of East Baton Rouge. In the case of Central, that tax was transferred from the parish to the City of Central. This put Central in line with the cities of Baker and Zachary. Browning disputed Daniel’s statement and said there is no way the City-Parish could withhold sales taxes from the new city. When Central incorporated in April 2005, Sen. Bodi White, then a state representative, passed legislation creating a state agency called the Central Transition District, which oversaw the transfer of the two percent tax from the Parish to the City of Central. The Metro Council apparently never had the opportunity to vote on whether to transfer the tax. The voters of Central did have to vote on whether to impose a municipal sales tax of two percent. This was not a tax increase. Sen. White, who said he supports creating a new city in Southeast Baton Rouge if the voters want it, said the tax issues would be somewhat more complicated than in the case of Central. “We’re talking about considerably more money,” he said. “So there will be more controversy. I don’t think it would stop the incorporation but we need to sit down and work out the details, if possible. It’s easier to do that than to spend three years in court.” The new City of Central spent three years fighting a legal challenge to its legality before the state Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that the city was created lawfully. During the period of the challenge, the City-Parish continued to collect the parish sales tax and continued to provide parish services. However, it did this in accordance with an agreement between the City Parish and the City of Central. Central got to keep 10 percent of the revenue during the 2005-2008 period. Browning said his organization will conduct a poll of citizens to determine how they feel about incorporation. That poll will influence not only whether to go forward with a petition drive for incorporation but what areas to include in the proposed city. Polling would allow the incorporators to include only those areas that support incorporation. Browning said they are looking at all unincorporated areas of the southern part of the parish but that it is unlikely that all of those areas would be included.