central city news 02-23-12

CENTRAL CITY

NEWS General Excellence Louisiana Press Association National Newspaper Assn.

& The Leader

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GUIDE

Coming March 8, 2012

Central’s Trade Industry Guide See Pages 5-12&Inside • Great Central Businesses! ®

Thursday, February 23, 2012 • Vol. 15, No. 4 • 16 Pages • Circulation 11,000 • www.centralcitynews.us • Phone 225-261-5055

Public Records Win 1st Circuit Reverses District Judge Kay Bates

Walker Brings Campaign for Mayor-Prez to City of Central

Newspaper’s Fight For Public Records Gets Boost from Three-Judge Panel

Photo by Woody Jenkins

CENTRAL — Last Thursday, Mike Walker announced his candidacy for Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish in the Nov. 6 election and immediately came to Central to meet with local elected officials and business leaders.

Walker currently serves on the Metro Council and as Mayor Pro-Tem. A former ally of May- MIKE WALKER CAMPAIGNS — City-Parish Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Walker announced candidacy for Mayor-President last Thursday afternoon and made his first campaign or-President Kip Holden, he has his appearance in Central shortly thereafter. Walker addressed about 20 local business leaders

Woody Jenkins

Editor, Central City News

CENTRAL — The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal has given the Central City News a big victory in its fight for access to public records in the City of Central.

In a unanimous ruling, the threejudge panel reversed a 2010 decision by District Judge Kay Bates in favor of CH2MHILL and its efforts to keep the records secret.

The appellate court remanded the case to Judge Bates for a hearing on the connexity between the City of Central and CH2MHILL. For three years, CH2MHILL

Presidential Primary March 24 18-Year-Old Girl See MIKE on Page 9

at the office of Gil Matherne on Joor. Walker is opposing Mayor-President Kip Holden.

See COURT on Page 3

Photo by Woody Jenkins

CENTRAL — Louisiana’s Republican Presidential Primary will be held Saturday, March 24. It will be the only Presidential Primary in the nation for the two-week period between the Illinois primary on March 20 and Texas on April 3.

As a result, all four candidates for the Republican nomination will probably campaign in Louisiana.

Since Central has a high concentration of conservative Republican Rep. Newt Gingrich Rep. Ron Paul Gov. Mitt Romney Sen. Rick Santorum voters, the City of Central could be visited by one or more of the Re- for votes in the March 24 primary. publican voters will choose memSee LOUISIANA’S on Page 5 publican candidates in their quest On the same election ballot, Re-

Killed on GS Road

CENTRAL — Another teenager has been killed on Central’s narrow, two-lane roads. At 2 a.m. Monday, 18-year-old Angela Robinson was traveling on Greenwell Springs Road just north of Liberty Road when she lost control of her vehicle and hit a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene by the East Baton Rouge coroner.

She was not wearing a seatbelt.

Help Honor Central’s Top Businesses Nominations Due For Your Favorite Central Business In Nine Categories

Photo by Terrie Palmer

CENTRAL — You can help honor Central’s outstanding businesses and business leaders by making nominations for the 3rd Annual Central Business Awards. The competition is sponsored by the Central City News.

Anyone can make nominations.

The deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday,

DEMCO CEO JOHN VRANIC accepted the Central Business MVP Award last year from school board member Sharon Browning.

March 16. In order to be eligible, a business must be physically located in the City of Central or in the unincorporated areas of East Baton Rouge immediately adjacent to Central. Seven awards will be given to businesses, and two awards will be made to individuals. Last year’s nominees are eligible to be nominated again. The categories are: • Small Business of the Year.

A business with six or fewer emSee MAKE on Page 6

Greenwell Springs Baptist Church

Spring Fair March 2-3, 2012

2 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012

CENTRAL CITY NEWS

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and The Leader • Vol. 15, No. 4

13567 Hooper Road Central, LA 70818

No. 313

Post Office Box 1 Greenwell Springs, LA 70739

Phone (225) 261-5055 • FAX 261-5022

Editor & Publisher Business Manager Graphic Artist Business Specialists

Woody Jenkins Candi Lee Terrie Palmer Shara Pollard, Jolice Provost

Member, Louisiana Press Association, and National Newspaper Association

Deadline for news and advertising: 5 p.m. Mondays

$40 a year by subscription in advance • $50 a year outside East Baton Rouge

Photo by Woody Jenkins

Email stories and photos to centralcitynews@hotmail.com Published 2nd and 4th Thursdays, January through July Weekly from 2nd Thursday of August through 4th Thursday of December.

The Leader was founded April 30, 1998, and the Central City News was founded April 21, 2005. They merged May 4, 2006.

The Central City News also publishes the Central Community Directory & Yellow Pages and numerous special editions throughout the year.

Country Living in the City

After heavy rains on Saturday, the Comite River reached flood stage on Sunday but did little damage. This photo is from Hooper Road looking south.

Effect of Court Decision on Public Records Editor, Central City News

CENTRAL — The decision by Louisiana’s 1st Circuit Court of Appeal to reverse the ruling of District Judge Kay Bates in the case of Community Press, LLC, v. CH2MHILL was a clear victory for the Central City News in our fight to protect the citizen’s right to have access to Public Records in the City of Central.

The people of Central are in a unique position — one of first impression never before experienced in Louisiana. The City of Central has completely privatized all city services, and the day-to-day operations of government are run by a private company, rather than by government employees.

There are pros and cons to privatization, but one thing must not be lost through privatization — the citizen’s right to know what his government is doing, even if that “government” is being administered by a private company.

The past two years have been a very difficult time. At the Central City News, we have been threatened, boycotted, vilified, and told

Central City News’ 2012 Publication Schedule January 2012 - July 2012 - 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month Deadline: 5 p.m. Thursday seven days before publication August 2012 - December 2012 - Every Thursday from August 9, 2012 through December 20, 2012 Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday the week before publication Thursday, March 8 Thursday, March 22 Thursday, April 12 Thursday, April 26 Thursday, May 10 Thursday, May 24 Thursday, June 14

Hard Hat Edition Cookin’ in Central Health and Fitness Guide Festival of Two Rivers Graduation Edition Professional Services Outdoor Guide for Men

Thursday, June 28 Thursday, July 12 Thursday, Aug. 9 Thursday, Sept. 6 Thursday, Oct. 4 Tuesday, Nov. 20 Thursday, Nov. 29

Central Home Edition Health and Fitness Guide Back-to-School Edition Central Football Preview Health & Fitness Guide Christmas Gift Guide Central Christmas Parade

that any citizen can have access to the fundamental documents and records that tell what the government is doing.

Open Meetings means that any citizen can attend any meeting of a governmental body, watch the deliberations, and express his views to those making the decisions.

Public Notice means that fair and adequate written notice has to Woody Jenkins be provided to citizens before any public body meets and before any important decision is made. Without fair and adequate Public Notice, the Public Records Law and the Open Meetings Law are meaningless.

In Louisiana, we have strong protections for all of these safeguards, through the Louisiana Constitution, our Public Records Law, and our Open Meetings Law. The laws are good, but even good laws have to be enforced, and that doesn’t happen automatically.

Sometimes someone has a take a stand and make sure that the government abides by the law. Often, that is very expensive, time-consuming, and, yes, controversial.

But it is one of the prices of liberty.

HHH The decision by the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal is clear and straight forward: • The appellate court vacated the summary judgment in favor of CH2MHILL, which was issued by District Judge Kay Bates.

• The court said that CH2MHILL is a private, for-profit company and therefore is not a “public body” per se under the Public Records Law. • However, the court said the company may well be a “public body” in fact, based on the connexity between CH2MHILL and the City of Central.

• The court of appeal directed Judge Bates to hear evidence on the connexity between CH2MHILL and the City of Central and to render a decision in accordance with the views expressed in the appellate court’s decision.

So, what’s next? We hope and expect that Judge Bates will hold a hearing to receive evidence and take testimony in this case, which she has not heretofore done.

In that hearing and in any preliminary depositions, we believe we can establish a very strong connexity between the City of Central and CH2MHILL, which will show that CH2MHILL has functioned as the government of the city and performed sovereign acts.

Once this is shown, we believe the Public Records that we have requested will have to be produced and that the cost of enforcing this right will have to be paid by CH2MHILL. For all of the many citizens and businesses who have stood with us in this fight on behalf of the citizens of Central, we send you our most sincere thanks! ®

we would be run out of town.

Those who oppose the right to access to Public Records have funded a competitor to attempt to put the Central City News out of business.

Why? Simply because we have insisted that the people of Central have the right to know what their government is doing — even if it has been privatized!

A free society depends on a number of important pillars, such as freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to property, and the right to choose our officials through free and fair elections.

But there are many other safeguards necessary to insure that we live in a free society — not only in form but in fact.

One of those is the Public’s Right to Know what their government is doing. That right has three important parts — Public Records, Open Meetings, and Public Notice.

This is about transparency in government, which is essential to citizens controlling their government, rather than having it controlled by a small, powerful clique who run government in their own interest and for their own benefit.

Access to Public Records means

Central Community Directory & Yellow Pages

Woody Jenkins

www.centralcitynews.us

of Central Yellow Pages 2012 City ©

2012 Central Community Directory & Yellow Pages ®

Published by the Central City News

Trevor Sansone, Central High School Sets All-Time Louisiana High School Record in Indoor 55-Meter Dash Photo by Woody Jenkins • Central City News Entire Contents © 2012

Central Community Directory is available free throughout Central.

CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012 3

Lower Court Decision Vacated, Case Remanded

Court Favors Central City News District Court Told To Find Degree of Connexity Between CH2MHILL, City Continued from Page 1

had the master privatization contract to administer the City of Central, and Central became the only city in Louisiana to be completely privatized.

In early April 2010, CH2MHILL refused to provide the Central City News with Public Records in accordance with a Public Records request filed by the newspaper. After repeated requests for the documents, the newspaper filed suit to obtain the documents pursuant to Louisiana’s Public Records Law. The newspaper argued that privatization should not be an excuse to withhold Public Records from the public.

District Judge Kay Bates ruled in favor of CH2MHILL and denied the newspaper’s Public Records request on grounds that CH2MHILL is a private, for-profit company.

However, in its published opinion, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal’s three-judge panel said, “The fact that CH2MHILL is a private entity does not, ab initio, place the requested records outside the reach of a public records request.”

WITNESSES — In June 2010, District Judge Kay Bates set a trial date for Central City News’ suit for public records against CH2MHILL. Two of the key witnesses subpoenaed for that trial were Central Mayor Mac Watts (left) and CH2MHILL manager Tommy Higgs. Watts asked the court not to be required to testify, and Hicks fled the state after being subpoenaed. Bates cancelled the trial and rendered a summary judgement in favor of CH2MHILL without allowing testimony in the case. Now Louisiana’s 1st Circuit Court of Appeal has ruled that Bates erred in deciding the case by summary judgment and ordered her to take testimony in the case.

It cited the Louisiana Supreme Court decision in the case of Spain v. Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

Presiding Judge Vanessa Whipple of Houma wrote the opinion for the court, saying, “At the outset, we note that it is undisputed that CH2M Hill is a private, forprofit corporation operating pursuant to a contract with Central City. However,

its status as such does not end our inquiry, given the broad definition of a public body in the above cited statute.

Instead, the issue at the heart of the motions for summary judgment herein is whether, given its contractual relationship with Central City, wherein CH2M Hill provides Central City essential services and operates the City of Central, CH2M Hill has, by contract and practice, made itself a ‘public body’ within the meaning of Louisiana’s Public Records

Law, such that its records are subject to a public records request.”

“Central City News contends that CH2M Hill has positioned itself as the ‘contracted de facto’ government of the City of Central and, therefore, is ‘obviously’ serving as a governmental entity by providing a governmental function.

Central City News argues that transparency in government cannot be lost through privatization, as there is a constitutionally based responsibility owed to the people to protect citizens from dishonesty and to promote responsibility in government by allowing them to observe the deliberations and examine the records of their government. Finally, Central City News contends that when the functions of a government are transferred in a wholesale manner to a private entity, that private entity must be considered to be a stand-in for the municipality and a ‘public body’ for purposes of the Louisiana Public Records Law, at least with respect to any records in its possession that in any way relate to the City of Central.”

“On review, we recognize that CH2M Hill is a private, for profit corporation and is not a ‘branch,’ ‘department,’ ‘agency,’ ‘political subdivision’ or ‘governing authority,’ as set forth in LSA-R.S. 44:1(A) (1). Thus, we agree with CH2M Hill that it is not a ‘public body’ per se, as contemplated by these provisions of the statute. However, the fact that CH2MHill is a private entity does not, ab initio, place the requested records outside the reach of a public records request. In Spain v. Louisiana High School Athletic Association, 398 So. 2d 1386 (La. 1981), where a private, voluntary association (LHSAA), was nonetheless found to be a ‘public body’ under the definition contained in the Open Meetings Law, See COURT on Page 10

4 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012

Festival of Two Rivers Auction Festival of Two Rivers Auction St. Alphonsus Church Feb. 11, 2012 Photos by Jolice Provost

GOP Voters Elect Party Officials March 24

Photo by Woody Jenkins

CENTRAL — Registered Republicans in Central will go to the polls on Saturday, March 24 to vote on three different party issues — the Louisiana Republican Presidential Primary, the election of the members of the Republican State Central Committee, and the election of members of the Republican Parish Executive Committee.

Central has two races for the Republican State Central Committee.

In House District 65, Subdistrict B, Trade Construction president Brennan Easley will face Mayor’s assistant Billy Thompson. In Subdistrict C, Barry D. Ivey will face Jared Smith.

For the Republican Parish Executive Committee, in Metro Council District 1, Zachary Councilman John Coglan will face EBR school board member Randy Lamana. In Metro Council District 4, realtor Jr. Shelton will face Mayor’s assistant Billy Thompson.

Central City News editor Woody Jenkins is an At-Large candidate for the Parish Executive Committee. Five at-large members will be elected parishwide.

The Republican State Central Committee is the governing body of the Republican Party in Louisiana. It elects the state’s Republican chairman.

The Republican Parish Executive Committee is the governing body of the Republican Party in East Baton Rouge Parish. It consists of 17 members — five elected parishwide at-large and 12 elected from the 12 Metro Council districts. The PEC elects the Parish FORMER GOV. SARAH PALIN addressed the Conservative Political Action Republican chairman. conference in Washington last week.

The following candidates qualified to run for State Central Committee seats from Central:

Republican State Central Committee

64th House District Subdistrict B (vote for one) Valarie Hodges (unopposed) Subdistrict C (voted for one) Neal Cotton (unopposed) 65th House District Subdistrict A (vote for one) Sheri Kirley Scott Wilfong Subdistrict B (vote for one) Brennan Easley “Billy” Thompson

Subdistrict C (vote for one) Barry D. Ivey Jared Smith

Republican Parish Central Committee Metro Council District 1 (vote for one) John Coglan Randy Lamana Metro Council District 4 (vote for one) Jr. Shelton Billy Thompson At-Large Parishwide (vote for up to five) Elizabeth Dent Tommy French Louis (Woody) Jenkins “Dan” Kyle Willie “W.D.” Lewis Kenneth McMillan Darrell White

CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012 5

Photo by Woody Jenkins

Photo by Woody Jenkins

Louisiana’s Presidential Primary March 24

SEN. RICK SANTORUM last July in New Orleans when he was very much a longshot. Shown with Will Mills of Lafayette.

SEN. RAND PAUL (left) and Congressman Ron Paul at a party in their honor after being sworn in last January.

Central City News Cameras Have Captured Photos Of Candidates on Campaign Stump Continued from Page 1

Photo by Connor Lloyd of Central City News

bers of the Republican State Central Committee and Republican Parish Executive Committee.

Last night, the four remaining candidates for the Republican Presidential nomination — former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia, Congressman Ron Paul of Texas, former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, and former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts — committed in a live debate on CNN from Mesa, Arizona. The candidates are making a last-ditch plea for votes in the Republican primaries this Saturday in Arizona and Michigan.

All of the candidates have taken a conservative stand on most of the issues, although Congressman Paul is a libertarian who tends to agree with the others on economic policy but not foreign policy or defense.

The latest Rasmussen Poll has Santorum leading nationwide among Republican primary voters with 39 percent, Romney with 26, Gingrich with 14, and Paul with 11.

The Rasmussen Poll is considered the most reliable by many observers because it only surveys likely Republican voters.

In Arizona, the Rasmussen Poll has Romney ahead with 39 percent, Santorum at 31, Gingrich at 15, and Paul at 7. In Michigan, Rasmussen has Santorum at 38, Romney at 34, Paul at 10, and Gingrich at 9.

A Santorum victory in Michigan would be considered significant, because it is Romney’s home state and a state where he has been highly favored to win.

Super Tuesday will be March 6, featuring primaries in 11 states.

The staff of the Central City News has had the chance to meet and/or interview all four of the candidates. Some of the staff photos are on this page.

Photo by Signé Thomas of Central City News

FORMER SPEAKER NEWT GINGRICH addressed more than 800 delegates attending the Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans in July 2011. The Central City News had a four-member team covering the event. This photo was by Connor Lloyd.

FORMER GOV. MITT ROMNEY addressed the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington last week. This photo was taken by Signé Thomas, who was helping to cover the event for the Central City News.

6 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012

Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2012

Photos by Terrie Palmer

Make Nominations for Business Awards

SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARD — Blackie Bell of Blackie’s with Shara Pollard; NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD — Supt. Mike Faulk with Kenny Carr, manager of Sammy’s Grill; DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR — Jimmy Nunnally of Village at Magnolia Square with Jr. Shelton.

Nominate Businesses That Make an Outstanding Contribution Continued from Page 1

ployes that makes an outstanding contribution to the Central community, provides a model for what businesses should be like, or has had some great achievement during the year.

• Mid-Sized Business of the Year. A business with seven to 20 employes that makes an outstanding contribution to the Central community, provides a model for what businesses should be like, or has had some great achievement during the year.

• Large Business of the Year.

A business with 21 or more employes that makes an outstanding contribution to the Central community, provides a model for what businesses should be like, or has had some great achievement during the year.

• Professional Practice of the Year. A physician, dentist, attorney, CPA, or other professional or group of professionals whose practice makes an outstanding contribution to the Central community, provides a model for what professionals should be like, or has had some great achievement during the year.

• New Business of the Year. A business founded on or after Jan. 1, 2011 that makes an outstanding contribution to the Central community, provides a model for what businesses should be like, or has had some great achievement during the year.

• Central’s Business of the Year. A business that makes an outstanding contribution to the Central community and is a role model for what businesses should

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be like.

• Central’s Most Valuable Business. The local or national business which operates in Central, which has the greatest overall positive impact on the Central economy.

• Servant Leadership Award.

A business owner who makes an outstanding contribution to the Central community through his or her personal volunteer service. His or her business need not be located

in Central.

• Entrepreneur of the Year. A business owner whose vision, determination, hard work, and spirit of entrepreneurship are an inspiration to anyone who dreams of being in business for himself. At least one of the entrepreneur’s businesses must be based in Central or the unincorporated areas immediately adjacent to Central.

Other special awards made be given. In addition, long-estab-

Must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, March 16, 2012

Business of the Year Nomination Form

Please accept my nominations for the following awards: Small Business of the Year ______________________________ Mid-Sized Business of the Year _________________________ Large Business of the Year ______________________________ Professional Practice of the Year _________________________ New Business of the Year _______________________________ Central’s Business of the Year ___________________________ Servant Leadership Award ______________________________ Entrepreneur of the Year _______________________________ Central’s Most Valuable Business ________________________

It is not necessary to make a nomination in every category. For full disclosure, please put an asterisk (*) next to any business you are associated with.

You MAY attach a letter or documentation (such as brochures, clippings, website, or photos) in support of any nomination. However, this is NOT REQUIRED. YOUR NAME ____________________________________________________ ADDRESS ______________________________________________________ CITY, STATE & ZIP ______________________________________________ BEST PHONE NUMBERS ________________________________________ E-MAIL ADDRESS _______________________________________________

Return to Central City News, Box 1, Greenwell Springs, LA 70739, deliver to 13567 Hooper Road, or send via email to centralcitynews@hotmail.com.

CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012 7

At Least Nine Central Businesses to Be Honored

Photos by Terrie Palmer

Nominate Your Favorite Central Firms

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD — Jonathan and Lindsey Sumich of Oak Point Fresh Market; MID-SIZE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD — Joseph Romero of Romero’s with Dr. Kyle Dean; PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF THE YEAR — Helen Balzli and Tom Coplin of Central Physical Therapy with Bob Breaux.

Choose Firms That Are a Role Model for Central Community

lished Central businesses may be selected for induction into the Central Business Hall of Fame.

Each award-winner will be presented with an engraved plaque, and will be featured in the Central City News.

There is no prohibition on a business owner or an employee nominating his own business for an award, with the exception of the Servant Leadership Award and Entrepreneur of the Year, which must be nominated by someone not associated with the business.

A panel of three judges, including one judge from the Central City News, will make the awards.

After receipt of nominations, the judges will seek further information on each of the nominees.

The awards will be presented during ceremonies tentatively set for the April 26. Last year’s event attracted 100 business leaders.

The winners of the 2011 Central Business Awards were: • Small Business of the Year — Cooper Café • Mid-Sized Business of the

2012 Central Business Awards Sponsored Sponsored by by the the Central Central City City News News

Small Business of the Year Mid-Sized Business of the Year Large Business of the Year Professional Practice of the Year New Business of the Year Servant Leadership Award Entrepreneur of the Year Central’s Business of the Year Central’s Most Valuable Business

Year — Romero’s • Large Business of the Year — Oak Point Fresh Market • Professional Practice of the Year — Central Physical Therapy • New Business of the Year — Sammy’s Grill in Central • Servant Leadership Award — Blackie Bell and Dr. Tony and Judy LoBue • Entrepreneur of the Year — Stacey Lancaster and Gil Matherne • Central’s Business of the Year — Central Drug Store

• Central’s Most Valuable Business — DEMCO • Central’s Development of the Year — The Village at Magnolia Square • Central’s Contractor of the Year — Rabalais Homes • Central’s Lifetime Service Awards — Former State Rep. Donald Ray Kennard, East Baton Rouge Parish Clerk of Court and former Metro Councilman Doug Welborn, and former Metro Councilman and City-Parish Mayor ProTem Joe Greco

8 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012

Vivian Ryder: Central’s Student of Year Outstanding Student Home Schooled for Eight Years Before Starting Central High

Woody Jenkins

Editor, Central City News

CENTRAL — Central High School senior Vivian Ryder has been named the Central Community School System’s Outstanding High School Student of 2012.

Miss Ryder was honored at ceremonies at the Central School Board meeting last week.

In an interview Wednesday, Vivian said the award has made her senior year even more special.

“It’s been my best year ever!” she said.

With a 4.3 grade point average, Vivian is currently ranked No. 6 in her senior class and has an array of accomplishments, including serving as Drum Major of the Central High Wildcat Band and President of the Beta Club.

“It’s been wonderful to be appreciated and honored,” she said.

For Vivian, high school is a lot different from the day she arrived at Central High School for her freshman year.

“I was scared that it would be too hard, but I found I was well prepared by my mom and dad,” she said.

Vivian was homeschooled for her first eight years of school. “My mom taught me for most of my life, and she has been a huge inspiration. For the first three years of homeschooling, my mom led me through my studies and guided me through the process. But, after that, she knew I could learn

OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE YEAR — Vivian Ryder, a senior at Central High School, has been named Outstanding High School Student of the Year for the Central Community School System. Vivian, who has a 4.3 grade point average, is Drum Major for the Central High Band and President of the Beta Club. Inset: Vivian with her parents Randy and Sonya Ryder. They homeschooled Vivian for eight years.

on my own. So she laid out each day’s lessons, and my job was to complete them at my own speed.

If I played around during the day, I found myself working late at night to complete my lessons for the day.

That taught me to be disciplined and not procrastinate.”

“In school, teachers sometimes hand-feed the students. But in my homeschool environment, I had to take responsibility for learning.”

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In her freshman year at Central High, Vivian rose to the new challenge, enrolling in three honors courses and one Advanced Placement course — and made all A’s!

“My freshman year was an amazing experience! I loved Central High. My mom had been in the Silks, and my dad had been a band captain at Central Private. I was interested in music, and they wanted me to have the experience of being a member of the Central High Band. I got to meet so many great people!” she said.

In her sophomore year, she continued her outstanding academic work, got involved in Beta Club and the Fellowship of Christian Students, and played soccer.

In her junior year, she joined the Central High choir and became the piano accompanist.

After graduating, she plans to study music and business. She is considering attending Northwestern in Natchitoches, Louisiana College, or LSU in Baton Rouge.

In her spare time, Vivian teaches piano. She is now accepting students. To reach her, call 270-8078.

Vivian’s two brothers, Robert and Johnathan, also homeschooled.

Robert graduated from Central High last year and is now at LSU. Johnathan is an 8th grader at St. Alphonsus.

Vivian’s parents are Randy and Sonya Ryder.

Ironically, Central’s Outstanding High School Student of 2010, Justin Schopp, was also a homeschooler. He homeschooled for 10 years before entering Central High School at the beginning of his junior year.

Outstanding High School Student of the Year is a statewide competition. As the winner of the competition in Central, Vivian Ryder will now represent the Central school system in the regional competition in Amite March 8.

2012

2012 Central Community Directory & Yellow Pages Will be distributed Jan. 26, 2012 Advertising deadline extended to Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 For details, see ad on Page 14

Thursday, December 22, 2011 • Vol. 14, No. 34 • 16 Pages • Circulation 11,000 • centralcitynews.us • Published Every Thursday

Courage Under Fire

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Dr. Tony LoBue: Central’s 2011 Man of the Year ‘I Don’t Want to Take Any Credit.

Central Is About A Lot of People Pulling Together’ — Dr. Tony LoBue Woody Jenkins

CENTRAL — If Central has a Tim Tebow, it is certainly Dr. Tony LoBue — a quiet, humble quarterback who makes big things happen while trying to make certain he gets none of the credit.

A well-respected veterinarian and family man, leader of the business community, director of the annual prayer banquet, and dedicated City Councilman, Dr. Tony LoBue is Central’s 2011 Man of the Year.

Set out each day believing in your dreams. Know without a doubt that you were made for amazing things.

Josh Hinds Quote on wall of Dr. LoBue’s office

Neighbors Opens New Central Branch Dr. Tony LoBue, 2011 Central Man of the Year

CENTRAL — Neighbors Federal bors felt the investment was need- Hooper Rd. in August 2001. At Credit Union held Grand Opening ed to serve the credit union’s more that time, it had 1,300 Central ceremonies Tuesday morning for than 4,500 members in the Central members. Neighbors, which began its new $3 million branch office at area. Neighbors’ member base in in 1954 as the Baton Rouge TeachCentral has tripled since opening ers Federal Credit Union, is now the corner of Wax and Sullivan.

President Kathi Gill said Neigh- its first Central branch at 13336 See NEIGHBORS on Page 3

A Central Christmas Dog Tale See DR. TONY on Page 4

How My Best Friend Saved Our Family’s Lives and Gave Us A Merry Christmas Brian Vecellio

CENTRAL — It will be a mighty happy Christmas around our house in Central this year, instead of the tragedy in could have been — thanks to my Honey!

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

I believe there’s always a reason for the things that happen and always a reason we meet who we meet. Another thing I believe is, “Dog is man’s best friend!”

I have a true best friend in a dog named Honey!

Last November, while my girlSee MAN’S on Page 8

CENTRAL — The Kringlewood Christmas Tree Farm, a landmark in Central for the past 35 years, is selling the last of its Christmas trees, and none has been planted for future years, according to owner Reggie Pulliam, who cited health as his primary reason for closing.

The next few days may be the last time to purchase a Christmas tree actually grown in Central.

The farm, located at 9110 Greenwell Springs-Port Hudson Road, is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The remaining inventory of trees is 20 percent off.

Pulliam, a native of the area and graduate of Pride High See LAST on Page 12

HONEY LOOKS UP AT SANTA — The heroine of this Central Christmas Dog Tale is Honey (center), who captured her master’s affection and loyalty.

Shown (left to right) are Brian Vecellio, Santa Claus, and son Logan.

The canines are Tucker, Rusty, Honey, Max, and Ginger.

Central City News 13567 Hooper Road City of Central, LA 70818 225-261-5055 www.centralcitynews.us centralcitynews@hotmail.com

CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012 9

Mike Walker Brings Campaign to Central

MAYOR-PRESIDENT CANDIDATE MIKE WALKER — Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Walker kicked off his campaign for Mayor-President in Central last Thursday.

Continued from Page 1

been at odds with Holden for the past two years. Walker, a Republican, could be a leading challenger to Holden, a Democrat, this fall.

In an informal meeting at the office of Gil Matherne on Joor Road, Walker spoke and answered questions from Central officials and business leaders.

Walker said he expects the big issues in the election to be crime, education, and transportation.

Here are highlights of his comments: • Crime is out of control in East Baton Rouge Parish. This is epitomized by mass murderer Derrick Todd Lee, whom he said was arrested 20 times and repeatedly released before he began his killing spree.

• He favors establishing a misdemeanor jail to insure compliance with the law and get criminals off the streets. He said the cost of such a jail can be met in part by fines and

forfeitures.

• We should put more police officers on the street. We have the same number of officers as 30 years ago with a much larger population. “We haggle over things like police cameras, and the police are not even for that. We should focus on more police on the streets. The strike force on the streets should be expanded.”

• The City-Parish government should be the friend of small business rather than putting so many obstacles in the way of small business.

“For example, today it takes two to three months to get the permits to build a house. We’re not partners with business — we’re a hindrance!”

• He opposes the proposed tax to fund the local bus company, the Capital Area Transportation System (CATS). “Where’s the business plan for CATS?” he asked. “The CATS tax is in a gerrymandered district designed to insure passage.

Unfortunately, it’s not about trans-

portation,” he said.

• On the other hand, transportation is a major problem, and the Mayor-President should promote real solutions,” he said. When asked what is his plan, Walker said, “Let’s go back and rework the Green Light Plan.” The Green Light Plan was a bond issue passed by voters in 2005 to make major capital improvements in roads and bridges. It includes the Central Thruway.

• Walker said he favors the Hooper Road bridge and has reservations about the proposed Baton Rouge Loop. He emphasized he will not favor building a loop through Central if people here oppose it.

• Walker said the parish government can learn a lot from Central’s efforts at privatization. He criticized, for example, the parish government operating parking garages in the downtown area. “The Baton Rouge Airport has privatized parking. Why can’t we?” he asked.

• The parish needs a Mayor-

The Hard Hat

NEWS, PHOTOS, AND ADVERTISING Introduce your HARD HAT business to the people of Central ­— Construction Electrical Plumbing Fabrication Equipment Rental Petroleum Dirt Work Demolition Fire Protection Air & Heating Builders Appliances Heavy Machinery Building Supplies Concrete Sand & Gravel Environmental Trucking Chemical Safety Equipment Drafting Welders Metal Work Cable & Wiring Trade Schools Services: Accounting Architects Attorneys Computers Engineers and more...

President with a good attitude who is willing to sit down and talk to people. “It’s not that hard. Just sit down and talk!” he said.

• “As Mayor-President, I want to surround myself with people who are smarter than I am. I believe in hiring good people and then turning them loose to do the job.”

• A lot of City-Parish spending can be cut, some in big chunks and others in small bits. He commended Councilman Bones Addison for finding several hundred thousand dollars.

• East Baton Rouge has a powerful Mayor-President, and a new Mayor-President will have the power to curtail the size of government.

Walker said he will turn around the direction of East Baton Rouge Parish, and he asked the people of Central to join with him in this important election.

For more, go to www.mikewalker.net or Mike Walker on Facebook.

Central’s Trade & Industry Guide

Coming March 8, 2012 For advertising more information, call or email

Deadline: March 2

CENTRAL CITY NEWS

225-261-5055 or centralcitynews@hotmail.com

10 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012

Court of Appeal Reverses Trial Court

we agree that the trial court must make the necessary case-by-case determination of connexity after a full evidentiary hearing on whether CH2M Hill is an instrumentality of government herein. Accordingly, we find that this matter is not appropriate for resolution by summary judgment in favor of either party.”

“Thus, we find merit, in part, to these assignments of errors.”

“CONCLUSION “For the above and foregoing reasons, the August 11, 2010 judgment of the trial court, granting summary judgment in favor of CH2M Hill and denying the cross-motion for summary judgment filed by Central City News, is hereby vacated. The matter is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with the views expressed herein...”

CH2MHILL Is Gone But Public Records In a Privatized City Remain an Issue

Continued from Page 3 LSA-R.S. 42:4.2(A)(2), the Louisiana Supreme Court recognized that the connexity between the LHSAA and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Superintendent of Education, and local school boards must be considered, stating as follows: The LHSAA performs a function which is, by law, entrusted to the various bodies established for the regulation of public education. It is funded by public money earned by state schools at athletic events. It has established a comprehensive set of rules and regulations governing how public schools and their students must conduct themselves with regard to athletic and academic endeavors, all with the acquiescence and implied blessing of the legislature, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Superintendent of Education, and local school boards. See Seghers v. Community Advancement Inc., 357 So. 2d 626 (La. App. 1st Cir. 1978). Equally important is the degree of connexity between the regulatory functions of the LHSAA and the regulatory functions of a particular ‘public body’ found in R.S. 42:4.2(A)(2). Here the connexity is close, since LHSAA performs a major policy-making, advisory and administrative function in an area that is within the primary control of public bodies listed in the Open Meetings Law. [Emphasis added by the appeals court]. Spain v. Louisiana High School Athletic Association, 398 So. 2d

CH2MHILL can now appeal the decision of the three-judge panel. If they do not appeal, District Judge Kay Bates is likely to hold CH2MHILL LOST PRIVATIZATION CONTRACT — During the Public Records a trial on the issues directed by the controversy last year, CH2MHILL lost its master privatization contract with the City Court of Appeal. of Central. The low bidder was IBTS, which is led by Dr. Shyam Choudhary (left) and Alex St. Amant is the lead atDavid Ratclif (right), manager of the Central City Services unit. torney for the Central City News, at 1390.” vices and connexity are not developed in while Kent Lambert is leader attor “Further, we note that the phrase the record before us and the trial court ney for CH2MHILL. ‘public body,’ as used in the public re- did not make the mandated determinacords act specifically includes ‘any other instrumentality’ of state government within the definition and meaning of ‘public body.’ While the phrase ‘instrumentality of... municipal government’ is not further defined in the public records statute, we recognize that as in Spain, the record before us shows there is a degree of connexity between CH2M Hill and the City of Central, given CH2M Hill’s administration of the City of Central’s government functions and services. Further, CH2M Hill presumably receives public money from the City of Central for these services, although the extent of such is likewise not readily apparent on the record as developed thus far. Thus, the precise nature and extent of such ser-

tion of connexity below. In sum, on the record before us, we are likewise unable to discern the extent of the ‘connexity’ to resolve whether CH2M Hill’s contract and operations render it an ‘instrumentality’ of the city government and thereby, subject to the public records request as such.”

“Instead, on review, we find the supporting documents presented by both sides are insufficient to resolve all material issues of fact regarding the connexity of CH2M Hill and the City of Central.

Moreover, we question whether such fact-based issues can be resolved on summary judgment. Further, given the strong public policy interests supporting open access to government records,

Polar Paradise Snoballs Ready to Open March 1

CENTRAL — Starting March 1, come by and get one of the smoothest snowballs in Central at Polar Paradise on Denham Road!

There are 100 plus flavors to choose from. Polar Paradise offers the finest of shaved ice and carries Snow Wizard flavors to provide customers with the best quality!

Free samples are available to help customers decide. For information, call 328-8990.

d n e t t a Next “CHOOSE HEALTH” Meeting:

MEDICAID AND LaCHIP RECIPIENTS don’t miss this important meeting.

If you or a family member is enrolled in Medicaid or LaCHIP, please attend “Choose Health,” a special meeting about changes being made to Medicaid and LaCHIP and how they affect you.

Learn what Health Plans are and why you will need to choose one.

Find out what doctors will be in each Health Plan.

Be sure to bring a list of your doctors with you.

Know the recipients’ social security number and Medicaid number.

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Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

LSU-EARL K LONG MID-CITY CLINIC 1401 NORTH FOSTER BLVD. BATON ROUGE, LA 70806

Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

SCOTLANDVILLE BRANCH LIBRARY 7373 SCENIC HIGHWAY BATON ROUGE, LA 70807 Wednesday, Feb. 29 from 9-11 a.m.

LSU - EARL K LONG SURGICAL CENTER 9032 PERKINS RD. BATON ROUGE, LA 70810 Monday, March 5 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

GREENWELL SPRINGS REGIONAL LIBRARY 11300 GREENWELL SPRINGS RD. BATON ROUGE, LA 70814 Tuesday, March 6 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

LSU - EARL K LONG NORTH BATON ROUGE CLINIC 5439 AIRLINE HWY. BATON ROUGE, LA 70805

CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 23, 2012 11

Reps. Clif Richardson, Valarie Hodges Agree

Key Issues of Legislative Session Will Be Education, Retirement, Transportation Woody Jenkins

Editor, Central City News

CENTRAL — Education reform, pension reform, and transportation will be top issues during this year’s regular session of the Louisiana Legislature, according to State Rep. Clif Richardson and freshman Rep. Valarie Hodges, both Republicans from Central.

Their remarks came during the annual Legislative Town Hall meeting at DEMCO, sponsored by the Central Community Alliance.

Richardson said very few bills have been prefiled. So it is difficult to know if the session will face the usual flood of legislative proposals, he said.

However, he is already receiving a lot of questions about Gov. Bobby Jindal’s education reform proposals. Bills in the governor’s education package have not yet been filed. So it has been impossible to get a handle on details, he said. The governor has said he will propose granting vouchers or scholarships to poor students attending schools receiving grades of C, D, or F from the State Department of Education.

Rep. Richardson said that idea has caused questions from parents

CENTRAL LEGISLATORS — Rep. Clif Richardson and freshman Rep. Valarie Hodges, both Republicans, conducted a Town Hall meeting at the Central Alliance at DEMCO. The legislators agreed on what issues will be the focus of the upcoming legislative session.

who ask why only “poor” students should be allowed to transfer out of failing schools.

Rep. Hodges said she understood that students would be able to leave failing schools and trans-

fer across district lines into another school system. When asked whether students from the inner city of Baton Rouge would be allowed to transfer into the Central school system, Hodges said she believed they would but that she opposes that idea.

A spokesman for the Governor’s office told the Central City News that no student could be transferred into a school system without local approval. Rep. Richardson said he believes the proposal would allow the school principal, rather than the local school board, to make that decision. He said a lot more information is needed on the education reform proposal.

Likewise, the Governor’s pension reform plan needs more study, Rep. Hodges said. While retirement from the state is allowed too early now in some cases, it is a big jump up to 67 years old, she said.

“If you are on the verge of retirement, you might consider doing it now,” she said.

Hodges said transportation improvements for Central are her top priority. She and Richardson, both members of the House Transportation Committee, are seeking funding to four-lane Hooper Road See QUESTIONS on Page 12

Welcome ...

CONSERVATIVE VALUES — Rep. Valarie Hodges (R-Central) spoke passionately about the need for Louisiana to take the lead in promoting traditional American values.

Top, R. J. Saucier asked a question. Bottom right, school board member Dr. David Walker makes a point to Rep. Hodges and Family Court Judge Charlene Day.

Baton Rouge Telco Federal Credit Union is now located just minutes away in Watson!

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Apply for Telco’s VISA GOLD CARD as low as

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Transfer your other balances for a lower rate (SAVE MONEY) — NO transfer fees!

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Visit www.brtelco.org • Call (225) 924-8900 Corner of Amite Church Road & Hwy. 16, Denham Springs *Quoted rate as of January 1, 2012. All rates are subject to change (not guaranteed) at any time without notice and are based on credit qualifications and lending guidelines.

Membership eligibility requirements apply.

12 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012

Questions on Governor’s Education Reforms Continued from Page 11

from Sullivan to Joor and additional funding to widen Hooper from Joor to Blackwater. “This would allow four-lane access from I-12 to the Baton Rouge Airport via the Central Thruway and Hooper,” Richardson said.

Central school board member Ruby Foil asked the legislators to look closely at the idea of assigning letter grades to schools. “It’s unfair to have magnet schools pulling students out of other schools and then labeling those schools as failing schools,” she said.

Central City Councilman Wayne Messina, a former Baker High principal, told about an outstanding principal who resigned from the East Baton Rouge school system. That principal and many of his teachers worked after school and on weekends to tutor their students. Messina said, “He took his top 20 students and worked hard to bring them to a high achievement level. Then the magnet schools took 14 of those 20 students. When test time came, his remaining students’ combined score was one point below passing. His school was declared a failing school. So he resigned, saying, ‘I refuse to be associated with failure that I don’t have any control over.’”

Messina said that the criminal justice system is sending too many youngsters into the public schools who should be incarcerated. He cited an 18-year-old arrested this week for raping a child at a public school in East Baton Rouge Parish. The alleged rapist had previously been convicted of rape and

Ribbon Cutting at BR Telco Federal Credit Union

BATON ROUGE TELCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION celebrated the opening of its office at 32829 La. Hwy. 16 in Denham Springs, corner of Amite Church Road and Hwy. 16, with a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 19. “While the building is new, our goal is 75 years old. Through this new location, we will again offer value to our members by providing great rates and low fees. We dedicate this building to the member owners of Telco and specifically to the people of the Watson community,” Darryl K. Long, CEO of Telco said. Layton Ricks, Livingston Parish president; members of Livingston Chamber of Commerce, and Baton Rouge Better Business Bureau, along with several Baton Rouge Telco FCU staff, directors, and community partners attended the ceremony.

sentenced to “juvenile life.” Nevertheless, he was allowed to return to school where he raped another little girl. “We have a problem, but the problem is not necessarily our schools. We had a youngster come to school with a miniature AK47.

He was arrested at 11:57 p.m. and out the next day.”

Messina said it takes a special person to be a teacher in our public schools today. “Most of our teachers are working very hard and doing a good job,” he said.

When he was principal at Baker High, he had students assigned to his school who were in diapers, he said, but their test schools counted with everyone else’s. “Is that how we measure failure?” he said.

“One of my concerns is how test scores are assigned. If a school has a troubled student who is expelled and goes into an alternative school, that student’s score continues to be counted at the original school.”

“That’s fine,” Messina said, “and that’s fair if you also assign the test scores of the student you took out of my school and sent to the magnet

school, but that’s not how it’s done.

That student isn’t counted toward my school’s scores,” he said. Too many principals and schools are being set up for failure under the current evaluation system, he said.

Ted McCulley, a former high school teacher, said the teachers at Baton Rouge Magnet would be challenged if assigned to Baker High, while the teachers at Baker High would probably be able to do a pretty good job at Baton Rouge High.

Richardson and Hodges agreed to consider the concerns expressed by members of the audience.

Dr. Ben Record Opens Office on Wax Road

... Unless You Want To Wait • Short wait times • Fast treatment • Less expensive than an ER • Personalized service • Call ahead seating • Good working relationship • with many specialists in the area

RIBBON CUTTING AT DR. BEN RECORD’S OFFICE — A ribbon cutting was held Feb. 9 at the office of Dr. Ben Record, 15110 Wax Road. Pictured is Heather Depew, Randi Firmin, Izzy Danehower, Dr. Ben Record, and Sarah Forbes.

Delivery of Channel Catfish, Bass, Hybrid Bluegill, Redear Bream, Coppernose Bluegill, Fathead Minnows, Koi, Black Crappie and Grass Carp are available for pond and lake stocking. A permit and 10 days notice are required for the purchase of Triploid Grass Carp.

225.261.4493 P.O. Box 85 Fittstown, OK 74842 www.dunnsfishfarm.com (800) 433-2950 To place an order or for more information, call one of our Aquatic Consultants, your local dealer, or email: sales@ dunnsfishfarm.com

• We furnish hauling containers • Live delivery guaranteed • Discounts/special deliveries on large orders • Turtle traps, fish feeders, fish traps • Decorative fountains, aerators, windmill aerators • Vegetation control and pond fertilizers

Delivery will be Friday, March 2

9 am to 9 pm 7 Days A Week 11055 Shoe Creek Dr. • Central, La. 70818 Bryan Barrett, MD • Michael Romaguera, MD Visit us online at www.statcareclinic.net

Slaughter • Tri Parish Co-op • Hwy. 19 N • 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Clinton • Felicana Farmer’s Co-op • Hwy. 10 & Montgomery • 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

St. Francisville • Plantation Feed & Supply • 7708 Hwy. 61 • 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Zachary • Zachary Feed & Garden Supply • 20987 Plank • 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Denham Springs • Dodge City Farm Supply • 101 Hatchel Lane • 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

M - F • 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

1-800-433-2950 Fax 1-580-777-2899 www.dunnsfishfarm.com

CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012 13

Central High Wildcats

Central High Wildcats

2012 Softball Schedule & Roster

2012 Baseball Schedule & Roster

ROSTER: Kaleigh Barnett, Chelsea David, Madison Devall, Rachel Dinger, Katie Flowers, Kaylan Hunt, Brittany Johnson, Morgan Larsen, Brittney McCarty, Kaitlyn Picou, Maranda Schmidt, Morgan Smith, Katelyn Starns, Alexis Wascom Don Henry (Coach) Feb. 24-26 Feb. 28 March 1 March 2-3 March 6 March 8 March 9-10 March 13 March 15 March 20 March 22 March 23-24 March 27 March 29 April 3 April 5 April 11

West Feliciana Tournament St. Joseph West Feliciana St. Amant Tournament Walker Zachary St. Amant Tournament Live Oak Scotlandville Denham Springs Walker Live Oak Tournament Zachary Live Oak Scotlandville Denham Springs Plaquemine

Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Home

ROSTER: Trae Blalock, Brodie Browning, Dylan Cormier, Corey Davis, John Fralick, Micah Jones, Ryan Navarra, Jacob Schopp, Justin Smiley, Logan Brewer, Cameron Cason, Brett Courville, Thomas Eddlemon, Hunter Edgens, Mason Gautreau, Austin Hunt, Antonio Ragusa, Jared Roberts, Travis Stevens, Ryan Wise, Matt Edwards, Jonathan DeJean, Jansen Browning, Caleb Clark, Chandler Clinkingbeard, Dylan Dantin, Kevin Dunn, Cole Edgens, Daniel Evans, Preston Fondren, Caleb Harris, Ryan Morris, Jake Myer, Greg Noel, Brandon Trahan, Christopher Chambliss, Thomas Doucet, Brennan Fontenot, Adam Porche, James Daniel Schopp, Cole Stevens, Jordan Wilkens, Matt Harris, Cameron Wesley, Cameron Polk, Tristan Miller, Jett Ashford, Dalton Jones, Rivers King, Blasé Courville, and Jared Leger

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CENTRAL PRIVATE JV GIRLS BASKETBALL ­­won the 6-AA District Championship at Silliman Institute in Clinton. The Lady Rebels finished with a record of 14-5 and district record of 8-2. Pictured are (1st row, left to right) Ragan Griffin, Allie Mouton, Bayleigh Anders, and Julia Wicker, and (2nd row) coach Henry Gantz, Madison Nunnery, Aubrey Dean, Shelby Romero, Alex Wicker, Lauren West, Raven Monson, Samanthan Romero, and assistant coach Maggie Landry.

Feb. 23 Feb. 24 Feb. 25 Feb. 25 Feb. 28 March 1 March 2 March 3 March 3 March 6 March 8 March 9 March 10 March 10 March 13 March 15 March 16 March 17 March 17 March 20 March 22 March 24 March 27 March 31 April 3 April 5 April 10 April 12 April 14 April 17 April 19 April 21 April 24 April 26

Holy Cross Dutchtown St. Amant Hahnville Destrehan Vandebilt Thibodaux E.D. White Central Lafourche St. Michael Airline Ruston Byrd Parkway Catholic Lafayette Acadiana St. Thomas More Carencro Episcopal Parkview Redemptorist Central Catholic Jesuit Zachary Walker Denham Springs Scotlandville Live Oak Zachary Walker Denham Springs Scotlandville Live Oak

St. Amant Dutchtown St. Amant St. Amant Home Vandebilt Thibodaux E.D. White E.D. White Away Airlne Byrd Byrd Parkway Away Lafayette Acadiana St. Thomas More Acadiana Away Home Home Home Home Home Home Away Away Away Away Away Home Home Home

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Pick Up Your Central Community Directory

Central City News 13567 Hooper Rd. 225-261-5055 centralcitynews.us

®

This year’s Central Community Directory is dedicated to the late Rep. Donald Ray Kennard, his father, the late Sterling Kennard, and his mother, the late Camille Kennard, who gave so much of themselves to Central

at businesses throughout Central Central Community Directory & Yellow Pages

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2012 ©

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2012 Central Community Directory & Yellow Pages ®

Published by the Central City News

Trevor Sansone, Central High School Sets All-Time Louisiana High School Record in Indoor 55-Meter Dash Photo by Woody Jenkins • Central City News Entire Contents © 2012

Honoring the Central Flash, Trevor Sansone, who set the all-time state 5A high school record in the 55-yard dash.

14 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012

Milestones Births • Engagements • Weddings • Deaths Anniversaries • Reunions

GRIMBALL, GAUTREAU

REMBERT, CASE

Chereé Rembert and Clinton Case will marry April 28 at St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson, Miss.

Kristin Grimball and Greg Gautreau will exchange vows April 21 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

Chereé Rembert and Clinton Case To Marry April 28 at St. Richard

Chereé Rembert and Clinton Case

JACKSON, MISS. — Mr. and Mrs. Troy Joseph Rembert of Baton Rouge announce the engagement of their daughter, Chereé Nicole Rembert to Clinton Day Case, son of Mr. Thomas Ray Case and Ms. Kathy Day Case of Brandon, Miss.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Robert D. Soileau of Baton Rouge and Linda Chenier Rembert of Greenwell Springs.

The prospective bridegroom is the grandson of Mrs. Dolores Day Strait and the late Ralph Hall Day of Brookhaven, Miss., and the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Versie Case of Brookhaven.

Chereé is a 2002 graduate of Redemptorist High School. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. In 2006, she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in deaf education.

She is an auditory-oral teacher at Magnolia Speech School. She is pursuing a master’s degree from USM in early oral education.

Clinton is a 2002 graduate of Madison Central High School. He attended Holmes Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. In 2007, he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in sports administration. He is the general manager at Mugshots Grill and Bar in Flowood, Miss.

The couple will exchange vows Saturday, April 28, 2012, at 7 p.m. at St. Richard Catholic Church in Jackson, Miss. with a reception at The South.

Grimball, Gautreau to Exchange Vows April 21 at St. Alphonsus

CENTRAL — Kristin Grimball and Greg Gautreau, both of Central, will marry in a 1 p.m. ceremony Saturday, April 21 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church.

The bride-elect is the daughter of Willard and Terry Grimball of Central. She is the granddaughter of Myra Calhoun of Central and John and Kay Calhoun of Galvez.

Kristin is a graduate of Central High School and attended Louisiana State University. She is employed as a quality assurance specialist with Your Other Warehouses.

Her fiancé is the son of Willie and Angela Gautreau of Baton Rouge. He is the grandson of the late Willie and Clelia Gautreau of Gonzales and the late Joseph and Francis Belina of Baton Rouge.

Kristin Grimball and Greg Gautreau Greg is a graduate of Redemptorist High School and Southeastern ployed as a mortgage underwriter Louisiana University. He is em- with GMFS.

Local Couple Celebrates Their 50th Anniversary

Bobby and Jo Neames

ZACHARY — Bobby and Jo Neames celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends at Milldale Baptist Church in Zachary on Sunday.

Jan. 15, 2012.

Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Gardner

Offutt and Gardner Exchanged Vows

RUSTON — Sarah Elizabeth Offutt and Geoffrey Christopher Gardner exchanged wedding vows on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, at 6 p.m. at Presbyterian Church of Ruston.

Rev. Frank Broyles, Fr. Frank Fo-

lino, and Rev. Edith Hill conducted the service.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ancel M. Offutt Jr. of Madison. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. James I. Morden and Mrs. Tommie K. Morden of Central and Mr. and Mrs. Ancel M. Offutt of Mt. Ida, Ark. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Garth T. Gardner of Grapevine, Texas. He is the grandson of Mrs. Marion A. Courtney of Moreno Valley, Calif., and Mr. John T. Gardner of The Villages, Fla. The bride was presented in marriage by her father. Maids of honor were Virginia Joann Offutt, sister, and Jessica Kathleen Offutt, sister.

Bridesmaids were Mary Catherine Brown, Erin Perry Burke, Elizabeth LeAnn Franklin, and Brittany Walker Newton.

Best man was Christopher David Gardner, brother. Groomsmen were Steven Emile Bourgoyne, Steven Charles Burgess Jr., Donald Stuart Frith, Donnon Bradley Lomax, and Trenton Drew Williams.

A rehearsal dinner was held at The Norton Building. The reception immediately followed the ceremony at the Historic Fire Station.

After a trip of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, the couple resides in Ruston.

. Obituaries , Robert Anthony Lange

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:8.

A retired pipefitter with Local 198 and a resident of Central, Robert Anthony “Peppermint Man” Lange died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice. He was 69 and a native of Baton Rouge. Visitation was at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, on Monday, Feb. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. and on Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. until religious services in the chapel at 2 p.m. The services were conducted

by Rev. Nick Hager. Interment followed in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Baker.

Survived by wife of 39 and a half years, Linda Yoes Lange of Central; two daughters, Lynn Roberts of Denham Springs and Kandy Tarver of Central; two sons, J.C. Roberts of Tampa, Fla. and Ken Roberts of Cleveland, Ohio; three sisters, Kathryn “Kitty” McLin of Laplace and Margaret Carter and Diane Lange, both of Denham Springs; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Tina Hobbs and Jeanette Tynes who lived with him.

Preceeded in death by a grandson, Patrick Roberts; parents, Albertha and Theodore Lange Sr.; three brothers, and five sisters.

Pallbearers were Michael and Karl Garrett; Matthew, Ken, and J.C. Roberts; and Will Wales. Honorary pallbearers were Randy Meadors, and David, Rocky, Berry, Davey, Brandt, and Elisha Stanley.

He was a member of Christ Central

Church. He loved playing his marbles game with Margaret and Diane at his house with his rules. He also enjoyed playing dominos and cards with his family, family reunions, listening to audio books, and watching The Three Stooges.

Ivan A. Tillman, Sr.

Ivan A. Tillman, Sr. loving husband, father, and grandfather of Gainesville, Fla. and 39 year Central resident passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at the age of 79. He was a career Air Force and Army Warrant Officer who served in Vietnam. Retired from AGRICO. Visitation and religious services were Wednesday, Feb. 22 at the Church of Latter Day Saints, 4901 Harding St., Baker.

Burial was at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

He is survived by wife, Sue Tillman; two sons, Ivan A.Tillman, Jr. and Dean Tillman and Tillman wife Sylvia; daughter, Karen and husband John Phelps; two brothers, Chester and Winfred Tillman, three sisters, Geraldine Cowart, Arie Smith, and Juanita Whitney; 10 grandchildren, Chase Tillman, Brooke Tillman, Sydney Tillman, Mason Tillman, Jordan Phelps, Jake Phelps, Gracie Phelps, Tori Phelps, Jonathan Monk, and Morgan Monk; step-grandson, Colton Monk.

Preceded in death by parents, Irvin and Bertha Tillman, one sister, four brothers, and daughter, Sandy Tillman Monk.

Cheyenne May Jenkins

Timothy and Tracey Jenkins are proud to announce the birth of their baby girl, Cheyenne May. She was welcomed home by big sis, Mckenzie.

Cheyenne was born July 14, 2011, at 12:27 p.m. in Covington. She weighed seven pounds, two ounces, and was 18.75 inches long.

Proud grandparents are Walter and Bickie Jenkins of Central, Stephen and Trudie Herbert of Covington, Glenn and Kathy Scott of Waveland, and great-grandmother Nancy Brown of Central.

CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012 15

Classifieds

$6 for first 10 words. $10 for 11 to 20 words, $15 for 21 to 30 words. $20 for 31 to 40 words. $25 for one column inch classified display ad. Call 261-5055. Must be paid in advance. To pay by credit card, go to www.centralcitynews.us and click “Pay Now” on the left. Then email ad copy to centralcitynews@hotmail.com. Or mail or hand deliver check and ad copy to Central City News, 13567 Hooper, Central, LA 70818. There is an after-hours drop box.

DOG SITTING — Small dogs only. Must like other dogs. Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central only.

Cash only. 225-262-6237. 02/23/12 FOR SALE — 2010 white Chevrolet Traverse. 37,000 miles, $24K. Call 225-2681774. 02/23/12 FOR SALE IN CENTRAL — Four bedroom/1.5 bath.

11711 N. Milstead Pl. $263,000. 225-938-5670. www.fsbobr.com.

02/23/12 IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL on 1.6 beautiful acres. Three bedroom, 2.5 bath with a detached bonus room with a full bath, $269,900. Please contact Peggy Font with Jim Talbot Real Estate, 2121 Drusilla Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, office 225-927-2114, cell 225-603-5547. 02/23/12 OWNER IN MORGAN PLACE ready to downsize, may consider smaller home near Area 2 w/offer. Inside: 3BR/2.5BA Sep DR could be 4th BR, move in ready, lg rooms, and 2,184 LA. Outside: 1.26 ac. dbl. gar+dbl carport, screened patio and courtyard plus bonus rm. 20x30 shop with A/C and wtr. Large RV shed, nice pond plus gazebo. Paint 2010, new roof 11/11, no flood. Over $300K invested, asking $278K. 9832 Sagefield Dr. By appointment only. 225-262-1217. 03/08/12 WILL CLEAN HOUSES AND OFFICES — Trustworthy, experienced, references available. Thank you and God bless. Call 225-3686164. 02/23/12

Summer Health Program for Central Students BATON ROUGE — Central community students will again have the opportunity this summer to participate in the AHEC of a Summer program for at least 50 hours of job shadowing practicing health care professionals.

The program will be offered at Our Lady of the Lake College and will be a collaboration of Central Louisiana AHEC (CLAHEC), Our Lady of the Lake College, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

Those students chosen to participate will spend five weeks observing health care professionals in action. Participants rotate through

different departments in local hospitals and medical facilities as well as attend workshops and field trips to gain insight into the varied occupations available in healthcare.

The AHEC of a Summer program will give students a chance to explore health career opportunities through observation and hands-on experience as hospital volunteers.

The student participants will observe the “team approach” in a medical facility, patient care, job readiness skills, volunteer service, and post-secondary education requirements for health careers.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will re-

Megan Saucier, Justin Frost to Wed April 14 at Forrest Grove Plantation

DENHAM SPRINGS — Megan Ann Saucier and Justin Luther Frost of Central will exchange vows in a ceremony at Forrest Grove Plantation of Denham Springs on April 14, 2012, at 1 p.m.

The bride-elect is the daughter of JoAnn Rabalais Saucier of Central and Kenneth Wayne Saucier of Central. She is the granddaughter of Rita Rabalais and the late Donald Rabalais of Baton Rouge and the late Audrey and Leo Saucier.

Megan is a graduate of Central High School and Louisiana Dental No charge for listing one week. Call 261-5055.

Assisting School. She is a dental assistant and is employed at Fallin LOST — Chocolate lab and silver Weimaand Fallin Family Denistry. raner. Call 225-266-6962.

Her fiancé is the son of Ruth FOUND — Black and white small dog that Frost and Mickey Frost, both of is deaf. Very playful. 225-572-3570.

Lost & Found

Megan Saucier and Justin Frost

Zachary. He is a graduate of Northeast High School and is employed at Cajun Valve of Port Allen as a valve technician.

Central Area Business Directory Advertising

Carpet Cleaning

Home Maintenance

Central City News

BayouSteam

Lloyd’s Home

For information on advertising in the newspaper, call Jolice or Shara at

Carpet, Upholstery, Tile & Grout Cleaning Locally owned and operated

225-955-6955

225-936-7652

Aerobics

Dirt Work

Home Maintenance

Aerobics by

General Sand & Gravel Co.

Home Improvement & Repairs

Since 1983 • Good For Your ❤

225-261-3953

Loyd Wells • 225-933-2154

Flooring

Lawn Care

Mark’s

Allen’s Custom Floors, LLC

225-261-2270

Installing all wood and laminate floors. Specializing in sanding and refinishing. Central resident.

15 years’ experience. Free Estimates.

Bob-O’s Total Lawn Care

225-261-5055

❤ Roxanne 225-281-1623 Appliance Repair Appliance Repair Service to all major brands Shop Central First!

Auto Glass

Limestone, Gravel, Mason Sand, Clay, Top Soil, Riversilt, Crushed Concrete, Tractor Work

Maintenance and Repair No job too small

Cabinets • Remodels 35+Years’ Experience Life Long Central Resident

Free Estimates Reasonable Rates

Ask for Mike • 225-955-2269

225-281-5792

Flooring

Lawn Care

Ceramic • Wood • Laminate • Carpet • Vinyl All Work Guaranteed Specializing in Job Built Showers Serving Central for over 30 years!

Wind Shield Repair & Replacement We Come to You • 225-791-7440

Craig Guidry 225-235-8102

Barber Shop

Handyman

I Fix $10 Haircuts

Larry Watkins, Barber Stylist

225-278-0260 Man’s World Barber Shop Greenwell Springs Road Across from Walgreen’s (Next to Sharon’s)

Handyman Father & Sons Electrical, Plumbing, Appliances, Painting, Fans, Fixtures, Faucets, Fix Most Anything. References.

Quality work for God’s glory.

Call Tom 225-788-0266 Central area

Katherine Nijoka of Central Private

ceive one half high school elective credit. The application deadline is March 1, 2012.

Any student who is currently in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade, has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and is interested in pursuing a health career is encouraged to apply.

Applications and program information are currently available at local high schools in the Guidance Counselor’s office, or they may be downloaded at www.clahec.org.

More information about the program may also be found on the website, or call the Baton Rouge CLAHEC office at 225-757-9845.

Join Central City News on

Get Latest News Updates

$47.50 monthly January-July $95 monthly August-December Call 225-261-5055

Painting Central Painting & Drywall

Residential & Commercial Popcorn Ceiling Removal Locally Owned • 35 Years’ Experience Dependable Service

225-936-7191 Plumbing

WE’VE MOVED

13366 Hooper Rd. • 225-262-1234 Across from Capital One

Plumbing LAFLEUR’S Plumbing

#LA676

Full Repair Service Monday - Saturday • Same Rates!

Appointment Necessary on Saturday (Make Appointment Before Friday)

261-2751

Tree Service

The Tree Men, LLC Residential • Commercial

225-281-9296 Painting

Randy Falcon 20 Years’ Experience No Job Too Large or Small

225-454-2961 (cell)

Fully licensed and insured Free estimate • See Our Ad

262-6092 • 791-3981

Business Directory

$95 monthly Aug.-Dec. $47.50 Jan.-July

261-5055

16 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, February 23, 2012

Greenwell Springs Festival March 2-3 CENTRAL — Events coming up in and around Central: Thursday, February 23 Pachyderms of GBR • 6 p.m.

Rabbi Barry Weinstein will be the featured speaker at the Pachyderms of Greater Baton Rouge meeting at the Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, 3084 College Dr. Cost for the buffet is $13. For information, visit www.

PachydermsofGBR.org or facebook at www.facebook.com/PachydermsofGBR. February 24-March 30 Lenten Fish Dinners 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Magnolia United Methodist Church, 16024 Greenwell Springs, will be selling catfish dinners each Friday during Lent from Feb. 24 through March 30. The cost per dinner is $7 which includes fish, French fries, and hushpuppies. Businesses ordering dinners can have them delivered 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wishing to place orders can call 261-2789 or 335-3100.

February 26 through 29 Sermon Series Missionary/Pastor Ed Lacy will be guest speaker during a sermon series at Friendship Baptist Church, 10011 Comite Drive. Evening services will begin at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday morning services will begin at 10:45 a.m.

Tuesday, February 28 Prenatal Class • 6 p.m.

Lane Regional Medical Center will offer a free prenatal class in the staff development classroom. “The

LENTEN FISH FRY Every Friday During Lent Feb. 24 through March 30 4 to 6 p.m. • Drive Thru Only St. Alphonsus Catholic Church 14040 Greenwell Springs

CENTRAL HIGH ACCELERATED READER WINNERS — Central High honored 59 Accelerated Reader winners from the first semester. Four students became “Millionaire Readers,” which means they read a million words a year for two consecutive years. Crystal Rankin had the distinction of doing this for three consecutive years! 16”x20” posters of the Millionaire Readers will hang in the library. The top three point earners received prizes including flash drives, gift cards, shirts, and hats. The Millionaire Readers are (left photo, left to right) Payton Mangham, Crystal Rankin, Matt Terrio, and Andrew Crayden. Top Point Earners were (right photo, left to right) 1st place Christa Covington, 2nd place Alyxanna Roberts, and 3rd place Amanda Hooper.

Pregnancy Workshop” is an overview of what to expect for the soonto-be mom. Partners are welcome to attend. Child care is not provided.

Registration is required. For information or to register, call 654-5263.

February 28 and 29 LSU Mobile Classroom The LSU Mobile Classroom is coming to Central to help you and your business. First-class business trainers and consultants will be available to help you make your business more successful with free, intensive, business education seminars. Preregistration is required for sessions, due to limited seating. The mobile classroom will be at Central City Hall, 13421 Hooper Rd., Ste. 9. For information or to register, contact the Chamber office at 261-5818.

February 28 through March 27 Play Production for Kids Spring theatre classes make every kid into a star at Independence Park Theatre and Culture Center, 7800 Independence Blvd. “Play Production for Kids,” a program for children

CLAIRE PHERALD, age 8, killed her first deer in Lexington, Miss. on a youth hunt with her dad, Brad Pherald. She is the daughter of Brad Pherald and Heather Berthelot.

ages 7-12, meets every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Space is limited to 20 children and the fee is $45. For information, call Independence Park Theatre at 216-0660 or visit www.brec.org/ theatre.

February 28 through March 27 Advanced Acting for Kids Spring theatre classes make every kid into a star at Independence Park Theatre and Culture Center, 7800 Independence Blvd. “Advanced Acting for Kids,” a program for children ages 7-12, meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited to 20 children and the fee is $45. For information, call Independence Park Theatre at 216-0660 or visit www.brec.org/ theatre.

Friday, March 2 Colorectal Cancer Screening Kits 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lane Regional Medical Center will distribute free colorectal cancer screening kits in the front lobby of the hospital located at 6300 Main Street in Zachary. The screening kits are for use in the privacy of your own home and are simple to use. For information, call 654-5263.

Friday, March 2 Glaucoma Screenings 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Louisiana Lion’s glaucoma van will be in the green space next to Lancaster House. The screenings are sponsored by the Brownsfield Lions Club.

March 2 and 3 Garage Sale • 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Zoar Baptist Church, corner of Hooper and Joor Road, will have a garage sale in the gym.

March 2 and 3 Spring Festival and Craft Fair Greenwell Springs Baptist Church’s 7th Annual Spring Festival and Craft Fair will be held Friday, March 2, 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 3, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be carnival rides, games, 100 craft booths, and lots of food! Don’t miss the live auction Saturday at 1 p.m.

Friday, March 9 Louisiana Hurricane Fundraiser Dance • 7 to 11 p.m.

Come join the Louisiana Hurricanes baseball team for good music, food, and dancing! The menu will include jambalaya, meatballs, barbecue sausage, desserts, and more. The dance will be held at Kristenwood, 14025 Greenwell Springs Road.

Cost is $20 per person/donation.

Non-alcoholic drinks and beer will be served.

Saturday, March 10 Tea with the Darlings 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Come have “Tea with the Darlings” and the rest of the cast from Peter Pan! The event will be held at the Central High cafeteria. Cost is $10 per person and includes iced and hot teams, scones, sugar cookies, and other goodies. Bring your cameras. Cast members will be available for pictures. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Proceeds to benefit the Central High Musical Theatre.

March 22 through 25 Peter Pan The Central High School Musical Department will present “Peter Pan.” For information, contact 261-3438.

Saturday, March 24 Louisiana Presidential Primary Louisiana Republicans and Democrats will go to the polls in separate Presidential Primaries to help express Louisiana’s preferences in the Presidential nominating process. Voters will also choose members of the Republican and Democratic State Central Committees and members of the Republican and Democratic Parish Executive Committees.

Doctor of Audiology At Lane Regional

ZACHARY — Lane Regional Medical Center has announced that J.J. Martinez, Au.D, CCC-A, F-AAA has affiliated with Lane’s team . He recently joined Selective Hearing, located at 6110 Main Street, Suite D, in Zachary.

Dr. Martinez Dr. Martinez served on active duty in the USMC.

LENTEN FISH DINNERS Every Friday During Lent Feb. 24 through March 30 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. • $7 per dinner Magnolia United Methodist 16024 Greenwell Springs