CENTRAL CITY
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Special Edition Presidential GUIDE Primary March 24, 2012
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Thursday, March 15, 2012 • Vol. 15, No. 6 • 12 Pages • Circulation 11,000 • www.centralcitynews.us • Phone 225-261-5055
Rick Santorum To Campaign in Central Sunday
Photo by Woody Jenkins
6 p.m. Sunday at Greenwell Springs
SEN. RICK SANTORUM COMING HERE — Republican Presidential candidate Rick Santorum will be in Central at 6 p.m. Sunday to speak at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church. Former Rep. Tony Perkins said the public is invited to attend, and everyone should arrive early. Overflow seating will be available in the old sanctuary.
Cookin’ in Central Set Next Weekend At Magnolia Square
CENTRAL — The 2012 Cookin’ in Central celebration will kick off next Friday, March 23 at 5 p.m. and continue until 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. It will be a whirlwind of activities with great food, and the money raised will help good causes in Central. Chairman Louis DeJohn said proceeds See COOKIN’ on Page 7
Louisiana Republicans’ CBS National Poll • March 12 Presidential Primary Is Gingrich Paul Santorum Romney Set Saturday, March 24 13% 8% 34% 30% Woody Jenkins
Editor, Central City News
CENTRAL — Fresh off Presidential Primary victories in Alabama and Mississippi, former Sen. Rick Santorum will bring his campaign to Central this Sunday. Santorum will speak at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 18 at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, 19421 Greenwell Springs Rd. Former Rep. Tony Perkins said the general public is invited to attend and participate in the event. Santorum will be here to promote his candidacy for the Republican Presidential nomination in the Louisiana Presidential Primary on Saturday, March 24. Registered Republicans will go to their regular voting precincts that day and choose from among Santorum and three
other candidates — former Gov. Mitt Romney, former Speaker Newt Gingrich, and Congressman Ron Paul. Republicans will also vote on candidates for the Republican State Central Committee and Republican Parish Executive Committee, which govern the state and local parties. Democratic voters will choose between President Obama and several lesser known candidates. At 3:30 p.m. Sunday, SanTony Perkins torum will hold a fundraising event in Baton Rouge. For information on that event, call Lori Cherry at 225-328-1910.
Delta Force Commander: There’s Still Hope Gen. Jerry Boykin Tells Sportsman’s Banquet Don’t Give Up on USA Woody Jenkins
Editor, Central City News
CENTRAL — Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin, former commander of Delta Force, told more than 500 men gathered at the Greenwell Springs Baptist Church Sportsman’s Banquet Saturday not to give up on America. “Do not give up on America!” he said. “Don’t give up on your family. Don’t give up on your neighborhood. Pray that God will restore America. As long as you can pray, God can move.” “I love this country,” he said. “Don’t give up on her!” The grizzled combat veteran of some of America’s most important DELTA FORCE COMMANDER — Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin, one of the original membattles, began his talk by making bers and later commander of Delta Force, spoke on spiritual values here Saturday. Photo by Woody Jenkins
See A YOUNG on Page 5
the veterans present stand and repeat their Oath of Allegiance. They said, “I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic... So help me God.” When they finished, Boykin said, “There was no expiration date on that oath, and you are still bound by it!” Delta Force is one of the nation’s most elite and most secretive combat units, and Boykin was one of its first members, beginning in 1978. Over the next 15 years, he served in some of the toughest combat situations — the 1980 mission to free American hostages in Iran, the 1983 liberation of Grenada, the 1989 liberation of Panama, and the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, the mission to capture terrorist leader Mohamed Farrah Aidid in Somalia. The movie Black Hawk Down documented that battle. See GEN. BOYKIN on Page 8
2 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012
CENTRAL CITY NEWS
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and The Leader • Vol. 15, No. 6
13567 Hooper Road Central, LA 70818
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Post Office Box 1 Greenwell Springs, LA 70739
Phone (225) 261-5055 • FAX 261-5022
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.
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CENTRAL CITY NEWS STAFF — Former Sen. Rick Santorum posed with Central City News’ account executives Jolice Provost (left) and Shara Pollard during last June’s Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans. Santorum was a keynote speaker at the event but was given little chance of winning by the media. Today, he is leading in many national polls and running second to Gov. Mitt Romney in pledged delegates.
Santorum Has Momentum After Ala., Miss. Rick Santorum Hopes Conservative Voters in Central Will Turn Out For Presidential Bid Woody Jenkins
Editor, Central City News
CENTRAL — Our City of Central will be the center of national media attention Sunday when former Sen. Rick Santorum arrives here for a 6 p.m. speech at Greenwell Springs Baptist Church. Santorum, an ardent conservative, has the momentum in the race for the GOP Presidential nomination after his big victories in Alabama and Mississippi on Tuesday. One thing about Santorum that is truly amazing is the fact that Gov. Mitt Romney has hit him with millions of dollars in negative attack
ads — most of which are unfair and misleading — and, yet, Santorum keeps right on winning. The campaign is proving what a resilient figure Santorum is. The thought of such a handsome, articulate young man winning the Republican nomiWoody Jenkins nation must scare the pants off the Democrats. The Democrats and the moderate Republican establishment keep saying that Romney is the strongest candidate against Obama. But that is downright wrong. The election this fall will be decided by blue-collar Democrats and blue-collar independents — exactly the kind of voters Santorum most appeals to. He is a blue-collar guy, and they love him. On the other hand, Gov. Romney has just the opposite ap-
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 15 Thursday, March 22 Thursday, April 12 Thursday, April 26 Thursday, May 10 Thursday, May 24 Thursday, June 14
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peal. He appeals to the country club set, and he doesn’t turn blue collar voters on at all. The myth that Gov. Romney is the “most electable” Republican is ridiculous. Of course, the media love Romney right now, because they understand how vulnerable he is on Romneycare, the bailouts, and job creation. If he gets the nomination, you will see the media turn on him in a heartbeat, and you’ll see them paint a very different picture of Romney. America hasn’t seen a candidate like Santorum since JFK. He is young, handsome, articulate, and genuine. With a beautiful wife and seven great children in the White
House, he would be a formidable President indeed. I can see Santorum turning our nation around, giving us hope and a great vision for the future. With Santorum’s humble origins, he is truly an All-American solution to an American problem. Today we are on the verge of going the way of every great civilization — into the abyss of decline and destruction. Perhaps this young man can lead the way toward a rebirth of the American spirit. We’ll have the chance to vote for him March 24, and we’re glad he’s coming to Central. Welcome, senator!
Letter to the Editor
Central School Board President Says Education Reform Plan Needs Review To: State Legislators representing Central Community Schools Lady and Gentlemen: I am sure you are under considerable pressure to support the Governor’s entire education package. I am well aware that there are areas in education which need to be addressed. We, however, do not need to throw the baby out with the bathwater. His proposals dealing with funding, teacher evaluation, school governance, early childhood education, and school choice have been designed by people who have little or no experience in education and seem to know nothing about what empirical research has
demonstrated. These proposals, if adopted without careful consideration of the results, will completely dismantle public education. Central has demonstrated that public schools can work and work very well. Other public school systems have also demonstrated this. I can see all the work this community has done over the last five years go completely for naught. It would be nice if you had talked to our board about how this will affect us. Supt. Faulk has forgotten more about school finance and school governance than the Governor’s advisors will ever know. I know that several of you have spoken briefly with him, but you need to commit to protecting those areas that the Governor does not seem to understand at all. I am not sure if he has hidden addenda items within his proposal, but it would not be the first time such practice has taken place. I want you to know that this community will hold you accountable to protect the interests of your constituents and in particular the Central Community School System rather than the interest of the Governor. Please stand up and represent those who have worked to put you in the position to protect us and our schools. Dr. Jim Gardner, President Central Community Schools
CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012 3
Greenwell Springs Baptist Has Programs For Children, Youth, and Senior Adults
CENTRAL — Last week’s Annual Greenwell Springs Arts & Crafts Festival was just one of many ministries of Greenwell Springs Baptist Church, 19421 Greenwell Springs Rd. The church offers year-round programs for Children, Youth, and Senior Adults. Here are some of the highlights of these programs: Children’s Ministry Excite stands for Enjoying eXperiencing Christ In Thrilling Encounters. Each week children in 1st-5th grades can be a part of an environment filled with discovery, worship, and games that help teach them Godly values. The Excite schedule coincides with the adult worship schedule, so that adults have the opportunity to worship while the children have an exciting time of worship made just for them. Excite Schedule
sionate encounters with Jesus. It’s the mission of Core Student Ministry to see the lives of 6th-12th graders transformed by bringing true salvation to the community in a free, authentic, and passionate encounter with Jesus. The ministry believes that offering a spirit-led family with a warm heart and sensitive soul will serve to break chains that separate Christ from his people. Core Student Ministry is a Christcentered student body with a bold passion for attracting and giving direction to a lost and hurting world, showing the depth and the grace of God. All 6th-12th graders are invited to come and be a part of this thriving student ministry. It offers dynamic Sunday School classes, cool weekly worship services, and lots of fun activities that will allow you to meet Christian friends and bring you to a closer relationship with Jesus. There are a number of opportunities to get involved — from student choir, drama/dance, and technical support to concerts, D-now’s, and summer mission trips and camps.
Sunday 9 a.m. – Excite Sunday School – this is a time of focused study in the Word. Sunday 10 a.m. – Excite Children’s Worship located in the Children’s Worship Center (1st-3rd graders) Sunday 5 p.m. – Excite Choir and Drama. This is held during the school year. Wednesday 6:30 p.m. – AWANA meets every week during the school year for 1½ hours where they study the Word, are taught lessons, and play hard during game time.
Marketplace Vacation Bible School – During the month of June each year the Greenwell Springs Baptist Church campus is transformed into a Biblical village where the tribes of Israel traverse the landscape encountering the Bible as it comes to life through stories, exciting worship and dance, along with amazing crafts. Fall Festival – Each year around October 31st, the church hosts a fun time for the whole family with games, food, candy, prizes, and entertainment. And the best thing is, it’s all for free! Summer Camp – This summer ministry is for kids who have completed 3rd-5th grade. It is one of the most anticipated, action packed, spirit
Wednesdays — 6:30 to 8 p.m. Student Worship (Student Worship Center) Sundays — 9 a.m. (Education Building) Sundays — 5 p.m. Dance/Drama Connection Team (Youth Worship Center)
GREENWELL SPRINGS ARTS & CRAFT FAIR drew more than 1,000 people to church campus last week. Participants enjoyed food, entertainment, rides, and crafts.
filled, high energy weeks of the summer. Every summer children board buses and head out to a camp somewhere in the Southeast for a week of recreation, Bible study, parties, and worship. This is a must-see, must-attend event. Youth Transforming lives through authentic and pas-
Senior Adults Greenwell Springs Baptist loves to care and minister to the needs of Senior Adults and offers a variety of things to help seniors continue growing in your walk with Jesus Christ. This current ministry is led by staff pastor Bro. George Threeton. The ministry is designed to minister to individuals 50 years and above. Monthly fellowships at 6:30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month Visitation to Shut-ins every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. Seasonal conferences/retreats
If you would like further information on this ministry, please email george@gsbcla.com.
4 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012
Republican, Democratic Primaries Face Voters
Sample Ballots for March 24 Election Vote at Your Regular Precinct on Saturday, March 24, 2012 SAMPLE BALLOT Republican Primary City of Central March 24, 2012
Republican Parish Executive Committee Elected Parishwide Members at Large Vote for Up to 5
q President of the United States Elizabeth Dent Rev. “Tommy” French q q Michele Bachmann* q Louis “Woody” Jenkins q Randy Crow q “Dan” Kyle q Newt Gingrich q Willie “W.D.” Lewis q Jon Huntsman* q Kenneth McMillan Ron Paul q Judge Darrell White (retired) q Rick Perry* q Republican Parish Executive Charles “Buddy” Roemer* q Committee — Member Mitt Romney q Metro Council District 1 Rick Santorum q 1 to be Elected Republican State Central John Coghlan q Committee — Member q 65th Representative District, Randy Lamana* Subdistrict B Republican Parish Executive Committee — Member Brennan Easley q Metro Council District 4 “Billy” Thompson q 1 to be Elected Republican State Central “Jr.” Shelton q Committee Member q 65th Representative District, “Billy” Thompson Subdistrict C *Indicates candidate has dropped out of race Barry D. Ivey q Jared Smith q
SAMPLE BALLOT Democratic Primary City of Central March 24, 2012
President of the United States “Bob” Ely Barack Obama Darcy G. Richardson John Wolfe
q q q q
Democratic State Central Committee — Member 65th Representative District, Office B Joshua Hollins Dalton Honore
q q
Democratic Parish Executive Committee — Members At Large Vote for Up to 5 Donald C. Hodge Jr. q Charlotte McDaniel McGehee q Dan Scheuermann q Larry Selders q Dean “Deaneaux” Vicknair q W. T. Winfield q
MUNICIPAL ELECTION City of Baker Saturday, March 24, 2012 Mayor, City of Baker
Leroy Davis (D) q Donald “Duck” Kyer (D) q Harold Rideau (D) q Monteic Sizer (D) q Chief of Police Frederick Chappell (D) q Silas Geralds (D) q “Snapper” Knaps (D) q Councilman District 1 Charles Vincent (D) q Unopposed Councilman District 2 Norman “Pete” Heine (D) q Yolanda Vessell (D) q A. J. Walls (D) q Councilman District 3 Joyce Burges (D) q Carlon Simpson (D) q Councilman District 4 David Georgetown (D) q Darnell Waites (D) q Robert Young (D) q Councilman District 5 John Givens (D) q Darryl L. Robertson (D) q Fred O. Russell (D) q
Republican Parish Executive Committee The East Baton Rouge Republican Parish Executive Committee is the official governing body of the Republican Party in the parish. It is composed of 17 members — 5 elected at large parishwide and one elected from each of the 12 Metro Council Districts. Its members are elected every four years at the time of the Presidential Primary by the registered Republicans in the parish. The member elected from Metro Council District 4 represents Central on the committee.
Jr. Shelton wants to represent you • Lifelong Republican • Businessman for over 40 years • City of Central Activist • Strong Christian Ethics • A Real Conservative • Central Resident for 36 years • Local Realtor “It is time the Republican Party returns to its fundamental base of ‘true conservatism.’ We must as a party come together and find and support candidates who will hold the Republican leaders accountable to the values that have made America prosper. We cannot let the moderates continue to denigrade this great country. By electing me to this committee, I pledge to all Republicans in EBR and particularly District 4, that I will work to find candidates and endorse those who will make the Republican Party truly the Grand Ole Party once again.”
Jr. Shelton • Metro Council District 4 Vote Saturday, March 24 • Early Voting Continues Through This Saturday
CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012 5
A Young Conservative Leader Would Bring Family of Nine to White House Continued from Page 1
Greenwell Springs Baptist is inviting all four GOP candidates, as well as President Obama, to speak at the church. The March 24 Louisiana Presidential Primary will be the first stage in Louisiana’s delegate selection process. Only a few of the delegates will be allocated based on the results of the primary. The next step in the process will be the election of state convention delegates at caucuses to be held throughout the state on April 21. The state convention delegates will meet in June to choose Louisiana’s delegates to the Republican National Convention, which will be held in Tampa in late August. Former State Rep. Tony Perkins of Greenwell Springs is part of a group of Christian leaders who voted to endorse and work for Santorum in January. One of the leaders of the group is Dr. James Dobson. Sen. Santorum is currently leading in the CBS poll of likely Republican voters with 34 percent, while Gov. Mitt Romney has 30 percent, former Speaker Newt Gingrich has 13 percent, and Congressman Ron Paul has 8 percent. In Alabama and Mississippi, Gov. Romney had been expected to win, because of his financial advantage and because Santorum
Sen. Rick Santorum, wife Karen, and their seven children
and Gingrich split the conservative vote. However, Santorum carried Mississippi with 32.8 percent, compared to 31.2 percent for Gingrich and 30.6 percent for Romney. Ron Paul had 4.4 percent. In Alabama, Santorum had 35 percent, Gingrich 29.3, Romney 29, and Ron Paul 5. Santorum served in the United States from 1994 to 2006. He was known as a strong economic and social conservative. He was the author and floor manager of the landmark Welfare Reform Act that took millions of people off the welfare rolls and into the job market. He also authored and passed the Partial Birth Abortion Act, which prohibits the killing of children in these procedures. He served for eight years on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Before the 9/11 attack, he fought to modernize the U. S. military to meet modern threats. He fought to protect Israel and was the author of the Syria Accountability Act. He wrote the New York Times best seller It Takes a Family. Santorum and his wife Karen are parents of seven children: Elizabeth, John, Daniel, Sarah Maria, Peter, Patrick and Isabella. A large crowd is expected Sunday night, and early arrival is advised.
Republican State Central Committee Brennan Easley District 65 Sub-District B Brennan Easley wants to represent you • Lifelong Central Resident • Graduate of Central Private School, Louisiana Tech University, and Executive MBA from LSU • Registered Professional Civil Engineer • Central Business Owner • Member of the Louisiana Tech Engineering Advisory Board
• Lifelong Republican • Core Family Values • Eager to become involved and make a change for the betterment of our community • Would like to work closely with our state representatives to achieve goals that enhance our community • True conservative choice
Vote Saturday, March 24 • Early Voting Continues Through This Saturday
6 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012
CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012 7
Cookin’ in Central Coming Next Weekend
rock climbing wall, dunking booth, blow ups, and more. After lunch, the program will include Live, Silent, and Progessive
Auctions. One of the unique items to be auctioned off will include a quilt made of T-shirts from all seven years of Cookin’ in Central.
In addition to meals, snowballs, ice cream, and yogurt will be offered, as well as beverages. Drive through dinners will be available Friday night and Saturday. The $10,000 Auction will draw lots of interest. Tickets are $100. Judge Richard Anderson and Ms. City of Central Keeley LeBlanc will assist in the drawing Saturday afternoon. Tickets for the Crawfish Boil and lunch on Saturday can be purchased at all Central public, private, and parochial schools, Chamber of Commerce, Bank of Zachary, Fidelity Bank, Hancock Bank, Neighbor’s Federal Credit Union, People’s Bank, Ross Tire, and Whitney Bank. This is the 7th Annual Cookin’ in Central. It began as Cookin’ for Our Neighbors and then became Cookin’ for Our Kids before adopting its current title of Cookin’ in Central.
CENTRAL — Central City News readers have until tomorrow, Friday, March 16 to nominate local businesses for the Annual Central Business Awards competition. More than 60 businesses were nominated in nine categories last year. It is an opportunity to honor Central’s best businesses. The categories in this year’s competition are: • 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 Most Valuable Business In addition, you may nominate a long-time Central business for induction into the Central Business Hall of Fame. A business should have been here at least 15 years.
In order to nominate one or more businesses, deliver a brief letter or note to Central City News at 13567 Hooper Road, City of Central, LA 70818 or email your nominations to centralcitynews@hotmail.com, or fax them to 225-261-5022. A business owner or employee may nominate his own business, but he should reveal the fact that he is associated with the business. Winners will be honored in the Central City News and at a reception later this spring.
Continued from Page 1
from the event this year will go to • All Central public, private, and parochial schools • Disabled veterans • Central Community Assistance Foundation, which aids low income children in Central DeJohn said 100 percent of all donations by sponsors will go to disabled veterans. The fun will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday with the Navy Brass Ensemble Band and continue with Carbon Copy Band from 7 to 9 p.m. As always, Friday night will feature a giant Crawfish Boil, with plates going for $15 each. Some of the contestants in the Annual Cookoff will begin cooking Friday and continue throughout the evening. On Saturday, Cookin’ in Central continues at 10 a.m. The Cook-Off will include competition for jambalaya, BBQ chicken, couchon-du-lait or pork roast, brisket, and fried turkey. Meal tickets will be $10. Live entertainment will continue throughout most of the day with many schools, cheerleaders, dance teams, and others performing. Special entertainment will be provided for children, including a
COOKIN’ IN CENTRAL 5 to 9 p.m., Friday, March 23 10 to 4, Saturday, March 24
Village at Magnolia Square Lovett Road, Central
COOKIN’ IN CENTRAL — Cookin’ in Central depends on dedicated volunteers like these ladies, who helped with food service last year, to make the event a success.
Business Awards Nominations Due Tomorrow
Trade Construction Company, LLC www.tradeconstruction.com
225-654-7741 Coming March 2012
1982 • Provider of construction services in the areas of pipe fabrication, pipeline equipment, and industrial construction • Family owned and operated • Located in Central since inception • 30 years and still growing • Over 115 full time employees • Proud supporter of the Central community
2012
8 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012
Continued from Page 1
Regarding the possibility of Iran’s getting nuclear weapons and the likelihood of an Israeli strike to knock them out, Gen. Boykin said he believes Iran already has a nuclear weapon. “They’ve been working on it for 25 years,” he said. “It’s incredible to me that they would not already have one.” If Israel strikes Iran, he said the results would be devastating for Israel. “There would be a reign of terror against Israel. They have 200,000 missiles supplied by the Iranians in South Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.” Boykin said the Gulf states hate Iran. “If the Israelis attack Iran, the Gulf states would privately be giving high fives, while publicly condemning it.” “Let’s pray that Iran will disassemble its nuclear program, so that none of this will occur,” he said. Boykin told the group, “It’s great to be with men!” “The church has been asleep,” he said, “because the men have been asleep. Today what we need is warriors. Not brigands or thugs but warriors who go into battle every day. To do this, you must have the heart of a warrior.” In 1978, Boykin said he got a call asking him if he would be willing to be part of an elite group. He was given two days to think about it. He called his mother to ask her about it. “She was an old time praying woman, and she began to pray,” he said. Boykin went through 30 days of hell in the initial training period. On the final day, he marched 40 miles through the snow in 11 hours. The 30day ordeal had started with 109 men. It ended with 18. He finished first. Nevertheless, Boykin said he didn’t know if he would be chosen for the unit. He found out later his commander didn’t like Christians, because of the
Christians he’d been exposed to. Boykin asked his mother about whether he would be selected. She told him, “Satan is gathering his forces.” But Boykin went to the old church where he had been raised and prayed. “God said to me, ‘Yes, but I am gathering mine!’” He was chosen for Delta Force. “For two years, I received nothing but contempt from my commanding officer,” he said. Then in 1980, as he stood in the Egyptian desert, ready to fly with his men into Iran, his commander, Charles Beckwith, came up and said, “Jerry, would you get these men together and lead them in prayer before you go?” “I read from Isaiah. It said, ‘Send me!’ I began to pray, knowing that there would be 100 of us in an Iranian city of 5 million. I ended the prayer by saying, ‘God bless America!’ and we began to load onto the aircraft.” “We landed 100 miles from Teheran. As a helicopter was lifting off, it crashed onto a C-130. 45 of my men were trapped inside the wreckage in a ball of fire. I prayed to the Lord, ‘Don’t let them die!’ But seconds passed, and I knew they were dead men. Then suddenly they were jumping out of the flames. All 45 men came out and were saved. It was like Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego! God had his hand on us. Every man who prayed with us came back alive. God loves warriors!” “In 1983, President Reagan said go to Grenada and take it away from the Cubans and Communists. The Soviets were building an airfield. The Communists had imprisoned the elected government and were holding 1,000 American medical students hostage.” “My sergeant who had been with us in Iran said, ‘We’re not launching until you pray!’ Soon we were in the Black Hawk, and it was nearing the beautiful island. People were waving at us from the jungles, welcoming us. Then
Photo by Woody Jenkins
Gen. Jerry Boykin on Power of Prayer
THE OATH — Lt. Gen. Jerry Boykin made the veterans present at last Saturday’s Sportsman’s Banquet take their Oath of Allegiance once again. Then he reminded them that “This oath has no expiration date.”
the bullets came pouring into the helicopter. A 50-caliber bullet hit my chest and armpit. The helicopter was hit 54 times but we were still flying. We returned to the carrier. I was flown to Ft. Bragg and went into surgery. The doctors told me I’d never use that arm again. I said, ‘Do your best. My God will heal me!’” “The Bible said, ‘It rains on the just and the unjust.’ I told God, ‘I led that prayer, and if you don’t heal me, it’s not going to look good!’” Boykin was healed and has full use of his arm today. “In 1989, President Bush said go to Panama to take out that Satan-worshiper named Noreiga. As the Black Hawk was over Panama, the tracers were coming in. The first helicopter rescued Curt Muse, the radio broadcaster who had been imprisoned for criticizing Noreiga. Our helicopter went down, but everyone survived. Noreiga was captured, and Panama was liberated.” In 1993, President Clinton told Delta Force to go to Somalia and capture the terrorist Mohamed Farrah Aidid. “When I got off the helicopter in Somalia, I felt the presence of great evil. In that situation, your spirit is restless. God is telling you that something is evil.” “I prayed again and asked for our safety. I asked God to bless America. We carried out six operations, and our men were unscathed. Then on Oct. 3, it was a beautiful Sunday morning, my mom’s birthday. I got the word that the clans’ militia were having a big meeting. Mohamed Farrad Aidid would be there, and it was our chance to get him.” “But they were waiting for us. Delta Force was involved in the biggest fight since Vietnam. It was 99 of us against tens of thousands of Somalian militias. We fought them for 18 hours. Fifteen of our men were killed. Some came
back in a 15-ton truck, the wounded piled on top of the dead because there was no other way out. I opened the back of the truck and blood poured out like water.” “I asked God, ‘Where were You?’ I watched the video as the Somalians dragged the bodies of five of our men through the streets of Mogadishu. That night I was alone with God, and I was angry with God. I said, ‘God, where were You?’ Then the answer came, ‘There is no God!’” “I remembered that Peter had denied God three times after watching him perform miracles for three years. When I said in my heart, ‘There is no God’ I heard, ‘If there is no God, then there is no hope for the world!’ I melted. I said, ‘God, I’m so sorry!’” “There is no bigger reprobate than me, but I am forgiven. I read Proverbs 3:5, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and trust not in your own understanding.’” “The next day, we had a memorial service. A little later that day, the mortars started coming in. As we were talking, a mortar landed right in the middle of us. My sergeant was killed. All of us were down — many were wounded, some very seriously. I called for the doctor, but he was down on the ground in a pool of blood next to me.” HHH “When I was back home in North Carolina, I walked with a cane. I prayed, ‘God, I don’t know if those 15 men we lost were right with you.’ He told me, ‘By the obedience of one, many are saved.’ God told me, ‘I revealed myself to those men before they died.’” “Jesus hung on the cross next to two criminals. They were men without redeeming characteristics. But one of the men said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!’ and Jesus said, ‘Before this day, you will be with me in Paradise.’” HHH “Back in the clinic in Somalia, the doctor was on the cot next to me. I was holding his hand and praying. Suddenly, he zeroed out. No vital signs. The nurse said he’s gone. I said God don’t let him go. They tried to pull us apart but I wouldn’t let go. He’s not gone, I said. Let go, she said, but I wouldn’t let go. I hollered, Father, don’t let him go! They started pushing on his legs, pushing blood from his legs to his heart. Then suddenly, beep, beep, beep. He was back!” “I saw a man who the medical professionals said was dead come back!” “Do not give up on America! Don’t give up on your family. Don’t give up on your neighborhood. Pray that God will restore America. As long as you can pray, God can move.” “I love this country,” he said. “Don’t give up on her!”
Editor’s Note: For more on Gen. Boykin, read his book, Never Surrender, A Soldier’s Journey to the Crossroads of Faith and Freedom by Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin.
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CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012 9
Cookin’ in Central Set for March 23-24
CENTRAL — Events coming up in and around Central: 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. Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24 Cookin in Central Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, be part of Central’s premiere communitywide event, Cookin in Central. This year, the giant party will be held at the Village at Magnolia Square on Lovett Road. It continues Saturday morning with great food, entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Saturday, March 17 Gator Baseball Fundraiser Gator Baseball will be holding a bass tournament at Doiron’s Landing in Morgan City. For information, contact Eric Weaver at 939-6486, weaverslc@cox.net, or www.louisianasportsman.com under forumstournaments.
CLASS REUNION Glen Oaks Class of 1962 Looking for Classmates Call Bobby Miscar at 225-261-3030 or email bemiscar@cox.net
COOKIN’ IN CENTRAL will be held Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24 at the Village at Magnolia Square. Debbie Dean was surprised and elated when her husband, Dr. Kyle Dean, won the bidding for a rare dog during the live auction at last year’s Cookin’ in Central.
Monday, March 19 Republican Women of Central Meeting • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Republican Women of Central invite you to join them for the 2nd Amendment Rights and Conceal and Carry Gun Laws Meeting and Dinner at Kristenwood, 14025 Greenwell Springs. Cost is $20 per person including meeting, dinner, and door prize drawings. Guest speakers will be Gordon Hutchinson and Lydia Reynerson. Monday, March 19 CORE 4 Informational Meeting 6 p.m. Counselors will begin meeting next week with 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students for scheduling. To help with this process there will be an
informational meeting about CORE 4, Basic Core, individual graduation plans, and scheduling for next year in the Central High cafeteria. You will receive information that might make planning your child’s schedule for next year a little easier. Tuesday, March 20 Grief Support Group • 6:30 p.m. A new grief support group under the guidance of The Grief Recovery Center will be meeting weekly in the Daily Chapel inside St. Alphonsus Church. The meetings are open to everyone in the community who have suffered a loss and their family and friends that provide support for these individuals. Tuesday, March 20 Central Community Alliance
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Sunday, March 25 Easter Egg Hunt • 1 p.m. The Baker Civic Club is hosting its 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at 2640 N. Magnolia Dr., across the tracks near the ball park. The hunt will be broken up into age groups for all children 12 and under. There will be games, crafts, face painting, and snacks.
Lost & Found No charge for listing one week. Call 261-5055.
FOUND — Wedding band set. To identify call 225-235-7117.
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Meeting • 7 p.m. This month’s public forum of the Central Community Alliance will feature Coach Sid Edwards, athletic director of the CCSS and new head football coach. The meeting will be held at DEMCO on Wax Road. March 22 through 25 Peter Pan The Central High School Musical Department will present “Peter Pan” in the Central High Theatre. Ticket prices are reserve seating $12 in advance, general admission $10 in advance and $15 at the door. For information, contact 261-3438. Friday, March 23 Central Wide College Age Worship Service • 7:30 p.m. A Central wide college age worship service will be held at First Baptist Church Central, 9676 Sullivan Road. There will be worship, message, and food. For information, call 261-3722.
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10 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012
Central Plays First-Ever Lacrosse Game CENTRAL — Central High School has it first Lacrosse Team. The club began practicing about six weeks ago. Because it is a club sport, rather than an official school team, students from other schools can participate. Central has one such student, Tyler Coleman, who is a junior at Denham Springs High School. The group practices Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 to 4:30 and on Saturdays. High school-aged students are invited to come out and join the club or just learn more about the sport. The coach is Jeff Jones. Central’s first-ever lacrosse game was played last Saturday at the Cat House. The team scrimmaged WILDCATS LACROSSE — Team members are (1st row, left to right) Kenneth Keating, Cole Devillier, Justin Blanchard, Austin Mcagainst Dutchtown. Unfortunately, Cutcheon, Michael Shaffer, Justin Brocato, and Coach Jeff Jones, and (2nd row) Coach Jeff King, Trent Butler, Brandon Munley, Terrell Dutchtown won 6-0. With a late Stubbs, Tyler Coleman, Matthew Terrio, Cody Aucoin, Chaz King, Roy Chavalitlekha, Colton Wilson, and Coach Graham Bolton. start in the season, Central will have just two more games on March 24 and March 31. Both games are out of town. Central High’s Lacrosse Roster Coaches: Jeff Jones, Jeff King, and Graham Bolton Players #2 - Trent Butler #3 - Justin Brocato #7 - Kenneth Keating #9 - Austin McCutcheon #11 - Tyler Coleman #15 - Colton Wilson #18 - Chaz King #19 - Cody Aucoin #21 - Terrell Stubbs #25 - Justin Blanchard #27 - Michael Shaffer #68 - Brandon Munley #81 - Matthew Terrio #99 - Roy Chavalitlekha Cole Devillier (not dressed out) - Jake David (not in group picture)
For information, call Jeff King at 225.572.5214 .
Photos by Lorri King
Austin McCutcheon and Terrell Stubbs
Chaz King
Austin McCutcheon (left photo), Colton Wilson (center photo), and Tyler Coleman (right photo)
Brandon Munley and Austin McCutcheon
Austin McCutcheon
Central Football Players Honored CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012 11
CENTRAL — The Central High School football team honored seniors and other outstanding players from the 2011 season. Coach Sid Edwards, the incoming coach, thanked parents, players, staff, and the community for their support. Assistant coach Jerry Fremin gave an eloquent tribute to the 2011 Central Wildcat team. Not Jerry Fremin shown in the photos: Coach of the Year Doug Dotson and 2nd Team All-District Kevin Henry.
Gary Triplett 1st Team, All-District All-Metro • All-State
Logan Metcalf 1st Team, All-District All-Metro
Joey Jarreau 1st Team, All-District
Zach Hetrick 1st Team, All-District All-Metro • All-State
Corey Guercio 2nd Team, All-District
Zack Evans 2nd Team, All-District
Thomas Willis
John Davis 2nd Team, All-District
Justin Smiley
Brody Browning
Darren Lindsey
Thomas Eddlemon 2nd Team, All-District
Brenton Scardina
Jonathan Thibodeaux 2nd Team, All-District
All-District Hunter Edgens and Coach Simoneaux
All-District Ashton Stokes and Coach Simoneaux
Coach Hutchinson and Alex Frank
Coach Hutchinson and Taylor Conrad
All-District Brett Courville and Coach Simoneaux
All-District Devon Gales and Coach Simoneaux
12 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, March 15, 2012
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CENTRAL CITY
NEWS
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
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
Editor, Central City News
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
Special to the Central City News
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.
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