Parish News ~ Vol. 1 No. 10 ~ Dember 2018 by Parish News

ACADIANA Dec. 2018 - Vol. 1 No. 10 Complimentary Copy

Business & Industry | Community Affairs | Events & Entertainment

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

COVER STORY

TM Landry Fallout

Teles Fremin Named Interim Director of LUS Fiber

Mayor-President Joel Robideaux has appointed Teles Fremin as Interim Director of LUS Fiber until a permanent Director is named. Since the start of the new fiscal year on Nov. 1, LUS Fiber has been recognized as a separate entity from Lafayette Utilities System (LUS), and with this appointment, Fremin is the first Director of LUS Fiber. Prior to this year, the same director managed both LUS and LUS Fiber. Fremin joined LUS more than 17 years ago and has worked in various roles throughout her career with LUS and LUS Fiber. In her most recent role, she was responsible for leading the

LUS Fiber Continued on page 10

By Dwayne Fatherree-Freelance Journalist

The viral video of Ayrton Little opening his Harvard University acceptance letter, a week after his older brother Alex was accepted to Stanford University, made the young men media darlings. They made the rounds of syndicated talk shows last year. News outlets called for interviews. Well-wishers applauded the brothers and the school, TM Landry Prep in Breaux Bridge, that they attended. But with that adulation and attention came a spotlight that cast a long shadow over the school in early December when the New York Times published a story detailing school founder Michael Landry’s history of abuse and violent temper as well as allegations of academic fraud. The story also questioned

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Mail Slot

As LA Crawfish Industry Grows, Concern Remains Over White Spot Disease

(LA Radio Network) Louisiana’s crawfish industry produces more than 300-million dollars a year, but there’s a dark cloud hovering over producers. LSU AgCenter aquaculture specialist Greg Lutz says the white spot virus is a threat to this growing industry. “It’s been there for quite some time, but over the last couple of seasons it’s really seems to be

the value of TM Landry’s educational methodology, painting the school and its owners, Landry and his wife, Tracey, as choreographers of a grand charade that has left scores of students behind their peers and illprepared for the college rigors they faced upon graduation. The story, based on interviews with 46 current and former students and parents, court documents detailing Michael Landry’s plea of guilty in 2013 to a charge of simple battery, copies of erroneous transcripts and multiple interviews with the Landrys, led the school to issue a statement Friday evening through its lawyer. “As a result of the article published today by The New York Times and in the midst of running the daily operations of the school, Michael Landry and Tracey Landry, the owners of T.M. Landry College Prep Foundation (“T.M. Landry”), have received multiple inquiries into the

TM Landry Continued on page 6

spreading and hurting some individual farms,” said Lutz. Lutz says all it takes is for one crawfish to get white spot syndrome and all of the mudbugs in a pond can get sick. He says for some producers it’s been a real issue. “It’s the large crawfish that succumbs to this virus, the young crawfish are scooting around the pond just fine, but it’s the big ones that die. Of course it’s the big ones that are producers need to harvest to turn a profit.” Lutz says white spot disease is harmless for humans. He says it’s been issue worldwide in the shrimp industry and the virus was first detected in Louisiana in 2007. He

ENTERTAINMENT

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Where Modern convenience meets rustic charm 106 North Grant Street - Lafayette, LA 337-330-4860

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT on page 22

IN THIS ISSUE:

• The Bird? • LFT Regional Airport • Discover Lafayette • New Laws For Exotic Dancers • DOTD Upgrades Site & APP • People On The Move • Road closures • Commentary & Opinions • Events & Entertainment says they need more research dollars in order to examine what’s causing white spot disease. “It’s really of concern to some of us industry observers and we’re hoping to find a way to do some work on it,” said Lutz.

PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Lafayette Well Represented at Governor’s 2018 Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities Awards The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs recently hosted the 2018 Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards ceremony at the Old State Capitol building in Baton Rouge. The Governor’s Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards are an annual event of recognition to pay tribute to the achievements and dedication of individuals who have inspired positive change within the disability community. Of the 14 total GOLD award honorees, four of those awards were presented to Lafayette representatives, including

Who Put Those Birds on The Corner?

Mayor-President Joel Robideaux. The GOLD Awards is an opportunity for Louisiana to pay tribute to the achievements and dedication of individuals in the disability community. The Lafayette recipients for the 2018 GOLD Awards are: • Ken Vince Memorial: Harlon Cowsar II • Employer of the Year: Hand Up Thrift • Veteran of the Year: Barry Guidry • Elected Official of the Year: Mayor- President Joel Robideaux

NEW SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM FOR FIRST RESPONDERS UNVEILED

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was on hand for the official unveiling of a new social media platform called First Responders Emergency Media Outlet (FREMO) where First Responders come FIRST. FREMO’s concept stems back over the past few years and was initially conceptualized by a First Responder. The social media platform is for those who protect, serve, and assist the general public and the communities in which they live. “FREMO’s goal is to provide a free and safe place for First Responders to discuss their experiences by posting articles, asking questions, and giving

advice to their colleagues,” said Lt. Governor Nungesser. “I am thankful for the service these men and women provide and I am excited that I will be the spokesperson for FREMO.” First Responders often witness traumatic situations such as a traffic accident, fire or emergency call. The individual needs a supportive outlet to cope and process their emotions long after the shift is over. FREMO’s goal is to provide a place amongst peers to discuss their experiences and support each other. Everyone on FREMO will be a First Responder providing an outlet of like-minded individuals who have dealt with the difficult situations faced in the job daily. If you are a first responder and want to learn more, visit their website at www.fremos.us or on Facebook at @ FREMO.US. Lt. Governor Nungesser and FREMO held the official unveiling of the website in Baton Rouge on Monday, December 10th.

By Flint Zerangue

In early December, as if by magic, black Birds started appearing on street corners near ULL, the Oil Center, and Downtown Lafayette. Two here, three there, I counted eight on my short trip to the post office. Odd, yes, but more intriguing was that there was no kiosk, signage, or attendant watching over the flock of what was obviously a scooter named BIRD™. Upon further investigation, we learned that the “Bird” is a new rentto-ride electric scooter. The company’s website states, “Bird is passionate about vibrant communities that have less traffic, cleaner air, and safer streets. We’re working with cities and universities across the world to provide new transportation options, complement public transit systems, and invest in safety infrastructure that benefits everyone.” We reached out to the company, and they confirmed that Birds are indeed in Lafayette.

According to a Bird spokesperson, “Lafayette is a forward-thinking city that shares our vision of getting cars off the road to reduce traffic and carbon emissions. Bird hopes to work closely with city officials to develop a framework that works for everyone so that the Lafayette community can have access to our fun and affordable transportation option. We are in touch with city officials, and we look forward to meeting with them early next week.” The Bird rent-to-ride electric scooter uses an APP for timed rentals, and while the company’s APP and website are informative, the lack of training for users, the legality of their use on public streets, and the liability risks leave room for concern. Updates on this story will be available online as more details become available. Visit MyParishNews.com to learn more.

PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

Path-breaking Folklorist’s Work Finds Crowley Programs New Home at Center Receive Grant for Louisiana Studies COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

CROWLEY, La.-The First National Bank of Louisiana and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) awarded $18,200 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) funds to Crowley Main Street and Empowering the Community for Excellence (ETCFE). Local dignitaries joined bank representatives in awarding the funds at a check presentation today at First National Bank’s offices.

computers and supplemental materials including language arts, reading and math workbooks. ETCFE founder Audrey Spencer said she is grateful for the funds. This is the organization’s third PGP. “We operate on grants and donations, so without those we’d have to close the facility,” said Mrs. Spencer. The structure of the PGP enables FHLB Dallas member institutions such as First National Bank of Louisiana to make a contribution of $500 to $4,000 to a community-based organization (CBO), which FHLB Dallas will match at a 3:1 ratio. As an educator in Crowley, Mrs. Spencer dedicated her life to helping children. Upon retirement, she was distressed to see the rate at which Crowley children were failing to First National and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas advance to the next grade awarded Crowley main Street $16,000 in Partnership Grant level, so she founded ETCFE, Program funds to support downtown beautification efforts. a free community-based Crowley Main Street, whose mission after school tutoring program providing is to revitalize and promote the academic assistance to students in historic, cultural, social and economic grades 1-5. The program has now significance of Crowley’s downtown expanded to serve students in middle historic business district, will receive school and high school. $16,000 in PGP funds to assist with First National Bank of Louisiana business and fundraising operations, has donated learning materials to the as well as supporting the organization’s program, and donates money to the beautification efforts to revitalize the organization regularly. President and downtown area. CEO Randy Prather said the bank is “We believe our downtown proud to support both organizations commercial historic district is the heart through the PGP. of our city and the center of economic “ETCFE and Crowley Main Street vitality,” said Jill Habetz, advisory board are both dedicated to improving vice president of Crowley Main Street. our community,” said Mr. Prather. “The PGP grant funds will be put to “Supporting their missions through the good use and we’re so grateful.” PGP is our privilege and is in line with ETCFE, a nonprofit that provides free our bank’s core values.” academic tutoring to underprivileged Greg Hettrick, first vice president and students, will receive $2,200 in funds director of Community Investment at from the banks to purchase two laptop FHLB Dallas, said the PGP not only strengthens the community, but also members’ relationships within the community. “The PGP is a great community investment tool for community-focused banks such as First National Bank of Louisiana,” said Mr. Hettrick. “Our partnership with First National Bank is strengthened by our shared commitment to our First National Bank of Louisiana and the Federal Home communities.” Loan Bank of Dallas awarded $2,200 in Partnership Source and Photos by Grant Program funds to Empowering the Community for Business Wire Excellence, a nonprofit that provides free academic tutoring to underprivileged students.

Catherine Brookshire Blanchet (Photo courtesy of the Blanchet family)

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is the new home to a half-century of recordings made by a pioneering south Louisiana folklorist. Catherine Brookshire Blanchet developed one of the first substantial audio collections of folk songs from south Louisiana. The Blanchet Collection of Acadiana Folklore includes 250 cassettes and reelto-reel tapes on which she preserved traditional songs, slices of everyday life in rural Acadiana and events such as festivals. Blanchet produced the recordings from the early 1940s through the mid-1990s. A small collection of photographs, films, newspaper articles, and research notes accompanies the sound materials. The Blanchet family donated the trove to UL Lafayette’s Center for Louisiana Studies in October. Archivists are processing and cataloging the collection, and the recordings will be made accessible to the public digitally in coming months, said Dr. Joshua Caffery, the center’s director. Caffery said Blanchet’s preservation work in the 1940s and 1950s preceded the Acadian renaissance by two decades. The period of renewed interest and pride in the region’s Cajun heritage began in the mid-1960s. A native of Kaplan, La., Blanchet earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Newcomb College in New Orleans. According to her 2007 obituary, the new graduate “realized that the rich French culture of south Louisiana was in danger of being lost. (It) seemed that few saw the value in traditional culture, and she became determined to help preserve and perpetuate that heritage.” While serving as the Vermilion Parish school system’s music supervisor,

Blanchet recorded schoolchildren singing French songs during recesses. She then traveled to remote parts of the region to document adults singing folk songs in their homes, unaccompanied by music. Those recordings were the basis for her 1955 book, “Les Danses Rondes,” a collection of Acadian folk songs and round dances, in which participants promenade in a ring. The book’s coauthor was Maria del Norte Theriot. Blanchet’s recordings and written notes also documented interview subjects describing dance steps and explaining traditional methods of spinning and weaving cloth. She later earned a master’s degree in musicology from the University in 1970, and used the recordings she made of schoolchildren three decades earlier as primary sources for her thesis. The recordings and completed thesis are included in the material Blanchet’s family donated to UL Lafayette. Caffery said the Blanchet collection fills “a major gap in the study of French folk song and dance in southern Louisiana. This collection is an important new resource for musicians, Louisiana studies scholars, French language educators, educational theorists, and folk music and dance scholars, in general.” Dr. Jordan Kellman, dean of the University’s College of Liberal Arts, noted that, in addition to Blanchet’s preservation work, she also was an early advocate for French language and other cultural education in the region’s schools. The college oversees the Center for Louisiana Studies. “One of the five areas of special focus for the University in the Louisiana Board of Regents Master Plan is, ‘Louisiana arts, culture, and heritage programs and research, including a focus on Cajun and Creole cultural traditions.’ The Blanchet collection will open vital new doors to research in those exact areas,” Kellman said. The Center for Louisiana Studies is on the third floor of Edith Garland Dupré Library on campus. For information about the Blanchet collection or others in the center’s holdings, contact Dr. John Sharp, assistant director for research, at johnsharp@louisiana.edu or (337) 482-1320.

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

GOVENOR JOHN BEL EDWARDS TO BE UL LAFAYETTE’S COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

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Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards will be the featured speaker at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Fall 2018 Commencement ceremony being held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, at the

Cajundome. Learn more about Fall 2018 Commencement at commencement. louisiana.edu.

Winfred Sibille to Receive Honorary Doctorate From UL Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will award an honorary doctorate to a longtime advocate for education during Fall 2018 Commencement ceremonies. Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president, will present an honorary degree to Winfred Sibille during the General Assembly. That event will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, at the Cajundome.Sibille’s decades-long contributions to education in Louisiana are extensive.

He has been a member of the University of Louisiana System’s Board of Supervisors since 1995. During his tenure, Sibille has held many leadership roles, including chairman of the board. He is the longest-serving board member in UL System history. Sibille served on the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission. The commission oversees TOPS scholarships and Go Grants for college students. His commitment to elementary and secondary education in the state includes work as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and legislative consultant for the Louisiana School Boards Association. The Louisiana Association of School Executives recognized Sibille as State Educator of the Year in 1989. Sibille is a graduate of Sunset High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Southwestern Louisiana Institute, now known as UL Lafayette. He earned a master’s degree in education from LSU. He holds a master’s degree-plus 30 graduate hours from LSU, Nicholls State and UL Lafayette.

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PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS TM Landry

Continued from Front Page received multiple inquiries into the substance of the article and have not responded to some,” the statement read. “As such, they are in the process of consulting with their attorneys and plan on providing a more substantive press release hopefully early next week. They are steadfast in fulfilling their obligations to their current students and

future students to continue to afford all children the opportunity to get the education that they deserve. They appreciate the continued support and prayers of the communities they work so hard to serve.” State Sen. Fred Mills said Monday morning that the article in the Times has made him question the lack of oversight for private schools like TM Landry. “I know this is hot off the presses, but it raises some issues,” Mills said. “This is something that I will have high on my list.” The Landrys started the school as an offshoot of their own homeschooling of their own son. Because they do not accept any government funding, they are exempt from the reporting requirements and regulations that govern other schools. Consequently, TM Landry is not a state accredited school. Calls to the school for comment were not returned. As of Monday morning, the school’s attorney has not released any other statements. The school had planned to create two new campuses, one in Lafayette’s Northgate Mall and a second in Opelousas, in a building the Diocese of Lafayette donated to the school. The Diocese released a statement after the Times story was published Friday disavowing any connection between it and TM Landry. “The Diocese of Lafayette operated a women’s shelter in Opelousas for

many years in a building located at 411 East Landry Street and transferred the operation of the shelter to a facility in Lafayette, leaving the building vacant since April 2018,” said Diocese Director of Communications Blue Rolfes in an emailed statement. “On November 14, 2018, the Diocese donated the building to the TM Landry College Prep Foundation. The Diocese has no interest, by ownership or otherwise, in the TM Landry Prep Foundation and is not affiliated with it in any way. The donation was made prior to these allegations being made public.” Although a building permit was issued for renovations at the Northgate Mall location on Sept. 19, there are no records showing that any work has been done.

If you love them enough to listen to “Hot Cross Buns” for two hours straight, then surely you’ll check to make sure they’re correctly buckled in the back seat.

If you love them enoug to listen to “Hot Cross B for two hours straight, then surely you’ll check make sure they’re correc

Dwayne Fatherree is an award-winning journalist and multimedia editor who has spent more than three decades producing multimedia content. During his career, Fatherree has had the opportunity to work in every area of the news gathering and publishing process, from cub reporter to news editor, photographer to videographer, and from page layout to news director. A graduate of USL, he has made Acadiana his home for the better part of the last 40 years. Email: dfatherree@gmail.com

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Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission Honored With ConventionSouth’s Readers’ Choice Award The Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission (LCVC) was recently honored by the publishers and editors of ConventionSouth magazine with a 2018 Readers’ Choice Award as a top meeting site in the South. “ConventionSouth readers and fans have voted to decide the best meeting sites in the South, and it is no surprise to us that Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission has been selected to receive our annual Readers’ Choice Award,” said ConventionSouth Publisher J. Talty O’Connor. “The value in receiving this prestigious recognition is that it comes from the United States’ top meeting professionals who hold events in the South. These planners

demand the highest level of customer service and quality facilities, and they have contributed in determining that Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission indeed displays the commitment to professionalism, creativity and service that they require.” LCVC President and CEO Ben Berthelot added, “For meeting planners to recognize that Lafayette Parish is a great place to do business with and meet means a lot, and we look forward to hosting many more great meetings in the future. We also look forward to being recognized by Convention South Magazine in its upcoming issue and the free publicity that will come with that recognition.”

LCVC is among 320 convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), meeting facilities and hotels located across the South to receive this year’s Readers’ Choice Award. Throughout the year, meeting professionals nominated the meeting sites they believe provide exemplary service for group events. The nominated sites are then compiled onto an online ballot where meeting professionals and fans are asked to vote for the best of the best. With over 7,000 voters participating in the selection process and the highest social media interaction to date, this has been the most successful and engaging year yet. Since creation in 2001, this is the tenth time that Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission has

received the award, making it an even greater honor to present it with a 2018 Readers’ Choice Award. LCVC will be featured as an award recipient in the December 2018 Awards Issue of ConventionSouth magazine. This issue will also showcase some of the most talented meeting professionals in the nation as ConventionSouth also presents planners with its annual “Meeting Professionals To Watch” designation.

PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR THE NEW LAFAYETTE REGIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL By Flint Zerangue, Sr.

After years of planning and preparation, construction of the new 120,000 square-feet terminal and facility for the Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT) is underway. In early November, community leaders, legislators, and members of the Lafayette Airport Commission gathered for a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony signifying a new ara for flight in Acadiana. When complete, the new $80 million terminal will replace the existing terminal, which opened in 1930, and will double the size of the current facility. Funding for the project was the result of a special (temporary) sales tax that Lafayette voters approved in 2014,

Airport Commission Chairperson Valerie Garrett and Gov. John Bel Edwards

which generated some $32 million. The additional funding needed to complete the project came from various state and federal sources. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy addressed the audience saying the City of Lafayette and the people of Lafayette, stepped forward, embracing a vision of Lafayette as a major city—you cannot be a major city without a major airport. According to LFT Executive Director Steven Picou, “Terminal construction is estimated to be complete in approximately 24 months.” Gov. John Bel Edwards stated, “… the infrastructure has to grow as the number of travelers flying Lafayette grows. And I know if the state’s going to continue to grow as we are right now, develop opportunity, make sure that we have economic development, investment, job creation—we are going to have to make sure we tend to our transportation/infrastructure needs, and this community is setting a fine example.” An airport usually is a visitor’s first impression of a city, approximately 400,000 annual visitors go through Lafayette Regional. That’s 400,000 first impressions, which can impact tourism, states Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission President, Ben Berthelot. “The ports of our state, airports and maritime, are heartbeats of economic

growth,” U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins said. “And before we know it, Lafayette will have the first-class air facility needed to facilitate the future of economic development Acadiana can depend upon.” When complete, the new terminal and compound improvements will include a new terminal building and concourse, in addition to new and improved concessions, parking, security, LFT_terminal-posters_11x14.indd 1

11/12/18 2:42 PM

rental car facilities, terminal roadways, and more. Construction on the terminal is expected to last approximately two years, with the complete project being finished in 2021.

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

Discover Lafayette: Paul Kieu – Photojournalist, South Louisiana Enthusiast Paul Kieu’s photography is rich and colorful and captures the essence of any moment being commemorated in South Louisiana. His iconic work speaks for itself and includes significant local events such as Festival International de Louisiane and Downtown Alive in Lafayette. His wedding and special event photography are breathtaking and guaranteed to capture that special moment in time that will never occur again. Paul Kieu recently spoke with Jan Swift on Discover Lafayette, a podcast dedicated to shining the light on the people and rich culture of Lafayette. A freelance photojournalist specializing in editorial, commercial, music and event photography, Paul grew up in Abbeville the son of Vietnam War refugees who settled in South Louisiana. Their hard work and sacrifices made to raise their family and make a living

have left an indelible mark on Paul; he freely admits how much he admires his parents and at the same time wants to dedicate his career to those endeavors which provide balance and meaning in his own life.

Paul Kieu began his professional career with The Daily Advertiser after graduating from UL Lafayette in 2012. Always intending to attend law school, Paul has now put that career path on hold as he enjoys a rewarding and successful career in freelance photography. His work has appeared on the front page of the Washington Post and in outlets such as USA Today, NBC News, and The Atlantic. Working with partners in Clandestine Collective, Paul and his friends host pop-up events around downtown Lafayette which have included film screenings, live music, and comedy events. Capturing the joie de vivre of Lafayette, their Facebook site states, “We see the potential for growth in alternative forms of entertainment throughout the city while also aiming to pay homage and incorporate the cultural identity and mischief that make our hometown so special.” You can be sure that more entertainment is on the

way in 2019. A co-founder of Krewe de Canailles, a walking Mardi Gras parade without barricades which launched in February 2018, Paul Kieu definitely knows how to have a good time while including others in the festivities! For more information on Paul Kieu’s photography, please visit www.paulkieu.com.

Jan Swift is host of Discover Lafayette, a podcast dedicated to the people and rich culture of Lafayette, the Gateway to South Louisiana. Podcasts are released each Friday and may be subscribed to on iTunes or anywhere you get your podcasts. Visit www.discoverlafayette.net for more information.

PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS LUS Fiber

Continued from Front Page

LUS Fiber engineering and business staff, guiding product development and overseeing day-to-day operations. “LUS Fiber is an incredibly important community asset that has earned Lafayette the title of ‘Fastest Internet in the World.’ That reputation is responsible for attracting new

businesses and the next generation of workers, which in turn bolsters and further diversifies our economy. As we look to the future of LUS Fiber, it’s reassuring to have Teles’ experience and passion at the helm,” Robideaux expressed. While at LUS, Fremin was involved with the LUS Fiber project from its inception and worked alongside thenDirector Terry Huval on the initiative to make LUS Fiber available to the residents of Lafayette. She played an integral part in building the project into a profitable business. In 2010, Fremin became LUS Fiber’s Chief Engineer. Fremin stated, “While I am excited to be named the first Interim Director of LUS Fiber, I am most proud of LUS Fiber receiving recognition as an independent department within LCG. It’s a testament to our continuous growth, financial success and most importantly, the strength of our organization and employees.” A native of New Iberia, LA, Fremin holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

DOTD UPGRADES TRAVELER INFORMATION SITE AND APP

To better service Louisiana travelers, DOTD has upgraded their website and mobile app. The new functions allow travelers to personalize the information and data they receive. With the new upgrades to www.511la. org and My511, you’ll be required to create a new account. Please go to the www.511la.org website to sign-up. As with the current service, you will be able to create your own custom routes

and set up customized email and text message alerts. These custom routes will also be available over the 511 phone system and the new mobile app. In order to use the new mobile app you will need to remove the old app and download the new app here for IOS and Androidx

Lafayette Parish: Bridge Replacement: West Congress Street bridge crossing Indian Bayou near Chatel Road and between S. Richfield Road (LA 343) and S. Fieldspan Road (LA 724) will be closed for approximately 9 months. Detour routes will be established on Landry Road. Bridge Replacement Bridge Maintenance: Meridian Avenue Bridge in River Ranch located between Villaggio Drive and Biltmore Way will be closed for approximately 2 months. Detour routes will be established. Verot School Road Construction

Closures: LA 339 (Verot School Road) at Camellia Boulevard/Artisan Road, Traffic will be restricted from crossing LA 339 (Verot School Road) at Camellia Boulevard/Artisan Road beginning Monday, December 3, until further notice. This closure is necessary to complete the concrete paving work in the intersection related to the ongoing widening of LA 339 (Verot School Rd) project. The detour route will include Rue Louis XIV and Kaliste Saloom Road. Detour signs will be posted.

Road Work and Closures LCG Receives Financial Reporting and Budget Awards

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has once again awarded Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ended 2017. This is the third year in a row that LCG has received the honor. The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) Program encourages governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and prepare transparent, comprehensive financial statements that provide users with the information they need to assess the entity’s financial health. Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux praised LCG’s Chief Financial Officer Lorrie Toups for her leadership; “I am proud of Lorrie and her staff as they continue to put forth tremendous

efforts to be supportive, transparent and conscientious. Taxpayers should feel confident knowing we have such a dedicated CFO who guides us through these complex financial processes.” GFOA also recognized LCG with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the budget beginning November 1, 2017. This is the fifth consecutive year in which LCG has received this distinction under Toups’ direction. According to GFOA’s guidelines, the award represents a significant achievement by the entity and reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. LCG was one of only 15 governing entities in Louisiana to receive the award this year, satisfying nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines require that a government’s budget document be rated as “proficient” in serving as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and as a communications device. Other award recipients include parishes, cities, school boards, and other governmental bodies from around the country.

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

13 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS OF JOB GAINS IN LOUISIANA

(LA Radio Network) The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state has seen job gains for 13 consecutive months. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, nonfarm employment has increased by 19,400 since October 2017. LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie said education and health services saw the largest job gains over

the last year, but other sectors of the economy are doing well. “Information technology added 800 jobs over the month. In addition to that, financial activities gained 1400 jobs over the year,” said Dejoie. Dejoie also highlighted that the mining and logging sector saw 2,100 jobs added since October 2017. “That’s encouraging with the significant jobs we have in the mining and logging industries here in Louisiana,” said Dejoie. Dejoie said they also know workers are making more money too. “We also had numbers that came out that showed and increase in income, which of course is the bottom line,” said Dejoie.

Exotic Dancing Now Limited to Those Over 21 (LA Radio Network) Louisiana ATC can now enforce a law barring anyone under the age of 21 from working as an erotic dancer in bars and nightclubs. That law, passed in 2016, had been held up after a federal court declared it too vague, but Solicitor General Liz Murrill says that’s no longer the case. “They could still bring as applied challenges, but it will have to be on a case by case basis. The law itself is not invalid, and ATC can enforce it.” The law was blocked after a challenge from three women who say the restriction cost them their lucrative dancing jobs and interfered with their first amendment rights. That’s due to the reversal of a previous 5th US Circuit Appellate Court decision barring enforcement until the specifics of how much nudity was allowed were ironed out. Murrill says after asking for another hearing, the AG’s office made their case and…. “The panel actually vacated its original analysis and substituted for a new one, and clarified the vagueness standard.”

The law was part of a 2016 effort to curb sex trafficking, much of which advocates say was resulting in young women being coerced or forced into dancing at late night clubs. Murrill says the law is justified, and should help curb some of that trafficking. “This one in particular was related to very legitimate concerns from the legislature about trafficking in nightclubs, and we produced evidence of that.”

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PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Al Patin Named Senior VP and Dr. Krystal S. Smith Joins COO for Lafayette General Breast Center of Acadiana Medical Center

Lafayette General Health announced that Al Patin has been named Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of Lafayette General Medical Center. Patin is filling the COO position following the departure of Court LeMaistre, who is returning to his home state of Texas to lead a hospital there. Since 2013, Patin has served as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Lafayette General Medical Doctors (LGMD) Physician Group with executive oversight of all physician practice activity. In that role, Patin has led a multi-specialty team of 65 physicians and 25 nurse practitioners assistants, operating in 35 unique locations around the Acadiana region. He will continue to lead LGMD in the interim until a new LGMD CAO is hired. Passionate about breaking down silos in healthcare, Patin embraces a team of strong clinicians and office personnel on their journey to practice transformation. Under Patin’s leadership, LGMD’s

journey toward cultural transformation and population health management culminated in top tier primary care quality results, top decile performance in all CGCAHPs measures, and #40 on the Best Places to Work in Healthcare, the only physician group in Modern Healthcare’s top 100 healthcare facilities in the country. Patin joined LGMD in 2013 after previously serving as regional vice president for Parish Management Consultants, LLC, in Metairie. Prior to that, he spent eight years at Lafayette General Medical Center in various capacities working as a registered nurse, director and service line administrator. In 2016, Patin was appointed senior vice president of Lafayette General Health, allowing the health system to consolidate all physician enterprises under his oversight. In addition to a Bachelor of Science in nursing from then University of Southwestern Louisiana, Patin earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He completed the Wharton School of Business Anesthesia Leadership Program in 2010. He is also a graduate of Leadership Lafayette Class XXVIII, chairperson of the parents’ advisory council at Our Lady of Fatima, and a board member for the Leadership Institute of Acadiana. He is a native of Breaux Bridge and a 1993 graduate of Breaux Bridge High School. Patin has been married to Nikie, with whom he graduated nursing school, for 20 years and is the proud father to William, CC and Elise.

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Breast Center of Acadiana (“BCA”), is pleased to welcome Krystal S. Smith, D.O. to its medical staff. Dr. Smith was recruited by BCA’s founder, Gary Mathews, M.D., following an extensive search. Her addition to BCA will permit it to continue providing highquality clinical care and patient-centric compassionate service to its growing patient base. BCA has two (2) clinic locations—one in Lafayette (River Ranch) and the other in Youngsville. Dr. Smith is a board-certified

diagnostic radiologist with fellowship training in breast imaging. She possesses extensive experience in mammography and breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) as well as breast MRI, ultrasound and biopsy procedures. Dr. Smith received her medical degree from the Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine where she was third in her class of 238. After completing her residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 2014, she chose to sub-specialize in breast radiology and completed a Breast Imaging Fellowship in 2015, also at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Upon completion of her formal training, Dr. Smith spent a year as an Assistant Professor of Breast Imaging at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Prior to joining BCA, Dr. Smith practiced with a large radiology group in Montgomery, Alabama.

MidSouth Bancorp, Inc. Glenda Gaubert Joins Elects D. Michael “Mike” MidSouth Bank as BSA/ Kramer as Vice Chairman AML Officer (Business Wire) Lafayette, LAMidSouth Bancorp, Inc. recently announced that D. Michael “Mike” Kramer had been elected as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Vice Chairman position was vacated on December 26, 2017, following the resignation of Joseph V. Tortorice Jr. for health reasons. Mr. Kramer joined the MidSouth Board upon his election at MidSouth’s Annual Shareholder Meeting on May 30, 2018. Commenting on the election of Mr. Kramer as Vice Chairman, Jake Delhomme, Chairman of MidSouth said, “We are pleased to have Mike expand his governance responsibilities with MidSouth and have benefited tremendously from his extensive industry experience and insight.”

Lafayette, LA-MidSouth Bank has hired Glenda Gaubert as Senior Vice President, BSA/AML Officer. Ms. Gaubert is responsible for developing and implementing all aspects of the Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act compliance programs. Ms. Gaubert is an ACAMS certified BSA/AML Compliance Professional and will be based in the Dallas market. President and CEO Jim McLemore commented, “Glenda is a 30-year banking veteran with experience in markets including Miami and South Texas. She most recently served as Vice President, BSA/AML OFAC Officer for Mercantil Bank of Florida and will be instrumental in overseeing our compliance with the consent order with the OCC which we entered into last month.”

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

TINA BINGHAM HONORED Dr. David S. Baker - UL WITH NATIONAL Lafayette Business Prof Goes “ENTREPRENEURIAL Global as Fulbright Specialist AMERICAN LEADERSHIP AWARD”

WASHINGTON D.C. and LAFAYETTE, LA. - Tina Shelvin Bingham, executive vice president of Lafayette’s McComb-Veazey Neighborhood Coterie, received the national “Entrepreneurial American Leadership Award,” presented by Partners for Livable Communities (Partners), a Washington-based nonprofit. Partners announced the honor as part of the “Celebrating Champions of Livability” national awards program, which recognized 23 individuals, four organizations and two communities for their role in shaping a more livable, sustainable and equitable America. The honorees were announced at a luncheon and awards presentation at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., in early November 2018. The Entrepreneurial American Leadership Award acknowledges the civic capacity building, commitment, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit of an individual. Those honored with this award are real “doers” who accomplish change for the betterment of our communities. “Celebrating Champions of Livability” recognizes national leaders who have embodied the time-tested elements that Partners has woven together to define livability since its founding in 1977. Those elements of livability include: concern for older individuals; equal opportunity for all; amenities, arts and culture as assets; innovative economic development strategies; and bold municipal leadership. “We will pay tribute to the women and men who are creating livable communities for all,” said Robert

McNulty, president and founder of Partners. “Their extraordinary work has set the standard by which civic leaders and policymakers in both the public and private sectors can initiate and carry out community improvement strategies.” During the summer of 2008, city planners, residents, churches and business owners began work on a revitalization plan for Lafayette’s McComb-Veazey Neighborhood Coterie—one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, and ripe with French Creole culture and AfricanAmerican heritage. Through Tina Shelvin Bingham’s leadership, McCombVeazey has created a strategic agenda and raised $787,500 over three years to meet community needs for safety, education, homeownership, place making, and place-based economic development. Today, Bingham is the executive vice president for the McComb-Veazey Neighborhood Coterie. Over the last six years, she has led the implementation of revitalization plan components, which include the Homegrowers Community Farm, the certification of McCombVeazey as a Louisiana cultural district, establishing the Creole F.A.C.E. cultural products district, implementing a musical/edible pocket park, and beautification efforts that include tree plantings, ArtBox installations and neighborhood heritage signs. In her current role as the community development director for Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, and with support from national foundations, Bingham is advancing a broader set of community building efforts. Additionally, she is the project manager for McCombVeazey-based initiatives supported by The Kresge Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation and Smart Growth America. For her efforts, Bingham was recognized locally with a 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award and Project Front Yard’s Best in Beautification Award. Bingham is a member of the NACO Creative Counties- Lafayette team, the Leadership Lafayette Class XXX, and the Leadership Louisiana Class of 2019.

Photo courtesy of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program Roster now includes a name from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dr. David S. Baker is an associate professor of international business and marketing. He joined the faculty of the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration in 2005 with an extensive résumé in international channel management and marketing. Channel management encompasses the promotion techniques and sales strategies companies use to convince as many customers as possible to buy their products. Doing so on a global scale requires an understanding of cultural differences. Baker said that’s what drew him to the Fulbright Specialist Program. “The Fulbright organization has a history of supporting the development of cross-cultural education and service opportunities worldwide.”

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs manages the program. It matches specialists to service projects designed by host institutions and nonprofit organizations in more than 150 countries. Specialists serve three-year tenures, and the time frame enables participants “to identify and match with institutions, and to evaluate options that best fit the skills they offer,” Baker said. His options might include creating marketing strategies for the South African State Theatre that appeal to American audiences, or working with organizations in Cambodia and Laos to establish executive development and leadership programs. The program admitted Baker after he completed a lengthy application process and received a peer-review panel’s recommendation. His selection “is a tremendous honor for him, UL Lafayette and the Moody College of Business Administration,” said Dr. J. Bret Becton, the college’s dean. “We are pleased that Dr. Baker has received this opportunity to share his experiences and expertise globally. His appointment as a Fulbright specialist enables him to take the Moody College of Business to parts of the world we might not otherwise reach.” The Fulbright Program is an international educational exchange sponsored by the U.S. government. It is designed to build connections between the United States and other nations. Congress established the program in 1946.

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PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

METAL SHARK COMPLETES NEW PASSENGER FERRIES FOR NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Jeanerette, LA Shipbuilder Metal Shark announce that both new 105-foot, 150-passenger, high-speed aluminum catamaran passenger ferries constructed for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) have been completed and are ready to enter service. The first of the two new ferries was completed earlier this year and delivered to New Orleans. The second vessel is 100% complete at Metal Shark’s Franklin, Louisiana shipyard where it

successfully passed U.S. Coast Guard inspections at the beginning of October and is ready for delivery to New Orleans at RTA’s discretion. The new passenger ferries, RTA 1 and RTA 2, will replace the decadesold ferries currently operated in New Orleans and will usher in entirely new standards of comfort, safety, reliability, and efficiency. “In the past 18 months, we have delivered over fourteen 150-passenger

and 350-passenger ferries to New York, Washington, DC, and now, New Orleans,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard. “As a local Louisiana company, it has been an honor to build these modern, comfortable new vessels for the people of New Orleans and visitors from around the world.” Metal Shark is a diversified shipbuilder specializing in the design and efficient high-quality construction of welded aluminum and steel vessels

from 16’ to over 300’ for defense, law enforcement, and commercial operators. Key customers include the United States Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, foreign militaries, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, passenger vessel operators, pilot associations, towboat operators, and other clients worldwide. With three fully self-contained shipbuilding facilities in Alabama and Louisiana spanning over 75 total acres, Metal Shark’s 500+ employees produce over 200 vessels per year with a proud and proven track record of high quality, on-time deliveries.

More than 350 locally owned businesses in Acadiana are doing just that with their membership in Trust Acadiana. Retailers - Service Companies - Consultants Boutiques - Repair Companies - Wholesalers Learn how you can increase revenue and gain new clients by contacting us today!

PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

SCHLUMBERGER INTRODUCES NEW WELL TESTING TECHNOLOGY

Concert well-testing realtime performance technology delivers actionable information for better decision making and safer operations ABU DHABI, November 2018— Schlumberger introduced Concert well testing live performance technology at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference. The new technology brings real-time surface and downhole measurements, data analysis, and collaboration capabilities to well testing. In the Concert performance ecosystem, all well test data are digitally integrated via wearable technology, wireless sensors, and video cameras.

Robust software drives web dashboards, accessible anywhere customers specify, with separate teams able to view the same data. “Concert performance significantly increases operational control and collaboration, providing a step-change in operational efficiency with particular focus on safety and the environment,” said Wallace Pescarini, president, Testing Services, Schlumberger. Extensive testing of the Concert performance technology has been conducted in Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. The new technology was used in testing the first development wells of a major offshore gas condensate field in Australia. Concert performance introduced new efficiencies to managing

the testing spread required for the ultrahigh flow rate wells. The automated real-time data collection and communication enabled collaborative analysis that accelerated the understanding of the testing operation while significantly reducing the personnel required. For more information visit www.slb.com/concert

$1.25 Billion Chemical Talos Energy Announces Plant Set for Convent Borrowing Base Increase (LA Radio Network) 1,230 new direct and indirect jobs are headed to St. James Parish as Wanhua Chemical selects Convent for the location of it’s new factory. It’s a 1.25 billion dollar, 250 acre complex that’s set to begin construction next year. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says deep water and quality infrastructure make it a good fit. “Proximity to some of the other materials that they may need in their manufacturing process that they may purchase from another Louisiana manufacturer or off-take agreements where some of their product might go.” Wanhua is a Chinese company with a global reach that Peirson says dominates its chemical industry, and already has a facility in Europe. With that level of influence and market power, it was able to withstand the chilling of international trade relations to take advantage of a

great opportunity. “We know our fundamentals are strong and these differences in the viewpoints for how we need to negotiate tariffs are going to get worked out. They’re leaning forward. Peirson led a Louisiana expedition to China back in 2017 to try to lure the chem company to our shores. After negotiating an incentive package that includes using the state’s workforce training program to make sure the facility is fully staffed with capable workers. Pierson says those face to face meetings with foreign leaders are crucial. “If it were you or I investing our hard earned pay check and investing it in another country, we would have to have a strong level of confidence. It’s no different in the corporate arena.” Construction should wrap up by 2021.

HOUSTON, TX – November 2018 - Talos Energy Inc. (“Talos”) (NYSE: TALO) announced the Company’s bank group completed their regularly scheduled fall borrowing base redetermination. Effective November 16, 2018, the borrowing base under the Company’s bank credit facility increased from $600 million to $850 million. Talos has elected to maintain the current $600 million commitment amount based upon its current liquidity needs; however, the Company could increase the commitment amount up to the $850 million borrowing base if circumstances change. The next scheduled borrowing base redetermination is expected to be on or about April 30, 2019. Talos Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Timothy S. Duncan, commented, “We are very pleased with the results of the borrowing base redetermination and the continued support we have received from the banks in our credit facility. We believe it speaks well of Talos’s assets, reserves and the business we are building. The greater

access to capital allows us to continue to pursue accretive M&A opportunities going forward.” Talos is a technically driven independent exploration and production company with operations in the United States Gulf of Mexico and in the shallow waters off the coast of Mexico. Our focus in the United States Gulf of Mexico is the exploration, acquisition, exploitation and development of shallow and deepwater assets near existing infrastructure. The shallow waters off the coast of Mexico provide us high impact exploration opportunities in an emerging basin. The Company’s website is located at www. talosenergy.com. Earlier this year Talos Energy LLC combined with Stone Energy Corporation and acquired Whistler Energy II, LLC. Source: PRNewswire, Talos Energy Inc.

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

IRS Tools Help Taxpayers Research Charities Before Making Donations

It’s the season of giving—it’s also the end of the year, and many U.S. taxpayers are considering year-end donations to various tax-exempt organizations, which will also allow them to deduct all or a portion of their contribution on their tax return. To assist taxpayers as they are deciding where to make their donations, the IRS has a new tool that may help. Tax Exempt Organization

Taxpayers can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant, Can I Deduct My Charitable Contributions? to help determine if a charitable contribution is deductible. Taxpayers may also want to decide now if they’ll itemize their deductions when they file next year. Last year’s tax reform legislation made changes to the standard deductions and itemized

Search on IRS.gov is a tool that allows users to search for charities. It provides information about an organization’s federal tax status and filings. Search the IRS for Tax-exempt organizations: https://www.irs.gov/ charities-non-profits Here are four facts about the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool: • Donors can use it to confirm an organization is tax-exempt and eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.a • Users can find out if an organization had its tax-exempt status revoked. A common reason for revocation is when an organization does not file its Form 990-series return for three consecutive years. • EO Select Check does not list certain organizations that may be eligible to receive tax-deductible donations, including churches, organizations in a group ruling, and governmental entities. • Organizations are listed under the legal name or a “doing business as” name on file with the IRS. No separate

deductions. Many individuals who formerly itemized may now find it more beneficial to take the standard deduction. So, taxpayers should check their 2017 itemized deductions to make sure they understand what these changes mean to their tax situation for 2018. More information about these changes is on IRS.gov/taxreform.

listing of common or popular names is searchable.

PARISH NEWS

Riceland Crawfish Breaks Ground on $3 Million Expansion of Eunice Facility EUNICE, La. — Riceland Crawfish recently broke ground on a $3 million capital investment project to expand its current facility in Eunice. With the new investment, the company will retain 50 jobs and create ten new direct jobs in Acadiana. Riceland Crawfish is a producer of Louisiana crawfish and alligator meat products. The company’s investment consists of $2 million for a new 33,000 square-foot facility and $1 million for new equipment to process crawfish and alligator meat. About 96 percent of the company’s sales are out-of-state, including markets as far away as the U.K. The company’s wide distribution market ensures that Louisiana agricultural products are reaching far beyond the state borders and that the sales revenue from beyond Louisiana’s borders makes its way to Louisiana businesses and their employees. The expansion gives Riceland the ability to provide crawfish products to major food distributors and retailers year-round. Additionally, the Riceland Crawfish’s expansion will help drive

growth in local Louisiana communities by providing increased support to industries that provide bait, bags, boxes, sacks, seasoning, wire for traps and other products necessary for crawfish processing. “For 30 years we have been sharing the culture and food of Acadiana across the U.S.,” said Dexter Guillory, Riceland President. “The crawfish industry in Louisiana represents a $173 million gross farm value and includes 1,543 producers. Of that state total, the Acadiana Region is responsible for producing approximately 84 percent of that total or $138 million. This represents the work of 1,232 producers and numerous processors.” First established in 1985, Riceland Crawfish began as a small family-owned business and has grown into one of the major crawfish and alligator processing plants in Louisiana. Learn more at https://www.ricelandcrawfish.com Source: LA Economic Development, Riceland Crawfish Inc.

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Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

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ACLU OF LA DEMANDS HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION END “SHOW-ME-YOUR-PAPERS” REQUIREMENT In an article released in mid-November by the American Civil Liberties Union

of Louisiana (ACLU of Louisiana), the organization is demanding that the Louisiana High School Athletics Association (LHSAA) stop

requiring students to provide a Social Security number as a prerequisite for participating in athletics, calling the practice unconstitutional and discriminatory, stating: “Children in Louisiana have a right to public education – regardless of their immigration status,” said Alanah Odoms Hebert, ACLU of Louisiana executive director. “Requiring student athletes to provide their Social Security numbers is a discriminatory practice that may prevent undocumented children from participating. This show-me-your-papers policy is a cruel and unconstitutional approach to what should be a fun, inclusive and enriching activity – and a betrayal of what high school sports should be all about. We’re demanding the LHSAA end this unconstitutional and discriminatory practice immediately.” According to the article, a letter was sent to the LHSAA, in which the ACLU of Louisiana noted that Louisiana law prohibits any school system employee

from collecting a student’s Social Security number unless it is voluntarily disclosed by the student’s parent or legal guardian. While some may not agree with the ACLU of Louisiana’s position, our research came to the same conclusion. Both Louisiana Law and the Supreme Court have ruled the “Show-Me-YourPapers” requirement is a violation of the Equal Protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. Who is the ACLU of Louisiana? According to the organization’s website: “Since 1956, the ACLU of Louisiana has worked to advance and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Louisiana. We are part of a nationwide network of affiliates that fights tirelessly in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C..”

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

COMMENTARY DECEMBER 2018 - VOL. 1 NO. 10 ONLINE: www.MyParishNews.com @MyParishNews www.facebook.com/ParishNews EDITORS DESK: Editor@MyParishNews.com NEWS DESK: News@MyParishNews.com ADVERTISING AND MARKETING: 337-456-5536 Office Info@MyParishNews.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & RESEARCHERS: Camille Mosley, Dwayne Fatherree, Flint Zerangue, Savannah Ludwig, Ryan Borland, Scott Brazda, Syndicated Columnist Larry Elder, LA Radio Network, Business Wire, Syndicated Columnist Anthony Zurcher, A. F. Branco CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Flint Zerangue, Jan Swift, Business Wire LAYOUT & DESIGN: Greg Knight – W Knight Advertising & Design Face Media Group PUBLISHER: Flint Zerangue, Sr. Info@FaceAcadiana.com Parish News © 2018 All Rights Reserved. Parish News is printed monthly and distributed free of charge throughout Acadiana. Direct mail subscriptions are available for a fee. For more information, visit MyParishNews.com or email: Info@MyParishNews.com (Subject: Subscription). No portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. The acceptance and display of advertising does not constitute or imply endorsement. PARISH NEWS is a tradename of Face Media Group LLC.

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If Trump Is ‘Racist,’ He Needs to go Back to Racism School Abraham Lincoln, when informed that General Ulysses S. Grant was a drunk, famously asked Grant’s accusers what whiskey he was drinking so Lincoln could send a barrel to every general in the army. Keep this in mind when President Donald Trump’s critics accuse him of “racism” against blacks. Under this “racist” President, black unemployment, since the government began keeping numbers, hit an all-time low in May. Polls show that inner-city parents want choice in education: specifically, they want the means to opt out of sending their children to an under-performing government school the child has been mandated to attend. Think tanks on the left (like the Brookings Institution) and think tanks on the right (like the Heritage Foundation) pretty much agree on the formula to escape poverty: finish high school; get married before having a child; and do not have that child before you are financially capable of assuming that responsibility.

But what about the quality of that high school education? A 2004 Fordham Institute study

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found that 44 percent of Philadelphia public-school teachers with school-age children of their own placed them in private schools. By 2013, the nationwide average for private-school attendance was 11 percent of white families and 5 percent of black families. Clearly, Philadelphia teachers, on teachers’ salaries, make the sacrifice to send their own kids where they have a better chance of success. About choice in education, Trump’s secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, said: “What can be done about (improving primary education) is empowering parents to make the choices for their kids. Any family that has the economic means and the power to make choices is doing so for their children. Families that don’t have the power -- that can’t decide ‘I’m gonna move from this apartment in downtown whatever to the suburb, where I think

the school is gonna be better for my child’ -- if they don’t have that choice and they are assigned to that school, they are stuck there. I am fighting for the parents who don’t have those choices. We need all parents to have those choices.” A 2016 poll in “Education Next” found that 64 percent of blacks supported “a tax credit for individual and corporate donations that pay for scholarships to help low-income parents send their children to private schools.” Similarly, A 2015 PDK/Gallup Poll found that 68 percent of blacks wanted the ability to “choose which public schools in the community the students attend, regardless of where they live.” Trump also wants to stop illegal immigration. Why should that matter to urban blacks? Harvard economist George Borjas, in his 2013 research paper “Immigration and the American Worker,” wrote: “Classifying workers by education level and age and comparing differences across groups over time shows that a 10 percent increase in the size of an education/age group due to the entry of immigrants (both legal and illegal) reduces the wage of native-born men in that group by 3.7 percent and the wage of all native-born workers by 2.5 percent.” As to illegal immigration, Borjas says: “Although the net benefits to natives from illegal immigrants are small, there is a sizable redistribution effect. Illegal immigration reduces the wage of native workers by an estimated $99 to $118 billion a year, and generates a gain for businesses and other users of immigrants of $107 to $128 billion.” But what about how the President “insults black people”? After Trump’s recent testy exchange with a black reporter, CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin said: “There is a racial dimension to this. The fact that the President is always -- the idea that this was some random selection of journalists he doesn’t like is not the case. It’s always black people with this President.” Really? What race was Robert De Niro

when Trump called him “a very low IQ individual”? What race was Rosie O’Donnell when Trump called her “dumb”? What race was MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough when Trump called him “crazy”? What race was former Texas Gov. Rick Perry when, during a campaign speech, Trump mocked him for his eyewear? “He put on glasses so people think he’s smart. ...” said Trump. “People can see through the glasses.” What race was MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski when Trump called her “dumb as a rock”? How many white politicians does Trump slam when he criticizes “stupid” trade deals? If Trump set out to hurt blacks by pushing economic policies that helped reduce black unemployment to an all-time low; by attempting to stop unskilled illegal alien workers from competing with unskilled blacks for jobs and wages; and by empowering inner-city black parents, rather than the government, to pick the school for their children, then Trump needs to go back to racism school.

Larry Elder is a best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio talk-show host. To find out more about Larry Elder, or become an “Elderado,” visit www. LarryElder.com. Follow Larry on Twitter @larryelder. ©COPYRIGHT 2018 LAURENCE A. ELDER

PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

COMMENTARY

WHEN THE PRESS FIGHTS THE PRESIDENT, THE PRESIDENT WINS

By Anthony Zurcher

The East Room of the White Housewith its vaulted ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and gold curtain - is the closest thing to a throne room the United States has. When set up for a presidential news conference, as it was on Wednesday morning, it is magisterial. The president is announced, and the doors to a long hallway swing open. He steps onto the podium, towering over reporters squeezed tightly into the wooden chairs before him. It feels a bit like an audience with a king. And on Wednesday, the king was angry. Donald Trump held this formal news conference, only the second of his presidency, to respond to the results of the midterm elections. It was, he said, “very close” to a “complete victory” for Republicans, despite the fact that his party lost control of the House of Representatives for the first time in eight years. After spending weeks of battering and belittling his political opponents, the president opened by changing his tone and speaking of bipartisanship. When it

came time to interact with the gathered journalists, however, the olive branch was replaced by a mailed fist - as it always seems to be. The president accused one reporter, who is African-American, of asking a “racist” question. He said he’s not “a big fan” of another. And he repeatedly barked at persistent questioners to sit down. The real fireworks came when CNN’s Jim Acosta tried to ask a series of questions, culminating with the president accusing him of being a “terrible person,” mocking his network’s ratings and reiterating his own contention that outlets that promote what he considers “fake news” are enemies of the people. As a reporter for BBC News, I was seated a few rows behind and to the left of Acosta as he questioned the president, who at one point huffily stepped away from the lectern while the reporter continued to talk. The White House would later accuse Acosta of “placing his hands” on an intern trying to take his microphone away - and suspend his press credentials. From my vantage point, I thought

there may have been nonhostile contact between the two - in stark contrast to the obvious verbal hostility between reporter and president. A review of video from the incident corroborates this. Acosta has a reputation as a dogged reporter, but his time at the White House during the Trump administration illustrates the perils of covering a president who uses dust-ups with journalists as a political tactic. When the news cycle turns against him, one of the president’s first instincts is to criticize those who report the news. And journalists often take the bait. They’ve spent their whole professional careers dedicated to their craft, after all, and it’s human nature to take such slights and derogations personally - and to talk about them in private and then in print and then on-air for days. That’s exactly what the president wants. An us-vs.-them debate between Trump and media personalities is friendly terrain for the White House. It feeds into the perception held by conservatives across the country that journalists, who are predisposed to questioning authority, are out to get

this president. It diminishes the impact of the stories reporters spend so much time covering. And as a further complication - and temptation -it also can benefit outlets such as CNN and reporters such as Acosta, who see followings grow, ratings soar and advertising dollars pour in with every new Trump-related controversy. There’s a mirror to this perception on the left, casting “the media” as some sort of cohesive whole that can stand up to the president -as opposed to a chaotic mass of individuals and outlets, each vying for a small slice of the story. When people ask me why reporters don’t just walk out when a news conference turns ugly as it did Wednesday, I chuckle. Telling journalists to walk away from a story is like asking them to stop breathing. Sitting next to me in the East Room was a Korean reporter, perched on the edge of her seat. Her hand shot up every time the president appeared poised for a new question. “Mr. President, sir! North Korea! North Korea!” she said pleadingly. Try asking her to give up a chance to get a choice line from the leader of the United States about an issue that is of the utmost importance to her audience. I like to tell friends and colleagues that covering Donald Trump can feel like falling into quicksand. The more you struggle, the more you fight, the quicker you sink. Instead, the best strategy -the only way to survive -is to take a deep breath. Find solid footing. And move deliberately. That’s what the story and the audience deserve. Anthony Zurcher is senior North America reporter for BBC News based in Washington, D.C.

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

Senator John Kennedy Issues Statement WASHINGTON, D.C. – From the office of U.S. Senator John Kennedy: “Last month, three of my Senate colleagues, two of my House colleagues, and I met in Beijing with Premier Li Keqiang, the second ranking Chinese government official, and others to discuss several issues. The State Department asked us in particular to lobby China to stop Chinese citizens from exporting synthetic fentanyl and the ingredients to make it to Mexico, from which fentanyl enters the United States. We hammered hard. This weekend, President Xi Jinping, meeting with President Trump, announced that China would designate fentanyl a “controlled substance” subject to the maximum penalty under Chinese law. Fentanyl killed more Americans last year than we lost during the entirety of

the Vietnam War. Much of it came to the United States from China. The credit for this breakthrough goes to Presidents Trump and Xi, but it sure made me feel like our trip to Beijing was worthwhile. I love being in the United States Senate. I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2019. I will, however, continue to work hard every day in D.C. and Louisiana for jobs, economic growth, cheaper health insurance, a stronger military, and an end to government waste. I am fortunate to sit on powerful Senate committees that provide a venue to do that. It is such an honor to represent the people of Louisiana in the United States Senate. Right now, that’s where I think I can do the most good. I hope someone runs for Governor who understands that Louisiana

state government does not have to be a big, slow, dumb, wasteful, sometimes corrupt, spend-money-like-it-wasditchwater, anti-taxpayer, top down institution. I love Louisiana as much as I love my country, and the people of my state deserve a state government as good as they are. Thank you to the many people who offered me advice about my decision. I listened carefully. You taught me a lot. Finally, I want to thank the many constituents who encouraged me to run. Your support humbles me. It is my honor to serve you in the United States

Senate. You, and your families, are the reason I get up to do this job each and every day.”

PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

EVENTS AND ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 30

SAFARI OF LIGHTS AT ZOOSIANA (ZOO OF ACADIANA) FROM

ALLEY OF THE OAKS. AT THE HOLIDAY MARKET, SHOPPERS HAVE FIRST SELECTION FROM AS MANY AS 75 UNIQUE VENDORS

NOV. 23-DEC. 30, 2018. STROLL THE GLISTENING PATHWAYS OF THE

OFFERING ANTIQUES, ESTATE JEWELRY, CHRISTMAS ACCESSORIES,

ZOO AT NIGHT AS CHRISTMAS MUSIC FILLS THE AIR PUTTING

HANDMADE ITEMS, ARTWORK, CHILDREN’S APPAREL, AND HOME

YOU IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS. VIEW STILL AND ANIMATED

AND GARDEN ACCESSORIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

LIGHTED ANIMAL FIGURINES, NORTH POLE EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE,

HTTPS://CAJUNTRAVEL.COM/EVENT/CHRISTMAS-AT-COTEAU

HOT COCOA OR HOT CAPPUCCINO AT THE ELVES EATERY. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT HTTP://ZOOSIANA.COM/SOL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 23

NOEL ACADIEN AU VILLAGE NOV. 30 THROUGH DEC. 23 FROM

CHRISTMAS MURDER MYSTERY DEC. 8, 6:30-9:30 P.M. AT ESPIRIT

DE COEUR ON 402 GARFIELD ST. HAVE YOURSELF A VERY MERRYMURDER!? ESPRIT DE COEUR WILL HOST THE MURDER MYSTERY

5:30-9 P.M. 23 NIGHTS OF HALF A MILLION LIGHTS, NIGHTLY

DINNER, A CHRISTMAS KILLING! ON THIS NIGHT, PATRONS WILL

ENTERTAINMENT, 10 ACRES OF HOLIDAY DISPLAYS, CARNIVAL RIDES,

PARTICIPATE IN SOLVING A MURDER OVER THE COURSE OF A THEMED

LOCAL CUISINE, PHOTOS WITH SANTA. AN ACADIANA CHRISTMAS

DINNER. CLUES WILL BE GIVEN, AND SUSPECTS WILL SPEAK ON THEIR

TRADITION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! TICKETS ARE $8 IN ADVANCE

BEHALF AS YOU AND YOUR INVESTIGATIVE TEAM SOLVE WHODUNIT.

(AVAILABLE AT ALL SHOP RITE LOCATIONS), $10 AT GATE. FOR MORE

A TANTALIZING PRIZE PACKAGE AWAITS OUR TOP SLEUTHS OF

INFORMATION VISIT WWW.ACADIANVILLAGE.ORG

THE EVENING. TICKETS ARE $60. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/EVENTS/337334656836395/

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 30

A MERRY MAKING SEASON AT THE SHADOWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 – 9

JOIN THE SHADOWS’ FAMILY FOR “A MERRY-MAKING SEASON.”

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER, THE SHADOWS-ON-THE-TECHE WILL

DEC. 8-9. LAFAYETTE BALLET THEATRE WITH PRINCIPAL DANCERS

BE DRESSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN GREENERY HIGHLIGHTED

FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET, AND THE ENTIRE DANCE

WITH FRUITS, NUTS, AND BERRIES. COLORFUL DECORATIONS,

COMMUNITY PRESENTS THE FULL-LENGTH HOLIDAY CLASSIC, THE

ANTIQUE TOYS, AND A CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATED WITH PERIOD

NUTCRACKER. TWO PERFORMANCES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE

ORNAMENTS ARE ALL FEATURED IN PERIOD ROOMS. “A MERRY-

HEYMANN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ON DEC. 8 AND 9. FOR MORE

MAKING SEASON” QUOTED FROM THE WEEKS’ FAMILY PAPERS,

INFORMATION VISIT HTTP://LAFAYETTEBALLETTHEATRE.ORG/

DESCRIBES THEIR OBSERVANCE OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. SEASONAL

PERFORMANCES

TOURS, FOCUSING ON HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS IN THE NINETEENTH

THE LAFAYETTE BALLET THEATER PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

CENTURY, WILL BE OFFERED DURING THE SHADOWS NORMAL

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31

OPERATING HOURS. GUIDED TOURS OF THE HOUSE WILL EMPHASIZE

SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES OF THE NINETEENTH-CENTURY

MUSEUM OF ACADIANA, 201 E. CONGRESS ST. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

CELEBRATIONS TO THE PRESENT.

MANY CHILDREN MISS OUT ON THE FUN AND EXCITEMENT OF

REGULAR ADMISSION RATES AND TOUR TIMES APPLY. FOR MORE

THE NEW YEAR’S COUNTDOWN TRADITION AT MIDNIGHT. THE

INFO CALL THE SHADOWS AT (337) 369-6446 OR EMAIL SHADOWS@

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF ACADIANA HAS AN EVENT JUST FOR THEM!

SHADOWSONTHETECHE.ORG.

ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2016 FROM 10 A.M. - 2 P.M. CELEBRATE

NEW YEAR’S NOON CARNIVAL & COUNTDOWN AT THE CHILDREN’S

WITH FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AS THE MUSEUM CELEBRATES ITS

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

SONIC DRIVE-IN CHRISTMAS PARADE DEC. 2 AT 1 P.M. ONE OF THE

OLDEST CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES IN ACADIANA. PARADE FEATURES

ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S NOON CARNIVAL & COUNTDOWN. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.CHILDRENSMUSEUMOFACADIANA.COM

OVER 20 FLOATS, HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BANDS AND THE OFFICIAL

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31

ARRIVAL OF SANTA CLAUS TO LAFAYETTE. FOR MORE INFORMATION

VISIT WWW.LAFAYETTETRAVEL.COM/EVENT

PERFORMANCE CENTER, LAFAYETTE 9:30 P.M. TO 12:30 A.M. TICKETS

NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE AT VERMILIONVILLE, VERMILIONVILLE’S

ARE $35 WHICH INCLUDES ADMISSION, A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 – 8

SACRED HEART ACADEMY PRESENTS CHRISTMAS AT COTEAU DEC.

TO TOAST IN THE NEW YEAR, AND A PARTY FAVOR. FOOD AND BEVERAGES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. DANCE IN THE

7-8 AT 9 A.M. EVERY YEAR, THE ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART

NEW YEAR WITH GRAMMY-NOMINATED GENO DELAFOSE & FRENCH

OFFERS A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHEER, HOLIDAY SHOPPING, AND

ROCKIN’ BOOGIE! NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGE. FOR MORE

AMAZING LOCAL CUISINE. THIS IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO

INFORMATION VISIT WWW.VERMILIONVILLE.ORG/EVENTS

VIEW THE GORGEOUS, SACRED GROUNDS WHICH INCLUDES THE

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10

PARISH NEWS

Dec. 2018 Vol. 1 No. 10