CENTRAL SPEAKS July 24, 2014 • Daily News at CentralSpeaks.com
CHS Baseball Alumni Game THIS Saturday
Police Department Expanding Council & Mayor Approve Budget Increases
By Dave Freneaux
Central’s City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday night to spend $56,983 as the first step in increasing the size of what was until now an all-volunteer Police Department. Mayor Shelton states that he will sign this funding into law “As soon as it is presented to me for signature.” Police Chief Salsbury revealed publicly for the first time at the meeting Tuesday his “Four and a Half Year Plan” for expanding the Police Department. His plan calls for an additional 4 full time paid officers and 15 additional reserve officers by the end of his current term. This plan would add approximately $250,000 per year to the budget, pushing it over a half million dollars per year. While agreeing that public safety is important, Council Members Ellis and Messina requested that this vote be deferred for a short time to gather enough information to determine whether this expansion is a wise use of taxpayer dollars, and to provide the public sufficient time to review the plan and offer input. Citizens opposing the ordinance questioned why there was such a rush to hire a paid Assistant Chief and encouraged the Council to do a complete study of Public Safety needs before committing to this expansion. Council Members Evans, Fralick and Vance voted against the deferral and for the additional funding. A major objection to the ordinance came from Council Members and citizens who pointed out that no one has compiled the crime statistics for the City of Central to evaluate whether this expansion is justified. Central taxpayers currently pay $1.82 million per year to the EBR Sheriff’s Office for primary law enforcement in the city.
Photo by Michael Spangler: Council Members Evans, who authored the ordinance, and Ellis, who voted to defer
CHS Football on School Board Spends $200,000 in 72 Hours 91.9 FM This Season Broadcasting from right By Dave Freneaux
here in Central, Radio Amor 91.9 will be carrying your Central High Football games every Friday night beginning September 5th and continuing through the playoffs. 91.9 FM broadcasts over its Clinton tower and has a strong and clear signal covering all of Central. In addition, the games can be heard on the TuneIn Radio App and on the internet at www. amorradio.org. Radio Amor is a non-profit Spanish-Speaking Radio station, but your weekly Wildcat games will of course be broadcast in Central’s best southern English. Pastor Canossa who also runs the station explains that Radio Amor is seeking to strengthen its ties to the Central Community. See Football Radio, Page 11
In early June the Central Community School Board granted permission to the contractor building the Ninth Grade Academy to use the gravel parking lot on Wax Road as a part of the construction site, leaving CHS Juniors without a place to park this school year. This past Friday and Monday, some six weeks later, the School Board held two meetings at noon in the Superintendent’s office with only a day’s notice and spent over $200,000 of taxpayer’s money to hurriedly try to fix the problem. The School Board Facilities Committee and Superintendent Faulk in a Committee meeting on Friday moved to approve the $200,000 expenditure without even having a public hearing and vote before the full School Board. Dave Freneaux of Central Speaks questioned during the meeting whether this was even allowed, but the meeting was adjourned, giving a green light to proceed with the $200,000 expenditure. Shortly after
this meeting the decision was made to bring the matter before the full School Board Monday at noon in the second “called special meeting”. The Ninth Grade Academy plans and bid specifications were published in March, which has caused citizens to ask why the School Board is only now, three weeks before the start of school, addressing the issue of additional parking. The rush to add parking before school starts has caused the School Board to issue the job as a “change order” to the building contract, which means it will not go out for competitive public bids which should assure the best price. Issuing work as a “change order” and avoiding the process of putting it out for public bids is the same thing that happened only a month ago on the asbestos abatement at the old Middle School site. The School Board in that case failed to include the old auditorium ceiling in the abatement contract and spent $123,000 in another change order that never went out for competitive bids.
2 CITY
Thursday, July 24, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
A Simple Lack of Planning
has been issued without going out for competitive bids, to build a new parking lot. Regardless of whether or not this was legal, was it wise? And why was this not realized in March and a plan put in place to deal with it then? Then last Tuesday night I watched as our City Council voted 3-2 to approve the new For anyone like me who likes Chief’s expansion of our Police to plan ahead and see clear and Department when no one in the well-researched reasons before room could even give accurate our City and School System and complete relevant crime spends our tax dollars, this has statistics for Central. In addition, been a troubling week. there is no job description for First, our School Board, the Assistant Chief’s position after having drawn up plans and they added, and the city has no specifications in March to have hiring or personnel procedures. the new Ninth Grade Academy Almost $60,000 per year was built at the High School, approved based on a plan suddenly realizes in late July that was not shown to the that there will not be enough public until during last night’s parking left for the students meeting. This funding is the Juniors. Now, after two hastily first step in the Chief’s plan that called special noon meetings, calls for another approximately a “change order” for $200,000 $250,000 in annual funding by
2018. How will we pay for that, and how much more is coming? In the case of the School Board it seems that there continues to be a failure to plan. In this early test case of the City Council there seems to be an unwillingness to plan. I should mention that Council Members Jason Ellis and Wayne Messina voted to defer the matter until a long term plan could be developed. Thanks gentlemen. It seems that the recurring theme here is that if our City Council or School System wants to spend your money and they have the votes to do it, having a long term plan is simply not required. One reader commented to me that funding an Assistant Chief and expanded Police Headquarters without a comprehensive long term plan is like the husband who tells his wife he wants to buy a boat trailer, just because he
CONTACT Central SpeakS
Email: Info@CentralSpeaks.com Phone: (225) 262-3730 Fax: (888) 220-8396
can. We all know the purchase of a boat, and probably a camp, can’t be too far behind, but let’s not talk about that yet. Central has demonstrated its ability to plan ahead with Land Use, Zoning, Traffic, and Sewer Master Plans being carefully developed before taxpayer dollars were spent in these areas. Let’s not abandon this prudent approach to good stewardship of our citizen’s tax dollars. The Council Meeting ended without any plans to justify additional funding of what has been, up until now, a volunteer Central Police Department. How about let’s at least stop the funding here and get a long term comprehensive public safety plan, along with some common-sense personnel policies? After this week, that would be some welcomed Good News for a Great City!
Published Weekly 51 weeks a year Deadline 12 NOON Tuesdays Article submission is free of charge.
Ads: DeeDee Dupree Editor: Beth Fussell 12023 Sullivan Road P.O. Box 78137 Commentary: Dave Freneaux Production Editor: Central, LA 70818 Central, LA 70837 Dave@CentralSpeaks.com DeeDee@CentralSpeaks.com Beth@CentralSpeaks.com Lindsey Pyburn
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, July 24, 2014
CITY 3
CFD Responds to Two Fires Crime Stoppers: Have You Seen These Fugitives?
www.crimestoppersbr.com Call Toll Free at 1-877-723-7867 Crime Stoppers will pay cash reward for information leading to the arrest of these WANTED FUGITIVES:
From CFD
An alert motorist noticed smoke coming from a storage building in the 12900 block of Blackwater Road on Tuesday July 22, 2014 and immediately notified the fire department. A quick check of the property by the motorist failed to locate anyone at the residence or in a travel trailer next to the storage building. Central, District Six, and Baker Fire Departments were alerted at 10:29 am and Central firefighters had the fire under control at 10:41 am. The fire was contained to the storage building and did not spread to the travel trailer. The fire caused approximately $18000.00 in damage to the building and contents and appeared to be caused by an electrical malfunction. A short time later at approximately 2:30 pm a motorist alerted Chaneyville firefighters that a house in the 13400 block of Jackson Road had smoke coming from it. Central, Pride, and Zachary firefighters responded to assist Chaneyville. When Chaneyville firefighters entered the front of the house to attack the fire they discovered an adult female on the floor in a front room of the residence. The female was not injured, but initially did not want to exit the residence. At this point most of the front of the home was ablaze so it did not take much urging from firefighters to convince the female that she needed to vacate the home. The fire was placed under control at 2:40 pm and caused approximately $50,000.00 in damage. Careless smoking was determined to be the cause of the fire.
EDUARDO MANUEL RODRIGUEZ ANTHONY EARL BROWN DOB 04/15/1983 DOB 10/03/1974 HISPANIC/MALE WHITE/MALE 5’06” HGT / 175 WGT 5’09” HGT / 200 WGT BLACK HAIR / BROWN EYES BROWN HAIR / BLUE EYES WANTED FOR: SECOND DEGREE BATTERY
WANTED FOR: BANK FRAUD FORGERY THEFT
If you have any information on these fugitives contact Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP(7867), text CS225 plus your message to CRIMES (274637) or email us anonymously from our facebook page or website www.crimestoppersbr.com **Remember you do not have to give your name to collect this or any Crime Stoppers Reward but you must call Crime Stoppers ** These fugitives are active as of July 23, 2014
4 COMMUNITY
CENTRAL COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Thursday, July 24, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Community Urged to “Survive, Don’t Drive”
From Our Lady of the Lake
prepare for the patient’s arrival. This results in faster treatment for patients who are brought by ambulance over patients who drive themselves because diagnostic tests were able to be performed earlier in the field. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 720,000 Americans have a heart attack each year and about 30 percent result in death, largely because they did not receive treatment on time. In 2013, 36 percent of patients suffering a heart attack arrived at Our Lady of the Lake by private vehicle. On average, their treatment times were 20 minutes slower than those who arrived by ambulance. “If you experience or witness someone having these symptoms, put down the car keys and pick up the phone,” said Dr. Hathorn. “Remember, it’s not how fast a heart attack patient gets to the hospital that is important, but rather how quickly treatment begins.” For more information about Survive, Don’t Drive and Our Lady of the Lake Heart & Vascular Institute, visit ololrmc. com/heart.
SUNDAY 7/27:
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center is launching a community awareness campaign to help address a national health care issue. “Survive, Don’t Drive” urges Louisiana residents to call 911 when experiencing chest pain or other heart attack symptoms rather than attempt to drive themselves or be driven to the hospital. The campaign will include community education messages on television, billboards and in print. The public service announcement demonstrates the benefits of dialing of 911 and the process from ambulance to treatment. “When it comes to surviving a heart attack, every second counts,” said Dr. Bryan Hathorn, director of The Chest Pain Center at Our Lady of the Lake Heart & Vascular Institute. “The longer the heart is deprived of oxygen, the more muscle is lost.” By calling 911, treatment can begin as soon as paramedics arrive on the scene, saving critical time. Advanced notice and important patient information is relayed to the hospital, where trained doctors and nurses can
MONDAY 7/28:
Grief Support Group Schedule
THURSDAY 7/24:
Central Speaks hits the streets Crafting for a Cause, Pride-Chaneyville Library, 1PM Paint-In, Magnolia Methodist Church, 1:30-5PM Upcycled Magazine Craft, Greenwell Springs Library, 2PM Intro to the Internet, Greenwell Springs Library, 3PM Teen Gamerz Club, Central Library, 3:30PM Sports Central Radio Show, 910 AM & Live from Coaches Grill, 5PM Board of Adjustments Meeting, Kristenwood, 5-6PM Planning and Zoning Meeting, Kristenwood, 5-6PM Live Music with Michael Etheridge, Caliente Mexican Craving, 6PM
FRIDAY 7/25:
Paint-in, Magnolia Methodist Church, 9:30AM-12PM
SATURDAY 7/26:
Magnolia Methodist Market, 8AM-2PM Scrapbook Gift Craft, Pride-Chaneyville Library, 10AM Introduction to Chess, Greenwell Springs Library, 11AM Our Place 20th Anniversary Celebration, 11AM CHS Alumni Home Run Derby, 5PM CHS Alumni Baseball Game, 7PM College Planning Tips, Greenwell Springs Library, 2:30PM Nature Lovers Program, Pride-Chaneyville Library, 11AM Cassette Tape Casing Craft, Greenwell Springs Library, 2PM All Ages Bingo, Central Library, 3PM CCSS School Board Meeting, 6-7:30PM
TUESDAY 7/29:
Learn about E-books & OverDrive, Central Library, 10AM Kid’s Night, Free scoop of ice cream, Caliente Mexican Craving, 5-8PM Science Fiction Book Club, Greenwell Springs Library, 6:30PM
WEDNESDAY 7/30:
Hand Quilting for Beginners, Central Library, 6PM
THURSDAY 7/31:
Central Speaks hits the streets EBR Library Summer Reading Program Ends Central Book Club, Central Library, 11AM Crafting for a Cause, Pride-Chaneyville Library, 1PM Paint-In, Magnolia Methodist Church, 1:30-5PM Mini Charm Craft, Greenwell Springs Library, 2PM
Intro to Facebook, Greenwell Springs Library, 3PM Mad Scientist Goodbye Summer Party, Central Library, 3:30PM
Sports Central Radio Show, 910 AM & Live from Coaches Grill, 5PM Live Music with Justin McCain, Caliente Mexican Craving, 6-9PM
BREC’s Movie at the Lagoon showing of Despicable Me 2 has been rescheduled for August 9 from 7-9:30pm at Liberty Lagoon waterpark, 111 Lobdell Dr. The cost is $5 per person. Bring beach towels or blankets. Limited concessions will be sold. Wristbands can be purchased in advance at Liberty Lagoon. A maximum of 600 wristbands will be sold.
The Hospice of Baton Rouge H.O.P.E. Grief Support Groups 6-Week Support Group Sessions provide a safe place for sharing and growth through grief. The Group Facilitator is Christine Brasseaux, LMSW, THBR Social Worker. Please inquire at the front desk of the hospital for room location. Please call Denise Domingue at the Hospice of Baton Rouge at (225) 767-4673 for more
information or to reserve your spot. All groups are provided to the public at no charge. 2014 Group Sessions Ochsner Medical Center 17000 Medical Center Drive (Off O’Neal Ln.) Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Monday Evening Group Series 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm • July 21st, 28th, August 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, July 24, 2014
CAPA Corner
Why would one be content with the eight tones of a child’s toy xylophone when a full symphony is playing? What beauty can be found in a 1985 monochromatic computer screen after viewing the color of a retina display? What is the satisfaction of bread and water, when one can be served from the kitchen of Emril? Is there a thrill in a pedal car after racing around the Brickyard on Memorial Day weekend? Where is the joy in playing Monopoly if one is Donald Trump? Yet that is how we often live – satisfied with such lesser things when Jesus Christ Himself is the satisfier of the human soul as the Greatest of All. When one has become captivated by true joy, holy love, everlasting peace, and complete
righteousness in Jesus Christ why slum around in the gutters of illicit sex, or live in the hollow buildings of unholy offenses against one another, or pan for treasure in trinkets that are all temporal? If for you, life is not as full, satisfying, or complete then perhaps you are beginning to realize that it is Jesus Christ for whom you are actually yearning. If you are one who knows Jesus Christ personally but there is the gnaw of discontent inside you, then be renewed in wholehearted devotion to Him and ask that He show you how much more satisfying He can be. Perhaps the pursuit of other things has distracted you from the full and satisfying pursuit of Him. Jeff Stanfill Covenant Church
Phone calls have been made this month to many local residents from a company claiming to be MidSouth Bank. The calls state that a hold has been put on your credit or debit card. If you receive a phone call asking for your bank account or credit/debit card information, no matter what the reason given, do not give your personal information over the phone. If you receive a voicemail of this nature, do not return the call, as the number connects to an automated service asking for credit or debit card information. These calls have been reported from many non-customers of MidSouth Bank, and the real MidSouth Bank website advises that they will never call to ask for card information over the phone. Anyone doing this is part of a scam. Similar phone scams have happened recently from numbers claiming to be associated with several different banks. If you want to check to make sure there is not an actual issue with your account or card, hang up and call your bank’s customer service line directly. MidSouth Bank has these suggestions to help keep your
information safe and avoid scams: • Phone Scams (vishing) – NEVER provide personal information unless you initiated the call or it is from a trusted source. Do not press options or give out account numbers or debit card numbers to anyone you do not know or did not call. If you have inadvertently provided account information to a caller, contact the bank immediately. • Email Scams (phishing) - NEVER click on links provided in an unfamiliar email or enter account information into an unfamiliar site. Delete unidentified emails from your computer immediately, unless you know the sender. If there is a question on the authenticity of the email, call the sender to verify it. If you have inadvertently provided account information, contact the bank immediately. • Monitor accounts online regularly to confirm all charges and transactions are correct. • Report any suspicious incidents, calls or transactions to the bank. • Educate family and friends.
Avoid Scams & Keep Personal Information Safe
Central Alumni Baseball Game
On Saturday, July 26th, Central Baseball will hold its 1st annual Alumni Game to celebrate the addition of lights added to our facilities. We would like to invite all former baseball players of Central to participate and have a chance to play under the lights. If interested, please visit our website at www.leaguelineup.com/centralhsbaseball and fill out the Alumni game form on the start page to register to play in the game. Also, we would like to invite all of Central to come out and enjoy the past, present, and future of Central Baseball. There will be plenty fun and festive activities for the kids to enjoy along with food for everyone. Price of admission is free so feel free to bring the entire family. Home Run Derby starts at 5:00pm and the 1st annual alumni baseball game begins at 7:00pm.
COMMUNITY 5
6 CentralSpeaks.com COMMUNITY Print Edition • Thursday, March 8, 2012
Central Chamber of Commerce C4 Report Central Chamber Hosts Local State Officials
Barry Ivey
Bodi White
On Wednesday, July 9th, The Central Chamber of Commerce held its July Monthly Membership Luncheon at Kristenwood. Our special guests for this meeting were our Senator Bodi White and Representative Barry Ivey. Senator Dale Erdey and Valarie Hodges were unable to attend due to previous engagements. In his presentation, Representative Ivey mentioned several bills that he was glad to see passed. Two that Ivey was really pleased to see passed were HB 1262 – ACT 569, HB 280 – ACT 614 and HB 872 – ACT 641. ACT 569 requires 2 pamphlets of information be available at abortion clinics. One to deal with the potential emotional effects of an abortion on a woman and the other pamphlet informs a woman on how to receive help if they are victims in human trafficking. ACT 614 was introduced to reduce the fee for concealed handgun permits for Military Active Duty, Reserves and Veterans. ACT 641 will increase
the penalties for people driving underinsured. It will also allow for a real time data base so that law enforcement can verify the validity of vehicle insurance through a license plate. Senator White, in his presentation, mentioned that thanks to the cooperation of Senator Erdey, Representative Ivey and Representative Hodges several millions of dollars in projects were on the books for the Central area. 1.) An agreement was reached between the Department of Health and Human Services and the Central Community School System on the use of the Greenwell Springs Hospital Sight on Greenwell Springs Road. 2.) A project is now slotted to take place that will help to deal with the noise issue that was being created on Joor Road. 3.) As the City of Central continues to explore the development of an administration building, several dollars in state money have been made available to aid in this project. 4.) Further work is also expected on the BREC Sports Complex and 5.) additional funds are also available to address some drainage issues in our area. We wish to thank Senators Bodi White and Dale Erdey and Representatives Barry Ivey and Valarie Hodges for all their efforts in accomplishing great things for the Central Area and our State!
Thursday, July 24, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com ANNOUNCEMENTS Print Edition11
Bill Cassidy Discusses VA Issues with Veterans
Congressman Bill Cassidy hosted a veterans’ roundtable with representatives of service organizations and other veterans throughout the Sixth District of Louisiana. Dr. Cassidy discussed with them the problems affecting veterans seeking care through the VA, including wait times, patient evaluations, treatment for those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and how veterans are treated at local clinics. He offered the following statement: “Our veterans deserve the best healthcare. Today’s meeting allowed those who are actually using the system to relate their experiences. They spoke of nurses and doctors who do care and bureaucratic systems and paperwork which delay or effectively deny access to care. As a Doctor and a Congressman, this is of particular importance to me. I will do my best to improve these systems for all veterans.” Attendees from the meeting also offered the following statements: “The issues facing our veterans in the Central area are serious, and I want to thank Dr. Cassidy for giving his attention to them. I hope that we can find solutions that will help our veterans.” – Mr. Gerald Reid, Chairman, Central Veterans Helping Veterans Veterans and their families who are having difficulties receiving care from the VA can always contact one of Dr. Cassidy’s District offices. His Baton Rouge office phone number is (225) 929-7711, his Livingston Parish office number is (225) 686-4413 and his Thibodaux office number is (985) 447-1662.
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, July 24, 2014
Floorbusters Holds Ribbon Cutting
Floorbusters held its ribbon cutting Tuesday, July 22. Floorbusters ofers residential/commercial carpet & floor cleaning ,water restoration, tile & grout cleaning, upholstery, automobile interior, pet odor & stain removal. They can be reached by phone at 225-978-2878 or by email at floorbustersbr@gmail.com. Their website is www.floorbustersbr.com.
St. Alphonsus Knights of Columbus Installs New Officers
St. Alphonsus Knights of Columbus Council 2807 recently had their annual installation of officers for 2014. The event commemorated the council’s milestone seventy-fifth anniversary. A steak dinner was held at Kristenwood Reception Hall in Greenwell Springs. Officers for the coming year are Grand Knight - Vance Thomas, Deputy Grand Knight - Richard
Watson, Chancellor - Daniel Newman, Recorder - Thomas Vrenick, Treasurer - Mark Legendre, Financial Secretary Vincent Serio, Advocate - Earl Davis III, Warden - Charles Langlois, Inside Guard - Jerry Romero, Outside Guard - William Foulks, Three Year Trustee - John Stroderd, Two-Year trustee Albert Langlois, One-year trustee - Wayne Messina, and Lecturer John Culmone.
COMMUNITY 7
North Point Spa Holds Ribbon Cutting
North Point Spa held its ribbon cutting Thursday, July 17. North Point Spa, LLC is a physician owned and operated spa located at 18901 Greenwell Springs Rd, Suite A. They can be reached by phone at 2612225 or by email at debbie@northpointspa.com. You can also visit their website, www.northpointspa.webs.com or their facebook page.
CIS Open House August 4-6
Central Intermediate School Open House 3rd Grade - Monday, August 4 ** 4th Grade - Tuesday, August 5 5th Grade - Wednesday, August 6 Please choose to come at 3:00 pm OR 6:00 pm on your assigned date– come to the cafeteria to receive homeroom assignments. ** Incoming 3rd grade students are required to complete the Proof of Address re-registration procedure. If you have not already done so, please go to the Central School System Central Office at 10510 Joor Road. Your child will not receive a homeroom nor schedule if their registration process is not complete.
8 SPORTS
Thursday, July 24, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Central Jackhammers Win Red Stick Lacrosse Wins World Series in Gulf Shores Big Easy Championship
Submitted by Sue Rivere
The Central Jackhammers, a U-14 team, won the USSSA Global World Series in Gulf Shores, Alabama on July 12. The Hammers won four straight games to come through the losers' bracket to win the championship. The team was coached by Travis Rose and Mike Kimbrell. Players included Will Brooks, Troy Creppel, Cade Kimbrell, Chapman Lowrance, Brennen Major, Justin Rivere, Dustin Roberts, Parker Simoneaux, Russell St. Romain, Mason Tillman, Dylan Wootan, Todd Lesseign, and Elijah Ramos. Congratulations guys!
Red Stick Lacrosse Offering Free Lacrosse Clinics
Submitted by Jeff King
The Red Stick Lacrosse organization is sponsoring a series of FREE “Introduction to Lacrosse” clinics for kids who have not played organized lacrosse before. The clinic is for kids ages 10 through the 10th grade, and no equipment is required. This is a great way for kids and parents to learn about the game of lacrosse, the fastest
growing sport in the US. The clinic is being held every Monday starting July 28th for five weeks at Antioch Blvd Park (6229 Antioch Blvd.) from 6:30 to 7:45 PM. This is open to anyone who has not played organized lacrosse before, as sessions will teach the basic understanding and skills of the game. Red Stick Lacrosse is a non-profit organization with volunteer coaches who are not compensated for this program. The program’s intent is to raise the awareness of and participation in youth lacrosse in Baton Rouge. Visit www.redsticklacrosse.com for more information, or email redsticklax@gmail.com.
Submitted by Jeff King
The Red Stick U17 tournament team, which consists of players from Catholic, Central, Dutchtown, and Lafayette, recently finished up their season. This team played in four tournaments that were held in Dallas, Texas; Palm Springs, Florida; Covington, Louisiana; and Birmingham, Alabama. They had a combined record of 11-8-1, and they
won the Big Easy Championship tournament in Covington and came in 3rd at the Steel City Showcase in Birmingham. Above is a picture of the Red Stick U17 players who play for the Central High School team with their Big Easy Championship Trophy. Pictured from left to right: Cody Cazes, Jeff King (Central Coach), Rory McCracken, Andy Law, Ted Weller, Rivers King, Brandon Wolf
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CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, July 24, 2014
Email classifieds@centralspeaks.com. Deadline is Tuesday at NOON. For Sale: White kitchen sink with For Sale: Old LP albums (55 total) faucets that have white trim. Good with stand. Good selection. $40 for all. condition $75 for both. 225-261-7988. 225-261-7988. For Sale: Tires (4): 205 - 65P - 15 For Sale: Sofa set, 2 end recliners, 2 for $25, 1 for $15, 1 for $45 (cash) matching loveseat rocker, 2 recliners. Call 225-954-6967 chocolate color. Round coffee table & 2 For Sale: 2006 30’ Riverside 30BHSS end tables all like new. $750 931-6225 travel trailer with slide out - sleeps 8; For Sale: Cast iron Ben Franklin $8,000; 225-436-5708. fireplace insert. $250 225-405-5415 Help Wanted: Childcare Center For Sale: Weight lifting workout in Central seeking to hire fulltime center. $65 225-405-5415 Pre-K Three teacher. Minimum of Moving Sale: Sat, July 26 7-4. 5 years experience and/or CDA Everything must go! Kitchen, home preferred. Please forward resume to décor, baby needs, clothes, furniture, imaginationstationchildcare@cox.net. etc. Northwoods Sub 16915 Fir Ave. Housekeeping: Honest & dependable. 20 yrs exp. Great rates! Ref. available. Garage Sale: 3 Family. Lots of nice things. 10436 Magnolia Blossom Ave. Call Bridgett at 225-993-1407. 7-5 Fri & Sat 7/25 & 7/26 Commercial Building for Lease: Moving Sale: July 24th 7-5, July 25th 8419 Joor Rd. 3,000 sq ft total, incl. 7-4, July 26th 7-1, 5388 Goodland Dr 1,000 sq ft office space $1,200/month + utilities. Call 225-936-6679 For Rent: Duplex 8550 & 8628 Sully Dr. 2br/ 1ba $725 per month Vacation Rental: Vacation on the MS Lewis Companies 225-766-8802 Gulf Coast. Beautiful condo 2 bed, 2 1/2 bath, balcony w/ocean view, Home FSBO: 16936 Teneiya Ave., furnished. Week-end, weekly, monthly Indian Mound Sub. 2800 sq ft. 4 BR/2 rates 225 938 8601, 225 324 0973 1/2B. Beautiful property. Reduced to $269,000. Qualifies for 100% For Sale: 12448 Country Estate Dr financing w/ $0 down! Call 614-8852. 3BR, 2BA, den, workshop. $110,000 Can be seen at www.fsbobr.com 261-2672, 806-8232. Will owner fin. Need someone to repair IBM S Electric Typewriter. Call 261-2548 For Sale: Sofa, Ivory tone. Excellent Condition. $175. Clarinet with case. Black/Silver. Practically New. $225. Graco Dual Stroller. (Infant in back & Toddler in Front). Brown. Used but just like new. $75. Call 225-978-0951
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General Sand & Gravel Limestone, Gravel, Mason & Fill Sand, Riversilt, Crushed Concrete, Clay, T/S - Tractor Work VISA 261-3953 M/C
PRICECO SUPPLY Lawnmower Repair, Replacement Blades, Safety Glasses and Gloves 15151 Greenwell Springs Road 225-262-6245
Mill direct fabrics, Shades, Custom drapery, Slipcovers,woven wood Romans, interior shutters. 22 years experience. Call Charlotte Harris 225-936-8649
Central Painting and Drywall Interior & Exterior - Central Owned Popcorn Ceiling Removal 35 Years Experience - Dependable Service 225-936-7191 PLUMBING DAVE-CO PLUMBING New Construction, Remodels, Repairs Natural Gas Generator Hook-Up Best Prices and Top Quality Job 13366 Hooper Rd 262-1234
DRAPERY/UPHOLSTERY
ELECTRIC
Simple Electric Licensed, Insured & Bonded Any Size Job - 30 Yrs Experience Central Owned Business 921-2633
EQUIPMENT WORK
Weeks Construction Specialties, LLC Dozer, Trackhoe, Tractor Work Ponds, House Pads, Driveways, Light Clearing, Etc. 603-5488 or 261-8976
FURNITURE
PAINTING
TREE REMOVAL Audubon Tree Service LLC Licensed & Insured Trimming & Removal Free Estimates 225-270-7250
TREE REMOVAL
Junior’s Furniture Service, LLC Upholstery, Custom Built Ottomans, Headboards, Church Pews, Salon Chairs, Antique Restoration. Zachary, LA 654-3949 www.jfupholstery.com
TREE MEN, LLC Tree service & stump grinding Fully Licensed and insured Free Estimates 262-6092 or 791-3981
HOME IMPROVEMENT
WELLNESS Nourishing Practices Massage Therapy Yoga Classes Digestive Wellness www.massageandyogaincentral.com
Chiasson Co., LLC. Remodeling, additions, home repairs, Outdoor kitchens, window & door install Free Est. Call Matt 225.806.9127 www.chiassonconstruction.com
10 FUN
July Library Events
Thursday, July 24: • Crafting for a Cause - Whether you are new to the art of crochet, want to improve your skills or just want to enjoy the company of fellow crafters, the Pride-Chaneyville Branch is where you need to be! Come to the Library on each Thursday in July and August, at 1 p.m. to craft for a cause. Donations of yarn or finished items are also welcome. • Upcycled Magazine Craft - Teens are invited to a free craft event at the Greenwell Springs Library at 2pm where they will make beads out of strips of colorful magazine pages. They will then string beads to create one-of-a-kind bracelets. Call the library to register. • Intro to the Internet class at 3pm at the Greenwell Springs Library • Teen Gamerz Club at Central Library. 3pm. It’s time for another round of gaming fun at the library. Join other teens for this edition of Gamerz Club as we “brawl” during a game of Super Smash Brothers. Don’t forget to bring your DS’s so you can collect StreetPasses! Call the library to register. Saturday, July 26: • Scrapbook Gift - What do you give a person that has everything? We’ve got an idea! Join us at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch on Saturday, July 26, at 10 a.m. in creating beautiful scrapbook pages that can be framed and given as a gift. Expert scrapbooker Katharine Kirby will show you interesting scrapbook decorating ideas to get your creativity going. Be sure to bring 2 to 4 photos, all other supplies will be provided. • Introduction to Chess at Greenwell Springs Library. 11am. If you would like to learn the basic concepts of chess, come to the library for a beginner’s course. Call the library to register. Sunday, July 27: • College Planning Tips - Preparing for college is quite an undertaking, but your Library is here to help! Certified Hartland Institute College Planning Consultants will be at the Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch on Sunday, July 27, at 2:30 p.m. to share tips to help students, parents and guardians through the process of preparing for college. You’ll get answers to questions about selecting the right college, completing the FAFSA form correctly, finding available grants and scholarships and much more! Monday, July 28: • A Program ‘Fur’ Nature Lovers - Representatives from the Waddill Outdoor Education Center will be at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch on Monday, July 28, at 11 a.m. to give a presentation about their facility as well as the wildlife and game in our area. There will be examples of fur and a hands-on experience to enjoy! • Cassette Tape Casing Craft at Greenwell Springs Library - 2pm. This is a free teen craft project program. Participants will decorate mini notebooks with old cassette tape casings, colorful twine, and other decorations. Call the library to register. • Bingo at Central Library - 3pm. Family Bingo for all ages. Prizes will be awarded at this free game, which includes refreshments. Call library to register. Tuesday, July 29: • E-books & OverDrive - Bring your eReader to the Central Branch on Tuesdays, July 22 and 29, at 10 a.m., and we’ll set you up with everything you’ll need to use the Library’s OverDrive service! You can access free eBooks, audiobooks and videos 24/7 from home. Be sure to bring your Library card. Don’t have one? No sweat, we can help you with that too! • Science Fiction Book Club at Greenwell Springs Library - 6:30pm. The Science Fiction Book Club will be discussing this month’s book “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. Wednesday, July 30: • Hand Quilting for Beginners - Come to the Central Branch on Wednesdays, July 9, 23 and 30, at 6 p.m. to learn the basics of hand quilting! Work on your current project and get advice on starting a new one. Get ideas for quilting patterns and see how-to demonstrations. Questions and ideas are welcome and encouraged! Be sure to bring your own fabric, needle, thread, scissors, pins and other materials. Thursday, July 31: • EBR Library Summer Reading Program Ends • Central Book Club at Central Library - 11am. The Central Book Club will be discussing “Light in the Ruins” by Chris Bohjalian. • Crafting for a Cause, 1pm, Pride-Chaneyville Library • Mini Charm Craft at Greenwell Springs Library - 2pm. Teens will make miniature charms during a free craft session. The charms will be shaped like little books and can be decorated with illustrations and titles to reflect favorite reads. Call the library to register. • Intro to Facebook at Greenwell Springs Library - 3pm. • Mad Scientist Goodbye Summer Party at Central Library - 3:30pm. It’s time for some mad scientist fun at the library. Teens are invited for an end-of-summer party, complete with a mad scientist relay race and wacky experiments. Call the library to register.
Thursday, July 24, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
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11
CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, July 24, 2014
Mark Klein Pursuing Reporting Dream Football Radio Continued from Page 1
Above: Keith Weiss Left: Mark Klein, Photo by Reverend Charley Photography Article by Mia Freneaux
Central resident Mark Klein is really making a name for himself in the broadcast world. The Central High School graduate, now attending Louisiana State University at Alexandria, has been involved for 4 years now in a weekly travelogue on KALB News Channel 5. Entitled "Down Home Louisiana", the program explores the "faces and places", as Mark puts it, that make Louisiana unique. Last September he was on the road when he caught Louis Coco hosting the "Greaser Show" on KLIL radio. Coco's enthusiasm was so contagious, Mark and KALB News Director Keith Lawrence Weiss decided to do a segment on him. Submitted to the Associated Press, they were delighted to learn that they had
received the "Best News Feature in the State of Louisiana" Award. It's a good bet that Mark, 19 years old at the time, is the youngest award winner! Mark, already a Central celebrity through his band "Mark Klein and the Last Sensations", will be a senior this year at Louisiana College, majoring in Convergence Media. He has also kept up with his involvement in music, performing lead guitar and vocals for "The Side Men" band (look them up on Facebook). Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, he just returned from a 2 week trip to Oxford University, England, where he participated in a national broadcasters' association education session. It was a great opportunity to see a beautiful city
and experience intense instruction at the hands of the extremely capable professorial staff. Mark says that and his experience at KALB have been priceless. Mark, who has maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout his tenure at LC, plans to pursue a career in features reporting. "It's fun to look for something that may not have a lot of perceived news value but makes you feel good," he enthused. "If I can continue to do that where ever I am I would be really happy. Every single day the job is different, it's always interesting. Like Louis Coco claims, you go to work everyday like it's the first day on the job." You can see Mark's television interview on KALB. com. Congratulations!
Radio Amor has been a member of the Central Chamber for several years. The “Voice of the Wildcats”, stadium announcer Les Bueche, will move behind the radio mic this year doing the play-by-play on 91.9 FM. The broadcast is sponsored by the Central Men’s Club, a nonprofit organization committed to support of Central Athletics. The broadcast will be drumming up support to make all of this happen so call Austin Myer at 636-0390 to become a sponsor.
Central Haikus Sad day of the year Crawfish season is over No mudbugs for me At Central WalMart High school classmate down the row Avoid eye contact
12 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thursday, July 24, 2014 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition
Michael & Trisha Nicosia Legislator Calls for Community Celebrate 50 Years Together Comments on Immigration Michael Wayne Nicosia and his wife Trisha Kane celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year. They were married on June 20, 1964, at St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church in Baton Rouge. To honor them on this special occasion, the entire family: Mike, Trisha, their four children and spouses, and 17 grandchildren gathered for a family photo. Following the photo session, the family attended 4:00 mass at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. After mass, the family had a celebratory dinner at D'Angelo's in Central. Another Piece of Cake bakery did a beautiful job on the anniversary cake, and Mandi and Marla at D'Angelo's helped make the evening a special time for the entire family. Thank you Mom and Dad for a wonderful life example for all of us to follow.
In Memoriam: Jewel Clifton Robertson
Jewel Clifton Robertson, 86, of Central, LA, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2014 at Lane Regional Medical Center. He served and defended his country in the United States Air Force. He also was an avid fisherman, gardener and LSU fan. Jewel enjoyed time with his family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. A memorial visitation was held at Seale Funeral Home, Central, LA on Sunday, July 20. Jewel is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Millicent "Kitty" Robertson; sons and daughters-in-law, Stanley "Gene" and Rhonda Robertson, Kevin and Liz Robertson, and Mark
Robertson; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Don Robertson; parents, John and Martha Shelton Robertson; and siblings, Romey, Tomey, Houston and Ralph Robertson, Margie Daigre, and Libby Higginbottom. A very special thank you to his dear friends and neighbors, Nita and Greg Cambre for their love and care for Jewel and his family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Jewel C Robertson to one or both of the following: Zoar Baptist Church of Baton Rouge or St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge. Please sign the online guestbook at www.sealefuneral.com.
Knights of Columbus Council 2807 Celebrates 75 Years
Grand Knight Vance Thomas Jr of the St. Alphonsus Liguori Council 2807 was presented a 75 year Diamond Certificate from the Supreme office of the Knights of Columbus. The Louisiana State Warden, Keith Lawson, presented this award. Originally the council was the Istrouma Council that was formed in 1939. Later when the council moved to the City of Central to be closer to St. Alphonsus Liguori Parish the name was changed.
Press Release from Office of Rep. Hodges
State Representative Valarie Hodges (R-Denham Springs), who sits on the House Committee on Criminal Justice, wants to hear directly from citizens concerning the current crisis of illegal border crossings into Texas. “Those are the voices being left out of the conversation,” Hodges said. “I’m asking Louisiana citizens from across the state to give me their direct thoughts on illegal immigration and what Louisiana ought to be prepared to do. I want to hear from them.” Hodges said the she is extremely concerned about the reports from Texas and its borders states, that federal officials are secretly transporting and housing detainees, captured trying to cross
the border from Mexico. Some detainees have been identified as members of violent gangs, possibly infiltrating the United States disguised as refugees, and some have been determined to carry dangerous, contagious disease. “At the very least, we need to know if the federal government is planning to transport detainees to Louisiana, and we need to plan ahead how to respond to that,” Hodges said, “I want to hear from citizens on this. What are their concerns? Hodges has set up a short survey on her Facebook page and is asking citizens to log on to answer a few questions and offer suggestions. Citizens can find the survey at facebook.com/ RepresentativeValarie HodgesDistrict64.