Hammond, LA
October 20, 2020
S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y
Homecoming Week kicks off in a hybrid format GABRIELLE WOOD Staff Reporter
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the university has decided to host Homecoming Week from Oct. 19-24 through a mix of in-person and virtual festivities. Activities are being organized through a joint collaboration between the Office of Student Engagement and Alumni Association. Although COVID-19 has altered the circumstances of this year’s event, OSE plans to provide an interactive experience for students under this year’s theme: “Operation: Where’s Roomie?” Marjorie Parker, director of OSE, shared how the pandemic has affected what would otherwise be a campus filled with activities and engagement. “Nothing is really the same right now, but our student leaders are working hard to give our SLU students a safe and positive experience,” said Parker. “The theme of Homecoming this year is, ‘Operation: Where’s Roomie?’, which will allow for many mystery-themed activities and events throughout the week.” Events have had to abide by social distancing and safety regulations. “Gumbo YaYa was an event we did not want to lose due to COVID-19,” explained Parker. “Although The Roomie the Lion inflatable stands in front of the University Bookstore in the Student Union Area. Businesses in downtown Hammond decorated their windows as a part of the event will look different, we wanted to keep the Homecoming festivities. Greek organizations made and signed sheets based on the theme “Operation: here’s Roomie?” Dyson Hall is decorated for the Departmental Decorations tradition alive. Gumbo will be served from two Competition. Maggie Tregre and Elana Guillory/The Lion’s Roar separate stations in the Union where students will be in socially-distanced lines. The gumbo will be prepackaged by Aramark and placed in to-go containers so students can grab free lunch on their way to classes. We will have a few fun and safe activities, as well as a presentation of our 2020 Homecoming Court.” Brendan Daigle, coordinator for the Student Government Association, discussed what events were not able to be brought back this year. “For Homecoming Week, the only traditional event that we cancelled was Minute-to-Win-It,” said Daigle. “This event was cancelled because of the close proximity of players and high degree of touching. Instead, we are recommending people sign up for ‘Brush off the Stress’, which will be co-sponsored by
see HOMECOMING, pg. 6
Local vehicle burglary Be informed about state and local elections reminds students to Many state and local elections will occur along with presidential elections lock their cars DYLAN MECHE Staff Reporter
Students are encouraged to keep their cars locked and in a well-lit area in order to prevent a burglary. Symiah Dorsey/The Lion’s Roar SYMIAH DORSEY Staff Reporter
On the night of Oct. 4, locals reported numerous vehicle burglaries in the Ponchatoula area. The Hammond Police Department linked the burglaries to university student Emily Candies, who was later taken into custody and booked for an outstanding felony warrant on Oct. 5. According to the press release from Hammond Police, the 20-year-old student was found in possession of numerous IDs, bank cards, cell phones and other items belonging to victims of burglaries in both Ponchatoula and Hammond. The incident has pushed a reminder for students to lock their vehicles and secure their belongings. University Police Department investigators George Giron and Jason Silessi brought awareness to the matter of vehicle burglary. Giron listed ways students could help the prevention of car theft on campus. “Always lock your vehicle,” advised Giron. “Most vehicle burglaries, at least here on campus, result from vehicles being left unsecured. Never leave belongings in view—vehicle burglaries can be a crime of opportunity. When parking overnight, park in well-lit areas—burglars don’t want to be seen.” The Hammond Police gave similar advice. “The Hammond Police Department would like to remind citizens to ‘lock it or lose it,’” stated the press release. “Do not leave important items in vehicles and make sure that your vehicles are locked before going to bed.” Silessi explained what a student should do if a vehicle burglary occurs.
see BURGLARY, pg. 6 Weather
Tuesday H 56 L 46
On Nov. 3, the U.S. General Election will commence. Though the presidential election is the most widelyknown election occurring, there are several local elections in Louisiana that will also take place. Incumbent Republican Senator Bill Cassidy is running for re-election. Louisiana elects its senators through a jungle primary, meaning several candidates of the same party will be on the ballot. If no candidate gains 50% of the vote on election day, a runoff election will be held in December. Seven amendments to the Louisiana Constitution are on the ballot for ratification. The majority of the amendments deal with the state’s budget and other issues related to taxation. Proposed Amendment No. 1, referred to as the Love Life Amendment by supporters, has gained the most attention. According to the Secretary of State’s website, the amendment states that the state’s constitution cannot require abortion funding or protect the right to abortion. If ratified, Louisiana will become the seventh state to adopt such an amendment. Proposed Amendment No. 3 would allow for the creation of the Budget Stabilization Fund, also called the Rainy Day Fund, in the event of a federally declared disaster.
Campaign signs for local and state elections can be seen in yards and along roads across Hammond. Early voting for this year’s election began n Oct. 16. Dylan Meche/The Lion’s Roar This would allow state lawmakers to redirect money towards disaster response more quickly. In addition, several parish and citywide elections will commence. Elections for all six seats of Louisiana’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives will also occur. Hammond is a part of Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District. Incumbent Republican Representative for Louisiana’s 1st Congressional District and current Minority Whip for the
Index
Wednesday H 58 L 49
Campus Life.................................2 Opinions.....................................3 A&E............................................4
Sports & Fitness...........................5 Campus Life.................................6
U.S. House of Representatives, Steve Scalise, will be running for re-election against Democratic challenger, Lee Ann Dugas. Several local races will also be held in the Hammond area. Grace Bennett Gasaway, Incumbent Democratic Hammond City Court Judge, is seeking re-election against Republican challenger John Watts, a local attorney and university alumnus. Current 7th Ward Marshal Pat Farris is running for re-election against two
challengers. One is perennial Republican candidate Arden Wells. The second challenger is Charles “Bert” Deliberto, a recently retired Hammond Police Officer. To access ballots and view other information about the upcoming election, visit the Secretary of State’s Website at https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/.
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