Ruling Forthcoming In Alexandria Vs. Cleco

Any time after Thursday Judge Dee Drell could rule on jurisdiction in the Alexandria Vs. Cleco case. Oral arguments were heard Monday morning with the Judge giving both sides until Wednesday to file briefs. The string of delays only postpones the inevitable rendering from Judge Drell that he DOES have jurisdiction in the case.
Cleco contends the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the rates charged to Alexandria and that can not be challenged in Federal Court. Cleco successfully requested the case be transferred from 9th Judicial District Court to Federal Court but now claims the U.S. Court is trumped by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Thanksgiving Weekend Words of Wisdom

Barack Obama wants us to believe his theme of "Hope and change we can believe in".

In 1758 Benjamin Franklin wrote, "He that lives upon Hope will die fasting."

"King" David Axelrod writes Obama's lines and approves every word.

Benjamin Franklin wrote his own material as a self-made man.

In 1735 Franklin wrote, "Necessity never made a good bargain."

In 2009 the Obama Administration contends, "It's necessary we bail everyone out regardless of how destructive the bargain."

Who do you believe, Obama or Ben Franklin?

White House Crashers Have "PC" Religious Roots?

The Secret Service looks like Mayberry Deputy Barney Fife after allowing Michaele and Taraek Salahi into the White House for the Indian Prime Minister bash. The over rated agency did not follow proper procedure at the soiree and has failed miserably in previous cases, most notably 911. The Secret Service, CIA and FBI collectively failed before 911. The Salahi couple did pass through metal detectors, but that screening can not detect a person carrying anthrax. Threats against the President have increased 400% since "The W" so where's the cranked up security?
"The Crashers" will be on Larry King (almost alive) Monday night, a further embarrassment to White House security. Reports say Mr. Salahi has connections to the American Task Force on Palestine which may help him socially with the White House.

Worst Yet To Come For Parishes & Counties

Money shortages for counties (parishes) will get worse, not better according to a survey by the National Association of Counties. 138 Counties say the economy is getting worse, with 4 of 5 counties saying it will continue next year.
The Obama Administration keeps saying the Country is in recovery, but few are buying that propaganda. The Federal Government has Trillions in tax money to waste but Counties can't print money like the Feds. Counties are delaying purchases, cutting services, increasing taxes and laying workers off. Counties are getting less money from property taxes, federal aid and sales taxes. So far Rapides Parish is holding its own, but tax income is on a downward trend.

"Mr. Motorcycle" Rides To The Pearly Gates

Local Motorcycle Legend Johnnie Davis will be laid to rest Wednesday at Greenwood Memorial Park in Pineville. Funeral services will be at one o'clock at Poland Baptist Church on Wednesday.
Mr. Davis, 92 of Alexandria, passed away Sunday at Naomi Heights Nursing home. Mr. Davis was owner of the Harley Davidson Dealership from 1968 until 1999. His motorcycle riding skills were rare and spectacular. As he advanced in years, he would thrill onlookers by riding his motorcycle while standing up on the seat. Motorcycle enthusiasts in Central Louisiana will honor his career and contributions with a major turnout for his service.

Bloated State Payroll Insult To Taxpayers

Why the INCREASE in politically appointed, higher paying jobs in Louisiana? Why the DECREASE in lower paying state jobs? Why is Louisiana, per capita, number 1 in State employees in the South and number 8 in the Country? The answer is because we historically have incompetent, self-serving bureaucrats running the State. The proof comes from the State Civil Service Department, showing politically appointed jobs pay about 20-thousand dollars more per year. The State has over 61-thousand classified Civil Service employees, 5-thousand fewer than 2002 with an average salary of $41-thousand dollars. There are 31,427 Politically appointed jobs now with an average salary of $60,854, that's 57-hundred more than in 2002.
Meanwhile the State is facing a Billion dollar shortfall come July of next year. How confident do you feel about your State Government?

Taxpayer Tab Unknown For Downtown Hotel Rescue

We hope for the best as Alexandria officials try to salvage prospects for downtown hotels. We've heard optimistic scenarios, but what about the final bill for taxpayers? Observers believe cost will be higher than previously estimated in dollars or property swaps. The most crucial question remains: If downtown Alexandria has potential as a profitable Convention Site, why isn't the private sector willing to pay 100 Percent of the cost? It's obvious that downtown Hotels and the Convention Center can NOT be resurrected unless taxpayers subsidize the project. Do taxpayers care? We're about to find out. We'll also find out how serious the potential partners in Phoenix are when they "crunch the figures" for the final presentation.

Jindal Hobnobbing at The White House

Gov. Jindal and his wife will attend President Obama's state dinner Tuesday night for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Associated Press says others attending include Sec. of State Hillary Clinton, Treasury Sec. Timothy Geithner and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Jindal's parents immigrated to Baton Rouge from India before he was born. Pundits say Jindal is being invited as a "token" Indian, not as a "token" Republican.
Meanwhile the Washington Post is watching Gov. Jindal closely because he may run for the White House in 2012 or 2016. National Democrats will find a serious opponent for Jindal in the upcoming governor's race to keep him busy. Washington is following Jindal's trips around the country. He has visited Michigan, California, Texas, North Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois and Massachusetts to raise money for himself or other people. Gov. Jindal and President Obama may have the opportunity Tuesday night to compliment each other on setting higher standards on ethics and transparency.

Senator Landrieu Makes Crucial "Yes" Vote

Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu cast a key "Yes" vote to allow debate on the Democrats controversial Health Care Reform Bill. But she contends that doesn't guarantee she will vote later on for the bill. The Senate will start debate on the bill the week after Thanksgiving. Republican leader Mitch McConnell said, "Americans know a vote to proceed on this bill is a vote for higher premiums, higher taxes and massive cuts to Medicare." The Democrats needed 60 votes to stop a Republican filibuster and they got them.

Obama's Ego Hits "The Great Wall"

President Obama and his advisers are befuddled by events in China. Obama's alleged "Rock Star" aura was thwarted by the crafty Chinese Government. "King" David Axelrod tells Obama what to do and approves every script. The President reads the teleprompter and congratulated on his great performance. But for very good reason, the Chinese are not impressed by President Obama or America's ability to repay our massive debt. Obama and his advisers had no choice in his limited public appearances. He was held in check with impunity by the Chinese government because they hold most of our debt. Debt is weakness and China is gaining greater financial strength. Obama was playing a weak hand and it showed. He's trying to downplay our weakening financial situation by trying to make the U.S. look like the Moral leader of the world. Like most of his other plans, it's not working.

Exotic Smoked Holiday Meat

Available in Central Louisiana for the first time ever is meat smoked with the RAREST of wood combinations, Persimmon and Fig. This wild and domestic dynamic fruit wood duo will make your taste buds quiver and forsake traditional flavor. REAL BBQ is now talking orders for delivery this Wednesday. Order your Turkey, Pork Roast or Brisket by calling the REAL BBQ
Hot line, 487-0057.

Politics 101: Hire Consultants For Lots of Money

The obscene waste of 615-million dollars on consulting by the La. Dept. of Education is just the tip of the iceberg. Consulting fees are often "laundered" with a portion returned to the pockets of elected officials, called "kickbacks". Almost every Louisiana Legislator leaves office with greatly increased wealth and resources. Political connections and "kickbacks" are the fast track for accumulation of personal wealth and you don't have to pay taxes on secret, cash money. How do you stop it? You can't, because of the age old saying, "honor among thieves". The political system in Louisiana and the entire USA makes theft and graft ALMOST legal and soooo easy. Elected officials don't have to perform. They just hire someone else for the job and eventually receive part of the fee.
Taxpayers continue to be the victims and "suckers" in our great tradition of Sordid American Politics.

800 Pound Man Dies In Recliner

He refused treatment because he wanted to go to heaven. 33 year old Danny Webb died after lounging in a Lazy Boy recliner for 8 months after knee surgery. He did NOT leave the recliner even to use the toilet. Rescue crews in Greenwood County South Carolina say Webb was stuck in the chair and they had to use a chain saw to take the recliner apart. His wife Ada says Danny didn't want help because he was ready to go to heaven and see Jesus.

Hard Times in Rapides Parish

The local passive media are ignoring financial realities in Rapides Parish. They're not aware or hesitant to report on the economic pain people are suffering. For several months and in recent weeks there are more signs of economic distress in Rapides Parish. Records filed at the Court House show more of the negative trends. They are open Accounts, Judgements, Evictions, Promissory notes and seizure of Homes and property. Meanwhile the local economic "cheerleaders" contend we're immune to national trends and climbing out of a "flat" period. But the facts indicate people should be on high alert for theft, burglary and shoplifting. The holidays are here and the crime is ancillary.

NSU Demons Hellacious Season

The NSU Football Demons are 0-10 after winning 7 games last season. First year coach Bradley Dale Peveto is making former coach Scott Stoker look like Vince Lombardi. Making the situation even worse is that 14 starters returned to the team, including 20 seniors, 9 of them on defense. What went wrong? One explanation is that the Demons have mysteriously inherited the losing "Gris Gris" (cajun curse) shed by the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are undefeated, so according to Hallowed Football Mythology, another team has to pay. In this case, its the NSU Demons. The Saints lost their "Gris Gris" and got Mojo. The Demons lost what Mojo they had and are now in the depths of football Hell with a bad "Gris Gris".

Candy Is Dandy But Liquor Is Quicker

The "Silver Zipper" must be feeling smug about his last divorce. About the same time former Gov. Edwin Edwards was out on furlough from the Oakdale Prison, his ex-wife got some violent dental augmentation. Lawmen in Baton Rouge say EWE's ex-wife, Candy, was assaulted by her "Baby Daddy" when she went to his home to pick up their child Sunday. 34 year old Brian Low (appropriate name) allegedly grabbed 45 year old Candy by the neck, punched her in the face and broke one of her teeth. Low was booked on battery charges and released on bond. Low told investigators he and Candy lived together for more than 3 years and separated for 3 months. Pundits in the know say Mr. Edwards prefers women much younger than his former wife.

Report: Property Settlement Sparked Slaying

A bitterly disputed property settlement appears to be the motive for 83 year old Richard Hargis to kill his 81 year old ex-wife, Doris. That's the theory from investigators after questioning family members. Haris, a retired farmer, called the law and family members Tuesday morning and said, "I just killed my wife." Hargis was picked up by Grant deputies at his Colfax area home. He shot Doris Hargis in the head at a family home in the 4900 block of Hot Wells Road. It's believed the Hargis family has property and assets in Rapides and Grant Parish. Their divorce was granted in May of last year, but the property settlement was not finalized.

Deadly Shooting on Hot Wells Road

81 year old Doris Hargis is dead after allegedly shot in the head by her estranged husband, 83 year old Richard Hargis. He was picked up by Grant Parish Deputies at a family home near Colfax. Doris Hargis was staying at family property in the 4900 block of Hot Wells Road. The Rapides S.O. reports the shooting happened between 6 and 6:30 Tuesday morning.

Prediction: Cleco Motion Fails

The weekend before Thanksgiving may be somber for the Cleco Executive management team. Cleco and the City of Alexandria have a date Friday morning at 9:30 before U.S. District Judge Dee Drell. The Judge will hear Cleco's motion that Drell and his Court have no authority in the dispute between the two parties. A non-scientific survey of the Cenla Legal Community indicates that there's no way Cleco can win that argument. The bottom line in this case is alleged excessive charges paid by Utility customers and will they be made whole?

Tiger Stadium: No Boo Zone?

LSU Football coach Les Miles doesn't like Tiger fans booing him or his team's performance.
The Boo Birds were out in force at the LSU-Tech game Saturday night Baton Rouge. Miles was told the crowd booing was criticism of quarterback Jarrett Lee. The coach explains booing as "to root negatively." That's a technical translation offered by Miles, who is qualified to put a label on booing because he makes over 3-million dollars a year. Most sports fans believe you have the right to "root" any way you want, as long as you buy a ticket. But if LSU should get upset at Ole Miss this Saturday, Coach Les will really hear some booing, directed at him.

Jackson Street Blockbuster Future

What's ahead for the Blockbuster location on Jackson Street? The property was mortgaged last week for 675-thousand dollars, perhaps to reduce payments or send revenues to Blockbuster headquarters in Dallas, Texas. The company has struggled with major financial problems amid rumors of impending failure. Ferocious competition from Netflix, Redbox and TV Movies has taken its toll on the one-time Market Dominator. It's been reported Blockbuster could shut down a thousand stores by the end of this year.

Twilight Zone: Saints 9-0 Undefeated

Surely it's a script written by the late Rod Serling. Surely the New Orleans Saints can not be 9-0 over halfway through the season. Surely Hell is cooling down just a little. But this reality is no joke. The Saints edged St. Louis 28-23 Sunday to keep the undefeated season rolling. Up next the Saints travel to Florida to play Tampa Bay. Perhaps the heavenly Mojo can continue for long suffering Saints fans.

Obama: "I am America's First Pacific President"

President Obama proudly made that announcement, adding to a short list of dubious achievements during his first year in office. That grandiose proclamation could be the most significant quote of his Far East Junket. It's possible his main advisor, David Axelrod wrote that literary gem. The President truly believes he is everything to everyone and hope and change will spring eternal, just because he said so. But China doesn't care about Obama's strategic posturing. China is worried about the U.S. paying back the staggering amount of Treasury Bills the Red Giant is holding. China could slow down or stop buying U.S. debt and that would be devastating as our dollar continues to weaken. The U.S. position is weak because of unprecedented debt. Debt is Weakness. China is in control of our Economic destiny and the Political Henchmen we have ruining our economy are stupefied. Obama keeps telling the world that America is willing to learn from our mistakes. Sooner or later, China will make us pay and it won't be politically correct. It will be Financial Carnage.

47 Billion $ In Fake Medicare Claims

The Feds ADMIT paying more than 47-million dollars in bogus Medicare claims, including treatments showing little or no connection to the patients condition. The report shows a major increase of improper payments in the 440-Billion dollar Medicare program, which has shown a high risk for fraud and waste for 2 decades. The government report admits that "aggressive actions" aimed at reducing improper payments had yielded little improvement. Some bogus claims included Medicare prescriptions from doctors who are DEAD, blood glucose strips for sexual impotence and diabetic shoes for leg amputees. But we can all rest assured because President Obama has promised to crack down on medicare fraud as part of Health Care reform. He will save all our stolen tax dollars and it won't cost anything.

Fatal Crash in Catahoula Parish

Toxicology tests are pending in a wreck that killed 2 men and injured another near Harrisonburg. The 2 men killed were from Harrisonburg, 57 year old Fred Hatten and 41 year old Korey Washington. 27 year old Fred Hatten Jr., believed to be the driver's son, was injured and taken to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport. State Police say the elder Hatten was driving a 1990 Acura Integra on highway 124 and lost control while passing another vehicle. After running off the road, the vehicle flipped several times, ejecting the driver. The report indicates that seat belts were NOT being used by the victims. Troop E has worked 66 fatal crashes this year that killed 80 people. 42 of the fatal crashes killed people who were NOT wearing seat belts.

"Dollar Bill" Could Join EWE at Oakdale Prison

It COULD happen that former Gov. Edwards could see former Congressman William Jefferson around the compound at the Oakdale Federal Prison. The Bureau of Prisons will decide where Jefferson serves his time. He was sentenced to 13 years in prison, the longest term ever for a congressman found guilty of bribery. He was convicted in August of taking a half-million dollars in bribes and trying to extract millions more in exchange for using his influence on business deals in Africa. Jefferson remains free until a hearing within a week. Prosecutors want him in prison immediately but the defense wants him to remain free while he appeals his conviction.

Lawyers Favor Democrats With Campaign Money

Lawyers give heavily to Democrats, 84 percent of their contributions the first half of this year. So far in the 2010 election cycle, lawyers and law firms have given incumbent members of Congress more money than any other industry, 13.8 million dollars, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Second place goes to Health Care professionals with 8.3 million dollars donated to incumbents on Capitol Hill. But that trend could change with emergence of a malpractice provision in Health Care legislation yet to be finalized by Congress.

Smoke Screen Alert for City Council Meeting !

If you can't take the heat, drag someone else into the kitchen.
A long-winded item is on the Alexandria Council Legal Committee agenda November 17th. Up for discussion is "the Mayor's potential conflict on the Cleco Case and ability to sign a contract involving the litigation...." A non-scientific survey of the local Legal Community indicates this discussion would be pointless, without merit and obviously a thinly veiled attempt to divert attention from "Caterer's Are Us". The State Attorney Generals Office is looking into recent Catering expenditures authorized by Council President Myron Lawson. Over 35-thousand dollars was spent since May 1st of this year. Over a 12-month period, over 71-thousand dollars went to catering. 8 out of 10 observers we queried believe Lawson is trying to instigate an "issue" to divert attention to someone else, like the Mayor.

Alexandria Council Catering Expense Investigation

Catering expenses authorized by Alexandria City Council President Myron Lawson will undergo legal scrutiny. The State Attorney General, Legislative Auditor and Rapides Parish D.A. have been briefed in a letter written by Alexandria Attorney Greg Aymond. Records show Lawson authorized paying one Caterer, Pam Boutte, a total of 66-thousand dollars without any apparent bidding procedure. Catering expense by the Alexandria Council has increased by 400 percent since Mr. Lawson became President. Since May 1st of this year, Council Catering expenses are over 35-thousand dollars. In some of his comments, Mr. Lawson has explained the increased catering expenses as an "investment" in the local community but they will be "streamlined". The Attorney General's office says it will investigate.

Louisiana Doesn't Need Over 13-thousand Vehicles

Between 2004 and 2009 the number of state vehicles went up 11% to 13,245. The cost of the fleet increased by 28 percent, from 222-million to 284-million dollars. The audit by the La. Property Assistance Agency shows taxpayers are footing the bill for certain state workers to have access to free vehicles on the job and on PERSONAL business. The audit says the motor pool is not operated according to State law and does not keep records of vehicle abuse complaints. It's not possible to identify repeat offenders or the number of complaints under current operation procedures. Unless taxpayers start complaining, this situation will get worse.

Survey: CLECO "Blowing Smoke"

A Non-Scientific Survey of the Legal Community in Rapides Parish indicates that Cleco is down to its "last straw" in trying to avoid a court date with the City of Alexandria in February. Most lawyers scoff at Cleco's contention that the U.S. District Court has no jurisdiction in the case. In July of 2005, Cleco had the case moved from 9th Judicial District Court to U.S. District Court. Now over 4 years later, Cleco says the Federal Court has no authority. Cleco claims Alexandria can't challenge rates charged to the city because the rates were approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commision, which Cleco says has exclusive jurisdiction. But odds are this case is going to trial in U.S. District Court before Judge Dee Drell in February.

KNOE Weatherman Files Suit Against TV Station

Longtime TV weatherman Neil Shaw has filed legal action against KNOE TV in Monroe.
His suit claims Shaw endured months of hostile, intimidating and demeaning treatment. After refusing to resign, the suit says Shaw was fired and there was a physical confrontation between Shaw and the Station Manager. Police were called to KNOE on Sept. 1st. Shaw's suit also claims he was a victim of Age Discrimination.

Gov. Jindal Charged with "Crippling" Ethics Laws

There is mounting criticism of Gov. Jindal's influence on ethics. Frank Simoneaux, chairman of the La. Board of Ethics says changes by Jindal have "crippled" the ethics system. The Public Affairs Research Council agrees, calling for an independent review of new ethics changes. Jindal promised a "GOLD" standard of ethics, but critics believe it's more like tarnished brass. They believe ethics laws changes are crippling investigation and enforcement. Simoneaux says a new law moved judicial power from the Ethics Board to administrative law judges who are hired by an appointee of the Governor. He says that creates major conflicts between the Ethics Board and the administrative law judges.

Cleco to get 20 Million Dollar Grant

Cleco is 1 of 4 Electric Utilities in the State to get Federal Recovery Act Grants (Taxpayer Money) for new "smart" meters to monitor power failures and let customers check on electricity use. The meters may be used in the future to set up a system to let customers pay different rates depending on what time of day they use power. Cleco is set to get the 20-million dollars to help pay for a 62.5 million dollar project to provide "smart" meters for 275-thousand customers in 23 parishes.
Cleco conducted a year long pricing study in St. Tammany Parish. Entergy will get 9.6 million, the City of Ruston 4.3 million and Lafayette is eligible for 11.6 million. But Lafayette would have to match that amount with the Parish-Council scheduled to vote on a rate increase.

Mom of Year Candidate Arrested

A Boyce woman leaves her 2 year old son sleeping at home alone while she goes out to burglarize vehicles. Alexandria Police say 31 year old Stacey Bordelon is charged with child desertion, vehicle burglary and drug possession. Bordelon was seen late at night on Penelope street looking for unlocked car doors. Police found her on Terra street in Good Earth Subdivision with stolen items in her vehicle and 60 prescription pills. Police found her son in a back bedroom on Reagan Street.

No Blame in Buhlow Plane Crash

Federal investigators apparently don't know who caused the collision between 2 small planes October 10th near Pineville's Buhlow Lake. The crash killed pilot Thomas O'Leary Jr. of Deville and his passenger, James Schultz Jr. of Alexandria. The Pilot of the other plane, Darrell Newell of Pineville and his passenger Ingrid Newell were injured. Both planes were Cessna 150's and had left together from Esler Airport with Pineville Aiport their destination. The planes were 200 feet above the ground when the crash occurred.

Ball Secretary Could Make Plea Deal With Feds

In a major development, the secretary for the town of Ball has pleaded guilty to conspiracy. LaVerne James said in Federal Court Wednesday afternoon, "I'm pleading guilty because I am guilty. I did sign paperwork and I did receive money." An FBI agent says James received about 13-hundred dollars in FEMA money for hours she did not work. James was NOT named in the indictment handed down in September of 5 Ball employees. They were Mayor Roy Hebron, Chief of Police Jay Barber, Town Clerk Brenda Kimball, police officer Curtis Atkins and Police department employee Judy Crowe. They all pleaded not guilty last month. A trial date has not been set.

Hard Financial Times Hit Rapides Parish

More people are flat broke and being evicted from their residences in Rapides Parish.
The cases are documented in the October 30th issue of the Legal Recorder. About 175 promissory notes, open accounts, garnishments, evictions, broken contracts and small claims cases were filed at the end of October. Some of the unfortunate people involved have recognizable names. This scenario could worsen with the impending closure of the International Paper plant. For decades local economic "cheerleaders" have touted Cenla as immune from the national economy. But perhaps in this case the old saying "nothing lasts forever" has finally hit home.

Flu Vaccine Coming to Rapides Parish Schools

The swine flu vaccine will arrive within "a week or so" according to Region 6 Health Director Dr. David Holcombe. The vaccine will be offered to students in Rapides Parish schools, BUT parents will have to give their written consent. 6 more people died last week in Louisiana from swine flu, 3 boys and 3 women, none of them in Central Louisiana. Over 2-thousand deaths nationwide are blamed on swine flu, but in contrast, about 36-thousand people die annually from the "regular" flu.

Deadly "Horseplay" with Assault Rifle

The Rapides Coroner's office is preparing a report on the shooting death of a Pineville youth, 19 year old Michael Lichtey. Police say the shooting was an accident. It happened 3 AM Sunday at a residence in the 900 block of Retreat East, near the V-A Medical Center. Reports say several people were playing with an SKS assault rifle when it fired, hitting Lichtey in the head. Police say foul play was NOT involved.

Council Prez Not Talking about Catering Bills

Alexandria City Council Myron Lawson had a "tight lip" when Newschannel 5 asked him about Catering Bills he authorized. He was quoted as saying, "I'll talk about it when you look at overspending in the Mayor's Office." In a 12 month period, 71 thousand dollars were spent on catering and since May 1st of this year, the bill was 35-thousand dollars. Not all the food was for City Council meetings. One example is Lunch and Dinner for the Grambling State Marching Band which cost 8-thousand, 5-hundred dollars. That was during Mardi Gras festivities.

CLECO: Electric Cash Cow

Cleco cleared almost 60-million dollars in the 3rd quarter, a 61% increase that beat predictions.
Electricity sales were down, but fuel prices were also lower. Gross profit was 241.5 million dollars for July, August and September. Cleco shares closed at $24.38 on Monday.

Three Dead in Vernon Parish Crash

A Leesville man and his 2 passengers from Texas are dead after an SUV crashes into a large tree. It happened on LA Hwy 465 east of Hwy 117. 67 year old Hullett Sumlin was at the wheel and ran off the road. His 2 passengers were 46 year old James Walling of Beaumont, Texas and 41 year old Richard Walling of Humble, Texas. Routine toxicology tests are pending in the accident that happened about 9 o'clock Sunday night.

Who Wants to be a TV Star?

Coming soon to a TV Station near you, a new Anchor Person/Reporter. Diana Raphael's abrupt departure October 27th from Newschannel 5 is apparently permanent. Sources indicate a situation developed late last Tuesday that could not be rectified. Diana Raphael worked at KATC in Lafayette before coming to Alexandria. KALB is also looking for a News Director to replace Michele Goddard, who was promoted to Station Manager. Reports say a couple of possible successors to Raphael have already been interviewed. When it comes to hiring TV News Talent many are called, but few are chosen.

Lunch for Alexandria Council Tuesday?

City lawsuits are on the menu for the special Alexandria Council meeting Tuesday at 2pm. But will lunch be served before the meeting? Records show a meal of Hamburgers and Hot dogs before a meeting in June cost City Taxpayers 15-hundred dollars.
Documents show City Council President Myron Lawson signed off on Catering bills totaling 35-thousand dollars since May 1st of THIS year. Over a 12-month span, catering authorized by former President Louis Marshall and Lawson was 71-thousand dollars. Last December 1st, a reception after the swearing in ceremony of Councilmen cost taxpayers almost 10-thousand dollars. Another bill to feed the Grambling Marching Band during Mardi Gras festivities was 8-thousand dollars. Several local Catering companies who saw documentation say City taxpayers have been consistently paying too much.