The Danger factor remains high in Cenla through Sunday night. People will be drinking more, driving more recklessly and getting in more trouble.
This prediction will be validated by the Rapides Parish Jail Booking Log Monday morning. The same record shows that the long Christmas Holiday weekend was more hellish than other weekends. All people need is a little excuse to "let loose" and something bad WILL happen. Twas the night before Christmas and the Rapides Parish Jail records show over a hundred people were arrested through the Holiday weekend. (Just think how many didn't get caught). Charges included: disturbing the peace, public intoxication, theft, battery, issuing worthless checks, annoying phone calls, cruelty to animals, DWI, drug possession, contempt of court, domestic battery abuse, assault, and resisting an officer, just to mention a few.
Domestic battery abuse is becoming more popular because of alcohol, drugs and a shortage of money. This weekend could be much worse, so a word to the wise, watch out for the drunk, crazy psycho nut cases who could accidentally kill you without even trying. Happy New Year! Oh, and don't forget to carry your loaded handgun in case some thug tries to rob you. Be sure to shoot first and often.
Perfect With Cabbage and Black Eyed Peas
First come, first served with delicious smoked Brisket or Pork Hindquarter, just in time for your New Year's Day Feast. Both smoked for 17 hours with wild cherry, persimmon and fig wood. Put that extra "wang chung" in your New Year's meal. Start off the new decade with meat fit for a King. Don't settle for Generic BBQ. Go for the best. Free delivery in Rapides Parish. Call the REAL BBQ hot line, 487-0057 and leave a message.
YOU Will Pay Armed Robber's Hospital Bill
18 year old Charvick Rachal's career as a robber is "on hold" while he recovers from a bullet wound. He was shot in self defense by the Heroic Fireworks Stand Employee Christmas evening at MacArthur and Jeff Davis Drives. Charvick may try to resume his career as a "stick up" man but could retire because a bullet wound scar is "mo gangsta" than a tattoo. Charvick is charged with attempted armed robbery. RPSO records show his address as 2414 Alma Street, Alexandria. He's under guard in a private hospital room, upgraded to stable from critical. Federal Law (HIPPA) prevents release of any medical information about Charvick, but rest assured he does NOT have a "Cadillac" health care policy. Fortunately, he has US taxpayers to take care of ALL his medical expenses. When Charvick was rushed to the hospital bleeding, he didn't fill out forms or show proof of insurance. But our tax money will provide. On the other hand, we don't have to pay medical bills for his crime partner, Sheldon Fisher, because he was shot dead by The Hero of the Fireworks Stand. The third suspect is a real Houdini, still on the loose. We wonder why?
Fireworks Stand Vigilante Justice Update
The robbery career of 20 year old Sheldon Fisher is over after he was shot at point blank range at a fireworks stand Christmas Evening.
His violent death should be a lesson to other young "punks" and "thugs" who think being a "gangsta" means easy money.
Unofficial but first person accounts of the "Vigilante Justice" report that Fisher had shoved a pistol in the chest of the Employee, threatening, demanding and "trash talking". The assailant did not know the Employee had a loaded .357 handgun in his coat pocket. He started firing, killing Fisher and critically wounding 18 year old Charvick Rachal.
We say congratulations to this man (Hero) who has made Cenla safer. He prevented robbery and future robberies by shooting Fisher and Rachal, both who reportedly lived near the fireworks stand at MacArthur and Jeff Davis drives. The Rapides S.O. says Rachal graduated from the Youth Challenge Program earlier this year. Apparently he didn't learn his lesson. The deadly encounter happened about 6:20pm Christmas Day. All three robbers had handguns, but the Crime stopper won the shootout, hitting 2 out of 3. This Vigilante Justice will give the punks and thugs something to think about. Next on the list for shooting should be Criminals who've been robbing the people who deliver pizza in Alexandria.
His violent death should be a lesson to other young "punks" and "thugs" who think being a "gangsta" means easy money.
Unofficial but first person accounts of the "Vigilante Justice" report that Fisher had shoved a pistol in the chest of the Employee, threatening, demanding and "trash talking". The assailant did not know the Employee had a loaded .357 handgun in his coat pocket. He started firing, killing Fisher and critically wounding 18 year old Charvick Rachal.
We say congratulations to this man (Hero) who has made Cenla safer. He prevented robbery and future robberies by shooting Fisher and Rachal, both who reportedly lived near the fireworks stand at MacArthur and Jeff Davis drives. The Rapides S.O. says Rachal graduated from the Youth Challenge Program earlier this year. Apparently he didn't learn his lesson. The deadly encounter happened about 6:20pm Christmas Day. All three robbers had handguns, but the Crime stopper won the shootout, hitting 2 out of 3. This Vigilante Justice will give the punks and thugs something to think about. Next on the list for shooting should be Criminals who've been robbing the people who deliver pizza in Alexandria.
Islamic Group Buys Church On Windermere Blvd
The Islamic Society of Central Louisiana has purchased the King of Kings Evangelical Lutheran Church property on Windermere Blvd. Court House Records show the property sold for 325-thousand dollars. The Church had been for sale for some time after being flooded out by Hurricane Gustav last year. The Islamic Society of Cenla is listed as a non-profit at 2232 Worley Drive. The Secretary of State's office shows the organization is active, but NOT in good standing for failure to file an annual report for '09. The President/Director of the Islamic Society of Central Louisiana is listed as Mohammed Molammed of Kathy Drive in Pineville, according to records filed in Baton Rouge.
The Biggest Christmas Lie: "Deficit Neutral"
Aren't you happy that impending Health Care Reform will be "free" and won't cost anything?
It's most reassuring and amazing that Democrats on Capitol Hill can find hidden "free" money and "savings from waste and fraud" to pay for major Health Reform.
The problem is that "Deficit Neutral" is a bogus, bureaucratic, P.R., B.S. term coined by the Crooks and Pick Pockets on Capitol Hill. "Deficit Neutral" is a bigger "sucka" term than "Toxic Assets" or "Jobless Recovery". How many taxpayers in Cenla really believe the Hogwash from the White House and Congress? Obama and his family are vacationing in Hawaii at major taxpayer expense and his left arm is worn out from patting himself on the back. We have to say, "Congratulations Mr. President, you're putting another nail in the U.S. Taxpayer Coffin."
Oh, but Government reports indicate the economy is recovering. Does any SANE person believe ANY report from the Government? EVERY Federal program is broke, so why believe any FED report. I guarantee every member of Congress and the White House Staff got much better Christmas gifts than your family, but of course us "sucka" taxpayers allowed it to happen. At least we still have Hope and Change we can believe in. Thank Allah for Obama!
Shoplifting/Domestic Violence Linked to Economy?
Police and legal records show an increase in domestic violence abuse and shoplifting in Rapides Parish. As Mark Twain said, "The lack of money is the root of all evil."
When people are broke, stable relationships are difficult to maintain. A recent trend in domestic violence in Rapides Parish is more females violently abusing men. That could be connected indirectly to income or lack thereof.
Personal income fell for the 3rd straight quarter in Louisiana, the worst showing in the Country. The Feds report shows recession is hanging on in the Pelican State along with Mississippi, Kentucky, Nebraska and South Dakota.
The National recovery is weaker than expected because of slow business construction and lower inventories. In November, existing home sales were higher as people took advantage of tax credits for first time home buyers, up to 8-thousand dollars. That's expected to spiral downward this month because the housing market is still weak. The Country is floundering from high unemployment with businesses and consumers not eager to spend. Also higher around Christmas are deaths and fatal accidents. We will keep you up to date.
When people are broke, stable relationships are difficult to maintain. A recent trend in domestic violence in Rapides Parish is more females violently abusing men. That could be connected indirectly to income or lack thereof.
Personal income fell for the 3rd straight quarter in Louisiana, the worst showing in the Country. The Feds report shows recession is hanging on in the Pelican State along with Mississippi, Kentucky, Nebraska and South Dakota.
The National recovery is weaker than expected because of slow business construction and lower inventories. In November, existing home sales were higher as people took advantage of tax credits for first time home buyers, up to 8-thousand dollars. That's expected to spiral downward this month because the housing market is still weak. The Country is floundering from high unemployment with businesses and consumers not eager to spend. Also higher around Christmas are deaths and fatal accidents. We will keep you up to date.
Alexandria May Face New Suit Over Public Records
How much taxpayer money did Alexandria's Economic Development Director Bill Hess spend in California trying to drum up movie business?
That's the crux of a public records request made to the COA by local attorney Greg Aymond. City Attorney Chuck Johnson got the request December 8th, almost 2 weeks ago. Aymond says state law stipulates a 5 day deadline, but he has not received an explanation on the delay. Mr. Aymond says his clients are forking over 300-dollars for court costs to file suit. Aymond is a pioneer in public records lawsuits involving Alexandria and Pineville. For complete details, including documentation, go online to Mr. Aymond's site, Central La. Politics.
That's the crux of a public records request made to the COA by local attorney Greg Aymond. City Attorney Chuck Johnson got the request December 8th, almost 2 weeks ago. Aymond says state law stipulates a 5 day deadline, but he has not received an explanation on the delay. Mr. Aymond says his clients are forking over 300-dollars for court costs to file suit. Aymond is a pioneer in public records lawsuits involving Alexandria and Pineville. For complete details, including documentation, go online to Mr. Aymond's site, Central La. Politics.
Global Warming Causing Bitter Cold
Mother Nature is showing that Global Warming purveyor Al Gore is full of bull. Winter officially starts Monday morning, but it can't get more wintry. A major storm is crippling traveling and killing Christmas shopping with record snow in the mid-Atlantic States, causing at least 5 deaths. Blizzard warnings were in effect for parts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts with gusting up to 60 mph. The storm dumped 16 inches of snow on Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C., the most ever recorded there for a single day in December. In Europe, France is suffering some of its worst winter weather in years, part of the reason Eurostar Trains were disabled, stranding more than 2-thousand passengers beneath the English Channel for up to 16 hours.
Louisiana To Feel Brunt of Democrats Health Bill
The Bastardization of Health Care coming from Democrats will drastically affect Louisiana's system, because of the way it provides health care to the poor.
We have one of the poorest populations in the Country with multitudes of adults not insured, high rates of chronic disease and a shortage of Doctors. Louisiana has been said to have the highest percentage of unhealthy residents in the USA. Other States have public hospitals but they are usually locally operated. Our Charity Hospital system cares for poor and uninsured people at 10 State operated hospitals.
Louisiana State University officials who operate charity hospitals say there are advantages to a coordinated institutional plan like a centralized records database and drug distribution system. But when the federal plan passes, new financing scenarios will make the charity system null and void. The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says Health Care Reform will be more of a burden to Louisiana than any other state, because of the Charity hospital system. About 20 percent of Louisiana's Medicaid spending goes to Charity Hospitals, more than 3 times the national average. But the Democrats' legislation will cut those payments and expand medicaid coverage. Of course Senator Mary Landrieu sold her vote for 300-million dollars worth of Medicaid help. That should help some, but the transition will be a real snafu.
We have one of the poorest populations in the Country with multitudes of adults not insured, high rates of chronic disease and a shortage of Doctors. Louisiana has been said to have the highest percentage of unhealthy residents in the USA. Other States have public hospitals but they are usually locally operated. Our Charity Hospital system cares for poor and uninsured people at 10 State operated hospitals.
Louisiana State University officials who operate charity hospitals say there are advantages to a coordinated institutional plan like a centralized records database and drug distribution system. But when the federal plan passes, new financing scenarios will make the charity system null and void. The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says Health Care Reform will be more of a burden to Louisiana than any other state, because of the Charity hospital system. About 20 percent of Louisiana's Medicaid spending goes to Charity Hospitals, more than 3 times the national average. But the Democrats' legislation will cut those payments and expand medicaid coverage. Of course Senator Mary Landrieu sold her vote for 300-million dollars worth of Medicaid help. That should help some, but the transition will be a real snafu.
Deceased NFL Player Chris Henry From Louisiana
Funeral services are pending for 26 year old Chris Henry, receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. He died this week from head injuries after falling, or jumping out of the back of a pickup truck in North Carolina. His girlfriend and mother of his 3 children was driving the truck as they were apparently having a domestic dispute. Chris was from Belle Chasse, Louisiana in Plaquemines Parish on the west bank of the Mississippi River. He was a 3 sport star at Belle Chase High School and played college football at West Virginia. Henry had a history of legal trouble including arrests for DWI, marijuana possession and assault. But he seemed to be on a straight and narrow path for the past year. Considering the violence seen during an NFL game with potential for fatal injury, it's a real tragedy he died from a foolish domestic situation.
Free Swine Flu Vaccine Coming In January
The Swine Flu vaccine will be available at the Regional Health Unit on Coliseum Boulevard on January 4th. This is the opportunity for anyone to get their H1N1 shot and it's FREE.
Free vaccinations start Monday, January 4th at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The announcement was made by Dr. David Holcombe Friday afternoon December 18th.
Free vaccinations start Monday, January 4th at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The announcement was made by Dr. David Holcombe Friday afternoon December 18th.
Louisiana Number 4 In "Moocher Ratio"
Two groups of people are growing in Louisiana, Government employees and people who draw more from the public treasury than they contribute. Taxpayers can support only so many of those people. The Declaration of Independence stated, "He has erected a multitude of new Offices and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance." We now have the SAME situation as we embark upon 2010. From State Health Facts comes the formula for "moocher States". Multiply 1.25 times state and local government employees, plus the number of people on Medicaid. The Denominator is private-sector employment. Using that formula, Louisiana is number 4 on the list of "Moocher States", followed by California. The top 3 are New Mexico, Mississippi and New York. Finally we're in the "Top 5" of a category. Unfortunately it's a pathetic ranking. You won't hear Gov. Jindal campaigning about that, will you?
Online Travel Companies Owe Hotel Bed Taxes
Louisiana Parishes may get on the bandwagon soon because it's quick money to be had.
Orbitz, Expedia and Priceline are under fire by Counties and Cities in several states for not paying hotel bed taxes. More than 170 Texas cities have won 20-million dollars from Internet Travel Firms. As the economy continues to stagnate, more counties may look to online Travel Companies (OTC) as a source of revenue. Hundreds of millions of dollar are at stake. 6 Florida counties and several in North Carolina have filed class actions suits. They allege the OTC's are paying taxes on the discounted wholesale room rates they pay hotels and not the higher retail rates the online companies resell them for. The Counties are looking to get the difference.
Lean 2010 For Central Louisiana ?
Sales tax collections are down in Alexandria and Rapides Parish, projected to fall even more in 2010. This proves the local economy is soft and subject to further descent. If we are behind the national economic curve Cenla may be facing higher unemployment and foreclosures. Court House records show a continuation of seizures, evictions, failed promissory notes and bankruptcies. Your generic local media do not report the reality that many residents of Rapides parish are hurting financially. The local food stamp office is busy every day. The number of people waiting for their first Social Security Disability checks is up 38 percent in 2009. Experts say the housing market is not in a sustaining recovery, being helped by low interest rates, rock bottom prices and tax credits. So if we are drifting behind national economic trends, Rapides Parish is facing a lean, mean New Year. Thank God Fort Polk is nearby to keep Alexandria Mall and AEX busy, otherwise they would be half empty.
Judgement Day Coming For Bill Nichols
February 4th, 2010 is the day of reckoning for Bill Nichols, former owner of defunct Southern Funding Mortgage. He's facing a possible sentence of 30 years in prison and a one million dollar fine after pleading guilty to defrauding Sabine State Bank out of almost 3-million dollars. Prosecutors say Nichols kept money that the Bank deposited into his business accounts to fund loans. The Feds say at least 4 private investors were cheated by Nichols and there could be other victims. Nichols was well known in Cenla and was the TV "Pitchman" on his commercials. His signature line was, "let us make your dreams come true." He's been jailed without bond since last July in Shreveport.
Federal Economic Reports Are Pure B.S.
No matter how bad the economy gets, the Feds always try to twist the figures into a positive. If you're a major banker, wall street investor or member of Congress, yes the economy is great. You have unlimited money from the poor taxpayers to pay your tab. But the real story on the economy is that Food Stamp use is soaring across the County. The number of people getting food stamps has increased a third in 2 years, resulting in a program that feeds more than 36 million people. The program is expanding by 20-thousand people a day. There are 239 counties in the U.S. where at least a quarter of the population receives food stamps, according to data collected by the New York Times. Meanwhile the Obama Administration and Congress says the economy is recovering and the recession is over. If you believe them, one day you'll probably be on food stamps, too.
Local Woman Gets Choked On Her Birthday
A 61 year old Alexandria woman says her boyfriend choked her on her birthday at the Greenbriar Motel on Masonic Drive. Klemintine White told police she was visiting Newton Hamilton 111 after he had been drinking all day December 11th. They argued and fought then she managed to escape to her son's house on Harris street. The 41 year old Hamilton was charged with battery by strangulation and assault. The Alexandria Police report stated that Hamilton was "staggering drunk". An unidentified tenant at the esteemed Greenbriar supposedly said Hamilton would occasionally sing, "Oh my Darlin' Klemintine", but that report could not be verified.
Judge Rules Against CLECO
Just as we predicted, Federal Judge Dee Drell has denied Cleco's motion to dismiss the case filed by the City of Alexandria. Cleco had asked for complete dismissal instead of moving the case into the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The case was originally filed in 9th JDC, but was moved to Federal Court in 2005 at Cleco's request. It could be an extremely long trial set for February 22, unless there are more unexpected developments. Hopefully the truth will come out and Alexandria Utility Customers will get some satisfaction, if not substantial rebates.
Gritty Break Up Scalds Boyfriend
He thought he was "dumping" his girlfriend, but she dumped on him, a potful of scalding grits. The victim was sound asleep when 44 year old Carolyn Brown of Boutte in St. Charles Parish poured a pot of boiling grits on his face, arms and upper chest. The man told deputies during an argument he told Brown he was ending their relationship, then went to bed. He was attacked while he slept, suffering second degree burns. Brown was booked with 2nd degree battery into the Nelson Coleman Correctional Facility December 9th.
Bob Dean Holding Alexandria Hotel Deal Hostage
He's in charge and knows it. Critics can say what they want about Bob Dean, but he's in the "catbird seat" over the deal proposed for Alexandria's downtown future. Dean is a "Wheeler Dealer" and he's obviously not in a hurry, holding out for top dollar and that's causing anxiety to the City of Alexandria. The most recent price quoted for the Bentley was about 6 million, but apparently that's not enough. Dean specializes in "Classic Properties" with multi ownership in Baton Rouge. He recently auctioned off the Historic Eola Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi and probably was able to reduce debt, which gives him more leverage in the Bentley deal. He can live without selling the Bentley unless he gets top dollar and that's the problem for Alexandria. It's possible construction consultants who toured the Bentley and Alexander Fulton Hotel filed a negative report to the potential buyers. The longer this deal goes unconsummated, the more of a possibility it's going nowhere. Without the deal, downtown Alexandria is going nowhere. Let's hope that's not the case.
"Tiger" Easy Prey For "Bimbos"
Poor Tiger Woods. Apparently he didn't hear what the wise old man told Willie Nelson years ago. The old timer solemnly told Willie, "Son, Money makes women horny." Well, it seems that a LOT of money makes men stupid, especially in Tiger's case. The saga of Tiger's fall from grace grows dumber with reports that prosecutors rejected a State Trooper request for blood results at the hospital. A witness told troopers Tiger was drinking alcohol earlier in the day and that the "Golf God" has prescriptions for Ambien and Vicodin. (Is that good for your golf game?) Tiger may be the world's best at "getting to the hole" in the fewest strokes, but that talent transition to the female body now has him IN a hole, needing mega mulligans to get out. Rich guys should never mess around with "Gold diggers" who have a bar room Bio and 8 by 10 glossy photos. How naive of Tiger to think they would keep quiet at any price, once all hell broke loose. The most blazing hell probably come from his wife, armed with a golf iron. She's probably just not "blond" enough to understand, no matter what he pays for a "make up" present. The "Golden Bear", Jack Nicklaus predicted years ago Tiger would win the Masters 10 times. I'll take that bet, Jack. I think Tiger's going down.
Alexandria Pizza Delivery Drivers Should Pack "Heat"
It's time to start shooting thugs who rob pizza delivery drivers. One fatal act of "Vigilante Justice" would stop Alexandria scumbags from robbing people who deliver pizza. Delivery drivers could also give police the addresses of pizza orders. But those suggestions are too radical and won't be taken seriously because they're not politically correct. Who should die first, the person who delivers pizza or the robber? I say the robber. It's just a matter of time until someone is killed. Public Safety is supposed to be a top priority of local government. But in dangerous neighborhoods, thugs aren't worried about the Grim Reaper. It's time to make them fearful by any means possible, no matter how UN-politically correct. Community Policing is NOT the answer to THIS problem. Alexandria Pizza Hut says they won't deliver after 5 o'clock to addresses on Louisiana Ave., Sycamore and Sunset streets. 3 pizza delivery drivers have been criminally attacked recently. A female driver was robbed and her vehicle window was shot out during a struggle with a gunman on Holly Street. A driver was beaten and knocked unconscious on Louisiana Avenue and a third driver was robbed at knife point on Levin street.
What's the retribution for these violent criminal acts? Well, those neighborhoods can't get pizza delivery after 5pm anymore. That's the punishment.
What's the retribution for these violent criminal acts? Well, those neighborhoods can't get pizza delivery after 5pm anymore. That's the punishment.
Fire Experts: "Fatal Tioga Fire No Accident"
The mother accused of burning her 3 children to death in a house fire will apparently "get off the hook". The latest delay in the case of Amanda Gutweiler Hypes Kelley could be a precursor to getting off for time served. The case has been hampered by mistakes by the prosecution. However, EVERY local fireman we questioned familiar with the case still believes the fire was deliberately set. A Certified Fire Investigation Dog "alerted" to the presence of an accelerate at the scene, but the evidence is not usable. The original murder indictment was thrown out in 2006 involving the burning deaths in Tioga in 2001. Gutweiler Hypes Kelley now faces trial on lesser charges of 2nd-degree cruelty to a juvenile and has pleaded not guilty. The main motion to be heard February 18th by Judge John Davidson is to dismiss the case. The original murder indictment against Kelley was thrown out because a prosecutor with the Rapides DA's office showed secret grand jury testimony proceedings to an expert witness and a Deputy. The State Supreme Court upheld Judge Donald Johnson's decision to quash the indictment.
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Rare December Snowfall in Central Louisiana
So much for global warming in CenLa. A rare December 4th snowfall over a wide area is bestowing a Holiday mood on folks in our area. We could be accumulating up to 3 inches by Saturday morning and a hard freeze guarantees the snow will stick until temperatures warm up later Saturday. It's beginning to look a like lot Christmas, but unfortunately it's only 20 days too early. Oh well, we still have plenty of winter left to get more snowfall. Who knows, it could happen. Enjoy it while you can.
Brighter Future for Rapides Coliseum?
Much needed help could be on the way for the beleaguered Rapides Parish Coliseum.
The Rapides Police Jury, City of Alexandria and Coliseum Authority have a tentative, unofficial agreement to unite for Coliseum study and improvement. A motion is on the Police Jury Committees meeting agenda Monday to move forward with an agreement with the COA and the Coliseum Authority Board that could be made official by all parties. The Coliseum study would be done at NO cost to parties involved.
Also, Mayor Jacques Roy says he will contact organizers of the Louisiana Baptist Youth Group which recently met at the Coliseum. They have plans to move their annual meeting to the Lafayette Cajun Dome, but Mayor Roy will personally try to change their decision to move.
The Rapides Police Jury, City of Alexandria and Coliseum Authority have a tentative, unofficial agreement to unite for Coliseum study and improvement. A motion is on the Police Jury Committees meeting agenda Monday to move forward with an agreement with the COA and the Coliseum Authority Board that could be made official by all parties. The Coliseum study would be done at NO cost to parties involved.
Also, Mayor Jacques Roy says he will contact organizers of the Louisiana Baptist Youth Group which recently met at the Coliseum. They have plans to move their annual meeting to the Lafayette Cajun Dome, but Mayor Roy will personally try to change their decision to move.
Forecast: Thawing Relations at City Hall
Alexandria City Government just got an "oil change". Operations between the Mayor's office and Council should be smoother with the election of Roosevelt Johnson as Council President. Johnson can be described politically as a "moderate" and fiscally as a "conservative". He promises no more extravagant catering bills coming out of the Council budget. It's been jokingly said the council will be eating baloney sandwiches before meetings in the future. Mayor Roy will certainly have a better relationship with Johnson than previous President Myron Lawson. It's no secret Mr. Johnson will be running for mayor again. He was a close 3rd runner in the past election, almost nipping Delores Brewer in the primary. Speculation is rampant on possible other candidates for Mayor. This reporter has received numerous phone calls and questions about my possible candidacy. Most recently the Town Talk called to inquire along with former State Fire Marshall Paul Smith, now in Jefferson Parish. The answer is "No Way would I run for mayor of Alexandria."
Mi Dio! New Orleans Saints are 11-0
Saints fans are in the holiday spirit from now until the end of the NFL season.
The Saints whipped the formidable New England Patriots 38-17 in a game easier than expected. QB Drew Brees threw for 371 yards and touchdown passes to 5 different players. The Patriots fell to 7-4 and commended the Saints on the lop sided victory.
The Saints whipped the formidable New England Patriots 38-17 in a game easier than expected. QB Drew Brees threw for 371 yards and touchdown passes to 5 different players. The Patriots fell to 7-4 and commended the Saints on the lop sided victory.
Grim Holiday Fatality Toll
16 people were killed in traffic crashes in Louisiana during the Thanksgiving Holiday period Nov. 27th - 29th. State Police say the common denominator in 8 fatal crashes was NO seat belt use. 13 of the 16 victims killed were NOT wearing seat belts. 4 of the crashes are suspected to involve alcohol. Louisiana State Law mandates all occupants in a vehicle, regardless of age or seat position, must wear a seat belt. Kids under the age of 6 must be restrained in a proper child restraint or booster seat.
