State Supreme Court Justice Jeff Hughes Wins Round in Libel Suit Against Advocate Judge Alleges Paper Lately

General Excellence Louisiana Press Association National Newspaper Assn. Eight Wildcats on 4-5A All-District Team CENTRALCENTRAL CITYCITY See Page 13

® & The Leader NEWSNEWSDecember 2020 • Vol. 23 No. 13 • 16 Pages • Circ. 10,000 • Central City News on Facebook • [email protected] • 225-261-5055 Trump: More Votes in LA Than Anyone in State History Big Victory in Electoral College Trump Electors Met In 7 Swing States To Lay Groundwork For Jan. 6 Challenge CENTRAL — The members of the Electoral College from Louisiana met at noon Monday in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol to perform its duty under the Consti- tution. All eight members voted to reelect President Donald J. Trump, in accordance with the votes of the people of the state Nov. 3, 2020. Each of the electors received 1,255,776 votes on behalf of Pres-

ident Trump. His Democratic op- Newsome Catherine by Photo ponent, Vice President Joe Biden, received 856,034. At the same time Monday, MEMBERS OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE - (left to right) Ross Little, Rodney Michael Collier, Beth Billings, Kay Katz, Eric members of the Electoral College Skrmetta, Woody Jenkins, Vinson Serio, and Robert Monti met at the State Capitol and cast eight votes for President Trump. from 49 other states and the Dis- the Trump electors called them- by allegations of widespread voter the Senate, each House withdraws trict of Columbia also met at their selves to order at the State Capitol, fraud and legal irregularities, espe- to consider which slate to adopt. state capitols to cast their ballots. elected officers, considered reso- cially in the swing states. The last time this occurred was in This time-honored tradition lutions, and then cast their votes On January 6, 2021, the Presi- 1960, when Hawaii submitted two established by the Constitution for President Trump. They signed dent of the Senate who is the slates. The Republican slate, which 230 years ago took on a different documents certifying their votes, Vice President will preside over a was certified by the governor, was role this year. Electors pledged which were transmitted to the Na- meeting of the Senate and House not accepted, but the Democratic to President Trump met in seven tional Archives and to the Presi- of Representatives. When two or slate for John Kennedy was. If a states where Joe Biden was certi- dent of the Senate. more slates of electors are present- slate is accepted by both the House fied as the winner. In each case, This election has been marred ed from a state to the President of See ROLE on Page 3 District Judge Rules Suit Has ‘Probability of Success’ State Supreme Court Justice Jeff Hughes Wins Round in Libel Suit Against Advocate Judge Alleges Paper lately. On July 20, 2020, the paper ment of the court that Hughes has reported that he had filed a libel a probability of success and that Knew Its Allegations suit against the Advocate in con- the district judge granted a Partial nection with the stories. Final Judgment can be presented to Were False and Is Since then, what the Advo- the jury at the trial on the merits. cate hasn’t reported is that Justice The libel suit primarily attacks Guilty of Actual Malice Hughes has scored a major vic- an editorial by the Advocate, tory in that suit. Last month, the which said that back in 1998, Woody Jenkins Advocate asked for a hearing on Hughes dated an attorney for a Editor a Special Motion to Strike, which party before his court. At the time, would have thrown the Justice out Hughes was single and a district CENTRAL — Louisiana Supreme of court. However, District Judge judge. Court Associate Justice Jeff Kevin Kimball ruled against the The charge was false, as dem- Hughes was the center of atten- Advocate and for Justice Hughes. onstrated by court documents and tion at the Baton Rouge Advocate Judge Kimball held that Hughes a prior news article by the Advo- for more than a year. Half a dozen “has established a probability of cate. At no time did then-District major front-page articles held up success on his case.” The judge or- Judge Hughes hear a case while he the judge as the epitome of un- dered the Advocate to pay $5,000 was dating one of the parties’ at- ethical behavior on the bench. An- toward Hughes’ attorney fees. He torneys, nor did he have a conflict other two dozen stories mentioned also signed a Partial Final Judg- of interest over the matter. him as an example of judges who ment in the case. After the editorial ran in the Ad- avoid being held accountable for Justice Hughes has asked for vocate, Hughes met with the edi- their misbehavior. a jury in the case, indicating that tors and reporters of the Advocate However, the Advocate hasn’t Supreme Court Justice Jeff Hughes he will seek more than $50,000 in to request a retraction. written much about Justice Hughes wins round in libel suit. damages. The preliminary judg- See JUSTICE on Page 16 2 CENTRAL CITY NEWS December 19, 2020 President Donald Trump Wins State’s Electoral Votes After Landslide Victory

PRESIDENT TRUMP WINS BIG VICTORY AT LOUISIANA’S ELECTORAL COLLEGE after receiving more than 1.2 million votes in Louisiana. Shown (left to right) are electors Ross Little, Woody Jenkins, and Vinson Serio, and Republican state chairman Louis Gurvich. The members cast all eight of Louisiana’s electoral votes for President Trump.

Louisiana’s 2020 Electoral College sworn in on Monday, December 14, 2020, at the State Capitol Eric Skrmetta, Chairman

Electors reviewing resolutions — Eric Skrmetta, Vinson Serio, and Woody Jenkins; Serio, Ross Little, and Jenkins; and Jenkins speaking on a resolution Louisiana’s Electoral College

Beth Billings; Margaret Jenkins Savoye, Woody and Diane Jenkins, Catherine Jenkins Newsome; pastor Caleb Martin December 19, 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 3

RoleContinued from of Page 1 Electoral College Looms Large and Senate, the electoral votes of that slate will counted. However, if either the House or Senate dis- Two Elected to Metro Council from Central approves a slate of electors, that CENTRAL — Voters in the City Monticello and Sherwood Forest, state’s votes cannot be counted. of Central helped elect two new Central City Councilman Aaron Under the Constitution, if either members of the Metro Council Moak defeated Taneka James Trump or Biden fails to receive Saturday from districts represent- 7,515 to 3,153, or 70% to 30%. 270 electoral votes, the responsi- ing parts of the city. Moak is a Republican and James bility to elect the next President is • In District 1, which includes is a Democrat. Moak will replace conferred on the House of Repre- Zachary and the northern part of Mayor Pro-Tem Scott Wilson who sentatives. In the House, each del- Central, Brandon Noel (left), a for- was also term limited. Welch and egation has one vote. Republicans mer member of the Zachary City Wilson are Republicans. Council, was elected to replace • Mayor-President Sharon Wes- control a majority of state delega- outgoing Metro Council member ton Broome was reelected 65,495 tions, so the House would prob- Trae Welch, who was term limited. to 50,353, or 57% to 43%, parish ably reelect President Trump. Noel, a Republican, defeated Dem- Councilmen Brandon Noel • Aaron Moak wide over former Rep. Stephen Contrary to reports from liberal ocrat Eric Lewis 6,310 to 5,366, or • In District 4, which includes Carter. Broome is a Democrat and media outlets, allegations of vote 54% to 46%. Carter is a Republican. fraud have been widespread since the southern portion Central plus the Nov. 3 election — enough to change the outcome in at least the rity camera video emerged a month peared to be in on the fraud pulled tify the Trump electors in place of states of Georgia, Pennsylvania, after the election. In the video, poll a zip drive from her pocket and those previously certified — on Michigan, and Wisconsin. workers are shown telling the me- surreptitiously placed it in the grounds of vote fraud. State legislatures in each of dia and Republican observers that jacket of the poll worker who had Even if that is not done, Congress those states plus Arizona and Ne- the vote counting was over for the made everyone leave. All voting has the power to accept any slate of vada have held hearings on vote night. Once the media and the ob- results are transferred via ordinary electors it chooses. If the electors in fraud in their states. The evidence servers were gone, the poll worker zip drives from the scanning ma- a state were chosen by fraud or cor- has been powerful in all of those who had ordered everyone to leave chines to the main computer. ruption, that would give Congress states. pulled out four large cases of bal- Biden’s victory margin in Geor- the freedom to accept another slate. One of the most startling cases lots, totalling about 19,000 votes, gia was only 9,000 votes. A well-produced video docu- of possible vote fraud occurred in and proceeded to run them through Testimony and hundreds of menting much of the vote fraud in the State of Georgia, where a secu- the Dominion scanning machine. sworn affidavits provided to state the election can be found at At one point, a worker who ap- legislatures in the swing states provided a vast amount of evidence of vote fraud in the Nov. 3 election. Documentary on Vote Fraud COMING Nevertheless, the liberal media Who’s Stealing America? SOON and social media continue to insist He said the Advocate had in its that there is no evidence of vote possession at that time court docu- NEWZHOUND.US fraud, no matter what evidence has Download QR ments proving the charge was false Code Reader, Conservative actually been revealed. and that an Advocate article had Options for Trump include but Then Click on previously admitted it was false. Answer to QR Code Drudge Report are not limited to asking state leg- However, he said, the Advocate islatures in the swing states to cer- refused to retract the editorial but rather continued to publish articles accusing him of unspecified uneth- ical behavior. The case is being tried under the terms of Louisiana’s so-called “Anti-SLAPP” legislation, which was intended to provide special protection for the media. SLAPP stands for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Particiation. It provides that in order to sue for defamation a public figure must prove actual malice. Hughes said that the fact the newspaper knew he did not have a personal relationship with an attorney before his court, had docu- mentation that it was false, and had even published in a news article that it was false proves malice. He said the failure of the newspaper to publish a retraction after being reminded of the facts in the case shows even greater malice. The justice said his reputation has been greatly damaged by the newspaper. He quoted Shakespeare that a man’s reputation is the jewel of his soul. He who steals my purse steals nothing, but he who steals my reputation gains nothing for himself but makes me poor indeed. The Advocate has appealed Judge Kimball’s ruling and Partial Final Judgment. If the appeal is decided in Hughes’ favor, the case could be tried before a jury in Kim- ball’s court. Hughes is the first and only Re- publican ever elected to the Louisi- ana Supreme Court from the Baton Quickly and Easily Refill RX Online Rouge area. Download Our New Improved Phone App iPhone and Android 4 CENTRAL CITY NEWS December 2020 Christmas with GOP Elected Officials

REPUBLICAN LEADERS David Tatman, EBR Parish School Board; Brandon Noel Metro-Council; Cecil Cavanaugh, EBR Republican PEC and State Central Committee; Woody Jenkins, EBR Republican PEC Chairman and Trump Elector; LA Supreme Court Justice Jeff Hughes; Rep. Kathy Edmonson; Clerk of Court Doug Welborn; Laurie Adams, Metro Council; Dwight Hudson, Metro Council; president of the Frederick Douglass Luncheon Major George Francis; Jill Dyson, EBR Parish School Board; Denise Amoroso, Metro Council, and Kim Powers Republican State Central Committee (left). Justice Jeff Hughes talks about his defamation of character suit against the Advocate (right).

Rep. Franklin Foil (left). Kim Powers a newly-elected Republican State Central Committee member is sworn in by Woody Jenkins as Denise Amoroso holds the Bible with Justice Jeff Hughes and Clerk of Court Doug Welborn standing in support (center). Metro Councilman Trae Welch (right).

Jill Dyson of the EBR Parish School Board (center/left). David Tatman of the EBR Parish School Board (right/center). Clerk of Court Doug Welborn gives touching remarks about being a public servant. He reminded everyone that Jesus washed the feet of the disciples.

President of the Frederick Douglass Luncheon, Major George Francis; Metro Councilwoman Laurie Adams; Rep. Kathy Edmonson; Cecil Cavanaugh EBR Parish Republican PEC and RSCC memeber, and Councilwoman Denise Amoroso, widow of late Metro Councilman Buddy Amoroso. Republican Leaders Together for Christmas Café Américain • December 15, 2020 Video by Kim Powers and Photos by Jolice Provost For the Central City News EBR Metro Councilman Dwight Hudson December 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 5

COMMUNITY PRESS, LLC St. George Leader CENTRAL CITY NEWS & Vol. 2 • No. 2 The Leader Vol. 23 • No. 13 • CCN No. 447 Post Office Box 2 Post Office Box 1 City of St. George, LA 70801 City of Central, LA 70739

910 North Foster Drive Vol. 4 • No. 2 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone (225) 261-5055 • Entire contents © 2020 Email stories and photos for all papers to [email protected] Published Monthly The Leader was founded April 30, 1998. The Central City News was founded April 21, 2005. They merged May 4, 2006. The South Baton Rouge Journal began publication in 1989. It went on hiatus in 2008 during its 20th year of publication. It resumed publication as the Capital City News on Aug. 16, 2012, with Vol. 21, No. 1. The North Baton Rouge Journal began on August 11, 1966 and went on hiatus in 1976. It resumed publication as the Istrouma Journal on April 6, 2017.

Editor & Publisher Woody Jenkins Advertising Manager Kim Powers

Member, Louisiana Press Association and Chamber of Commerce of EBR Parish Deadline for news and advertising: 5 p.m. Friday before publication $24 a year by subscription in advance • $36 a year outside East Baton Rouge The City of Centtal community Christmas light display on the corner of Hooper and Sullivan Roads was put together this year by the Hohensee family. Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo Court Decision Provides Strong Protection For Life Tabernacle, Churches Everywhere ercise Clause. Today, a majority of that the State allows.” “There can tection of religious liberty for years Landmark Opinion by the Court makes this plain.’” be no question that the challenged to come, not only in his own cases Rev. Spell said, “The Supreme restrictions, if enforced, will cause but for the entire nation. U.S. Supreme Court Court also severely limited the fu- irreparable harm. ‘The loss of First Already, lower courts are rec- ture impact of the Jacobson case Amendment freedoms, for even ognizing the far-reaching impact Reverses South Bay, from 1905.” minimal periods of time, unques- of Roman Catholic Diocese. Last Justice Gorsuch said, ‘Jacob- tionably constitutes irreparable in- Thursday, California Superior Court Limits Jacobson Case son hardly supports cutting the jury.’ If only 10 people are admitted Judge Gregory Pulskamp used the Constitution loose during a pan- to each service, the great majority of case to enjoin California Gov. Gavin Woody Jenkins demic. That decision involved an those who wish to attend Mass on Newsom from enforcing his Blue- Editor entirely different mode of analysis, Sunday or services in a synagogue print for a Safer Economy. This an entirely different right, and an on Shabbat will be barred. And while plan would have severely limited WASHINGTON — The United States entirely different kind of restric- those who are shut out may in some church attendance in California. Fa- Supreme Court has issued an in- tion.’ Justice Gorsuch also said, instances be able to watch services ther Trevor Burfitt filed suit to stop junction prohibiting Gov. Andrew ‘Nothing in Jacobson purported on television, such remote viewing the draconian plan. Cuomo of New York from enforc- to address, let alone approve, such is not the same as personal atten- The Father was represented by ing limits on attendance at churches serious and long-lasting intrusions dance. Catholics who watch a Mass the Thomas More Society. The so- and synagogues in New York. The into settled constitutional rights.’” at home cannot receive communion, ciety’s senior counsel, Crhis Ferrara governor issued emergency orders The court issued the injunction and there are important religious tra- said, “The Supreme Court’s deci- creating zones and limiting church in the New York case because Gov. ditions in the Orthodox Jewish faith sion in Brooklyn Diocese v. Cuomo attendance to 10 or 25 persons de- Cuomo is currently imposing the that require personal attendance.” has opened the way to the liberation pending on the zone. However, in 10- and 25-person limits in parts of • “It is clear that this matter is not of churches from the absurd and a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court New York. Rev. Spell said that is moot. And injunctive relief is still bigoted superstition that they are enjoined him from limiting church completely different from the cur- called for because the applicants veritable death chambers threaten- attendance until lower federal courts rent situation in Louisiana. Earlier remain under a constant threat that ing the entire population. Not even consider the case, Roman Catholic this year, Louisiana Gov. John Bel the area in question will be reclassi- hair salons, which by the services Diocese of Brooklyn v. Andrew M. Edwards attempted to ban any and fied as red or orange... The Governor offered necessitate close personal Cuomo. all religious services, and Rev. Spell regularly changes the classification contact, have been subjected to In the City of Central, Rev. Tony was arrested simply for holding of particular areas without prior no- the onerous and barefaced biases Spell, pastor of Life Tabernacle church services. However, at pres- tice. If that occurs again, the reclas- heaped upon houses of worship.” Church, hailed the court decision as ent, the Louisiana governor’s edicts sification will almost certainly bar The society’s attorney for Fr. a great victory for Freedom of Reli- have a 75 percent occupancy limit individuals in the affected area from Burfitt, Paul Jonna, said discrimina- gion and for his own legal challenge on churches but no limits on the attending services before judicial re- tion continues against the priest. He to the mandates of Louisiana Gov. number of people in attendance, and lief can be obtained.” said, “On Oct. 20, they sent county John Bel Edwards. no mask mandate for churches. The In his concurring opinion, Asso- inspectors over to the church a few Shortly after issuing its ruling in argument for an injunction in Loui- ciate Justice Gorsuch said, times and attempted to eject two the New York case, the Supreme siana is much less than in New York, • “Government is not free to women praying in a 500-capac- Court declined to issue an injunction Rev. Spell said. disregard the First Amendment in ity church — basically alone in the in Life Tabernacle’s case. However, Rev. Spell said the New York de- times of crisis. At a minimum, that church — just for praying, worship- the pastor said a careful analysis of cision is very protective of Life Tab- Amendment prohibits government ing God and [they] were threatened language of the ruling in the New ernacle’s Freedom of Religion. He officials from treating religious exer- with citations for being inside the York case showed it is entirely on cited some statements from the per cises worse than comparable secular church. We think these orders have his side, and the precedent will be curium opinion of the court: activities, unless they are pursuing been unconstitutional from the be- used in court by his legal team to • “...even in a pandemic, the Con- a compelling interest and using the ginning,” Jonna continued. Speak- completely block any further action stitution cannot be put away and for- least restrictive means available.” ing more broadly, he said, “It’s clear by the governor against him or his gotten. The restrictions at issue here, Rev. Spell said the decision in Ro- that the executive branches of these church. by effectively barring many from man Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn Democrat-run states are using this “All the language in the New York attending religious services, strike v. Cuomo will provide strong pro- as a massive power grab.” case supports our position and none at the very heart of the First Amend- supports the illegal edicts against ment’s guarantee of religious liberty.” churches by John Bel Edwards,” • “At the hearing in the District Pastor Spell said. “The governor Court, a health department offi- can search the opinion from top to cial testified about a large store in bottom and not find a word from the Brooklyn that could ‘literally have majority that supports his illegal and hundreds of people shopping there unconstitutional mandates.” on any given day.’ ... Yet a nearby Rev. Spell said, “The court clear- church or synagogue would be pro- ly reversed the decisions from earli- hibited from allowing more than 10 er this year by the governor of Cali- or 25 people inside for a worship fornia — Calvary Chapel Dayton service..” Valley v. Sisolak and South Bay • “It is hard to believe that admit- Pentecostal Church v. Newsom. ting more than 10 people to a 1,000– Regarding South Bay, Associate seat church or 400–seat synagogue Justice Neal Gorsuch said, ‘Courts would create a more serious health must resume applying the Free Ex- risk than the many other activities 6 CENTRAL CITY NEWS December 2020 CHS Senior Night at Wildcat Stadium

#2 Da’Veawn Armstead #60 Austin Cole #1 Juan Banks #49 Richard Bethley

#34 Cameron Brown #57 David Chassing #4 Russell Chinn #10 Colby Curcio

#8 Jeremiah Colomb #54 Grant Dunn #65 Kyrin Ely #27 Gage Evans

#3 Malik Hillard #55 KD Hawkins Trevor Kean (3rd from left) #44 Amarion Oliver

#40 Tyler Melton #9 Gage Patterson #5 Pierce Patterson #6 Josiah Rankins December 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 7 Honors Accomplishments of Seniors

#45 Tyler Scott #14 Nah’Landri Stinson Rachel Taylor Braeah Jackson

Cheerleader Sarah Grace Lieux Cheerleader Ava Denham Cheerleader Anna Sanches Cheerleader Cassidy Young

Jillian Dunaway Michael Patel Jeffery Dunn Silk Sydney Dalrymple Band Member Floyd Knox

Adam O’Banion Joshua Jordan Trish Green Seth Cayer Kitten Kyra Greely

Central vs Live Oak Senior Night Nov. 20, 2020

Dylan O’Banion Jaida Wilkinson Kitten Emily Dykes Kitten Gabrielle Thibodeaux

Central Intermediate School and Central Middle School. The renewal would extend the tax by 20 years and provide funding to rebuild Central High School and make major improvements to Wildcat Stadium on Hooper Road. Central schools Supt. Jason Fountain said that, if approved, the tax would fund $22.2 million for the high school and $1.8 million for the stadium. Central High School was built in 1970. Dr. Fountain said the improvements to Central High School would make it a world class facil- ity. Improvements would include: • Entire interior will be renovat- ed, including all classrooms 8 CENTRAL CITY NEWS December 2020 Central Wildcats Fall to West Monroe in 2nd Round of State 5A Playoffs

#5 Pierce Patterson fights off a West Monroe player (left). Central Wildcat’s defense puts the pressure on the West Monroe team. (left/center).Central’s defense was strong all season long (right/center). The Wildcat defensive line head to head with the West Monroe Rebels (right).

#14 Nah’Landri Stinson picks one up for the Wildcats (left). #3 Malik Hillard gaining ground for the Wildcats (left). #5 Pierce Patterson making procress for the Wildcats (left/center). #18 Lucas Hill and #58 Michael Brown closing in on West Monroe (right/center). #6 Josiah Rankins signals the sideline (right).

#2 Da’Veawn Armstead with a tackle for the Wildcats (left). Wildcat kicker #3 Malik Hillard signals to Wildcat QB Jonathan Swift (left/center). #58 Michael Brown and #12 Tyler Heil celebrating (right/center). #12 Tyler Heil after a pass completion that gained significant yardage for the Wildcats (right).

The third quarter is over and the Wildcats signal the fourth quarter (left). #54 Grant Dunn on the offensive line for the Wildcats (left/center). National Anthem before the game (center). Varsity cheerleaders on the sidelines (right/center). Ashley Lewis Rush honored at halftime (right/center). Big Brothers celebrate the Wildcat touchdown (right). Central Wildcats • Round Two of Playoffs • December 4, 2020 Video by Ken Bush and Photos by Jolice Provost of Central City News December 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 9 Central Wildcats Fall to West Monroe in 2nd Round of State 5A Playoffs

FACTS ABOUT Three Elected to RSCC CENTRAL CITY NEWS Founded in 2005 Recipient of More than 200 Awards for Excellence in Journalism Named Louisiana’s Best Community Newspaper 6 of 10 Years Named Best Reporting Best Investigative ELECTED BY VOTERS — Wayne Messina, Kim Powers, and Barry Ivery were Journalism elected to represent Central on the Republican State Central Committee.. Central Middle School students Best Photographs collected non-perishable food items CENTRAL - Former Central City two opponents to win reelection Best Graphic Design Councilman Wayne Messina, Cen- to the committee from Senate Dis- tral City News advertising man- trict 6 Division E. Ivey won 1,107 Our Websites Central Middle ager Kim Powers, and State Rep. votes, or 56 percent, Cathy Crad- centralcitynews.us Barry Ivey have been elected to dock had 511 votes, or 26 percent, (traditional website) Food Drive represent on the Republican State and Jolice Provost had 370 votes, centralcitynews.net CENTRAL - The Central Mid- Central Committee, which governs or 19 percent. (our archives - free) dle School Student Council held the Republican Party of Louisiana. The turnout in Divisions E and a food drive the week of No- They are: F were among the highest in the Facebook Pages vember 9-13, 2020 for the Cen- • WAYNE MESSINA, who state and represented more than Central City News served on the Central City Coun- 60 percent of Republican voters in tral Foodbank. St. George Leader The entire school participated cil for eight years, defeated Karen those two districts. and donated more than 1,200 Connolly 1,036 to 640, or 62 per- The Republican State Central Istrouma Journal items. CMS Student Council cent to 38 percent, in Senate Dis- Committee elects the leadership of Liberty Today sponsors, Mrs. Ilboudo and trict 6 Divison D. the State GOP, recruits, endorses, Coach Hunt, expressed their ap- • KIM POWERS won the clos- and supports Republican candi- Our Newspapers preciation to the entire student est race in the state in Senate Dis- dates for publicANGELE office, DAVIS and raises Central City News body at CMS for participating. trict 6 Division F by defeating the moneyFormer needed Comm. ofto Administration run the party St. George Leader incumbent RSCC member Jack on a day-to-day basis. Every four Istrouma Journal McAdams 963 to 962, or 50 per- years, the RSCC adopts rules for cent to 50 percent. The Division election of delegates to the Repub- News & Advertising includes the northern part of Cen- lican National Convention from [email protected] tral, Pride, Baywood, and parts of Lousiana and chooses Republican Livingston and St. Helena Parish. candidates for membership on the 225-261-5055 • REP. BARRY IVEY defeated Electoral College. Tanglewood Students Growing Garden CENTRAL - With the support of dents grow pollinator plants to principal Meagan Brown, the stu- attract and support butterflies so dents at Tanglewood Elementary they can watch the cycle of cater- are growing a fall/winter garden. pillars to chrysalis to butterflies. Raised beds were construct- Students weren’t in school this ed in the playground area of the past Spring but hope to have their MORE PRICES MEANS school so the students can water spring gardens in 2021. MORE SAVINGS their plants during recess. The They are also planting gourds plants they are taking care of this that will be harvested and dried. season include varieties of kale, These gourds will be painted and FREE PRICE COMPARISON cabbage, cauliflower, shallots, sold as birdhouses as a fundraiser Put us to the Test with Our petunias, and dianthus. to support the garden. FREE PRICE COMPARISON Normally in the spring the stu- Read Central City News See How Much You Can SAVE! HOMEOWNERS • FLOOD RENTAL LANDLORDS • AUTO MOTORCYCLES COMMERCIAL AUTO Students at Tanglewood Elem. COMMERCIAL • BOAT Tastendingty the winters tggarden.uffing is... RV • ATV OUR SERVICES Let us protect your most important investment Let us protect your most important Made With investment Let us protect your most important investment

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Central City News Readers Speak Out

Will You Take Coronavirus Vaccine? • Barbara Lane - No, not I. Survey of 400 Readers • Adam Mouton - no • Fran Robinson - No and don’t take flu or any others either Of Central City News Will You Take the Covid Vaccine? • Jeff Gleason - Absolutely • Lee Anne Turner - Nope! Reveals Deep Distrust • Denise McLaughlin Tucker - Yes yes yes Of New Covid Vaccine • Jessie Leger - Nope • Kevin Thibodeaux - Nope CENTRAL —A survey of readers of • Jerry Leggio - Not the Central City News showed deep • Tom Mackey - Daughter’s a doc distrust of coronavirus vaccines being — have no choice! I’m one of those rolled out this week. More than 400 dads who is wrapped around his daugh- readers participated in the online survey. ter’s finger! Readers were asked the question, • James Devin Oneal - Nope “Do you plan to take a Covid vaccine. • Gregory Ffen - When pigs fly These were some of their responses: • Cora Van Zyl - No • Kathleen Fasullo Byers - NOT!! • Richard Brown - Yes, I will take it. • Linda Miles Howard - No... we • Marilyn Goff - Yes, absolutely have a shot for the flu, still have the flu. • Patricia Gibson Cheek - No Do not trust what they may or may not • Rich Roth • The last time I took any have put in this vaccine, vaccine was in the military which was This vaccine will not stop this virus. It 40 years of research and there’s no vaccine for HIV. between 30-40 years ago and because will be just like the flu vaccine. We will I had to. I do my best to maintain my have to take it every year and people At least 100 years of research and there’s no vaccine for health as a defense against pathogens. will still have to wear masks. cancer. No vaccine for the common cold. The flu vaccine • Terri Jo Easterly - No • Donnann Dillard Keith Bailey - is a joke. And yet, in one year, we have a vaccine for Co- • Gidget Johnson - Hell to the NO! Nope “ • Neal Simmons - Nope! • Barbara G Hickey - NO WAY. vid-19 and you want me to take it? • Ralph McCorkle, Jr. - No sir. • Kevin Russo - No indeed not. — Warren Jr. Holmes • Janie Lipscomb - Assuming all • Mark Chambers - You first the CDC verifications are done, I’ll • Michael A Gallegos - As grand- take it ... if my oncologist says to do so. ma said, “Try it on yourself first.” even if you’re not allowed to work or rus and” the world should be shutdown • Lindsey Williams Hornsby - • Adam Landry - I’m going to first buy without it? until people stop dying from the virus. Never. in line. Already contacted my pharmacy. • Jeffrey Welsh - No way! From Worse yet, shutdown the world until no • Helen Simon - Haha, never. • Dara Dake - Adam Landry those what I understand, it contains aborted one allegedly tests positive for the vi- Aborted baby boy roots, nano tracking who know the least obey tyranny the fetus parts. rus. This debacle has never been about devices, and rna which alters my DNA best. • Jennifer Bauman - No the virus. You won’t understand until are reason enough. Sterility doesn’t • Adam Landry - Dara Dake i real- • Lisa Watts - No. Interesting how the next mandate is a forced Covid19 apply to this 70-year-old woman, but ly don’t care about what fake news and we never hear of one flu case anymore... vaccination. that’s four reasons. others say. I’m almost 78 years old and • James Rick Berry - My wife • Cecil Scotty Mac Carwile - Don’t • Lennie Rhys - That would be NO heart patient. I have nothing to lose. was a firm no but funny thing has hap- take it then. I am. That’s my right to • Ryan Cross - Yes • Susan Elam Williams - I don’t pened. She is day #10 of her bout with say yes as much as your right to say no. • Barbara Mondart Funderburk even get the flu shot! Covid. Having gone through the virus • Jonny Doe - The people who are - No!! • Ann Reynolds Bergeron - No. she swears she can’t do it again and getting very sick from this virus proba- • Taylor Henry - Yes. • Sibil Brian - No sir!! now says she’ll be first in line. I’ve bly aren’t being treated properly. There • Connie Zimmermann - NOT • Melissa M. Clark - Nope. never been skittish about meds, so I’m are too many reports of people being • Stephanie M. Spatz - Nooooo • Douglas Slaven - To me, all of not afraid of vaccine and would take it. treated properly and feel better almost • Deborah Dougherty - Absolutely this mess is just politics as usual. Just for record I’m Conservative Re- immediately. Look at POTUS and his not • Susan Martin-Witherspoon - No publican. This may have been assisted family. Look at Giuliani. Stupid doc- • Donnie Calloway - Not • PE Massey - No by the government but the vaccines tors that refuse to be puppets are largely • Pam Gengo - Yes responsible. As far as the vaccine...I’m • Don May - Nope not going to take anything nor allow • Kristen W. Bright - Neg Yes! While the survival rate from Covid may be good, my family take anything that has the • Paul Bethel - Nope potential to affect my RNA or cause • Butch Miller - No! I know too many people who have suffered tremendously sterility. If you don’t know about that • Carol Thomas - I concur with and even months later still recovering. I take a flu shot you owe it to yourself and your loved Lennie! ones to educate yourself on it because • Karen King Olsson - Never! It’s “every year and haven’t had flu since. demonic! if you don’t think big pharma and FDA — Christine Laird Kirkland are corrupt, then you are probably still • Faith Vinyard - Nope a sleeping sheep. That’s not American! • August Louis Chappuis - No • Jim Decker - A new vaccine tech- • Gidget Johnson - How many • Rita Shelton Cannon - No were put ”out by private companies and nology that’s already proved harmful know that China is working with Pfizer • Tina Blanchard - NO!!!!! vetted by FDA. to people with allergies rushed to mar- on the vaccine? Still want to take it? • Melanie Bergeron Simmons - No • Dara Dake - Research RNA vac- ket to be tested further upon humans to https://www.biopharmadive.com/.../ • MikiandReagan Milton - No sir cines. The FDA approved the toxic fight a virus with a 99.7 percent recov- pfizer-lianbio.../589393/ Pfizer strikes • Monica Houtz Folse - Nope! chemical aspartame also. There are no ery rate by a pro eugenics billionaire. a deal with newly formed China bio- • Lisa Brecheen Payne - No cures for cancer, Parkinson’s, diabetes, • Elizabeth Ann Terrio - Yes tech biopharmadive.com • • Chris Clouatre - I’m going to let tuberculosis, MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s, • Tony Barger - Nope • Dawn Fournier - Yes someone else take mine the common cold, etc. The blame and • Michelle Desselle - If they mail it • Deven Webb Cavalier - No • Jimbo James - No shame game is disrespectful and dis- to me!! I’ll give it to myself and they • Andy Williams - Uh uh • Christy Harper - Yes gusting. Protect the vulnerable. Take can do paperwork just like the mail in • Joan Beduze - Nope • Jack Sonnemann - No personal responsibility for our own ballots. Trust me!!! • Deborah Schulenberg Pratt - • Rita Jurey - Nope health and safety as we have for all • Darlene Shingleur - Nope Y’all go first. • Jennifer and Jason Degraw - the flu virus and virus seasons before • Sherry Reed Burleigh - Yes • Brenda West Birdwell - No Nope this virus. How insane was it to put • James Cannon - No • Cindy Crenshaw Ratcliff - Ab- • Sandy Hloucal Davis - No 40,000,000 Americans out of work and • Joseph Eccles - N-O wrecked the economy for 330,000,00 • Scott Bernard - Not Americans in an attempt to save peo- Depends on the outcome of the people that took it. • Roxanne Alonzo Atkinson - No ple from a virus with the potential to • Warren Jr Holmes – 40 years kill thousands and thousands upon By the time it is my turn to get it, there should be some of research and there’s no vaccine for thousands with or without interven- data to make a decision. HIV. At least 100 years of research and tion? More people will die from do- there’s no vaccine for cancer. No vac- mestic abuse, child abuse, suicide and “ — Estelle McLain Russell cine for the common cold. The flu vac- hunger than will die from this virus. cine is a joke. And yet, in one year, we Did you hide in your house and wear • Anna Claire White Arnold - Yes have a vaccine for Covid-19 and you a mask 24/7 during the 2017-2018 flu ” solutely not!!!!! • Kristie Davis Bréard - Hell no want me to take it? season that killed 89,000 Americans? • Robert Hill - Nope • Georgina Rose Santiago - Not! • Marcia Goodspeed Asch - No • Gerald Parker - Yes, I take the Did you hide in your house and wear • Libby Thom Adams - No flu vaccine. I am going to take this vac- a mask during the 2009 pandemic that • Debby Rowlett Mays - No • Diane Duhon Covington - I • Joyce S Alsup - No cine no big deal caused 60,000,000+ cases in the United might consider taking IF everyone in • Shara Caballero - I was a firm States? Remember the panic and hyste- • Ryan Jurey - Hell no! Congress takes it first! • Debra Crifasi - How many know no, at this moment I am not a firm no ria and unconstitutional shutdown and • Georgina Rose Santiago – They anymore. I’m undecided, like most I mask mandates? No, you don’t. Didn’t that China is working with Pfizer on are not stupid enough to take the shots the vaccine? Still want to take it? sure do not want to be the first one. I’m happen. We were “allowed” to take and neither do any of them vaccinate not anti vaccine, but I do not get the flu personal responsibility for our own • Camp Jas - NOPE their kids. • Karen Galloway Mire - No! shot either. health and safety. There are flu virus • Patsy M. Hutchinson - Yes • Pamela G Kogel - I say all the and virus vaccines and 29,000-80,000 • Lydia Guidroz Smith - Nope • Stephanie Dauzat Vollman- No, • Monroe W. Courtney - When it mask wearers preaching how we need Americans still die every year from the I don’t take flu shots either. to mask up should take it!! flu virus or virus. 40,000,000 babies comes my turn and it’s still considered • Alan Howland II - Nope safe. Yes • Angela Melilli Raphael - The have been aborted worldwide and no • Randall Barksdale - Nope question should be, will you take it, one bats an eye. People die from a vi- See READERS on Page 16 12 CENTRAL CITY NEWS December 2020 Carolyn Shelton, Long-Time Christian Warrior CENTRAL — Carolyn Lou- ished work at church. She ed by her family. sister, Connie Kerr and hus- ise Thompson Shelton was remained steadfast through Carolyn is preceded in band Donnie; uncles, Ralph born in Baton Rouge on all of life’s seasons, never death by her father, Sib- Thompson and Jimmy Noe May 6, 1947. She loved re- missing an opportunity to ley Thompson, Sr.; moth- Thompson and wife Diane; membering her childhood pray, be a witness, love, and er, Dorothy Marie Pugh and many loving friends in simpler times where days laugh with all her family Thompson; infant daugh- and family. were filled with trips to the and friends. Most notably ter, Vicki Michelle; brother, Pallbearers will be BJ river, playing football with was to worship until bobby Sibley Walton Thompson, Holt, Dillon Carroll, Clint the neighborhood kids, and pins would rain to the floor. Jr.; infant sister; and son-in- Cryar, Matthew Carroll, Lee devoted family praye. Her greatest honor on law, Darrell Gene Badeaux. Thompson, and David Stew- Later in life she would this earth was being called Carolyn will be terribly art. Relatives and friends give the same roots to her Mama and Maw Maw. She missed by her daughters, are invited to join the fam- own family. Being a be- opened her heart to every- Lynette Cryar and husband ily for the visitation at Life loved storyteller, she would one she met, always offered Bubba, Paula Thomas and Tabernacle Church, 9323 tell everyone how she had a shoulder to lean on, time husband Nathan; Stephanie Hooper Road, on Thursday, “searched and searched and to listen, love to give, and Carroll and husband Joseph; Dec. 17, 2020, from 5 p.m. encouraging words to share. to 9 p.m., the visitation will searched for the truth”. She Jenkins Woody by Photo grandchildren, BJ Holt and just knew there was more. On any other Sunday wife Emily, Caitlyn Cryar, continue at Life Tabernacle She overcame many trials Carolyn Louise Shelton night, she would have been Dillon Carroll and wife Church on Friday, Dec. 18, found in a powerful church 2020, from 9 a.m. until the and faced much opposition, and member of Life Taber- Mashella, Clint Cryar, Mat- but she pressed on and re- nacle Church for 38 years. service fighting the good thew Carroll, and Claire Funeral Service at 11 a.m., ceived the Holy ghost on She was known by all to be fight of faith but on Sunday Cryar; great-grandchildren, officiated by Pastor Tony July 4, 1982. She lived to tell a hard worker. She retired night, Dec. 13, 2020, Sis. Landon Holt, Tucker Holt, Spell. Graveside service everyone that she had “final- from Zachary Community Carolyn miraculously and Laiken Holt, Brylee Bour- will follow at Pleasant Hill ly seen the real fireworks!” School System Food Ser- peacefully received her re- geois, and Weston Adams; Baptist Church Cemetery, She was a faithful saint vice. She did her most cher- ward in her home surround- brother, Carl Thompson; in Pine Grove.

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#2 Da’Veawn Armstead #3 Makik Hillard #5 Pierce Patterson #9 Gabe Patterson First Team All-District First Team All-District First Team All-District First Team All-District

#13 Jonathan Swift #14 Nah’Landri Stinson #45 Tyler Scott #49 Richard Bethley First Team All-District First Team All-District First Team All-District First Team All-District

#54 Grant Dunn #57 David Chassing First Team All-District First Team All-District

Signed, sealed and delivered, Central Wildcat’s #2 Da’Veawn Armstead officially signed with the Texas Christian University football team. 14 CENTRAL CITY NEWS December 2020 Central High Defeats Pineville High

#5 Pierce Patterson making yardage (left). #8 Jeremiah Colomb picks off the ball and goes in for a Wildcat touchdown (right).

#14 Nah’Landri Stinson dives in to make the tackle (left). Central’s QB #13 Jonathan Swift was composed while under pressure (right).

#5 Pierce Patterson runs the ball for the Wildcats (left). QB Jonathan Swift at the snap of the ball (center). #84 Calvin Collier with a great reception (right).

#13 Jonathan Swift with the carry (left). End zone celebration (center/left). #2 Da’Veawn Armstead (right/center). #41 Christian Ivey (left).

#60 Cole Austin (left). #10 Colby Curcio and #18 Lucas Hill (center/left). Ken and Sharon Bush (center). Celebrations (left/center). Cheerleaders dress for rain (right).

Pineville Rebels at Wildcat Stadium • Nov. 27, 2020 December 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 15 to Win 5A Bi-District Championship

Wildcats #8 Jeremiah Colomb and #45 Tyler Scott puts pressure on Rebel QB (left). At right, flipping the coin in the rain

#45 Tyler Scott has Pineville QB on the run (left). Wildcats make it to the end zone but the tounchdown is called back (right).

#45 Tyler Scott keeps the pressure on Rebel QB (left). #82 Logan Brown Wildcat kicker (center). #5 Pierce Patterson taking it easy in the last seconds of the game (right).

#18 Lucas Hill (left). Lexi Lambert (center).Varsity cheerleaders on the sidelines withstanding the weather (right).

Cheerleaders (left). Tyler Scott (center/left).Gage Evans (center) Coach Sid’s post game talk (right/center). Players after the game (right).

Video by Ken and Sharon Bush • Photos by Jolice Provost December 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 16 Barnes, Gary Sign Commitment Letters

Bella Barnes signed to play softball for the University of Central Arkansas. Destiney Gary will be playing softball for Northwest Florida State. Readers Tell Whether They Would Take Vaccine Continued from Page 11 be our lab rats. On the other hand, IF • Russell White - Take an mRNA that took it. By the time it is my turn the vaccine works, is it being sent to vaccine never before implemented on to get it, there should be some data to • Randy Holden - Not this little duck other countries so “they” can keep us a population that has the potential to make a decision. • Ginger Corkern - No! Why sick and shut down? cause the body to reject a critical pro- • Lisa Michael Harmon - Not a would I trust them? Saw part of an • Christine Laird Kirkland - Gin- tein in procreation, i.e., potential ster- chance interview yesterday where the person ger Corkern, President Trump opted ilization. Nah. I will take my 99.5 per- • Lisa Michelle Wheeler - Nope spearheading the vaccine distribution for 100 million doses. When he had a cent chance that I will survive • Debe Goree - Nope was asked if, since the U.S. is funding chance to up the number he chose not • Marilyn Oufnac - Yes. • Darlene McCullough - No!! development, would we have first ac- to increase quantity. EU is receiving • Brian Drago - Not a chance in • Brenda Payne - No cess. He gave some lame answer. Then, 200 million doses. HELL!!!! • Liz D’Antoni Payne - NO! I hear that Britain received a huge ship- • Clay Taylor - Nope • Estelle McLain Russell - De- • DeLane Jenkins - Not a chance! ment of vaccine from the US. They can • David Asch - Naw. pends on the outcome of the people • Pat Wilkinson - No, fraid not Justice Jeff Hughes Seeking Damages from Advocate Continued from Page 1 “Anti-SLAPP” legislation, which even published in a news article himself but makes me poor indeed. He said the Advocate had in its was intended to provide special that it was false proves malice. He The Advocate has appealed possession at that time court docu- protection for the media. SLAPP said the failure of the newspaper Judge Kimball’s ruling and Partial ments proving the charge was false stands for Strategic Lawsuits to publish a retraction after being Final Judgment. If the appeal is and that an Advocate article had Against Public Particiation. It pro- reminded of the facts in the case decided in Hughes’ favor, the case previously admitted it was false. vides that in order to sue for defa- shows even greater malice. could be tried before a jury in Kim- However, he said, the Advocate mation a public figure must prove The justice said his reputation ball’s court. refused to retract the editorial but actual malice. has been greatly damaged by the Hughes is the first and only Re- rather continued to publish articles Hughes said that the fact the newspaper. He quoted Shakespeare publican ever elected to the Louisi- accusing him of unspecified uneth- newspaper knew he did not have that a man’s reputation is the jewel ana Supreme Court from the Baton ical behavior. a personal relationship with an at- of his soul. He who steals my purse Rouge area. The case is being tried under torney before his court, had docu- steals nothing, but he who steals the terms of Louisiana’s so-called mentation that it was false, and had my reputation gains nothing for Read Central City News

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