Where in the World Is Jr. Shelton?

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® See Story on Page 38 & The Leader NEWSNEWSMay 2021 • Vol. 24 No. 5 • 48 Pages • Circulation 10,000 • Central City News on Facebook • [email protected] • 225-261-5055 Central High Has Largest Graduating Class in History

CentralCentral Residents High Class of 2021 Earned Diplomas From Six Schools, Home Schooling Woody Jenkins Editor CENTRAL — The Central High School Class of 2021 walked across the stage at the River Cen- ter in downtown Baton Rouge Tuesday night. Altogether 350 Central High seniors earned their diplomas or will have done so my the end of summer school. They join roughly 121 other Central residents who are graduating from Central Private, St. Joseph’s, Cath- olic, Parkview, St. Michael’s, Car- ney Academy, or homeschooling. Central High principal Brandon LaGroue said this was the largest Provost Jolice by Photo graduating class since creation of the Central school system in 2007. CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2021 celebrated their graduation Tuesday at the River Center in Baton Rouge. Attorney General Backs Rev. Tony Spell BATON ROUGE — For the past governor’s decrees. However, the in prison for holding church. How- with Louisiana’s 1st Circuit Court year, Rev. Tony Spell and the con- pastor has a new and powerful ally ever, the Attorney General made it of Appeal, asking that the court gregation at Life Tabernacle have — Louisiana Attorney General Jeff clear his office believes the pastor quash the criminal charges against been fought by Gov. John Bel Landry. is being prosecuted unjustly and Rev. Spell. Here is the brief field Edwards and Mayor-President The attorney general has weighed in violation of the First Amend- by the Attorney General: Sharon Weston Broome. In fact, in for Rev. Spell in the criminal ment to the U.S. Constitution Friend of the Court Brief of the governor had him arrested for case against him. Potentially, the and the Louisiana Constitution. Attorney General Jeff Landry holding church in violation of the Central pastor could face 18 years Landry filed an amicus brief See ATTORNEY on Page 4 Central’s Former Mayor Has Been Busy Saving a Town

Where in the Worldthe Sterlington Is Board Jr. of Alder - Shelton? Administering a Town men. Four of five members of the Under Louisiana law, when board were new and had no experi- a municipality is unable to pay With $21 Million in Debt, ence. its bills and is nearing bank- Just 41 days after taking office, ruptcy, the Legislative Auditor Junior Worked a Miracle may appoint a Fiscal Ad- Matt Talbert and other members of ministrator with almost total STERLINGTON — Matt Talbert the Board of Alderman received control over the municipality, moved to Sterlington, Louisiana, shocking news. Sterlington was superseding the authority of 15 miles northeast of Monroe, in nearly bankrupt and was being tak- the Mayor and City Council. In 2005. He and his wife loved the en over by the State of Louisiana. effect, his decisions have the small town Christian atmosphere The town, with a population un- effect of law. His responsibil- where everyone knew each other der 2,000, had a debt of $21 mil- ity is to put the municipality and where schools were outstand- lion, thanks to a massive bond is- on a firm financial footing. In early 2019, the Town of ing. It was perfect for their son and sue, and it could not service that Sterlington (pop. under 2,000) daughter. Matt became general debt or even pay day-to-day ex- had $21 million in debt, a manager of a family-owned chain penses. crumbling sewer system, and of quick oil change stores and car “It was an unbelievable situa- could not pay its employees washes. tion,” Alderman Talbert said, “We or its bills. In 2018, Matt Talbert became couldn’t pay the first bill!” The Legislative Auditor ap- concerned about the government HHH pointed former Central Mayor in his town. He knew something In accordance with Louisiana Jr. Shelton as Fiscal Adminis- trator of Sterlington. Now his wasn’t right, and he wanted to fix Former Central Mayor Jr. Shelton law, Legislative Auditor Daryl work is nearly done. it. He ran for and was elected to has been very busy. See MAYOR on Page 6 2 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021

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Securities offered through with IAN JAMES International Assets Ad- visory, LLC – Member Real Life Experiences FINRA/SIPC Advisory services may be offered of How Others Have through International Planned their Retirements Assets Investment Man- agement, LLC or Global and Been Rewarded Assets Advisory, LLC 30 minute interview hosted by Woody Jenkins Watch at the following times on Central City News on Facebook: May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 3 Central’s Effort to Have Its Own Parks Is Moving Through Legislative Process included Zachary Mayor David Bill to Withdraw from Amhrein, who said Zachary has been so dissatisfied with BREC that BREC Passed Senate, it has maintained its own system. BREC opposed the bill, as did Now Before House, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and Central Mayor David Passage Seems Likely Barrow. Barrow said BREC has Woody Jenkins improved its service to Central. Editor White said it is too little too late. The senator said Central can do BATON ROUGE — Sen. Bodi far better with $2.5 million a year White’s legislation to allow the for recreation than BREC does. City of Central and the City of BREC is an independent state Zachary to retain taxes currently agency, not under the City-Parish paid to BREC and use them for government. It does not answer parks in their respective cities is directly to the governor, the may- moving steadily through the legis- or-president, or anyone else other lative process. than its Board of Commissioners. SB 205 was heard in the Senate The fact that it is a state agency Committee on Municipal and Pa- created under state law is why the rochial Affairs, which passed it out matter is before the legislature. favorably after some debate. Sen. Liberal activist and St. George Franklin Foil, who like Sen. White opponent Richard Lipsey has pur- represents parts of the new City of chased billboards opposing the St. George, amended St. George legislation. out of the bill. Under the bill, the recreation The bill was considered in the and parks commission in Central Senate and passed 29-6. It is now would consist of one member ap- pending in the House Committee pointed by the senator from the on Municipal and Parochial Af- area, one member by the state rep- fairs, which was scheduled to hear resentative, two members appoint- the bill on Thursday, May 20. BREC PULL OUT — Sen. Bodi WATCH HEARING — ed by the Central City Council, and The legislation would allow the White (top right) is shown presenting The Central City News one member appointed by the Cen- City of Central to keep the $2.5 his bill to take Central and Zachary out broadcast the Senate com- tral School Board. The bill would million paid by Central residents of BREC. Sen. Franklin Foil (top left) mittee hearing on SB 205. be effective July 1, 2021. After to BREC every year, and Central removed St. George. Sen. Greg Tarver To watch, click on the QR then, BREC could not collect taxes (bottom left) questioned the bill. Zach- code at left. Download a would have its own park system. ary Mayor David (bottom right) Amh- QR code reader app from in Central except those pledged for Those supporting the legislation rein supported it. the App Store. bonded indebtedness.

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AG Says Constitution Doesn’t Take Holiday in Pandemic Attorney General Weighs in for Pastor Continued from Page 1 494 U.S. 872, 879 (1990); Church The Attorney General of Loui- of the Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. siana appears as amicus curiae in v. City of Hialeah, 508 U.S. this case to ensure that the consti- 520, 546 (1993); see also Holt v. tutional rights of Louisiana citi- Hobbs, 574 U.S. 352, 356 (2015) zens are protected. Governments (noting that Congress passed the may legitimately take measures Religious Freedom Restoration to combat public health threats. Act in response to Smith to ensure See, e.g., Jacobson v. Massachu- “very broad protection for reli- setts, 197 U.S. 11 (1905). But even gious liberty”); La. R.S. 13:5232 emergencies do not justify suspen- (Louisiana’s Preservation of Reli- sion of the Bill of Rights. See Ro- gious Freedom Act was adopted in man Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn response to Smith). v. Cuomo, 141 S. Ct. 63, 68 (2020). The Supreme Court recently The right to the free exercise confirmed that pandemics do not of religion is a key promise of decrease the First Amendment’s the First Amendment, and courts protections of religious liberties must be vigilant to guard this right in Roman Catholic Diocese of even—or perhaps especially—in Brooklyn v. Cuomo. In that case, the midst of an emergency. the governor of New York issued Appellant, Pastor Mark Antho- an executive order stating that “a ny Spell, is being prosecuted for Jenkins Woody by Photo synagogue or church [could] not allegedly violating two of Gover- admit more than 10 persons, [but] PASTOR ARRESTED AND IMPRISONED – Rev. Tony Spell, pastor of Life Tab- nor John Bel Edwards’ executive ernacle in Central, was arrested last April for holding in-person worship services. He businesses categorized as “essen- proclamations—30 JBE 2020 (is- faces up to 18 years in prison. Attorney General Jeff Landry says that for Rev. Spell to be tial” [could] admit as many people sued March 16, 2020) and 33 JBE guilty you have to ignore the First Amendment, the Louisiana Constitution, Louisiana’s as they wish[ed].” Roman Catho- 2020 (issued March 22, 2020)— Religious Liberty Act, and the clear language of the Emergency Powers Act. He said you lic Diocese, 141 S. Ct. at 66; see which severely limited the num- also have to believe the governor can enact criminal law by decree. also Agudath Israel v. Cuomo, ber of people who could gather court wrongly denied his motion. I. THE GOVERNOR’S No. 20A90, 2020 WL 6954120 for religious services. Pastor Spell The proclamations violate the PROCLAMATIONS VIOLATE (U.S. Nov. 25, 2020). allegedly held church gatherings First Amendment by restricting THE FIRST AMENDMENT. In other areas of New York, or- with more people than allowed religious gatherings more severely A. Under the First Amendment, ders limited religious gatherings to under those proclamations. After than comparable secular gather- laws that treat religious interests 25 people, but “even non-essen- being charged with violating the ings. They disfavor religion and less favorably than secular inter- tial businesses [could] decide for orders, he moved to quash the bills burden people of faith—particu- ests are not “neutral” and must sur- themselves how many persons to of information against him on First larly those whose faith teaches vive strict scrutiny, even during an admit.” Roman Catholic Diocese, Amendment grounds. The district that they should regularly gather emergency. 141 S. Ct. at 66. The Court con- together. The Governor’s procla- The First Amendment guaran- cluded that the New York restric- mations are unconstitutional as ap- tees “the free exercise of religion.” tions “[could] not be viewed as WATCH HCR 5 plied to churches and their leaders, U.S. Const. amend. I. neutral because they single[d] out Prohibit Gov. such as Pastor Spell. Therefore, State laws that are not “neutral” houses of worship for especially from imposing this Court should reverse the deci- because they treat religious inter- harsh treatment.” Id. criminal penal- sion below and quash Spell’s bills ests less favorably than secular in- The Louisiana Constitution ties for holding of information. terests are subject to strict scrutiny. likewise protects the free exercise church. of religion. La. Const. art. 1, § 8; ARGUMENT See Employment Div., Dep’t of Human Res. of Oregon v. Smith, See PROSECUTION on Page 45

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COMMUNITY PRESS, LLC St. George Leader CENTRAL CITY NEWS & Vol. 2 • No. 2 The Leader Vol. 24 • No. 5 • CCN No. 452 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 © 2021 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 Provost Jolice by Photo 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 LIZ DENT SUMERALL ANNOUNCEMENT – Long-time Republican activist Liz Dent Sumerall took the mic at the Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon last week to an- nounce that she was 81 years old, but no one believed her. Woody Jenkins is GOP chairman. Bill Includes Admission Exam to Get into 1st Grade Compulsory Kindergarten: Could It Be Worst Bill of 2021 Legislative Session? cational benefit! In fact, if you While Kindergarten take kids who go to kindergarten and kids who do not go to kinder- Has No Educational garten, of course, those who go to kindergarten are doing better in the first and second grade. However, Benefit, It Has Huge by age 8, there is no difference! There is no difference by age 8 Long-Term Negatives if a child went to kindergarten or Two weeks ago, the Louisiana Senate not. However, what Dr. Moore Finance Committee considered and ulti- found in the research was a sig- mately passed SB10 by Sen. Cleo Fields nificant difference in one thing in to require every child 4 years 10 months particular. And the research is no or older to attend school. Former Rep. Woody Jenkins, now editor of Central City different today. There is no edu- News, testified against the bill, which has cational benefit to early school- now passed the Senate and is pending in ing, but there are more behavioral the House Appropriations and Education MY GRANDMA AND ME – Beatrice Rowlett and grandson Woody Jenkins, age 5, in problems from those who went to committees. This was his testimony in the Rougon in Pointe Coupee Parish. At right, the first two books I owned. Published b kindergarten, compared to those Senate Finance Committee: who did not. Greater behavioral problems! Woody Jenkins You know, one of the biggest Editor BELLINGRATH HILLS FIRST GRADERS IN 2019 — Do parents have the right to problems in this legislature is, in decide whether to send their children to kindergarten at age 4 years, 10 months? my opinion, peer dependency! BATON ROUGE — This bill is real- We’re always so afraid we might ly about compulsion — about tak- offend a member if we try to ing away the right of our parents Studies Show That by 3rd Grade, Students amend his bill or oppose his bill. to decide whether they send their Where does all this peer dependen- children to kindergarten or not. Who Didn’t Go to Kindergarten Do Better cy come from? Right now, the law is that from age Kids get in trouble when they 7 to 18 you have to send your chil- Than Students Who Did Go to Kindergarten are 12, 13, 14 with drugs, sex, dren to a “school,” as defined by crime. We say it comes from peer the state. have to turn your child over to an WATCH Woody dependency. But where does that There’s a legitimate, compel- institution. Jenkins’ testi- peer dependency come from? ling state interest in that, because Forty-one years ago, Dr. Ray- The research shows it comes mond Moore appeared before this mony on SB 10 we have an interest in having an before Senate from early institutionalization of educated population. However, committee on my bill to legal- children — at ages 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. there’s not that compelling inter- ize homeschooling in Louisiana. Finance Com- mittee May 10. est at age five, or in the case of this He was the author of two books See EARLY on Page 42 bill, 4 years and 10 months. — Better Late Than Early and This bill actually compels you School Can Wait, published by to send your babies away to an in- Readers Digest Press. Those two stitution at age 4 years, 10 months, books compiled all the research if you read the bill. So it would data at that time, and the research Premier TIRE & AUTO bring the compulsory attendance hasn’t really changed. age down from 7 years to 4 years The research shows this: Early and 10 months. At that point, you childhood education has no edu- MondayMonday -- FridayFriday 77 a.m.a.m. -- 5:305:30 p.m.p.m. SaturdaySaturday 77 a.m.a.m. -- 1:301:30 p.m.p.m. ClosedClosed SundaySunday

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Wheel Alignment Tire and Lube Brakes and Suspension Locally Owned and Operated Oil Changes 225-372-2659 6 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Mayor Jr. Shelton Is Fiscal Administrator Of Town of Sterlington in North Louisiana His Work Will End In June But Goals Already Achieved Continued from Page 1 Purpera appointed a Fiscal Ad- ministrator to take over and oper- ate the town, in lieu of bankruptcy. Purpera appointed former Central Mayor Jr. Shelton for the task. Alderman Matt Talbert said, “When I told officials from other cities at the Louisiana Municipal Association Convention we were getting a Fiscal Administrator, they gave their condolences and said it would be terrible, like a dic- tatorship. When Mayor Jr. Shelton arrived in town, none of us knew what to expect!” Under Louisiana law, the Fiscal STERLINGTON, LA, SPORTS COMPLEX — Built at a cost of $10 million, the Sterlington Sports Complex is a beautiful facility, Administrator of a municipality is but it failed to pay the cost of amortization of the debt. As a result, since the project was undertaken by the small town of Sterlington, much like a Bankruptcy Trustee. taxpayers there have had to pick up the tab. People who shop at convenience stores and restaurants pay over 12.9 percent sales tax. He has almost total authority over the city government. His decisions revenues, but local businesses had from $35 a month to $68 a month a record year. — a very large increase. “People in supercede those of the mayor and HHH city council, or in Sterlington’s town thought that was outrageous case, the Board of Alderman. Before Mayor Shelton was ap- and that the Fiscal Administrator The $21 million in bond money pointed, the Aldermen said they would reject any such increase. had been spent for a baseball and discussed every conceivable solu- Unfortunately, that was the amount softball facility that was supposed tion. But most of the ideas were needed to pay for badly needed to attract tournament play from either unworkable or too unpopu- sewer improvements,” he said. throughout the state and nation and lar for the public to accept. The Economic Development for improvements to the sewer sys- Alderman Zach Howse, an- District created to build the base- tem. other first-time member of the ball parks had taxing authority Unfortunately, the revenue from council, said things in Sterlington but it would take another one-cent the ball fields and a special one- haven’t always been so bleak. On sales tax to service the debt on the half cent sales tax could only pro- the contrary, he said, “Until late bonds, something the citizens of the stream of revenue was not suf- duce about $200,000 a year — far 2018, most people in Sterlington Sterlington could not accept. ficient to pay city expenses, much short of the $700,000 a year need- felt things were going pretty well. The town was in gridlock. No less service the debt from the ball ed to service the bonds. We were the fasting growing city solution seemed possible. Every- fields and sewer improvements.” The problems with bonded inin the state, and we had a beauti- thing had ground to a halt. Town Mayor Shelton said, “It soon debtedness spilled over into the ful ballpark. The town was see- government was at a standstill. became clear that sewage fees ing the world through rose-colored Something had to be done. had to be raised to make improve- town’s day-to-day operations. HHH Bills were going unpaid, and town glasses, because, at the same time, ments. Likewise, it would take an employees were being laid off. It we were racking up a mountain Before he arrived in Sterling- increase in the sales tax in order to would have been an untenable situ- of debt and our sewer system was ton, Jr. Shelton spent a lot of time service the bonded indebtedness. ation for a private business and un- falling apart.” going over the numbers. “I found We would have to be frugal, even thinkable for a municipality. The bottom fell out when Mayor the situation in Sterlington to be to make that work.” HHH Vern Breland resigned shortly be- extremely difficult but not impos- “One of the first things I did was The Town of Sterlington had a fore the November 2018 election, sible.” get on the phone with creditors and population of 1,599 in the 2010 “Everyone could see that some- “When I arrived, all you could tell them I was onboard and that census. By 2018, the Census Bu- thing was terribly wrong,” Alder- see was debt, and it was hard to tell See STERLINGTON on Page 44 reau estimated there were 2,724 man Howse said. what was real and what wasn’t. We people, and Sterlington was her- Since then, former Mayor knew the bonded indebtedness was alded as the fastest growing mu- Breland has been charged with one real and could not be cancelled. nicipality in Northeast Louisiana count of malfeasance in office by However, there were some claims District Attorney Steve Tew. against the town that were not le- or perhaps the state. However, HHH today those figures appear inflated gitimate. The town operated a utili- and most officials think the 2020 Howse and the other aldermen ty company. That was real and pro- census will show under 2,000 resi- took office in January 2019. Short- vided revenue for the town. But The Best Price In Roofing dents. ly thereafter, members of the new & Sheet Metal Services The business community of Sterlington Board of Alderman Sterlington is small, and there is no were summoned to Baton Rouge downtown area or city center. The for a fiscal review meeting - con Blanco’s Roofing Waffle House has hours. There’s a ducted by the Legislative Auditor. Howse said, “We were asked Sonic and a hardware store. There & Sheet Metal LLC was a Fred’s, but it has been re- about our financial status and how placed by Brooksher’s, which is we were going to get out of it. The Serving Central and similar to a Neighborhood Wal- meeting did not go well. We had the Surrounding Area Mart. City officials thought Covid the right plans for getting the town Since 1990 would hurt the town’s sales tax back on track but did not have the power to enact them. We realized that we needed a fiscal administra- Our Top Priority Is Your tor who could make things happen.” Complete Satisfaction “There was another problem. Because we were a new council COMMERCIAL & and inexperienced, many people RESIDENTIAL in Sterlington didn’t trust that we knew what we were doing. They wanted to wait for the Fiscal Ad- 262-1980 ministrator to arrive and set things Fax 262-1981 • www.blancosroofing.com straight.” [email protected] Sterlington (pop. under 2,000) has The Board of Alderman had been Matt Talbert, Board of Aldermen 13653 Devall Road • Central, LA 70818 many similarities with Central looking at a plan to raise sewer rates Town of Sterlington, Louisiana May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 7

Central High School Graduation Ceremony Raising Cane’s RiverCenter May 18, 2021 Photos by Jolice Provost Central City News At left, use QR code to watch graduation ceremony. At right, learn about family of valedictorian Victoria Pursifull.

Grant Dunn, Co-Salutatorian Victoria Pursifull, Valedictorian

Hailee Tran, Co-Salutatorian A TOTAL OF 328 SENIORS walked across the stage Tuesday night; another 17 did not attend. Others will graduate this summer.

TUESDAY NIGHT was a time of celebration for Central High seniors. The school is one of the top-ranked in the state, and a diploma from Central High is a mark of achievement.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT — Beginning with Central High principal J. A. Smith in the 1930’s, Central High has stressed academic achievement and excellence. 8 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021

Central High GraduationPhotos by Jolice Provost of Central City NewsCeremonies • Video by Ken and Sharon Bush of Central City May News 18 at River Center in Baton Rouge

Central schools Supt. Jason Fountain addresses graduates. Central High School Class of 2021 during graduation ceremonies at the River Center in Baton Rouge

Watch Central City News Video Here May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 9

Central High GraduationPhotos by Jolice Provost of Central City NewsCeremonies • Video by Ken and Sharon Bush of Central City May News 18 at River Center in Baton Rouge

Central High School Class of 2021 during graduation ceremonies at the River Center in Baton Rouge Central High principal Brandon LaGroue speaks while interpreter keeps up. 10 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Congratulations to Class of 2021! Commencement = A Beginning To the graduates of 2021: As you receive your high school diploma, you will commence a new chapter in your life. Our schools in Central have well prepared you for the next step. Once your formal education is complete, you will get a good job or start a business. Hopefully, you will become a property owner, and that will bring you into contact with the Assessor’s office. Our job is to assess property fairly and equitably in accordance with law. We want you to know that when you become a property owner, our door is always open to assist you! Thank you so much for the opportunity to serve you! — Assessor Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson (left) at Redemptorist High School; Brian and younger brother Scott in elementary school; and at right as a teenager.

Central High • Most Courteous Cole Austin and Giuliana Bossier

Central Private School Most Unforgettable Sadie Fontenot and Noah Martin May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 11

CHEFChristian Home Education Home Fellowship is a cooperative School endeavor and one of a number Class of home school organizations of for2021 parents.

Joseph Abreau Collin Alexander Chloe Arnold Gabe Barraco Olivia Bergeron Royale Bey Ethan Bourque Christopherson Brian

Makayla Bruno Cophia Byrd Maya Campbell Jenna Canova Grace Carmoche Reece Carmoche Savanah Clouse Spencer Craig

Hope David Avery Ducote Jacob Elliot Garrett Forman Mallory Forman Braedeen Gaines Trevor Gaines Levi Gayle

Thomas Haley Olivia Hardy Morgan Harris Chloe Higgins Jackson Howard Justin Jackson Page Jacob Hannah James

Karsyn Jeansonne Joran Elli Charles Langlois Calum McArthur Matthew McGibney Haleigh Medlock Nathan Phillips Abigail Pearce

Turner Pinsonat Joshua Pugh Andrew Robinson Scott Cryshan Cyntrell Smith Kaley Triggs Blake Volland Brodie Volland

HOME SCHOOLING LOUISIANA LAW Provides the opportunity for young peo- Provides two methods of home education ple to be educated at home, much as our that meet the requirements of Louisiana’s Founding Fathers and many of the great compulsory attendance law. A parent may leaders of the world were educated. In apply to the Louisiana Department of Edu- 1980, Louisiana became the first state in the cation for approval of their home school pro- nation to legalize home education. The bill John Cole West Michael Winton gram. Approval is automatic the first year. was authored by then-Rep. Woody Jenkins In the alternative, the parent may register of Baton Rouge, who is now editor of the with the department as operating a small Central City News. Today, more than 33,000 private school. The regulations are less for students in Louisiana are homeschooled, operating a private school. Home schoolers about 5 percent of the student population. can qualify for TOPS free tuition program. 12 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021

Congratulations,Valarie Hodges Graduates! Perseverance is Key! The Class of 2021 has seen its share of his- toric changes! Before this group of young people started high school they faced the Flood of 2016 as 75% of the homes in the Cen- tral community flooded. Then in 2020, the Co- vid-19 Pandemic hit and changed our world. I believe this group of young people is strong and know what it takes to make the best of a difficult situation. Perseverance is key to your continuned success into adult life. As scrip- ture tells us, “Blessed is the man who perse- veres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 Congratulations, Class of 2021!

Senator Bodi White

Central High School Best Sense of Humor Central High School2021 Graduate Ava Denham • Bodi’s Great Niece Grayson Fryday • Bodi’s Great Nephew Best Wishes for Success in the Future!

2021 Central High School Most School Spirit 2021 Central Private Most Likely to Succeed Bella Barnes and Jeffery Dunn Andrew Dean and Lauren Dale May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 13 Central Private School Class of 2021

Ace Chaney Trevion Cooks Victoria Corsentino Justin Daigle

Lauren Dale Andrew Dean Trip Flotte Sadie Fontenot

Larkyn Jones Camden Juneau Mr. Central Private, Camren Monson, and Miss Central Private, Carleigh Shaffer Danielle Kennedy Ben Kolb

Sidney Laney Noah Martin Julia Meche Camren Monson Alli Nolen Kyle Pitre Logan Pitre Kayla Reid

Rhett Richard Cole Robertson Rory Seguin Carleigh Shaffer Cody Sharpe Carlyle Smith Adam Steudlein Trip Wilson

Mary-Hannah Varnado

Central Private Graduates Photos by Lionel Selser Photography

Central Private Unforgettable, Sadie Fontenot and Noah Martin Central Private Most School Spirit, Rhett Richard and Mary-Hannah Varnado 14 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 2021 Central Private School Favorites

Central Private 2021 Most Likely to Succeed, Andrew Dean and Lauren Dale

Central Private 2021 Most Athletic, Danielle Kennedy and Cody Sharpe

Central Private 2021 Funniest, Alli Nolen and Trevion Cooks Central Private Wittiest, Victoria Corsentino and Justin Daigle Central Private’s Who’s Who Students

Lauren Dale Ben Kolb Camren Monson Carleigh Shaffer Cody Sharpe Carlyle Smith 2021 CP Who’ s Who 2021 CP Who’ s Who 2021 CP Who’ s Who 2021 CP Who’ s Who 2021 CP Who’ s Who 2021 CP Who’ s Who May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 15 Carney Christian Academy Seniors

Isabella Arnold Hollea Brooks Ashtyn Butler Elizabeth Cox Micah Fairchild

Lana Hall Jackson Howell Ethan Paxton Cheyenne Procell Victoria Tyler

Carney Christian Academy Photos by Eric Frank Photography

Congratulations Class of 2021!

AA warmwarm salutesalute toto thethe graduatesgraduates ofof 2021!2021! YourYour hardhard workwork hashas paidpaid off!off! CentralCentral isis proudproud ofof youryour diligencediligence andand happyhappy forfor youryour success!success! ContinueContinue toto strivestrive forfor excellenceexcellence asas youryour journeyjourney continues!continues! WeWe wishwish youyou wellwell inin youryour futurefuture endeavorsendeavors andand hopehope youyou willwill staystay andand makemake CentralCentral youryour homehome forfor aa lifetime!lifetime! BESTBEST WISHESWISHES TOTO YOUYOU ALL!ALL! CityCity ofof CentralCentral MayorMayor DavidDavid BarrowBarrow

Before you act, listen. Before you react, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you criticize, wait. Before you quit, try. –William Arthur Ward 16 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Congratulations Grads: Job Well Done!

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Wittiest Victoria Friendliest Corsentino Russell Chinn and and Justin Daigle Aleece Andrews Central Private Central High Class of 2021 Class of 2021

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Build your college transcript while in high Championship Athletics (DE, AP, and CLEP)

Many opportunities for gifted and talented students Five Integrated High School Pathways: Hospitality, Culinary, & Business; Health Sciences; Manufacturing, Construction, Crafts, & Logistics; Information Technology; and LSU Pre-Engineering Central High School Renovation begins in Summer 2021

Congratulations! Central High School seniors Morgan Rabalais and Connor Cassels have been chosen “Most Likely to Succeed” in the Central High Class of 2021. Like so many of our graduates, they are great role models and examples of the outstanding students in the Central Community School System! We look forward to the many accomplish- ments of our graduates in the future! Dr. Jason Fountain Central High School named Morgan Rabalais and Superintendent, Central Schools Connor Cassels ‘Most Likely to Succeed’

Demonstration Part I 40.2K Views 18 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 CongratsCongrats ClassClass ofof 20212021

Central High School’s 2021 Valedictorian Victoria Pursifull Congratulations Central Graduates!

And be not conformed to this world; Graduates, dream big and challenge your- but be transformed in the newness of self daily. Make everyday count by setting your mind, that you may prove what goals and exploring new paths. Remember is the good and the acceptable and to remain confident. Successful people take the perfect will of God. chances and are always willing to keep learning. Never give up, but most of all, Romans 12:2 enjoy life! Congratulations!

Brandon Noel Metro Councilman Aaron Moak Metro Council District 1

CongratulationsCongratulations toto thethe ClassClass ofof 20212021 WeWe areare soso ProudProud ofof You!You!

YourYour CentralCentral CommunityCommunity SchoolSchool SystemSystem SchoolSchool BoardBoard

Dr. Keith Holmes Roxanne Atkinson Dr. David Walker Phillip Graham Dr. Jim Gardner Ruby Foil Sharon Browning District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 6

CHSCHS ClassClass ofof 20212021 MottoMotto “You“You can’tcan’t gogo backback andand changechange thethe beginning,beginning, butbut youyou cancan startstart wherewhere youyou areare andand changechange thethe ending.”ending.” –––– C.S.C.S. LewisLewis May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 19 109th Graduating Class in School History Central High School Class of 2021

Corey Accardo Lainie Albarado Nathan Altazan Ethan Amason

Jordon Anderson Aleece Andrews Bryson Andrews Peyton Anthony

Zoie Bacon Halli Bailey Da’Veawn Armstead Cole Austin Central High School Most Attractive Landon Husser and Alyssa Guillot

Natalie Bailey Layna Baker Jadon Barber Bella Barnes Daylin Beck Nathan Bell Lane Bellue Ally Benton

Jalynn Bidol Baylee Blanchard Hannah Booty Rayna Booty Giuliana Bossier Kristina Bouquet Madelyn Bozeman Shaun Breen

Central High School Best All Around Central High School Friendliest Central High School Best All Around Gabe Patterson Russell Chinn and Aleece Andrews Cassidy Young Central High School 2021 Senior Class Photos by Eric Frank Photographer 20 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Our Head Football Coach Is “Coach Sid”! Central High School Class of 2021

Cameron Brown Garry Burton Tristen Cain Caleb Callender

Ridge Callender Dany Benitez-Canales Thomas Carpenter Maitland Carrier

Connor Cassels Seth Cayer Central High Most Dependable Lindsie Jackson and Cade Ross Gracelyn Champagne Celia Chapman

Dalin Chapman David Chassaing Caidyn Chiasson Russell Chinn Christian Ciolino Dallin Clark Tristen Clark Steven Colkmire

Camryn Jackson-Collins Benjamin Compton Kaitlyn Cooley Joshua Cooper Tyler Cox Jonah Creel Colby Curcio Madelyn Currie

Sydney Dalrymple Taylor Dabney Lanie Davis Shane Davis Brennan Dawson Devan Defreitas Keiry Delcid Brodie Demoulin

Ava Denham Megan Ditcharo Charles Dixon Jason Dixon Dominic Dotson Jillian Dunaway Grant Dunn Jeffery Dunn

Central High School 2021 Senior Class • Photos by Eric Frank Photographer May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 21 Our Principal Is Brandon LaGroue

Derek Dupree Colby Dupuy Emily Dykes Logan Edwards Matthew Elliot Nathan Ellis Kyrin Ely Haley Epps

Tyler Escuriex Daynia Estave Gage Evans Ethan Farris Alyssa Ferguson Jamarieon Fisher Malancy Fitch Shane Forbes

Sarah Ford Abigail Fralick Jayvon Francois Lailah Franklin Grayson Fryday Tyler Furr Paul Garcia Fernando Garduno

Destiney Gary Lanie Gaubert Jace Glissman John Glissman Jakira Goodman Elise Granier William Grant Kyra Greely

Blake Green Patricia Green Bailey Guercio Addison Guidry Summer Guidry Alexa Guillot Alyssa Guillot Chase Hale

Landon Hall Mason Hall Raegan Hancock Breanna Hardy Zoe Hardy Markell Harris Olivia Harris Hunter Hawkins

Brennyn Hebert Jeremiah Henderson Niya Hensley Malik Hillard Brayden Howell Marcus Hudson Kain Huey Alana Huff

Emma Huguet Kodee Hurston Landon Husser Tori Ingrassia Makayla Isaac Braeah Jackson Lindsie Jackson Samaria Jarvis 22 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Graduates,Remember to Keep Us Free! HonorHonor OurOur ConstitutionConstitution

AsAs youyou graduategraduate andand movemove toto thethe nextnext chapterchapter ofof youryour life,life, alwaysalways rememremem-- berber thatthat wewe areare moldedmolded byby ourour valuesvalues andand character,character, whichwhich aidaid usus inin thethe upsups andand downsdowns ofof ourour life.life. TheThe decisionsdecisions wewe makemake duringduring thethe triumphstriumphs andand trialstrials ofof lifelife shapeshape whowho wewe areare asas uniqueunique individualsindividuals createdcreated inin thethe imageimage ofof God.God. YouYou cancan makemake thethe bestbest ofof aa situationsituation withwith God’sGod’s unendingunending grace.grace. TheThe graduatinggraduating classclass ofof 20212021 hashas seenseen itsits shareshare ofof trials.trials. YourYour 8th8th gradegrade startedstarted withwith thethe GreatGreat FloodFlood ofof 20162016 andand nownow asas youyou completecomplete youryour seniorsenior yearyear thethe Covid-19Covid-19 PandemicPandemic hashas changedchanged everyone’severyone’s world.world. ThereThere areare stillstill soso manymany unknownunknown factors,factors, butbut wewe mustmust allall persevere!persevere! TheseThese trialstrials areare aa greatgreat lessonlesson forfor allall ofof usus —— butbut wewe areare strengthenedstrengthened byby them,them, notnot dede-- Rep. Valarie Hodges feated!feated! ByBy thethe gracegrace ofof ourour goodgood andand graciousgracious God,God, wewe willwill bebe triumphant!triumphant! Rep.Rep. ValarieValarie HodgesHodges

MostMost AthleticAthletic •• CentralCentral PrivatePrivate SchoolSchool MostMost AthleticAthletic •• CentralCentral HighHigh SchoolSchool CodyCody SharpeSharpe andand DanielleDanielle KennedyKennedy Da’veawnDa’veawn ArmsteadArmstead andand DestineyDestiney GaryGary May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 23 Class of 2021 Is 350 Seniors Strong

Central High Most School Spirit Bella Barnes and Jeffery Dunn Central High School Most Courteous Cole Austin and Giulianna Bossier

Emma Jenkins Jakirah Johnson Karmen Johnson Damion Jordan Emily Jordan Joshua Jordan Trevor Kean Mallory Kendrick

Bryce Kennard Damian Kenney Ian Kinchen Hannah King Patrick Klug Brody Knapps Floyd Knox Massey Kretser

Logan Landry Seth Landry Steven Langlois Jacob Laurent Ruth Lavalley Madeleine LeBlanc Joseph LeDuff Magnolia Lee

Megan Lee Abigail Legrange Kacie Lejeune Scott Lemmler Alexa LeSage Sarah Grace Lieux Jackson Lord Abigail Malbrough

Emily Marcotte Shedrick Marshall Alyssa Mason Mark Matassa Savannah McLin Carlos Mendez Joshua Meyer Kaitlyn Mier

Samuel Miers Charles Milton Taylor Montoto Aolani Moore Tristan Moreau Jacob Mougeot Chandria Muse Lia Neff 24 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Maroon and White, Our Banner Does

Tykeria Netters Ethan Newman Landon Noble Mccaleb Norwood Adam O’Banion Dylan O’Banion Rece Oubre Nevaeh Paddie

Carol Padilla Michael Patel Luci Patin Gabriel Patterson Pierce Patterson Hannah Paulk Kennedy Pedeaux Kinslee Pellerin

Asia Perry Nathan Petersen Riley Pierce Nia Pitts Morgan Pizzaloto Lexi Posey Kailyn Potts Kelsey Prather

Luc Provost Angelie Pruit Victoria Pursifull Morgan Rabalais Josiah Rankins Austin Reason Juan Reyes Ethaniel Rizan

Ethan Robinson Hugo Rodriguez Londyn Rogers Cade Ross Jamia Rucker Angel Samuel Anna Sanches Chad Sanchez

D’untae Sanders Tyler Sandoval Joseph Scarbrough Brianna Schafer Joshua Schopp Dylan Scivicque Allison Scott Madilyn Scott

Skylar Scott Tyler Scott Avery Shaffer Madilyn Shaffer Christopher Shall Dylin Skidmore Rylee Smith Jamariah Snearl

Kade Snyder Heath Soniat Jada Spears Anthony Stewart Dakota Stewart Kyle Stewart Nah’Landri Stinson Keely Ana Strickland May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 25

Central High School Sail to Conquer and Prevail Class of 2021

Mollie Tanner Rachel Taylor Riley Taylor Emma Terry Baylea Thalleen Allison Thibodeaux Gabrielle Thibodeaux Peyton Thibodeaux

Cassie Throckmorton Gracie Throckmorton Cam’ron Tillery Celine Ton Warren Townsend Hailee Tran Kylie Triggs Reagan Turner

Elizabeth Valenti Zane Verbois Lacy Villarreal Kelly Vu Savannah Walls Phenix Ward Case Welch Robert Wells

Baylee Whittington Aulyssa Wiggins Jaida Wilkinson Caroline Williams Joshua Williams Destinee Wills Makayla Willson Khloe Wilson

2021 Graduates not photographed: Jacob Aguiniga, Juan Banks, Richard Bethley, Jesse Boulet, Ally Branton, Marissa Breen, Ayanna Brown, Jael Brown, Tia Bryant, Layla Carnes, Juynia Poveda Castellon, NaKyra Cheney, Keiry Crissel Delcid Coello, Jeremiah Colomb, Kaeden Cook, Peyton Crochet, Jonathan Davis, James Dillion, Charles Dixon, Caleb Drago, Charnae Dugan, Jack Edwards, Kimble Evans, Charlie Farrar, Lindsey Fry, Bailey Gallant, Jacob Gonzalez, Ben- jamin Goodman, Kenneth Hale, Skylar Hall, Nathaniel Hames, Ke’Derius Hawkins, Kodee Hurston, Caleb Hutchinson, Mackenzie Juban, Brock Juneau, Jay Kelly, Andrew Kendrick, Joss Kimble, Christopher Lambert, Colin Lanclos, Landon Linton, Demar Loza, Maxim Mancuso, Brantly Martin, Trentin Mathis, Gabriel Mayeux, Julianna McMorris, Evan Miller, Ethan Montgomery, Cam’Bren Moore, Jackson North, Amarion Oliver, Davis Payer, Charles Pederson, Lane Pourciau, Madison Price, Rene Rivera, Austin Robertson, Connor Rome, Britain Scott, Kalira Scott, Joshua Seymour, Drew Smith, Gage Stanley, Landon Street, Alex Teal, Cade Travis, Kylee Vickers, Rylen Walker, Jesse Warrington, Brylie Williams, Breanna Wintz Cassidy Young Daniel Williams, Jeremy Wise, Ariyone Wyre, Cameron Young, Tommy Zheng

Congratulations Central High School Class of 2021

Favorites Photos By Jolice Provost Central City News

Central High School Most Athletic Central High School Most Talkative Da’veaqn Armstead and Destiney Gary Shaun Breen and Lexie Posey

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 2021 CLASS MOTTO “You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending” –– C.S. Lewis 26 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 2021 Central High Class Favorites

Central High School Best Personality Central High School Most Intelligent Richard Bethley and Emma Huguet Grant Dunn and Victoria Pursifull The Central Wildcat

Central High School Most Photogenic Central High School Most Likely to Succeed Central High School Most Talented Hugo Rodriguez and Layna Baker Morgan Rabalais and Connor Cassels Maitland Carrier

Central High School Campus Flirts Central High School Class Comedians Central High School Best Sense of Humor Tristen Cain and Pierce Patterson Jonah Creel and Sydney Dalrymple Ava Denham

Central High School 2021 Favorites • Photos by Jolice Provost of the Central City News May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 27 Grant Dunn Named Mr. Central High, Keely Ana Strickland Miss Central High CENTRAL — Mr. CHS is Grant Dunn, the son of Jay and Ragan Dunn. The Dunn family attends Fellowship Baptist Church. Grant is a four-year member of the Cen- tral Wildcat football team where he earned the honor of 2nd Team All-District in his junior year and 1st Team All-District in his senior year. In addition Grant was named a member of LHSAA’s All Aca- demic Football Team his senior year. Grant was a member of the Wildcat baseball team for two years. Last week Grant was awarded the Scholar Athlete Award at Cen- tral High School with a GPA of 4.5. In addition, he was named Most Intelligent Boy in the senior class. Dunn is a member of Mu Alpha Theta and attended the BETA Club state and national conventions. He is holds 4th Place in the National High School Math Division II. Grant is a member of the Stu- dent Council and was a 2020-2021 finalist for Student of the Year. Dunn participates in 4-H Shoot-

ing Sports and won the State Photography Babycakes by Photos

Championship. He qualified for Photography Santangelo by Photos 4-H Nationals in Grand Island, NE. He has many other shooting honors includin the NSCA-Na- tional Sporting Clays, 2020 NSCA Mr. Central High School Grant Dunn Miss Central High School Keely Ana Strickland All-State Team (La C Class), 2020 La State Champion B Class, Su- CENTRAL — Miss Central High cipient of the first annual Lt. Terry Ana will be pursuing a Bachelor per Sport Champion, 5-Stand 2nd School is Keely Ana Strickland. Carter Memorial Scholarship and of Science in Nursing and eventu- Place, 2019 LA State Champion- She is the daughter of Eric and the Jessica C. Aiton Memorial ally become a Nurse Anesthetist. ship C-Class Main, 5-Stand and Holly Strickland. The Strickland Scholarship. Super Sport family attends Sandy Creek Bap- She was also a 2020 DEMCO Champion, tist Church where Keely Ana is an Essay Contest Winner for the Na- 2017 US active member of the Youth Group tional Rural Electric Youth Tour. Open C-Class and enjoys serving in the chil- In addition, she was awarded the 4th Main and dren’s ministry. This summer she State Fair Scholarship for her out- 5-Stand, 2016 will spend two weeks serving with standing service efforts and the US Open FUGE Camps in Tennessee. 2021 East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Super Sport Keely Ana is the captain of the Office Scholarship Award. Keely Class-D cham- CHS Tennis Team where she was a Ana was a 2021 Republican Wom- pion, 2019 2021 State Qualifier. en of Central Scholarship finalist. South Cen- She is a proud member of the In her spare time she coaches tral Region- CHS Fishing Team where she competitive gymnastics, and gives als 5-Stand B was a state qualifier in 2018 and private tennis and gymnastics les- Grant Dunn Class Cham- in 2020 she was a member of the sons. State pion and Main State Championship team. Keely Prior to the pandemic, she en- Shooting Champ Event 4th, Ana and the 2021 CHS fishing joyed volunteering with the Spe- 2021 Browning-Briley Champi- team came in 2nd place this year. cial Olympics, Geaux Strong swim on-ship 1st Place 5-Stand and 3rd Keely served as Mu Alpha The- program and was in the Counselor Place Super Sport. ta president. She is also a member in Training at the Judson Baptist This fall Grant will be attending of the Helping Hands Club. Retreat Center. the LSU Ogden Honors College Strickland is a member of the Strickland has received certifi- with a full paid scholarship to earn BETA Club, Fellowship of Chris- cations for both CNA and Medi- tian Athletes, National Honor So- cal Assisting. She plans to attend a degree in Industrial Engineering/ ciety, Talented Music and Theatre. FranU where she was awarded the Construction Management. This year Keely Ana was the re- Fran U Dean’s Scholarship. Keely Keely Ana Strickland CHS Tennis Team Why the Left Loves the Masks: Jeff Crouere this podium, you notice, I forget to put mask back on. He attached a mask out- tain from the very beginning. Jeff Crouere my mask back on because I’m used to doors, despite the CDC guidelines. All Eventually, the mask mantra be- Columnist not wearing it outside.” this did was show the media and the came part of the continuing messaging In other words, he wears the mask public that mask wearing should con- Americans heard from local, state, and NEW ORLEANS — Several months because he forgets to take it off when tinue. It was another example of insane national government officials. Howev- ago, President Joe Biden was vacci- going outside. However, he did just the virtue signaling. er, the absurdity of wearing a mask has nated. In the White House, he is sur- opposite when he recently met with The left has more than an affinity always been apparent to anyone who rounded by people who have also been former President Jimmy Carter, 96 for masks, they have a true love affair. examines the rules. vaccinated. Nevertheless, he continues years old, and his wife Rosalyn Carter, A mask shows your obedience to the All of this posturing is strictly for to wear a mask, even when outdoors or 93 years old. A photo of the encoun- government. It creates faceless Ameri- the cameras, it is not based on defini- alone on Zoom calls with world lead- ter showed that neither Biden, nor his cans, devoid of personality, following tive scientific or health studies. Fortu- ers. In a recent online conference call, wife, Dr. Jill Biden, wore masks for orders from all-knowing health offi- nately, more Americans are rising up Biden was the only world leader wear- their meeting with the President and cials. and demanding the nonsense ends. ing a mask. his wife. If Biden claims it is “good In our country, too many leftists are Wearing a mask inhibits a person’s This week, he was asked by a re- policy” to wear a mask indoors, why quite willing to submit to government ability to breath. Most people wear porter why he continues to wear a did he not wear it when meeting with authorities, while conservatives are masks that are not sanitized and are mask outdoors, even though the CDC two very elderly individuals who are more independent minded, enjoy their brimming with germs. has lifted that requirement for those potentially susceptible to the spread of freedoms and have a tradition of ques- At this point, healthy Americans who have been vaccinated. Biden said, the virus? tioning authority. “Because, when we’re inside, it’s still Possibly Biden did not realize that The entire rationale for mask man- should not be wearing a mask. It good policy to wear the mask, that’s former President Carter would release dates has always been suspect. While it should be worn only by those who why. When I am outside, and the prob- the photo to the public. When Biden is the left’s favorite symbol of oppres- are elderly and have serious health lem is: Lots of times, I walk away from left the meeting with the Carters to sion, its effectiveness in stopping the conditions. It is time to put the mask go outside, he immediately placed his spread of COVID-19 has been uncer- away! 28 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Central High School Awards Night

Emma Dungan and Mr. Wales Justin Babin and Mr. Wales Allie McCauley and Mr. Wales Marcus Shorts and Mr. Wales Lexi Montagnino and The Wildcat Way Award The Wildcat Way Award The Wildcat Way Award The Wildcat Way Award Mr. Wales The Wildcat Way Award

Andrew Richard and Michael Plainsance and Savannah Richard and Kirian Villanueva and De’Iryah Green and Ms. Smith Mr. Wales Ms. Cotten Coach Osborne, Algebra II Mr. Weaver Taking Care of Never Settles for Second: The Wildcat Way Award Mr. Bryson’s Civics Award Growth Mindset Award Business Math Award Algebra 1 Honors Award

Ava Jones and Ms. Smith Madison Lumpkin and Never Give Up Tyler Ward-Roberts and Emily Mier and Ms. Hood Ms. Coston Makayla Glascock and Algebra I Award Ms. Hood’s Geometry Award Honors Geometry Award Best All Around Award Ms. Coston, Grit Award

DJ Roberts and Brennan Tillery and Taylor Richard and Ms. Allen Grant Penton and Ms. Dicapo Madam Greene Madam Greene English 3 Excellence in Azia Jones and Ms. Winter Exellence in French Award Grit Award Student of the Year Award Physical Science Award Perseverance Award

Caleb Whittington and Henry Lagattuta and Ms. Allen Keller Roberson and Brooklyn Mixon and Rachel Huntet and Ms. Allen Ms. Winter Leading by Example Award Ms. Lemoine Ms. Lemoine English II Positivity Award Erudite Comrade Award Natural Wisdom Award Stellar ScholarAward

Laurette Jordan and Ms. Allen Austin Elliot and Ms. Wilson Maycee Folmar and Coach Eloquently Excellent English Eva Edwards and Ms. Allen Spanish I Rawlins, Table Tennis Joseph Ivey and Ms. LeBouef Honor Student Award English II Award Exceptional Student Award Queen Award Guitar Award May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 29 2021Central High Academic Honors

Jack Leaphart and Bre’Lyn Calhoun and Ty King and Ms. Wilbert Alvin Stewart and Rebekah-Ann Slocum and Mr. Eisworth Mr. O’Brien, Sigmund Freud Knowledgeable Ms. Wilkinson Ms. Eskola Excellence Award Was Wrong Award Citizenship Award Algebra I Award APUSH Award

Luke McLin and Mr. Swarner Marcus Shorts and Ms. Seidel Savannah Richard and Isabella Roberie and “Most likely to understand his- Audrey Usher and Ms. Price AP Government Ultimate Geographer Award Mr. Mitchell, The US History Mr. Jones tory at Government Taco” Award Citizenship Award “I have a question.” Award World Traveler Award

Koen Roberson and Ethan Rispone and Henry Lagattuta and Koen Roberson and Mr. Eisworth Mr. Eisworth Skyler Hale and Mr. Eisworth Ms. Wilkinson, Algebra I Mr. Weaver Actually Loves History Award Academic Leadership Award Enthusiastic Researcher Award Honors Award of Excellence WooHoo for Calculus Award

Brennan Tillery and Kaiden Lang and Ms. deLeon Lauren Lindsay and Jordan Dunbar and Ms. Coston Janie Rogers and Ms.Gilchrist Ms. Gilchrist Advanced Math Ms. deLeon 2020-2021 Math Essentials Grit and Whit Award Growth with a Smile Award Awesomeness Award Distinguished DE’er Award Student of the Year Award

Hayley Wall and Ms. McCauley Rebekah Slocum and Kaiden Lang and Kenleigh Perrin and Excellence in Chemistry 2 Ms. McCauley, Excellence in Ms. McCauley, Excellence in Ms. Brignac Top Chemistry Amber Gill and Ms. Taylor AP/DE Award Chemistry 2 DE Award Chemistry I Student of the Year Award Biology II Award

Charles Rawls II and Phoebe Quinn and Ms. Dicapo Alexanderia Fertitta and Gevon Forest and Ms. Acosta Jae’lyn Lacour and Ms. Taylor Ms. Dicapo Biology Honors Award Ms. Acosta Biology Honors Award Biology I Award Biology Award Biology Award 30 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Central High School Honors, Awards

Rene Rivera and Joshua Merzbacher and Gavin Impson and Davey Thornton and Central High School Principal Ms. Edwards Brandon LaGroue Coach Jeanmard Ms. David Mr. Hubbard, Highest of High Most Creative Award Most Improved Overall Fives Ripple Effect Award Push Through It Award

Charles Pederson and Noah Pedeaux and Ta’nyjah Worthy and Coach Jeanmard Ms. Guercio Ms. Wilson Shane Ruegg and Ms. Wilson Amber Bueche and Ms. Wilson Hardest Worker Most Likely to Succeed Academic Excellence Award Spanish II Award Spanish II Honors Award

Madison Lumpkin and Janece Bueche and Lexi Montagnino and Ms. Wilson Ms. Pastorick Ms. Soniat Aliyah Linton and Ms. Soniat Skyler Hale and Ms. Soniat Spanish I Award Award Most Improved Award Golden Brush Award Golden Brush Award

Carson Truett and Annabelle Poissot and Ms. Russell Julia Wolfe and Ms. Russell Ms. Russell Judy Brass and Ms. Russell Violette Pursifull and Piano 2 and 3 Award Beginning Choir Award Show Choir Award Concert Choir Award Ms. Russell Piano I Award

Cassandra Steudlein and Sara Ann Bonano and Jordan Gallo and Ms. Lavastida Ms. Russell, Most Outstanding Ms. Lavastida Most Reliable Most Reliable and Respectful Freshman Phoebe Quinn Junior Rebecca-Ann Slocum Silk Member Award Student in Spanish II Award Student in Spanish I Award Multiple Honors Multiple Honors

Students who were honored posed for the cameras with their awards, parents, and friends. May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 31

Congratulations,Graduates!

My wish for you is that you move confidently toward your dreams. Move forward and work hard for the life you imagine for yourself. Believe deeply that you can accomplish your goals and know that you are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to! “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11

District Judge Tiffany Foxworth

2021 Most Dependable Central High School 2021 Mr. and Ms. Central Private Lindsie Jackson and Cade Ross Camren Monson and Carleigh Shaffer

District Judge Tiffany Foxworth 32 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 33 Best Wishes to All of Central’s Graduates of 2021

Clerk of Court Doug Welborn and some members of his staff Graduation time fills our community with great pride. The family and friends of this year’s impres- sive list of graduates are filled with such joy. Our graduates have worked long and hard toward this goal, and the future holds tremendous promise for all those who have reached this important moment. I still remember the excitement that I felt upon joining my fellow graduates on the stage that night. After years of study and sports (My track days seem so long ago!), we were a little nervous but very opti- mistic and excited about what the future held. Even Clerk of Court Doug Welborn and family today, I remember the guidance and wisdom of so many who led by example and shaped our lives. Years later, I was filled with even more pride as I watched my daughters graduate from Central High. In the years since then, they have continued to make me just as proud as I was then. I know I join countless other parents here who realize how important a great school is to our community. In 1991, I had the privilege of becoming the first parishwide elected official from Central. In 2000, Central High Class of 1972 my induction into the Central High Hall of Fame was among the greatest honors of my life. I men- tion these achievements to illustrate what I want to assure you — that through hard work and determination, you can accomplish anything and assure for yourself a wonderful future! My congratulations and best wishes are with all members of the Class of 2021 in the Central community and throughout our parish. You have reached an important moment in your life! I hope that you enjoy your summer and the terrific future that lies ahead!

Clerk of Court Doug Welborn 34 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Central’s St. Joseph Academy Grads

Sophie André Kailee Ash Hayleigh Bercegeay Alexis Callihan Kaylan Callihan

Sydney Coxe Kaira Donaldson Mary Garnier Claire Lazaroe Lexie Lemoine

For more than 150 years, St. Joseph’s Acad- emy has stood as a pillar of excellence in the Baton Rouge community. Founded in 1868 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, this premier Catholic high school for young women is a place where the bonds of sisterhood run deep, sacred threads that connect our alumnae across generations and around the world. Over 10,000 graduates are leaders in business, industry, academia, government, their churches and communities. Gabrielle Morris Grace Pizzolato Haley Stevens

2021 Homeschool Graduate Parkview Eagles from Central

Trenton Brice 2021 Independant Homeschooler Bear Hays Logan Holmes Riley Williams

Istrouma High School 2021 Parkview Baptist School’s Christ-centered, pre-K – grade 12, college prepara- Watch tory education equips students with the intellectual, spiritual, social, physi- Istrouma High cal, and emotional skills necessary for college, for life, and for eternity. We Graduation are proud to be the only private school in Louisiana to receive national Blue Ceremonies Ribbon School recognition in 2019. May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 35 Central’s 2021 St. Michael’s Graduates

Logan Allemond Cole Foret Leah Gil Jalayah Harrell Tanner Pike

St. Michael is a co-educational, college preparatory school, grades 9-12, for students who are seeking a modern, com- prehensive Catholic education. With a passionate, expe- rienced faculty and a rich and challenging curriculum, St. Michael provides the ideal environment for students to achieve their full potential. Students are encouraged to work hard, to dream big, and to see academic success as an excit- ing and worthwhile pursuit. St. Michael the Archangel Dioc- esan Regional Catholic High School was established in 1984 by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge. Patrick Tate Codi Williams Central’s Catholic School High Bears

Brock Boudreaux Christian Greenblatt Christian Mannino Christian Sanford Grant LeSage

FOUNDED IN 1894 by the religious order of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Catholic High School continues today as an independent, Catholic, all-male college preparatory high school. As in- dicated in its mission statement, Cath- olic High School strives to teach gospel values in an environment of academic excellence according to Catholic tradition and the spirit of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. James Doucet Michael Vallet Peter Vallet

WHAT IS THE CENTRAL CITY NEWS? It’s a newspaper published for the people of the City of Central, Louisiana. The Louisiana Press Association has named it the outstanding community newspaper in the state six of the past 10 years. But it’s more than a newspaper. It’s a news gathering and distribu- tion company. It uses print and digital to distribute news and information. It produces more than 300 videos a year, and it has multiple websites and Facebook pages. More than 4 million people a year watch its videos. To keep up with the Central City News, go to Central City News on Facebook, visit our website at centralcitynews.us, and research local topics in our archives at centralcitynews.net. 36 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Charles T. Kinsley Award Recipients

Nah’Landri Stinson Gabe Patterson with Principal LaGroue Destiney Gary Morgan Rabalais with Principal LaGroue Charles T. Kinsley Recipient Charles T. Kinsley Recipient Charles T. Kinsley Recipient Charles T. Kinsley Recipient Charles T. Kinsley’s Wife Sue Turns 90 Years Old sity). There was a card game going of 1955 when Mr. Kinsley became apparent heart attack. Mr. Kinsley on with several students, including part of the Central HIgh School was only 45 years old. It was a hers, at the Student Union and he faculty, having been recruited to great loss to Central High School joined in. coach the varsity men’s basketball and the Central community. They dated for awhile but, she team. He eventually also served Every November Central High says, not that seriously. In 1951, the school as a teacher, counselor, hosts a basketball tournament in Mr. Charlie Kinsley was drafted and principal. Mr. Kinsley’s honor. The last tour- into the Army for the Korean War, Sue Don continued her teach- nament, held in November 2020, and they lost track of each other. ing career. After leaving Istrouma was the 42nd Annual Charles T. However, when he was discharged High, she taught at Istrouma Junior Kinsley Memorial Basketball from the Army, he returned to High, then Park Forest Elementa- Tournament. Southeastern to complete his col- ry. She taught Physical Education The Kinsleys moved from their lege degree. at each of these schools. In 1973, home in Glen Oaks in 1965 to their He wondered if Sue Don was she came to Central Middle School home in Central, where Mrs. Kins- available to date, or had she got- where she taught Louisiana His- ley still resides today. ten married while he was in the tory and eventually became the Sue Don has three grown chil- service. So, he got a friend of his Librarian. She stayed there until dren, all of whom have families of to phone Sue Don’s mother and their own — daughter Susan Kin- find out if she was still single. sley Kolb. son Charlie Kinsley, Jr., By then, Sue Don had graduated and daughter Kathy Kinsley Ed- Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Kinsley from college and had taught P.E. at gens. All of her children still reside Hahnville High School. Then, she CENTRAL— Sue Don Peel Kin- in Central. sley was born in Jonesville, Loui- moved back to Baton Rouge and She has seven grandchildren had started teaching at her old high and seven great-grandchildren. siana, May 12, 1931, the third of school alma mater, Istrouma. five children. She and her family Relieved to find out that Sue moved to Baton Rouge in the mid- Don was still single, Charlie asked 1940’s for her father’s work. In her out for a date. As they say, the Charles T. Kinsley is Baton Rouge, she graduated from rest is history. remembered every Istrouma High School and then On June 4, 1954 the two were went on to Hammond to attend married at Istrouma Baptist Church year at the Charles and graduate from Southeastern T. Kinsey Basketball Louisiana College, where she was at the old Tecumseh Street location a chee. It was there she met her fu- in Baton Rouge. Tournament at Central Since Mr. Kinsley had been High School. Held ture husband, Charles T. Kinsley, raised Episcopalian and she had SUE PEEL (1st row, left to right), the fu- Sr., who was attending Southeast- ture Mrs. Charles T. Kinsley, is shown with in late November or ern on a basketball scholarship. been raised Baptist, the couple de- Peggy Walsh and Rita Scofield, and (2nd cided to come to a compromise on row) Herbert Woods, Brewster Planche, early December, the Sue says she vividly remembers and Don Sullivan. her first meeting with Charlie Kin- their church affiliation and joined tourney features some sley at the Student Union on the the Methodist Church to raise their her retirement in the early 1990’s. of the best teams in children. Tragically, in the spring of 1974, Southeastern Louisiana College the region. campus (now, since 1970, named The couple’s attachment to the Mrs. Kinsley lost her beloved hus- Southeastern Louisiana Univer- Central community came in the fall band very unexpectedly after an

David P. Fargason, M.D. DavidDavid P.P. Fargason,Fargason, M.D.M.D. Victory Academyest.1980 RobertRobertRobert Geier,Geier,Geier, O.D.O.D.O.D. ervices: Services:ervices: MINISTRY OF VICTORY HARVEST CHURCH SS• NEW LASER Cataract/Implants • • NEW NEW Tecnis LASER LASER Multifocal Cataract/Implants Cataract/Implants and PRE-K - 8TH Tecnis ToricTecnis Lenses Multifocal Multifocal for Astigmatism and and • Glaucoma/Laser Toric Toric Lenses Lenses for for Astigmatism Astigmatism “A love for learning brings us together ••• Glaucoma/Laser LASIKGlaucoma/Laser BLADE FREE ••• LASIK EyeLASIK Examinations BLADE BLADE FREE FREE a desire for excellence sets us apart.” ••• Eye ContactEye Examinations Examinations Lenses ••• Contact OpticalContact Lenses Lenses •• Optical Optical • Diabetic Eye Exams David P. Fargason, MD •• Diabetic Diabetic Eye Eye Exams Exams DavidDavid P. P. Fargason, Fargason, MD MD 3953 N. Flannery Rd. all to Schedule Your Eye Exam allall to to Schedule Schedule Your Your Eye Eye Exam Exam 225.262.8141 225-272-8339 225.262.8141225.262.8141 Central Professional Plaza Non-discriminatory admissions policy CentralCentral11424 Professional Professional Sullivan Road Plaza Plaza 1142411424 Sullivan Sullivan Road Road May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 37 Central High 2008 Graduate Dr. Justin Creel Walked Down Memory Lane at Rip’s Studio ZACHARY — Dr. Justin Creel At the time of the original pho- pulled the door open to Rip’s Pho- to, Creel was a decorated infielder tography Studio in Zachary owned on his way to making All-District, by Rip Rittell and was immediate- All-Metro and All-State in his se- ly hit with a wave of nostalgia. nior year. Baseball would take him Everything seemed so very fa- on an extended adventure to North- miliar. Had it really been 13 years? east Texas Community College On this day, and then to Coastal Carolina Uni- Creel had an versity where he was a two-year appointment starter on a team that was laying for a promo- the foundation for a national cham- tional photo pionship. Several of his teammates as part of the were on the 2016 NCAA National beginning of Championship team when Coastal his medical Carolina won it all. By that time career. Creel was immersed in his studies Creel will at LSU Medical School in Shreve- be joining Dr. port, but he certainly felt a great Laurie Har- deal of pride as his former team- rington at Ad- mates celebrated. Dr. Justin Creel vanced Der- Creel managed to carry a 4.0 Central High Graduate matology/ through his entire academic ca- Renaissance Medical Spa in Zach- reer, graduating summa cum laude ary this summer after completing while juggling a Division baseball his dermatology residency at LSU schedule and a major in biology. School of Medicine. But he could “I think about those days and not help but think about his last how fortunate I was to have been visit to the studio. Young Dr. Justin Creel found some jewels on the wall of Rip’s Photography able to play college baseball at that level. It was a special time in my He surveyed the room as he was bursting into flames. Rip doesn’t seem to have aged a walked in and saw it — that pic- life and I played with and against a For a high school senior, the day, it does remind me of just how lot of guys who made it to the ma- ture from 13 years ago — dis- “cool” factor was off the charts. “I long I’ve been away and how great played prominently on the wall. jors. But my end goal was always could not believe that picture was it feels to have made my way back to go to medical school and become The young high school senior in still hanging on the wall,” Creel home.” the picture, in his Central Wildcat a doctor. It really is a dream come said. “My ‘baseball flame’ master- Creel is a Central native, born true for me to be home and practic- baseball uniform, was swinging a piece. Rip and I both got a kick out and raised, and his wife Samantha bat, making contact, and through ing dermatology in the place where of the reunion and even took a new is from Zachary, a graduate of the my roots run deep,” Creel said. the miracles of technology the ball picture to commemorate. Although rival Zachary High School. Kendal Crawford Earns Belinda Blackburn, Robert Carroll III to Wed on June 12 Degree from LSU’s BATON ROUGE — Belinda and practiced singer-song- Blackburn and Robert Car- writer. Robert is a 2008 Health Services College roll III have announced their graduate of Tioga High engagement. School and served 7 years Belinda is the daughter of in the 2228th Military Police Robert Blackburn and Kerri Company. Haegwood of Little Rock, The wedding will be June AR. Robert is the son of 12 at 2 o’clock in the event- Robert II and Darlynn Car- ing at Memorial Park in Nat- roll of Zachary, LA. Belinda chez, MS. Reception to fol- is a 2014 graduate of Little low at Haney’s Big House in Robert Carroll III and Belinda Blackburn Rock Central High School Ferriday, LA.

Kendal Crawford BATON ROUGE — Kendal Craw- ford is a May 2021 graduate of the LSU School of Dental Hygiene. She is the daughter of Larry and Vickie Crawford and the grand- daughter of Jimmie and Jerry Tarv- er, Jodie Mae Crawford, and the late Bob Crawford, all of Central.

WATCH Central High Football This Fall at Central City News on Facebook 38 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021

Holmes, Graham Led Effort to Bypass Vote of People Central Community School Board Votes to Raise Taxes by $750,000

— Proponents of Raising the Property Tax — Photos by Jolice Provost Jolice by Photos

City Councilman Dave Freneaux School Board member Dr. Keith Holmes proposed the tax increase. Board member Phil Graham made case for tax. — Opponents of Raising the Property Tax —

Wayne Leader said people are hurting. Wayne Messina said let people vote. Board members Ruby Foil and Sharon Browning opposed the tax increase. CENTRAL — The Central Com- Phil Graham, who was recently ap- Board member Sharon Browning Holmes, and Dr. David Walker NO munity School Board voted 5-2 to pointed to the board, said they were said, “I will not vote to roll forward - Sharon Browning and Ruby Foil raise property taxes in Central by afraid of losing some of their tax- the taxes. Since Central School - Passed 5-2 - It required a 2/3rds $750,000 a year. It was the first ing authority unless the millage was System began, this board has never vote. time since the Central school sys- imposed. voted to roll forward taxes. By not tem was created that a tax has been Among the opponents, Wayne rolling forward the taxes, the school imposed or raised without a vote of Leader who owns storage facilities, board has gained the trust of the WATCH Central School Board the people. said many people in the community community. Let’s put it on the bal- debate on raising Supt. Jason Fountain said he are suffering and cannot pay their lot and let the voters give our school property taxes was not asking the board for the storage bills. It will be another tax people this raise they deserve.” without vote of increase. However, school board that is passed along to people who YES - Roxanne Atkinson, Dr. Jim people members Dr. Keith Holmes and cannot afford it. Gardner, Phil Graham, Dr. Keith

Photo of the first of two School Board meetings on raising the property tax. Board president Dr. Jim Gardner and Supt. Jason Fountain May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 39 Wildcat Baseball Senior Night 2021

#1 Landon Husser and his family. #9 Gabe Patterson and his family. #7 Warren Townsend

#13 Colby Curcio and his family. #21 Dominic Dotson and his family. #20 Brodie Demoulin and his family.

#5 Connor Cassels and his family. #10 Jeremy Wise and his family. #6 Tyler Furr and his family.

2021 Central High Baseball Senior Night

Photos by Mandy Walters 40 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Central High Defeated Hahnville for 5A Bi-District Title, Rose in Playoffs

The Wildcats move ahead early against the Hahnville Tigers in the first round of the playoffs (left). Wildcat second baseman Caleb Callendar #5 and shortstop Tyler Walters (left/center). At bat #9 Gabe Patterson (right/center). First baseman #10 Jeremy Wise in action (right).

Gabe Patterson with a stand up double (left). #17 Jimmy Johnson came away with the win for the Wildcats (left/center). Grayden Harris was the closing pitcher (right/center). Tyler Walters with a solid bunt (right);

Excited with the big win over Hahnville the Cenral Wildcats moved on the the second round of the playoffs where they won the series against the Ruston Bearcats 2-1. In the quarter finals they faced Sam Houston in Lake Charles

Coach Leo McClure and #32 Grayden Harris (left). Landon Husser safe at third base (left/center). Wildcats bring in 3 runs in the third inning (center). #17 Jimmy Johnson at bat (right/center). #5 Connor Cassels at third (right). May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 41 Central High Defeated Hahnville for 5A Bi-District Title, Rose in Playoffs

Photos by Jolice Provost for Central City News

Watch CHS v. Hahnville

Coach Leo McClure and #32 Grayden Harris (left). Landon Husser safe at third base (left/center). Wildcats bring in 3 runs in the third inning (center). #17 Jimmy Johnson at bat (right/center). #5 Connor Cassels at third (right). 42 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Central High School Senior Awards

Patricia Green Morgan Pizzalato Kyle Stewart Khloe Wilson Joshua Cooper Sydney Dalrymple French IV Award Determination to Succeed English IV Award Distinguished DE Award Cooperative Mathematics Silks Senior Award

Khloe Wilson Hunter Hawkins Josh Schopp Alana Huff Gabrielle Thibodeaux English IV Award Financial Literacy Award English IV Award Algebra II Award Captain’s Award Early Institutionalization of Children a Great Concern Continued from Page 5 are in Louisiana who would be af- keep our babies at home until age 7. It doesn’t matter if it’s a day care fected by this legislation and he This bill would take that right away. center or a public or a private facil- does not know! I want to refer you to the Loui- ity, a kindergarten or a preschool. You asked him, “Are they from siana Children’s Code. Look at the It doesn’t matter if it’s a Christian poor backgrounds?” He does not Preamble. It sets the policy on the school or a Catholic school. It know! They do not know! relation between parents and chil- doesn’t matter what the philosophy They are making this whole argu- dren in our state. Here is a key part of the school is. It doesn’t matter ment that this is going to save these of it: how qualified the teachers are or children when they don’t know “The people of Louisiana recog- how wonderful the facilities are. It how many there are or who they nize the family as the most funda- doesn’t matter about the great phi- are or what their circumstances are. mental unit of human society and losophy of the school. And they are coming at this from that preserving families is essential Why? Because the main influ- a flawed presumption that kinder- to a free society... Parents should ence in these early years in these in- garten is going to help these children make the decisions regarding where stitutional settings is the other chil- educationally. The data shows that and with whom the child should re- dren, and what the children learn at by age 8 it does not matter whether side, the educational, moral, ethical, ages 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 is that what you went to kindergarten or not! and religious training of the child.” matters is what the other children But the data also shows that ear- That’s the responsibility of the think! What your peers think. FIRST GRADERS waiting to see graduat- ly schooling or institutionalization parent, and it’s recognized under They learn what’s important is ing seniors in May 2019. leads to peer dependency which Louisiana law. what your peers think — not what any sense at all! leads right into 12, 13, and 14 year I know there’s a whole group of your parents think but what your I want to say how much respect I olds getting into early sex, pornog- people who are vested and have a peers think. By age 12, 13, 14, have for Sen. Fields. He is always raphy, sex, drugs, and alcohol. financial interest in early childhood. and 15, that becomes a tremendous so kind and good to work with, and Keep your babies at home — if I understand that, but you as a legis- problem. Peer dependency is devel- I mean that very sincerely. But you you choose! lator are here not to represent them oped in the critical preschool years asked him how many students there Right now, we have the right to but to represent our ordinary citi- — 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. zens. Now when we saying that all the This bill would take away the learning is occurring before age 5 right of parents to make those deci- and 6, that’s largely true. However, sions. that doesn’t mean that a school is The bill has an exception for the best place to develop education. homeschooling. I am all for home- In fact, the research shows that in schooling. I authored the first bill any normal household, the home is in the nation that legalized home the richest place for early childhood schooling, and we passed that here education. in 1980. However, a parent should In my case, none of my children not have to go through the rigamaro went to kindergarten. I didn’t go and a ruse of filing with the home- to kindergarten. And we’ve done schooling program just to be able very well. You must realize there to keep their child at home until he are thousands of parents in this state starts the first grade. who don’t believe they should send The bill is unnecessary. Kinder- their children to kindergarten. garten is being offered all over the I would say the most irresponsi- state. This bill is not about offering ble parents certainly would be get- kindergarten. This bill is about com- ting rid of their kids as soon as they pulsion and taking away paretnal can. Do you really think it is the rights. No bill in the current legisla- irresponsible parents who are keep- tive session makes a greater assault ing their children at home until they CENTRAL HIGH SENIORS OF 2019 walked through Bellingrath Hills Elementary on parent rights than SB 10 by Sen. start school? That doesn’t make School in May 2019. They were greeted by the first graders. Cleo Fields. It should be defeated. May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 43 Meet Victory Academy Volleyball, Basketball Teams and Managers

Photo by Jolice Provost Jolice by Photo Watch Meeting

CONSERVATIVE LEADERS — Rep. Beryl Amedee (R-Houma) and Claston Bernard, two of the brightest young conservative leaders in the state are making their voices heard at the State Capitol. Bernard has just be appointed to the Louisiana Commission on Civic Education by Attorney General Jeff Landry. Both spoke at Reagan Luncheon May 11.

Status of Key Legislation of Interest to Families and Small Business — Still Alive in 2021 Regular Session —

• HB 599 ELECTION LAW by Rep. Valarie Hodges — Reform of elec- VICTORY ACADEMY VOLLEYBALL TEAM - (1st Row) Abby Cornelius, Paulina tion laws in Louisiana, providing Republican and Democratic parties Nguyen, Karmen LeSage, and Yara Robillard. (2nd row) Bailee McCoy, Maddie Taylor, to have right to name watchers at each early voting site and at each Wesleigh Doughty, Kaelyn Vitrano, Madyson Clements, Layla Engels, Gracie Doughty. precinct in state. Provide backup paper ballots to verify voting ma- chine totals, prohibit internet access to voting machines, require all servers in State of Louisiana. Passed out of House and Governmen- tal. Pending on Final Passage on House floor. • HR 20 DISCLOSURE THAT VACCINES ARE VOLUNTARY by Rep. Kathy Edmonston — To direct all schools in state to notify parents that vaccines are voluntary. Passed Committee and House Floor. • HB 349 BAN VACCINE PASSPORTS by Rep. Kathy Edmonston — To prohibit La. drivers licenses from indicating whether a person has been vaccinated, in order to prohibit vaccine passports. Passed House Transportation Committee 10-0 and House floor 71-18. Now pending in Senate. Call Senators. • SB 542 LIMIT WOMEN’S SPORTS TO BIOLOGICAL WOMEN by Sen. Beth Mizell — Enact the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act to provide that women will not have to compete against biological men in women’s sports at the high school and collegiate levels. The bill cites lan- VICTORY ACADEMY BASKETBALL TEAM - (1st row) - Paulina Nguyen, Gracie guage from the U.S. Supreme Court which recognizes the inherent dif- Doughty, and Abby Cornelius. (2nd row) Coach Inga Harrouch, Maddie Taylor, Emma ferences between men and women. Passed Senate committee, Senate Mancuso, Kiaya Wright, Hannah Dunn, Elisha Hodges, Miriam Reynerson, Madyson floor, and House committee. Now pending on House floor. Clements, and Team Manager Wesleigh Doughty • HCR 5 PROHIBIT PROSECUTION OF PASTORS FOR HOLDING CHURCH by Sen. Danny McCormick — Passed House committee, Classifieds now pending on House floor. $6 for first 10 words. $10 for 11 to 20 words, $15 for 21 to 30 words. $20 for 31 to 40 words. $25 for one column inch classified display ad. Call 261-5055. Must be paid in advance. To pay by credit card, go to www. centralcitynews.us and click “Pay Now” on the left. Then email ad copy to centralci- City of Central [email protected]. Or mail or hand deliver check and ad copy to Central City News, 910 N. Foster, Baton Rouge 70806 Business Directory CHRISTIAN LADY HOUSE 3 months @$50/month • 12 months @$42/month CLEANING: Call Norma at 261-3754. [email protected] HOUSE WASHING SERVICE: Isaac’s House Washing Service call us for a quote 225-400-3583. Automotive Carpet Cleaning ITEMS FOR SALE: Kentwood Wa- ter Cooler - $20, old gas dryer - FREE, 5-step above ground pool ladder $20, North - Airline & BayouSteam men’s button up shirts (L/XL/XXXL) Choctaw Carpet, Upholstery, - $1 each, Jeep body parts - make of- 225-927-2311 fer. Call Sharon 225-261-6928. Tile & Grout Cleaning South - Airline GARAGE SALE: Neighborhood & Cloverland Locally owned and operated wide Garage Sale in Bridlewood Sub- 225-751-3656 VICTORY ACADEMY — Bailee Mc- division off Hooper Rd. Friday, May 225-955-6955 Coy and Wesleigh Doughty of Victory 21st - Saturday, May 22nd from 7-4 Academy’s volleyball and basketball p.m.. RAIN OR SHINE!!! Tons of Electrical Dirt Work teams

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Parking Lot Lights, Security Lights, and Video Parking Lot Lights, Security Lights, and Video 225-261-3953 225-921-2633 Go to centralcitynews.net 44 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Sterlington Town Officials Heap Praise on Jr. Shelton for Saving Town from Collapse Continued from Page 6 massive ballparks in their cities, creating unexpected competition they would be taken care of, but for Sterlington. also to give us some time to put Beyond the decisions of the everything in place. former Mayor and Council, many “Starting with the good ideas of people involved in town govern- the Board of Aldermen, we devel- ment today point to the Louisiana oped a plan,” Shelton said. “The Bond Commission as a large part Board had already raised sew- of the problem. er fees. They had a forbearance The Bond Commission was cre- agreement with the bond holders. ated to make sure that bonds issued We worked on a plan to make sure by the State of Louisiana and its all sales tax revenues went to pay political subdivisions make sense bonded indebtedness. We devel- and can be serviced. oped procedures for paying down How the Bond Commission operating expenses. Perhaps the could go so far wrong has not been most difficult thing was imposing a disclosed. To allow a small town one-cent sales tax in the Entertain- with fewer than 2,000 residents to ment District. The tax is only paid issue $21 million in bonds. by people who go to convenience The former Mayor of Sterling- stores and restaurants. However, ton, Vern Breland, was well known these are the very people who are in the state and politically influen- drawn to Sterlington by the ball tial. He had even served as Presi- parks.” dent of the Louisiana Municipal “Today, Sterlington is in a very Association. different place from when we be- Many people blame the State gan this process. There is a plan in Bond Commission for approving place. There are processes and pro- bonds that couldn’t be serviced. cedures in place. All of our bond Others say you can’t blame the obligations are being met, and we FISCAL ADMINISTRATOR — Former Central Mayor Jr. Shelton was in effect the bond commission because lending are paying operating expenses as Mayor and Town Council in the Town of Sterlington near Monroe for the past two years. banks apparently thought the proj- they come due. Furthermore, we His job was to take the town from the edge of bankruptcy with $21 million in debt to a ects were good enough to make the have $500,000 in the bank! That’s place where they could function normally. That job was accomplished. loans. Others blamed the banks for not a lot but Sterlington is well on not doing their due diligence. Oth- the road to being a municipality ers say look to those who gave the that is financially sound." HHH This is yet another example of how fiscal administra- banks bad information. tion can help in a disastrous situation. Of course, Ster- In any case, the taxpayers of Alderman Matt Talbert said, lington should have never been in the situation to begin Sterlington are now on the hook “Even though Mayor Jr. Shelton for debts that were supposed to be had total authority over our town, “with. The numbers were wrong from the beginning and presented a false picture of the future, inflated revenues paid from self-generated funds, he didn’t approach it that way. On and neither the state nor the banks his first visit, we sat down and he and deflated expenses. I’m very proud of the work Mayor have lost a penny. said, ‘Look, I want your input and Shelton has accomplished and also very thankful to the HHH ideas. When I leave, you’ll have to town aldermen for their willingness to participate. In Sterlington, life goes on. The live here and be part of this town.’” — Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera controversy over the ball parks and Alderman Talbert said, “From higher sewer fees and sales taxes Day One, he made himself avail- has subsided. The current contro- able to us — day and night. He ” versy is about low income housing gave us his cell number and his made some years ago was to an- Sterlington. nex property along Hwy. 165. The HHH moving into town. email. We could call him at any The residents keep working. A time and we did! We spent hun- community doesn’t have a down- How did Sterlington get in so town or a city center, and the busi- much trouble? That is a question few new businesses are springing dreds of hours on the phone brain- up. Sterlington Alderman Zach storming about what might work nesses along Hwy. 165 are essen- that could end up in a court of law, tial to serve the community and to since the former Mayor has a pend- Howze started a new business him- and what might not work.” self. After 15 years in child care, “Being an Alderman in Sterling- provide sales tax revenues to the ing charge against him of malfea- town.” . sance in office. he decided to become a restaura- ton is hard work, but all of us also teur. “Can you image getting into have full-time jobs or businesses. Literally across the street from However, one thing seems cer- the Town of Sterlington is the An- tain: The numbers used to jus- the restaurant business in the midst When Mayor Shelton came to of a pandemic!” he laughed. town, he tried to meet with us at gus Chemical Plant, owned by tify the issuance of $21 million Dow Chemical. It’s been there in bonds to pay for ballparks and His pizzeria offers pizza, burg- our convenience — before work or ers, and wings. His wife, a hair at night, whenever we could make since 1930 and provides 204 full- sewer improvements could not time and contract jobs. This makes reasonably have been expected to stylist, just quit her job and works ourselves available,” he said. with Zach at the pizzeria. Talbert said, “As a first-time al- a tremendous impact on the local generate enough revenue to ser- HHH economy. However, because it is vice the bonds. Add to that the derman, I learned invaluable les- Alderman Howze said Covid sons from him. He taught us how outside the city limits, the plant fact that nearly Ruston and Mon- does not pay taxes to the Town of roe also spent large sums to build ended up being a blessing for Ster- government works. He is not one lington — a terrible blessing in to come with his idea and say that’s disguise. He said, “It showed us the way it will be. He listened to what a wonderful town we live in our ideas, and if our ideas were and how much we love each other. better, he went with them.” HHH We have really rallied together!” “I believe the future of Sterling- Mayor Shelton said, “The most ton is bright. However, we have important thing we had going for to decide whether we will slip back us was that we had good people to into the good ole boy politics of the work with who loved their com- past or set new standards for our- munity and wanted to find realistic selves and our community going solutions.” forward. This will be decided by Shelton said Sterlington has the people who get involved and much in common with Central, try to make a difference. It will be although it is much smaller. The interested to see where the people town is composed of hard-working want Sterlington to go in the next conservative, Christian people who election in October 2022.” greatly value their public schools, HHH which are outstanding. The town Mayor Shelton said a number of is 84 percent white, 12 percent other municipalities across Louisi- black, and 4 percent Latin. ana are in trouble too. Some have Sterlington was incorporated Fiscal Administrators and others in 1961. Shelton said, “One of CONGRATULATIONS — On election night 2014, Central Mayor-elect Jr. Shelton was are on the verge of it. He said some the smart decisions Sterlington congratulated by David Barrow, who later served as Shelton’s executive assistant. Bar- row defeated Shelton in the Mayor’s race in 2018. See MAYOR on Page 46 May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 45

Attorney General Says Governor’s Orders Unconstitutional Prosecution of Rev. Spell Is Illegal Continued from Page 4 meet that burden even if they did. see also Fluker Cmty. Church “It is established in our strict v. Hitchens, 419 So. 2d 445, 447 scrutiny jurisprudence that ‘a law (La. 1982) (applying the federal cannot be regarded as protecting and state clauses in parallel). an interest “of the highest order” . Just last week, the Supreme . . when it leaves appreciable dam- Court expanded on Roman Catho- age to that supposedly vital inter- lic Diocese’s holding by issuing an est unprohibited.’” Lukumi Ba- injunction in favor of a California balu Aye, 508 U.S. at 547 (quoting pastor who desired to hold prayer Florida Star v. B.J.F., 491 U.S. meetings in his home, which a 524, 541–542 (1989) (Scalia, J., State emergency order prohibited. concurring in part and concurring Tandon v. Newsom, No. 20A151, in judgment)); see also Republi- 2021 WL 1328507, at *1 (U.S. Apr. can Party of Minnesota v. White, 9, 2021). Citing Roman Catho- 536 U.S. 765, 783 (2002) (signifi- lic Diocese, the majority held that cantly under inclusive laws fail “government regulations are not strict scrutiny, as under inclusive- neutral and generally applicable, ness proves that any restriction on and therefore trigger strict scrutiny First Amendment rights is not vital under the Free Exercise Clause, and casts doubt on the purported whenever they treat any compara- reasons for enacting such restric- ble secular activity more favorably tions). than religious exercise.” Id. at *1 The fact that several businesses (emphasis added). “It is no answer continued operating—with few that a State treats some comparable or no capacity restrictions—un- secular businesses or other activi- dercuts the argument that having ties as poorly as or even less fa- a large number of people within vorably than the religious exercise one building was an unacceptable at issue.” Id.; see also Roberts v. risk. The Governor did not decide Neace, 958 F.3d 409, 413 (6th Cir. to prohibit all large gatherings of 2020) (“[T]he more exceptions to people under one roof as categori- a prohibition, the less likely it will Attorney General Jeff Landry says Rev. Spell’s prosecution is unconstitutional. cally dangerous. Thus, targeting count as a generally applicable, and shutting down religious servic- non-discriminatory law.”). es cannot have been necessary to To pass strict scrutiny, any To prosecute Pastor Spell, the prosecution must contain the spread of COVID-19. non-neutral restriction on religion first discard his religious liberties guaranteed by the Other federal courts have re- “must be justified by a compel- First Amendment, the Louisiana Constitution, and the cently struck down or granted ling governmental interest,” and “Louisiana Preservation of Religious Freedom Act. injunctions blocking the enforce- the law “must be narrowly tailored ment of similar COVID-19 restric- to advance that interest.” Lukumi The prosecution would also have to imbue Governor tions on narrow tailoring grounds. Babalu Aye, 508 U.S. at 531–32. Edwards with broad executive authority to create See Calvary Chapel Dayton This is a demanding test by design; criminal penalties—something that state law and the Valley v. Sisolak, 982 F.3d 1228, laws that are non-neutral with re- state constitution expressly forbids. 1234 (9th Cir. 2020) (“The Direc- spect to religion “will survive strict tive—although less restrictive in scrutiny only in rare cases.” Id. at — Attorney General Jeff Landry some respects than the New York 546 (quoted in Spell v. Edwards, regulations reviewed in Roman Catholic Diocese—is not narrow- 962 F.3d 175, 181 (5th Cir. 2020) with respect to religion. Although Governor” Edwards’ proclama- (Ho, J., concurring)). In the CO- ly tailored.”); First Pentecostal one of the proclamations allowed tions are extremely similar to other Church of Holly Springs v. City VID-19 context, “narrow tailoring people to leave their homes for States’ orders recently found non- requires the government to show of Holly Springs, Miss., 959 F.3d travel “to and from an individual’s neutral by the Supreme Court. The 669, 670 (5th Cir. 2020); Roberts, that measures less restrictive of the place of worship,” 33 JBE 2020 facts of Roman Catholic Diocese, First Amendment activity could not 958 F.3d at 413–14; Tabernacle § 3(E), this meant little in light which allowed only 10 people to Baptist Church, Inc. of Nicholas- address its interest in reducing the of the proclamation’s ban on reli- gather in any house of worship spread of COVID.” Tandon, 2021 ville v. Beshear, 459 F. Supp. 3d gious “gathering[s]” of more than but allowed essential businesses 847, 855 (E.D. Ky. 2020) (“If so- WL 1328507, at *2. “Where the 10 people—regardless of the size to remain open, are directly on government permits other activi- cial distancing is good enough for of the building in which they gath- point. See Roman Catholic Dio- Home Depot and Kroger, it is good ties to proceed with precautions, ered, id. § 2. cese, 141 S. Ct. at 66.3 By fail- it must show that the religious ex- enough for in-person religious ser- The proclamations contain ing to treat religious gatherings on vices which, unlike the foregoing, ercise at issue is more dangerous many of exceptions for hundreds of par with business operations, the than those activities even when the benefit from constitutional protec- businesses that were not extended challenged proclamations reveal tion.”). These cases all reach simi- same precautions are applied.” Id. to religious institutions. “Normal themselves as non-neutral toward B. The Governor’s orders are lar conclusions: While slowing the operations” at locations including religion. Accordingly, the procla- spread of COVID-19 is a legiti- not neutral with respect to religion “office buildings, factories or man- mations must survive strict scru- because they treat religious gath- mate interest, any law that restricts ufacturing facilities, [and] grocery tiny to pass constitutional muster. religious gatherings more harshly erings less favorably than secular stores” were not disrupted, even C. The proclamations cannot businesses. than necessary is constitutionally though such buildings frequently withstand strict scrutiny because doomed. The Governor has the power hold large crowds of people. Id.; lesser restrictions could have under Louisiana law to declare The Governor has further un- see also 30 JBE 2020 (exempting slowed the spread of COVID, as dermined his emergency procla- public health emergencies and to “shopping centers or malls, office they did in businesses. issue orders designed to combat mations by not only allowing, but buildings . . . or grocery and depart- The Governor’s proclamations commending, large protests dur- those emergencies—but he has no ment stores” from capacity limita- cannot survive strict scrutiny be- power to ignore the First Amend- ing the COVID-19 pandemic. “It tions). All businesses designated as cause they are not narrowly tai- is common knowledge, and eas- ment. See La. R.S. 29:721 et seq.; “essential” remained in full opera- lored to further a compelling gov- Sterling v. Constantin, 287 U.S. ily proved, that protestors do not tion, with no capacity limitations. ernment interest. There is no doubt comply with social distancing re- 378, 397 (1932) (explaining that, 33 JBE 2020 § 3.2 These included that slowing the spread of COVID if executive proclamations could quirements.” Spell v. Edwards, large retail stores such as Walmart is a compelling government inter- 962 F.3d at 182 (Ho, J., concur- override the Bill of Rights, even and Lowe’s, which occupy build- est, but the proclamations were not in an emergency, then “the fiat of a ring). But when Louisianans pub- ings that routinely hold hundreds narrowly tailored to serve that in- licly protested in the aftermath of state Governor, and not the Consti- of people at a time. Meanwhile, terest: They placed restrictions on tution of the United States, would George Floyd’s death, the Gover- church buildings—even cathedrals religious gatherings that were more nor praised citizens for “‘appropri- be the supreme law of the land”). with space to seat hundreds— burdensome than the restrictions on Indeed, even the emergency pow- ately expressing their concerns and could not host gatherings larger businesses. Neither the Governor exercising their First Amendment ers he invokes acknowledge con- than 10 people. The proclamation nor the prosecution have even tried stitutional limitations, though they Rights.’” Id. (quotation omitted). advanced no scientific explana- to meet their burden to prove that The Governor correctly stated that would exist regardless. See La. tion for why church gatherings are the religious gatherings presented R.S. 29:736(D). those protestors were exercising more dangerous than congregating a greater danger than the secu- their constitutional rights. Spell The Governor’s proclama- in the check-out line at a Walmart lar gatherings allowed under the tions at issue here are not neutral or Home Depot. proclamations, but they could not See ATTORNEY on Page 46 46 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021 Attorney General’s Opinion Raises Doubt Continued from Page 45 ognized the limits on the Gover- - and his congregation - simply nor’s emergency powers. 676, 687 wished to do the same. If a large- (emphasis added), writ denied sub scale political protest can take nom. La. Hosp. Ass’n v. State ex place and be justified in the midst rel. Dep’t of Ins., 2015-0215 (La. of a pandemic, so can a church 5/1/15), 169 So. 3d 372. Emergen- service. The proclamations were cies demand prompt action, but not narrowly tailored to further the they do not destroy limited, consti- government’s compelling interest. tutional government. They effectively picked “winners Therefore, even putting Pas- and losers” based not on objective tor Spell’s right to religious free- safety factors, such as the presence dom aside, the prosecution lacks or absence of social distancing, but the power to prosecute him under rather on the motivation behind a these proclamations. Interpreting gathering. They cannot stand under the challenged proclamations here the First Amendment. to restrict Pastor Spell’s behavior D. The prosecution’s counter ar- would be contrary to Louisiana’s guments are unavailing in light of own statutes limiting the Governor’s recent Supreme Court opinions. emergency powers. Pastor Spell The prosecution is wrong to ar- cannot have committed any crime. gue that Pastor Spell’s First Amend- If the Governor claims authority to ment challenge has already been create laws with criminal penalties, settled in other courts. See Opposi- he exceeds the scope of his power. tion at 10–11. It cites only one de- ATTORNEY GENERAL JEFF LANDRY has filed an amicus brief supporting Rev. To prosecute Pastor Spell, the cision from the Middle District of Tony Spell who is facing up to 18 years in prison for holding worship services in accor- prosecution must first discard his Louisiana—Spell v. Edwards, No. dance with the First Amendment but contrary to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ order banning religious liberties guaranteed by CV 20-00282-BAJ-EWD, 2020 WL churches from meeting. Landry previously came to the aid of Watson restaurant owner the First Amendment, the Louisi- 6588594, (M.D. La. Nov. 10, 2020). Danielle Bunch, who faces charges from the Governor. Shown with Cong. Clay Higgins. ana Constitution, and the Louisiana But that case is distinguishable on LOUISIANA’S PRESERVA- services was “the least restrictive Preservation of Religious Freedom two grounds. First, the case con- TION OF RELIGIOUS means” available to further its in- Act. The prosecution would also cerned an attempt by Pastor Spell FREEDOM ACT. terest in containing COVID. The have to imbue Governor Edwards and others to seek damages and Louisiana adopted the Preserva- Governor’s proclamations them- with broad executive authority to injunctive relief against the Gov- tion of Religious Freedom Act to selves contain no justification for create criminal penalties—some- ernor—a far cry from the criminal provide protections to religion “in such a burden. Thus, if there was thing that state law and the state prosecution of a pastor before this addition to the protections granted any doubt, state law expressly re- constitution expressly forbids. See court. Spell, 2020 WL 6588594, by the state and federal constitu- inforces the limits imposed by the Dr. G. H. Tichenor Antiseptic at *4. Second, that case noted ex- tions.” La. R.S. 13:5242. This stat- state and federal constitutions. The Co. v. Schwegmann Bros. Giant plicitly that the two proclamations ute reinforces the State and Fed- challenged proclamations violate Super Markets, 231 La. 51, 64, challenged here, 30 JBE 2020 and eral Constitutional protections of Pastor Spell’s right to free exercise 90 So. 2d 343, 347 (1956) (“It is 33 JBE 2020, had “expired.” Id. religious liberty and provides that of religion—a “fundamental right fundamental that legislative power, The federal district court therefore “Government shall not substan- of the highest order in this state.” conferred under constitutional pro- found the plaintiffs’ request for in- tially burden a person’s exercise of La. R.S. 13:5232. visions, cannot be delegated by the junctive relief “moot.” religion, even if the burden results III. STATE STATUTES Legislature either to the people or Also, the court’s analysis fo- from a facially neutral rule or a PROHIBIT THE GOVERNOR to any other body or authority.”). cused on a much later proclama- rule of general applicability” unless FROM ISSUING PROCLA- In the words of Justice Gorsuch, tion that allowed larger religious two conditions are met: (1) the ap- MATIONS THAT DIMINISH “while the pandemic poses many gatherings. See id. at *6 (discussing plication of the burden must be “in CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS grave challenges, there is no world 117 JBE 2020 (issued on Sept. 11, furtherance of a compelling gov- OR CREATE CRIMES, EVEN in which the Constitution tolerates 2020)). And the court’s constitu- ernmental interest” and (2) it must DURING AN EMERGENCY. color-coded executive edicts that tional analysis did not cite the two be “the least restrictive means of Louisiana law expressly states reopen liquor stores and bike shops proclamations challenged here at furthering that compelling govern- that, even in an emergency, the but shutter churches, synagogues, all. Therefore, the court did not set- mental interest.” La. R.S. 13:5233 Governor’s powers cannot super- and mosques.” Roman Cath. Dio- tle the question of whether 30 JBE (emphasis added). In short, any state sede the Constitution: “Nothing in cese, 141 S. Ct. at 72 (Gorsuch, J., 2020 and 33 JBE 2020 are consti- rule or law burdening religious ex- this Chapter shall be interpreted to concurring). tutional for the purposes of sustain- ercise must survive strict scrutiny.4 diminish the rights guaranteed to 2 The Governor did not expressing a criminal conviction. And the 4 The emergency powers acts all persons under the Declaration ly designate businesses as essential federal court did not address state permit certain enumerated actions of Rights of the Louisiana Consti- nor did he create any procedure to statutory limits at all. to have the “force and effect of law” tution or the Bill of Rights of the do so, leaving that decision vaguely In any event, even if the federal when included in an emergency United States Constitution.” La. open to interpretation. Instead he court had purported to resolve the proclamation, but the proclamation R.S. 29:736. This exception applies referenced federal guidance issued constitutionality of the Governor’s itself is not a law, would require to public health emergencies. La. by the Cybersecurity and Infra- proclamations, the United States Su- presentment and bicameral approv- R.S. 29:772. structure Security Agency (CISA). preme Court’s recent opinions—as al. This distinction is not central to Furthermore, under state law, Nothing in Louisiana law or regu- discussed above—would necessari- deciding the issue before this Court “[n]o executive order, proclama- lations adopts or implements this ly overrule the district court’s order. because the state PRFA restrictions tion, or regulation shall create or guidance. Tandon, 2021 WL 1328507, at *1; apply no matter how the restrictions define a crime or fix penalties.” CONCLUSION Roman Catholic Diocese, 141 S. are characterized. La. R.S. 29:724(E).6 Addition- This Court should reverse the Ct. at 66. The prosecution’s reliance The proclamations burden Pas- ally, the constitutional separation 21st Judicial District Court and on the district court case is there- tor Spell’s religious exercise and of powers doctrine remains in full quash the bills of information fore misplaced. The Governor’s or- therefore must survive strict scru- force during emergencies. La. R.S. against Pastor Spell. ders cannot survive strict scrutiny. tiny under Louisiana law.5 As de- 29:736(D). It is thus clear that Respectfully submitted: scribed above, the prosecution can- emergencies do not permit the Gov- II. THE GOVERNOR’S JEFF LANDRY not meet its heavy burden to show ernor to usurp legislative power. ATTORNEY GENERAL PROCLAMATIONS VIOLATE that the 10-person limit on religious This circuit has previously rec- Mayor Shelton Feels Future of Sterlington Is Great Continued from Page 44 They have the best interests of As to Jr. Shelton, Alderman and real hope for the future.” of them are dying cities where peo- their community at heart. They’ve Zach Howze said, “Mayor Shelton Howze said, “We loved having ple have moved away, leaving not learned a lot, and they have put in has done a fantastic job for us. He Jr. with us! We want to thank the enough residents to meet the obli- place safeguards on future offi- is a lifelong friend now. H e knew people of Central for sending him gations of the town. cials. I can’t say enough about the when to step in and when to let us to us. He is a true friend and men- What is future of Sterlington? Aldermen I have been privileged take the lead. He knew when to tor, and he has blessed us! He will Mayor Jr. Shelton said, “Un- to work with.” fight and when not to fight. Our be missed!” like some towns with fiscal prob- “After I wrap up my work in citizens really don’t know how in- Alderman Matt Talbert said, lems, Sterlington is not dying. In June, the Mayor and the Board strumental he has been in getting “Of course, we are all ready for fact, it is growing. Sterlington is a of Alderman must continue to be this done. People didn’t think we this to end, but we are not ready for wonderful community and a great frugal and conservative with their would back the Council, but he Mayor Shelton to stop coming up place to raise a family. I believe spending. If they do that, and I be- knew when to take the heat, and he here every week. He is an amazing it has a bright future! In addition, lieve they will, the Town of Ster- did. He never sought the limelight public servant, a mentor, and a true I have a high degree of confidence lington will be on solid ground for but focused on getting things done. friend. I don’t intend to lose that, in the current Board of Aldermen. the future!” He will leave us with policies in and I will stay in touch with him HHH place that have never been there for as long as possible.” May 2021 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 47 5,000-Seat Conference Center Nearing Completion at Life Tabernacle Church

Life Tabernacle bought an old airplane hangar.

In March, Pastor Tony Spell began developing it for conferences. The massive new conference center has been completely rebuilt. It is open air and overlooks the lake.

Life Tabernacle built new floor, walls, ceiling, and a movable stage. Rev. Spell cleaned the lake, built a bulkhead, and a walkway around the lake.

The Disney World-like setting will feature the transformed lake. Beyond the lake will be the Garden of Prayer and Chapel in the Woods.

The church’s gym faces Revolution Square. A new patio across the back of the gym will be called The Oasis.

REVOLUTION SQUARE — Life Tabernacle Church at Hooper and Blackwa- ter roads is developing its 41-acre property to include Revolution Square on five acres in the center of the property. It will include the 5,000-seat Brush REV. TONY SPELL and Sister Shaye Arbor Freedom Center, The Cafe, The Oasis, The Chapel in the Woods, The have led Life Tabernacle for 12 years, Garden of Prayer, and a 400x800 foot spring-fed lake. The Square is ex- never missing the three-times weekly services. During the pandemic, Life Taber- pected to be ready for Revolution National Youth Conference the church is nacle never closed. Rev. Spell now is one of the largest online Christian ministries in sponsoring June 30-July 4. For more information, go to ltcbr.com the United States. Services are broadcast by Central City News on Facebook. 48 CENTRAL CITY NEWS May 2021

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