General Excellence Press Association CENTRALCENTRAL CITYCITY National Newspaper Assn. Central’s Great Birthday Bash Central’s 12th Anniversary of Incorporation 5-10 p.m. July 15 Wildcat Stadium ® & The Leader NEWSNEWSJuly 2017 • Vol. 20, No. 7 • 16 Pages • Circulation 18,000 • 50,000 online • www.centralcitynews.us • 225-261-5055 Mayor Shelton Reports on Central’s 12th Anniversary

TheCentral Making State of the City Solid Recovery One Year After Historic Floods Editor BATON ROUGE — Central Mayor Jr. Shelton delivered his Annual State of the City of Central Report Tuesday on the 12th anniversary of the creation of the City of Central, July 11, 2005. The mayor reviewed the difficult year the city has experienced since the 1,000-year flood of August 2016 and the city’s efforts to help its citizens get back on their feet. Mayor Shelton invited everyone to Central’s annual Birthday Bash this Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium. The State of the City address was held at the Ronald Reagan News- maker Luncheon at Café Améric- Central Mayor Jr. Shelton with Sen. Bodi White, Cameron and Don St. Romain, and Supreme Court Justice Jeff Hughes ain. It is sponsored by the Repub- is very slow growth. In fact, it has around the state and nation at the 50 homes, and one of them was too lican Party of East Baton Rouge. grown by only one-half of one per- cities that are dying and ask them- important not to accept. That was In his address, the mayor an- cent in the past 10 years, he said. selves if that’s the kind of city they Shoecreek, which will be located swered critics who attack his pro- He said every city is either grow- want to live in. on the Central Thruway across growth policies, saying the reality ing or dying, and most cities are He said the Council has only ap- from Wal-Mart. “This development is that while Central is growing, it dying. He invited citizens to look proved three developments of over See MAYOR on Page 16 Faulk Led Way to Excellence for Central ertheless, after extensive interviews and Faulk Brought System public hearings, Faulk was selected and be- came the first employee of the new school system. From a Mere Concept Central was scheduled to take over the four public schools located in Central from To No. 2 in Louisiana the East Baton Rouge Parish School Sys- CENTRAL — Central schools Supt. Mike tem on July 1, 2007. At the time, EBR was Faulk, who built the Central Community struggling and ranked No. 58 out of Louisi- School System brick by brick from the ana’s 69 school systems. ground up, will resign his position De- The four existing public schools in Cen- cember 31, 2017, to become the Executive tral — Bellingrath Hills Elementary, Tan- Director of the Louisiana Association of glewood Elementary, Central Middle, and School Superintendents. Faulk was the first Central High — were in generally poor person hired by the Central School Board physical condition, especially Central Mid- in early 2007. Since then, he has done what dle School, which was laced with asbestos few people have done in modern times — and had been partially condemned. create an independent school system. Working with a supportive and gener- After voters statewide approved a con- ally non-political school board, Faulk de- stitutional amendment to create the Central veloped a plan and began interviewing and school system in 2006, the new Central hiring personnel. He put high value on the Community School Board was appointed credentials and qualifications of applicants and took office in early 2007. One of the and appeared to stay away from hiring peo- board’s first actions was to begin a search ple based on political connections. for a new superintendent. Several candi- At Central High School, which was a dates applied, including some well respect- relatively high performing school, he kept ed local candidates. most of the personnel in place. In contrast, Faulk, a Cajun from Iberia Parish who at Tanglewood, which had been performing had served as superintendent in Morehouse poorly, he only retained four of 31 faculty Parish and as a high school principal in members. Supt. Mike Faulk has resigned effective Dec. 31, 2017. Texas, was considered a long shot. Nev- See 10 YEARS on Page 8 2 Thursday, July 13, 2017

COMMUNITY PRESS, LLC CAPITAL CITY NEWS CENTRAL CITY NEWS & & South Baton Rouge Journal Vol. 26 • No. 7 The Leader Vol. 20 • No. 7• CCN No. 402 910 North Foster Drive Post Office Box 1 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 City of Central, LA 70739

910 North Foster Drive Vol. 1 • No. 4 Istrouma Journal Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone (225) 261-5055 • Entire contents © 2017 Email stories and photos to [email protected] Published Monthly on the first Thursday of each month 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. The Journal resumed publication as the Capital City News on Aug. 16, 2012, with Vol. 21, No. 1. Istrouma Journal began April 6, 2017 Editor & Publisher Woody Jenkins Business Manager Jolice Provost Account Executive Kim Powers

Member, Louisiana Press Association and Chamber EBR Deadline for news and advertising: 5 p.m. Friday before publication SCOREBOARD FOR SALE — Workers took down the scoreboard at the Istrouma foot- $18 a year by subscription in advance • $25 a year outside East Baton Rouge ball stadium to make way for a new one. Now as a fundraiser effort, the old one is for sale to the highest bidder. For information, call Wayne Messina at 505-7137. Independent, Unelected Boards Skim Cream Off the Top Pockets of Prosperity in Struggling City-Parish ply undedicate all these funds? Well, flooded and never repaired, which entities are always building and add- that, my friend, is easy to say and now sit empty and rotting? ing more and more and more. They Agencies Flush very difficult to do! Most people agree we need more are indeed “pockets of prosperity” in The same political forces that got roads, bridges, and drainage. South a sea of hurt. While Need for the funds dedicated emerge anytime a of Florida Boulevard, it’s impossible Two of these entities are BREC reform is proposed. Those who want to go anywhere during much of the and the Library Board. to “reform” the system almost al- day because our roads are jammed Sometimes their arrogance gets Drainage, Roads ways lose and often quite justifiably. beyond capacity. We see rural bridg- away from them, such as when the One example is dedicated funds for es closed because they are unsafe. Library Board decided to tear down Continues Unmet law enforcement supplemental pay. Then we watch those bridges stay a perfectly good library downtown A legislator may talk big about re- closed for months awaiting money and build another in its place. Woody Jenkins pealing it and even offer a bill to do to repair them. Or BREC, which proposed tearing Editor so. But when 400 of your local po- We saw historic flooding last Au- down the , located licemen and sheriff’s deputies show gust, and we see “ordinary” flooding in North Baton Rouge, and moving BATON ROUGE — For years, there up at the Capitol for the committee quite often. Sometimes it is because it somewhere close to the extreme have been well-justified complain- hearing on the bill, even the author is the money was never spent to build southern border of the parish at the ing that too much of our state bud- likely to vote against his own bill — projects that were and continue to be Iberville Parish line. get is tied up in so-called dedicated just to show how sincerely he regrets desperately needed. BREC has more than $100 million funds. This is money locked up such a grave error! So we have a City-Parish govern- in surplus. Yet, its funds, like those by the Louisiana Constitution or Howover, the problem of dedi- ment with a huge annual budget. Yet, of the Library Board, are never sub- state statutes, which can only be cated funds is not confined to state much of the money is wasted. So the jected to the City-Parish budget pro- used for certain specified purpos- government. It is just as bad, maybe City-Parish is always short on money. cess. They are their own fiefdoms. es — not necessarily for what the worse, at the local level here in East However, on the other side of the Some of our City-Parish Council greatest needs in the state may be. Baton Rouge Parish. coin, local government in this parish members and state legislators should Of course, dedicated funds don’t The City-Parish doesn’t do much has “pockets of prosperity.” These sit down and come up with a plan to happen by accident. Legislators in well and it does many things poorly are governmental agencies that seem require those two boards to come to one four-year term want to protect but one thing it is good at is squan- to defy the law of gravity. their senses and pay part of their lar- certain money from the whims of fu- dering money. You would think we The City-Parish government may gess to the City-Parish as their share ture legislators. So they pass a law. would see something from the money be struggling and unable to fund even of the roads, bridges, and drainage Dedicated funds can be good or they squander but in fact we see little. the basics. Yet, these entities always which serve these entities. bad but they have one thing in com- Where is the money that should be seem to have plenty of money. They While making these plans, let’s mon. A judgment is made in the spent on cleaning up the city of Baton are flush with cash and have huge add CATS and the Council on Aging present on how money will be spent Rouge which is overwhelmed by lit- fund balances. Their employees are to our list of “pockets of prosper- in the future. ter and blighted houses? Where is the well paid, have top benefits, and get ity” that need to share in paying for Why doesn’t the legislature sim- money to tear down houses that were plenty of time off. Moreover, these roads, bridges, and drainage. Small Business Directory • Shop Local Auto Glass Dirt Work Furniture

Nicholas and Maisie Lovett General Sand & Gravel Co. Good Furniture That Lasts Classifieds $6 for first 10 words. $10 for 11 to 20 words, Limestone, Gravel, Mason Sand, Clay, Top Soil, $15 for 21 to 30 words. $20 for 31 to 40 Riversilt, Crushed Concrete, Tractor Work, words. $25 for one column inch classi- FURNITURE & GALLERY Swimming Pool Demo & Fill-In fied display ad. Call 261-5055. Must be Wind Shield Repair & Replacement FENCING paid in advance. To pay by credit card, go 225-261-3953 7330 Florida Blvd. to www.centralcitynews.us and click “Pay We Come to You • 225-791-7440 225-926-0250 Now” on the left. Then email ad copy to Besse & Sons Fencing [email protected]. Or mail or Wood, Chainlink, New Fencing hand deliver check and ad copy to City Advertise Automotive andElectrical Repair Work Lawn Care News, 910 N. Foster, Baton Rouge 70806 in Business Directory FOR SALE: 2008 16x68 (box) mo- 225-380-9555 bile home. Selling in place, Joor Road North - Airline & FREESimple ESTIMATES Electric PRO CUTS Mobile Home Park. Matching 10x12 Choctaw Mowing & Trimming • Tree Maintenance insulated heated/cooled workshop and 225-927-2311 Installation of All Electrical Work Flower Bed Maintenance storage building. 12x14 covered front South - Airline Commercial • Residental No Contracts • Free Estimates porch. Two car covered carport. One & Cloverland Over 35 Years Experience • Any Size Job owner, non-smokers, many extras. 225-751-3656 Parking Lot Lights,225-921-2633 Security Lights, and Video 225-614-7496 225-329-7249. FOR SALE: 5.75 to 20 Acres Hwy 63 East Feliciana Parish NO Flooding Carpet Cleaning Fencing Subscription Minutes from Central. Call BECKY FENCING 225-921-1395 Re/Max First 225-291- 1234 Independently Owned and Oper- BayouSteam Besse & Sons Fencing ated. Carpet, Upholstery, Wood, Chainlink, New Fencing Central City News Tile & Grout Cleaning and Repair Work Capital City News Locally owned and operated $18 a year each To Advertise 225-955-6955 225-380-9555 FREE ESTIMATES Call 225-261-5055 Call 225-261-5055 Thursday, July 13, 2017 3 Central’s Birthday Bash Will be Saturday, July 15 Central Has Own Independence Day City of Central Incorporated on July 11, 2005 CENTRAL ­— There is no citywide 4th of July celebration in Central, Instead, the city turns out for its At last year’s Central Birthday Bash, celebrants included Gil and Michelle Matherne and local public officials. own Independence Day — the cel- ebration of its incorporating as a city on July 11, 2005. This year’s event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 at Wildcat Stadium, corner Hooper and Sullivan roads. Birthday Bash is one of the pre- miere events held annually in the City of Central. It has been a difficult year for State and local officials always come out including Rep. Barry Ivey, Councilman Scott Wilson, and Sen. Bodi White. Central with a 1,000-year-flood in- undating most of the city. But this will be a time to celebrate the fact that the vast majority of citizens are well on their way to recovery. The Birthday Bash will include • Concessions 5-10 p.m. • Activities and games 5-10 p.m. including bungee trampoline, rock wall, and games by BREC. • Photos with Princess Moana and Princess Ariel Entertainment will include: • 5 p.m. 90 Degrees West • 6:45 p.m. Chris LeBlanc Band • 8:30 p.m. Ryan Broshear • 10 p.m. Fireworks Display Everything is free but bring lawn chairs and ice chests. Last year Mayor Jr. Shelton dressed like a rock star. Citizens got in the spirit with the band. A giant fireworks display.

Congratulations City of Central On the 12th Anniversary Of Incorporation!

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See DEVALL on Page 14 BREC Will Vote Aug. 24 on Whether to Move Zoo to SBR Proposal Would Keep BR Zoo in NBR, While Adding 1,200 Acres for Recreation South Baton Rouge.” BATON ROUGE — The Board of Brown said Greenwood Park ad- Commissioners of BREC is pre- Existing jacent to the Zoo is the best-kept paring for its Aug. 24 meeting and secret in the parish. BREC fa- a possible vote on whether to move Greenwood Park cilities there amount to about 640 the Baton Rouge Zoo out of North Baker, LA acres including the Zoo, Dumas Baton Rouge to an unspecified lo- 18-hole golf course, Clark nine- cation in South Baton Rouge. hole golf course, a driving range, Meanwhile, the Chamber of a putting area, Cane’s dog park, Commerce of East Baton Rouge tennis courts, a disc golf course, an Parish representing small business amphitheater, marina, boat rental, owners across the parish says mov- and splash pad. ing the zoo would be a costly, un- Brown said the park is magnifi- necessary move. cent and hundreds of thousands of Instead, BREC should spend people would use it if they knew if some of the $150 million it plans to were there, but he said BREC has spend on a new zoo on upgrading not spent the necessary resources the existing zoo, developing 1,200 to publicize it. “The entire park is acres to the west of the zoo for rec- well maintained but poorly pro- reational purposes, and publiciz- moted.” ing and promoting what is already The marina is especially note- in Baker. Those sentiments were worthy, Brown said. “The Water- expressed by architect Coleman front Cafe has the best cheeseburg- Brown, chairman of the Infrastruc- ers in Baton Rouge!” The meeting ture Committee of the Chamber facilities are good, and Exxon reg- EBR. ularly holds meetings of 200 em- Brown said the existing zoo has ployees there, he said. easy Interstate access and is lo- Brown said one of the first things cated in Baker, which has the low- to do is change the entrance to the est crime rate in the state. “The zoo. “People should enter from YR president Jonathan Davis, Scott Wilfong, problem is, BREC has neglected Highway 19 on the road across the zoo and failed to keep up with from New Rafe Mayer Road. This the times. The zoo already attracts now goes to the marina and golf 250,000 visitors and would attract clubhouse and splits off to become far more if BREC would spend a the commercial entrance to the small fraction of what it proposes to spend at the unknown site in See CHAMBER EBR on Page 5

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Movie at the Lagoon July 15 | 7-9 p.m. Liberty Lagoon

July 20 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. 225-385-7725 Movie in the Park Flanacher Road Park We Can Assist You With or Without an Attorney Community Music & Heritage Festival July 22 | 1-7 p.m. Anna T. Jordan Community Park Low Rates • No Retainers Solar Viewing July 29 | noon-2 p.m. Highland Road Park Observatory DIVORCE • CUSTODY Zumiez Best Foot Forward July 29 | 3 p.m. PROPERTY • SUCCESSIONS Perkins Road Extreme Sports Park EMPLOYMENT • WORKERS COMP Adult Leisure Weekend Tea Dance July 29 | 1-3 p.m. Milton J. Womack Park AUTO ACCIDENTS • PRODUCT LIABILITY SLIP & FALL LEGAL DOCUMENT PREPARATION Petitions • Wills • Contracts www.2MediateNow.com brec.org/thismonth LA-1000651049 Thursday, July 13, 2017 5 Says Without Maintenance, Promotion, No Zoo Will Prosper Chamber EBR Says Improve Existing Zoo, Add Recreational Facilities to West of Zoo

GREENWOOD PARK adjacent to the Baton Rouge Zoo is the “best-kept secret” in the parish, according to Coleman Brown. He says improve the zoo and expand the park. Continued from Page 4 available to BREC. He says each site Brown says the advantages of up- zoo. That should be made the main is roughly 400 acres: grading the existing zoo and develop- entrance. In addition, the zoo needs • 400 acres of wetlands across from ing the recreational areas to the west of to be more friendly to visitors. For Greenwood Park on the west side of the zoo are overwhelming and would example, at present, families cannot Hwy. 19. provide a much more economical and picnic on the grounds at the zoo. They • 400 acres of land owned by appealing way to serve the recreation- have to purchase their food at the zoo. adjacent to and al needs of the parish. There is no basis for this.” northwest of the wetlands area. This When the BREC Board of Com- Brown also says CATS should be- currently has an equestrian facility. missioners meets on Aug. 24, Brown gin bus service to the zoo, which has • 400 acres at Jetson Correctional said he will be there to represent the never had it. Facility across the Baker Canal. Chamber of Commerce of East Ba- Coleman Brown proposes upgrad- Brown says this land would allow ton Rouge Parish to oppose moving ing the zoo at the existing site, inte- an amazing range of recreational op- the zoo and urge BREC to expand grating the zoo with Greenwood Park portunities including a waterpark, facilities at Greenwood Park. For in- and adding about 1,200 acres to the trails for horseback riding, running formation, contact Coleman Brown at east of the zoo. and walking, and waterways for ca- [email protected]. The He points to three sites that could be noeing and kayaking. Chamber is at ChamberEBR.com. Waterfront Cafe

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Congratulations to Our GREAT CITY!! Thank you Our Pharmacist 13565 Hooper Road Can Compound for your NON-STERILE Support MEDICATIONS! 262-6200 and Loyalty Over the Past STORE HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm 19 Years! Saturday 8:30am - 3:00pm Closed on Sunday Thursday, July 13, 2017 7 Panel to Speak on Investigative Reporting BATON ROUGE — Four Baton Rouge journalists will discuss the role of investigative reporter in Louisiana’s capital city at the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Parish meeting. The meeting will be held at 12 noon Tuesday, July 25 at Café Améric- ain, 7521 Jefferson Hwy. Top journalists Chris Nakamoto of WBRZ-TV, Andrea Gallo of The Advocate, and Stephanie Riegel of The Business Report will speak and answer questions. Woody Jen- kins of the Capital City News will serve as moderator. Participants will discuss what is investigative reporting, how to report effectively, and the ethics of investigative reporting. Admittance will be by reserva- Panel will include Woody Jenkins, Andrea Gallo of The Advocate, Chris Nakamoto of WBRZ, and Stephanie Reigel of Business Report. tion only. Lunch is $19 a person pay- laws and changes lives. He earned President’s top hire lied on his re- more than 25 years’ experience able at the door. Make reservations the prestigious Edward R. Murrow sume and that a lack of emergency covering business, politics and by emailing woodyjenkins2016@ Award this year and an EMMY room care in the northern part of food in Baton Rouge and New Or- gmail.com. The participants: award last year. Baton Rouge was leading to longer leans. She has won nearly a dozen • Chris Nakamoto of WBRZ- • Andrea Gallo covers City Hall ambulance transport times. awards over the years from the Al- TV provides award-winning in- for The Advocate. She has written • Stephanie Riegel of The Busi- liance for Area Business Publica- vestigative reporting that changes stories showing that the Mayor- ness Report is a journalist with tions

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CRPC , AAMS Ian E. James Financi®al advisor® 8 CENTRAL CITY NEWS Thursday, July 13, 2017 From 2007 to 2017, Faulk Created a School System 10 Years That Changed Central History the state’s foremost expert on school finance, especially the Minimum How Do We Value Foundation Program. Both Supt. Faulk and the Central One Who Creates school board insisted on being very conservative with tax dollars. As a A Timeless Legacy result, when the flood of August 2016 came and inundated Tanglewood El- For a Community? ementary, they had the cash on hand Continued from Page 1 to begin rebuilding almost immedi- The EBR school board refused to ately. Tanglewood reopened in early allow Central to have access to the January. In contrast, some school schools prior to July 1, 2007, to de- systems are only now beginning to termine the conditions. When pos- rebuild their schools. session was finally handed over, In an interview with the Central Supt. Faulk, Central school board City News after his announcement, members, and members of the pub- Supt. Faulk said his time in Central lic including many who had attended has been a period of tremendous the schools, were shocked at the con- challenge which he has enjoyed im- ditions. The opening of school was mensely. He said he loves his staff, only a few weeks away, and some- faculty, and many colleagues in the thing had to happen fast. Central school system; the school Members of the Central community board which he praised for their tire- sprang to the rescue, and hundreds of less work, high ethical standards, volunteers showed up to help. They and loyal support; the taxpayers and cleaned, painted, repaired and re- Central Schools Supt. Mike Faulk addressing Baton Rouge Press Club citizens of Central, and the thousands placed. Altogether, more than 10,000 of students who have make his work volunteer hours were invested. Cen- worthwhile. tral business leaders and others or- Supt. Mike Faulk has put together a great team, kept politics He said he is looking forward to a ganized Cookin for Our Schools and out of the school system, been fiscally conservative, and fos- new challenge as leader of the Loui- raised hundreds of thousands of dol- tered a commitment to excellence. At the same time, he has siana Association of School Super- “ intendents. He said the board will lars in start-up funds, since no parish kept the human touch, responding with sincerity and warmth or state funds were available. choose his successor, and he will play When all was said and done, the to concerns of students, parents, faculty, and the public. Day no role in it. volunteers and donated funds plus by day, step by step, he is building a great school system. “One of the most important reasons the hard work of Supt. Faulk, the — Central City News editorial, June 9, 2011 for our success as a system is our board, and the new faculty members ” school board. They have no hidden came together, and the Central school agenda. Their only concern is what’s system opened on Monday, August Louisiana Department of Education siana Association of School Super- best for this community and our stu- 13, 2007! It was the beginning of school performance score ratings, intendents. Later he was honored as dents. They are solid, which is why whole new era not only in Central but the Central Community School Sys- National School Superintendent of I know they can be trusted to make in Louisiana, as the Central school tem rose rapidly. Tanglewood El- the Year. He is often called upon to a good decision in choosing the next system joined the Zachary Commu- ementary, once a struggling school, represent school superintendents at superintendent,” he said. Meanwhile, nity School System in creating a new had the state’s highest performing the legislature and on various boards Supt. Faulk will be on the job until standard of excellence in public edu- 3rd graders for five straight years and commissions. He is known as December 31. cation in the state. (3rd grade is now at CIS). Cen- Only about 2,500 students residing tral High School was rated an A in Central had attended public schools school. Then the entire school sys- in the 2006-2007 school year, but at- tem was rated an A school system. 21 People Who Shaped Central tendance in the new Central school Today the Central school system CENTRAL — The Central City News • Sharon Browning led the board system began to rise rapidly. Supt. is much larger. Even after the flood, has recognized 21 individuals who during construction of the Central Faulk recommended and the school the system has 4,500 students. Now helped shape Central as we know school complex. board agreed on the creation of a new in the Louisiana Department of Edu- it today. Leading the list is J.A. • James David and Claud Derbes school, Central Intermediate School, cation’s school performance ratings, Smith, Central High principal who keep Central going during times of which was temporarily located at the the Central Community School Sys- established standards of discipline great crisis. Businessman Gil Math- former site of Starkey Academy on tem is the No. 2 ranked school system and excellence that prevail today, erne responds to every important need. in the state, trailing just behind No. principal Glen Gentry, and princi- • Will Easley has been the firm Joor Road. voice keeping the Central school sys- Supt. Faulk asked the board to 1 ranked Zachary. However, Central pal Ronnie Devall, who together High School outperforms Zachary tem on a solid financial foundation. seek voter approval for construction guided the school and the commun- • Sen. Bodi White and Rep. Don- of new schools, but the $100 million High in some important ways. ity for 64 years. ald Ray Kennard authored the Cen- proposal was voted down. The board During his time as superintendent Among others were Ralph Wash- tral school system. Sheriff Sid Gau- came back with a more conservative of the Central school system, Supt. ington who defended the proposed treux and fire chief Bill Porche made $54 million proposal that included Faulk’s influence in state education Central school system against charges it unnecessary for Central to create creation of a new Central School matters has grown tremendously. of racism at the state legislature and a full-time police department or fire Complex on Sullivan Road. The vot- He had retired even before accept- Robert Williams, the first black coach department. IBTS manager David ers approved this proposal, and the ing the appointment to Central in in Central history, who was instrumen- Ratclif made privatization of city ser- new school complex, which includ- 2007. Today he is recognized as an tal in building goodwill in Central. vices a success. ed Central Intermediate School and elder statesman among school lead- Those listed include: • Rep. Tony Perkins authored the Central Middle School, were built. ers in the state. He was named Su- • Founder Russell Starns guided acquisition of Greenwell Springs Along the way, the commitment perintendent of the Year in Louisiana Central through its creation and led Hospital and Councilmen Joe Gre- to excellence began to pay off. In and served as President of the Loui- the first school board. co authored the Central Thruway.

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21 Who Shaped Central*Deceased

Ralph Washington* Supt. Mike Faulk Central Mayor Mac Watts Central Mayor Jr. Shelton Sen. Bodi White, 2012-20 Founder Russell Starns Central Mayor Pro-Tem 2007-2017 2005-2014 2014-Present Rep. 2004-2012 School Board President

Glen Gentry*, Central High Sharon Browning Sheriff Sid Gautreaux Rep. Donald Ray Kennard* Principal 1974-1994 School Board President 2007-2020 1976-2008

James David* Claud Derbes J. A. Smith*, Central High Principal, 1937-1967 David Ratclif, IBTS Chief Bill Porche Central Businessman Owner, Central Drug Store Central Private Principal, 1968-1978 Made Privatization Work Central Fire Department

Joe Greco Ronnie Devall, Principal Will Easley Rep. Tony Perkins Robert Williams, 1st Black Gil Matherne City-Parish Mayor Pro-Tem Central High 1994-2008 Central School Board 1996-2004 Coach at Central High, 1970 Central Businessman Central Nail & Spa DavidDavidDavid P.P.P. Fargason,Fargason,Fargason, M.D.M.D.M.D. PROFESSIONAL NAIL CARE & SPA FOR LADIES & GENTLEMEN RobertRobertRobert Geier,Geier,Geier, O.D.O.D.O.D. ervices: Services:ervices: $10 OFF on Detox Pedicure SS• NEW LASER Cataract/Implants Regularly $35 Now $25 • • NEW NEW Tecnis LASER LASER Multifocal Cataract/Implants Cataract/Implants and Tecnis ToricTecnis Lenses Multifocal Multifocal for Astigmatism and and • Glaucoma/Laser Toric Toric Lenses Lenses for for Astigmatism Astigmatism ••• Glaucoma/Laser LASIKGlaucoma/Laser BLADE FREE ••• LASIK EyeLASIK Examinations BLADE BLADE FREE FREE ••• 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 all to Schedule Your Eye Exam allall to to Schedule ScheduleCentral Your YourHigh Eye Eye School Exam Exam Named Awarded 225.262.8141 MON-SAT: 9AM - 7PM IN FRONT OF WALMART 225.262.8141225.262.8141Madison Nunnery and Daniel Wesley SUNDAY:Hope CLOSED Scrantz and Travis Lassard 10218 SULLIVAN RD Central HavingProfessional Most Plaza School Spirit Having Most School Spirit BATON ROUGE, LA CentralCentral11424 Professional Professional Sullivan Road Plaza Plaza 225-261-0666 1142411424 Sullivan Sullivan Road Road 10 Thursday, July 13, 2017 Central’s Only Optical Boutique Owned & Operated by Parker Family of Central Professional Quality • Reasonable Prices • Hometown Service

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M-Th 10-7 • F-Sat 10-2 Thursday, July 13, 2017 11 Battle of Baton Rouge Ceremonies Aug. 5

Union and Confederate Reenactors will take part in an educational ceremony remembering the Battle of Battle at 9 a.m. on Aug. 5 at Magnolia Cemetery downtown. BATON ROUGE — As part at Magnolia Cemetery, 422 is listed on the National In addition to the Trustees fering. of the 1817-2017 Baton N. 19th Street, with exhibi- Register of Historic Plac- of the Historic Magnolia For further information Rouge Bicentennial Cel- tions beginning at 9 a.m. es and is located between Cemetery, an auxiliary of contact Chip Landry at ebration, the annual Com- and the formal program be- Florida and Main Street. Preserve Louisiana, BREC [email protected] or Car- memoration of the Civil ginning at 10 a.m. Chairs, Cars may enter at the 19th and Rabenhorst are spon- olyn Bennett at 931.7561. War Battle of Baton Rouge tenting, and water will be Street gate. sors of this educational of- will be enriched with edu- provided in a shaded area. cational displays and spe- The event will take place cial guests sharing Baton on the 155th anniversary Rouge and Louisiana’s his- date of the Civil War Battle tory, archaeology, cultural, of Baton Rouge which took and medical past. place in and around the TRUCK STUFF USA The free event will take Historic Magnolia Ceme- TRUCK STUFF place on Saturday, Aug. 5, tery in 1862. The cemetery Dr. Tony LoBue Raising Money to Get Diabetic Service Dog for Young Man BATON ROUGE — Dane will help him gain inde- Camus, a local 6th grader pendence. For more infor- with Type 1 Diabetes, needs mation, call Crossroads at a special dog that will alert 225-261-6000. others if Dane slips into a diabetic coma. Dr. Tony Central High LoBue is helping Dane School raise the $15,000 cost. Class of 1997 Crossroads Animal Hospi- tal is having a special fun- 20 Year Class Reunion draiser during the month of August 11 August to help Dane get a All Class Members Diabetic Alert Dog. During August, 50 percent of the Invited proceeds from all regular Contact Shannon Russell baths and blueberry facials shannonarussell1 will go to Dane’s fund that @yahoo.com

Sponsorships Central Wildcat Football Live TV Broadcast on Facebook Presented by Central City News Your Company Can Sponsor Central High Football Exclusive Product Categories One of Best Ways to Reach Central Call 225-921-8784 or 261-5055

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HappyHappy 12th12th BirthdayBirthday Central!Central! “If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life THERE ARE NO LIMITS. There are only plateaus; and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” —Bruce Lee Your Physical Therapist Is At Central Physical Therapy

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Ron and Kathy Stewart, Beth Wesley Bennett, NBR Reunion co-founder Haskins Douglas, Carroll DiBenedetto, co-founder Wayne Price, and IHS Alumni leader Anissia Green

River Roads Coffee’s John Melancon, Istrouma High assistant principal Brian Foreman, Harold Fisher, Glen Dawson, Clif and Wanda Marvin, Lynn and Mrs. Dugas

Gary Pennington, Michael Templeton, Mike Montagne, Ron Pourciau, and Peggy Nettles Binning

World renowned yo-yo champion Jim RON STEWART compares himself to his Johnson and Penny Price Pitre 1963 Istrouma graduation photo BATON ROUGE — More than 500 dance were from the 1950’s and graduates of Istrouma, Redemp- 1960’s along with a handful from torist, Central, Glen Oaks, Baker, the 1970’s. The event is always and Zachary gathered last week held the Thursday after the 4th of for the annual North Baton Rouge July at the Atrium of the Sheraton reunion. Most of those in atten- downtown. 225-261-2995 Lewis Wrecker Service, Inc. Family Owned and Operated since 1956

Remember When? PIONEER DAY AT TANGLEWOOD gave students a chance to experience the life of their ancestors including the use of the straight razor and a clothes wringer. Lewis Cafe on Airline Highway in the 1950’s 9555 Joor Road Central, LA 70818 2321 Drusilla Lane You have tried the rest! Now USE the BEST! Thursday, July 13, 2017 15 Grads Gathered for NBR Reunion

Charlie Hinton, Baton Rouge High, and Dottie Herrin Ann and Jimmy Borskey, Kingston, Istrouma Class of 1963 Class of 1965

Former Istrouma coach Willis Stelly and Connie Catania Stelly, Glen Oaks Class of 1965 Annual North Baton Rouge Reunion Atrium Sheraton • July 6, 2017 Photos by Woody Jenkins BILL FAVARO, Istrouma High Class of 1964 Istrouma High football greats Earl Baron and Benny and Kathy Armoney, Istrouma Class of 1963 Griffin of the Istrouma state championship team

Penny Price Pitre, Horace “Pete” Pitre, Carol Schittone Roberts, and Pat Thomas CYNTHIA “REE” HOLDEN, Istrouma High Class of 1970, holds picture of at North Baton Rouge Reunion at the Atrium at Sheraton. Istrouma Class of 1937. She owns Lawns & Lace Landscaping at 916-0004. 16 Thursday, July 13, 2017 Mayor Shelton: The State of the City Continued from Page 1 everything you can. Now FEMA is trying to could have located anywhere in our state or nation, remove trailers that people desperately need. but they chose Central. These are the developers FEMA was trying to take one man’s trailer while of River Ranch in Lafayette. There will be 450 he was in the hospital.” residences, 200 apartments, and an assisted liv- “In Central, more than 9,000 homes took ing home. It will bring together residential, com- water from one inch to nine feet. Some people mercial, and retail, just as I promised.” The oth- lost everything. A family came in and showed er two developments are Cypress Lakes, a 75-lot me two things — a photo of nine feet of water development where they are about to start selling in their house and a letter from FEMA denying lots and Arbor Grove, which will have 70 lots.” their claim because they supposedly didn’t re- Mayor Shelton said the City of Central is a ceive damage in their home.” great place for business to locate. It has easy ac- “After the flood, we had the first debris pickup cess to the airport and to Baton Rouge. It is a in the parish. Then we had another in January. city with low crime and the No. 2 school system But people were still gutting their homes. We in the state. “We have many of the things busi- completed the third pickup last week. The state ness executives are looking for,” he said. “We and parish still have some on their roads.” even have an industrial base with Custom Metal THIS PHOTO in the Sept. edition of the Central City “Everyone is helping everyone. It’s a wonder- News by Ken Pastorick was taken on Greenwell Springs ful city.” Works and Trade Construction. Both have grown Road shocked America. It just won 1st Place as Best News from home-based businesses to multi-million Photo of 2016 from the Louisiana Press Association. “We couldn’t do everything ourselves. We dollar industries,” he said. hired CSRS as technical advisers and now have Shelton said, “We grew without much planning. ing and drainage problems seriously but “Con- plenty of help.” Now we have a very competent full-time eco- gress doesn’t get it” and continues to drag its feet. “People should know that we had more flood- nomic development director in Amanda Moody.” He said people tell him the flood had such an ing outside the flood zone than inside it. Howev- He said a new company, Species Specific, is impact on their lives that they get anxious or have er, new neighborhoods didn’t flood if they built expected to bring jobs to Central. It uses technol- panic attacks every time it rains. “How long will to the new standards.” ogy to identify specific species of animals which this go on? Probably as long as this generation of “I do believe in development. It is the best way to in turn allows those animals to be fed or not fed. our citizens is alive.” recover from a disaster. If you don’t have econom- He said this has applications that can create a Mayor Shelton pulled out a book where he ic development after a flood, things will be dire.” worldwide market. writes the name of everyone who has contacted Referring to the photograph on the front of the Mayor Shelton said Central now has a reserve him for help. “I listen to everyone who calls and September issue of the Central City News, the fund of $40 million, a very healthy sum for a city make sure that I follow up and do what I prom- mayor said it epitomized the extent of the trag- this size. “This makes me unpopular among oth- ised to do.” edy in Central. “Our citizens had nothing and er mayors, some of whom have little in reserve.” The mayor has been a pain to FEMA because were simply trying to get out of the water.” Having money on hand helped the City of Cen- of his public criticism of their bureaucracy and The mayor praised the citizens of Central who tral get through the flooding last year. The mayor his blunt demands on behalf of citizens who ex- came to the aid of so many. He calls them the credited former Mayor Mac Watts and previous perience constant delays and double talk. “They Wildcat Navy. But he remembers one particular Councils for adopting policies that allowed the know me at FEMA and they know that we will individual, a young man from Atlanta who was city to operate on a fiscally conservative basis. stand up for our citizens,” he said. visiting New Orleans. When he heard about the He said he has signed a contract to make $4 Speaking of his frustration with FEMA, he flood, he showed up in Central to help. “Thou- million in drainage improvements, which is now said, “When an 80-year-old couple who have sands of people from all over America helped us awaiting approval by the Corps of Engineers. lost everything come in, you know there’s noth- when the need was great, and I met many young The mayor said the people of Central take flood- ing you can do to make them whole but you do people who give me hope for America.” Perhaps the Most Beautiful Homesite in Central

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