General Excellence Press Association CENTRALCENTRAL CITYCITY National Newspaper Assn. Meet Leo McClure on Pages 10-11 Watch Central Baseball LIVE at 7 p.m. Feb. 18

® Central City News on FB & The Leader NEWSNEWSFebruary 2020 • Vol. 23, No. 2 • 20 Pages • Circulation 10,000 • 30,000 online • www.centralcitynews.us • 225-261-5055

MardiValentine’s Day Gras Royalty Jonathan Sumich, Love, Life Need Michelle Lewis to Not Be Perfect Reign over Central To Be Wonderful Mardi Gras Ball CENTRAL — Jonathan Sumich will serve as King and Michelle Lewis as Queen of the 14th Annual Krewe of Central Mardi Gras Mas- querade Ball Feb. 15. The event will be held from 7 p.m. to mid- night at the CCA Gym at 10510 Joor Road in Central. Sumich is owner of Oak Point Mona & late Donald Ray Kennard Fresh Market on Greenwell Springs Road, and Ms. Lewis is owner of Lewis Wrecker on Joor. The annual ball is sponsored by the City of Central Chamber of Commerce. Tickets for the event are $50 a person, $100 a couple, or a table of eight for $400. A busi- ness sponsorship table is $500. Tickets sell out quickly and may be sold out by the time of this pub- Carolyn & late Ralph Washington lication. For more information on the Chamber, go to cityofcentralcham- ber.com or call 225-261-5818. The City of Central Chamber president is Ron Erickson.

April 4 Election PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY Ruby & late Larry Foil See THE CREW on Page 8 2020 Central Mardi Gras King Jonathan Sumich and Queen Michelle Lewis District Judge

REPUBLICAN PARTY Candidates for President “Rocky” De La Fuente Race for Judge First of Its Kind “Bob” Ely While Central Cannot Matthew John Matern Donald J. Trump Elect a Republican, DEMOCRATIC PARTY There’s a Conservative Candidates for President Democrat on the Ballot Joseph R. Biden Woody Jenkins Editor Michael R. Bloomberg “Pete” Buttigieg See SHERIFF on Page 6 CENTRAL — Courthouse intrigue Yvette Alexander Tiffany Foxworth Eboni Johnson-Rose Jennifer Moisant and Baton Rouge politics are play- BR City Judge Conservative Judge’s Daughter Council on Aging ing out in the race for District Judge The April 4 election is to fill the campaign is proving to be the first for Division M, which will be voted vacancy left by District Judge Beau of its kind here. Since 48 percent Bernard “Bernie” Sanders on in the so-called “northern judi- Higginbotham, who last fall ran for of the voters are overwhelmingly “Tom” Steyer cial sub-district” in a special elec- a vacancy in the so-called “southern white and Republican, the election tion Saturday, April 4. judicial sub-district” composed of will test whether they will get be- The northern sub-district in- South Baton Rouge and St. George. hind the conservative Democrat in District Judge 19th JDC cludes Central, Baker, Zachary, and He won that election, which allows the race or allow a liberal Democrat the Sherwood Forest area of Baton him to run for reelection this fall to win. Yvette Alexander (D) Rouge. The district has elected con- from the presumably safe southern Behind the scenes and unknown TIFFANY FOXWORTH (D)* servative Republicans for years but sub-district, instead of taking his to most voters are courthouse in- last year reached the tipping point Eboni Johnson-Rose (D) chances in the northern sub-district trigue, Baton Rouge politics, and Jennifer Moisant (D) racially. It is now majority black, this fall. ambitions of political figures not and two black Democrats were Four Democrats and no Repub- on the ballot. Since the advent of *Endorsed by elected to district judgeships from licans will appear on the ballot for single-member districts for the Central City News the sub-district last fall. Division M April 4, and the election See FOUR on Page 5 2 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020 Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish Outreach 1st Frederick Douglass Newsmaker Luncheon

THE REPUBLICAN PARTY of East Baton Rouge Parish has launched the Frederick Douglass Newsmaker Luncheon to recognize and give voice to black Republicans. Shown (left to right) are chairman Mayor George Francis, Eddie Rispone, Sen. Elbert Guillory, Colette Greggs, State NAACP president Mike McClanahan, and ex-BESE member Carolyn Hill.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS NEWSMAKER LUNCHEON speaker was Sen. Elbert Guillory. He was joined by former Sen. Robert Barham, East Baton Rouge Parish Republican executive committee member Barbara Thomas, and former Rep. Woody Jenkins, chairman of the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish, who founded the luncheon group. Do You Need Experienced Investment Advice? Are You Retiring? Do You Need Experienced Investment Advice? Are You Already Retired And Would Like An Experienced Jeanne and Darryl Hickman Ian James “We’ve been clients 10 years. Ian is one of the best things that ever hap- 2nd Opinion? pened to us. He’s literally changed our lives. We highly recommend Ian Ian James James.” Watch interview below: Capital Financial Group Download 8550 United Plaza Boulevard (225) 261-9606 QR Reader Suite 702 Scan Baton Rouge, LA 70809 here Phone (225) 261-9606 [email protected] Serving Central Since 1994 Website: 225Wealth.com Member, Central Masonic Lodge 442 704 Avenue Served on Board of CABA and Securities by licensed individuals offered through Bridge City, TX 77611 Investacorp, Inc., a registered broker/dealer. (409) 792-0179 Central Chamber • MBA, LSU Member, FINRA, SIPC

CRPC , AAMS Ian E. James Financi®al advisor® February 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 3 Frederick Douglass: Respected by Republicans, Black Community Giving Voice to Black Conservatives in EBR

Republican Women’s president Rhonda Perdue invited attendees to join local Republican Women’s clubs. Shown are Rep. Barbara Frieberg, Sen. Guillory, and Major Francis.

Shown with Sen. Elbert Guillory is attorney Scott Carmouche (left). At far right is businessman Eddie Rispone. The next meeting is at noon Feb. 18 at Café Américain.

Click QR code to watch Frederick Douglass Luncheon Next meeting is 12 n Tuesday, Feb. 18 at Café Américain The diverse group included a homeless man, the Sr. Vice Chanceller of Southern, and Deborah Todd.

Quickly and Easily Refill RX Online Download Our New Improved Phone App iPhone and Android 4 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020 Tiffany’s Conservative Family Values Make Her a Great Choice for Central • Pro-Life • Pro-Family • Pro-Traditional Marriage • Crime Fighter • Pro-Military, Pro-Veteran

OUR FAMILY Dr. Jonathan Jr. Roberts, Proud U.S. Army Captain MD, Internal Medicine and Veteran of Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts Desert Storm, Iraq, and 14 Years Practicing Attorney Afghanistan Wars Registered Nurse (enlisted as a private E-1 Tiffany-Elle and rose to Captain) Fifth Grader, age 10

Announcing Brand New in Central Luxury Boarding and Day Care Services at Crossroads Animal Hospital

Dr. Tony LoBue with his new, state-of-the-art luxury boarding facility and day care • Note suite at right

TOUR Dr. LoBue’s New Facil- ity. Click on QR Code at left. Or to look behind the scenes, click QR Code at right.

Crossroads Animal Hospital 13933 Greenwell Springs Rd Central, LA 70739 • 225-261-6000 crossroadsanimalhosp.com Supervised play area • “Ordinary” digs at right February 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 5

COMMUNITY PRESS, LLC St. George Leader CENTRAL CITY NEWS & Vol. 1 • No. 3 The Leader Vol. 23 • No. 2 • CCN No. 436 Post Office Box 2 Post Office Box 1 City of St. George, LA 70801 City of Central, LA 70739

910 North Foster Drive Vol. 3 • No. 2 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone (225) 261-5055 • Entire contents © 2019 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 St. George Leader began publication on Oct. 3, 2019. 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 Business Manager Jolice Provost Account Executive Kim Powers

Member, Louisiana Press Association and Chamber of Commerce of EBR Parish Deadline for news and advertising: 5 p.m. Friday before publication $24 a year by subscription in advance • $36 a year outside the U.S.A. SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI tears up President’s State of the Union speech. To watch, click QR code above with your phone. Video captured by Jolice Provost of Central City News. Four Democrats Vie for Support in Central whites and seven blacks. Retired Philosophies, Alignments Judge Anthony Marabela is sitting Of Those Running Vary Candidates for District Judge, Division M as the judge for Division M. A ma- jority of the judges can determine a Widely, Requiring Voters Northern Sub-District • April 4, 2020 number of issues of policy and per- sonnel. To Analyze Candidates Yvette Alexander Chief Judge, BR City Court; Decisions in the court don’t al- Continued from Page 1 endorsed by Democratic Party ways fall along racial lines. The Metro Council, East Baton Rouge Chief Judge of the District Court Parish School, and judicial seats Tiffany Foxworth Nurse; Attorney; 14-year US Army vet has included Judge Wilson Fields. in the 1970’s, 1980’s, and 1990’s, of Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan; Judge Tim Kelley, and Judge Janice most election districts have fallen Pro-Life, Pro-Marriage, Law & Order; Clark in recent years. Kelley is a neatly into majority white or major- endorsed by Central City News Republican while Fields and Clark ity black districts. In majority white are Democrats. districts, black voters have often Eboni Johnson-Rose Attorney; daughter of Judge Ron John- The political intrigue at the 19th been able to decide which white son; wife of Jonathan Rose of Desselle Judicial District Court includes on- candidate won. However, it is rare Funeral Home going problems between Judge Jan- for white voters to have the lever- ice Clark and her chief adversary age to decide which Democrat is Jennifer Moisant Attorney; chairman, Council on Aging; on the court, Judge Don Johnson. elected in a majority black district. supporter of President ; They have been at odds for years. The conservative in this race is In December, voters in the northern attorney Tiffany Foxworth. She is a endorsed by AFL-CiO sub-district elected Don Johnson’s 14-year veteran of the U. S. Army twin brother, Ron Johnson, to the who served in Desert Storm, Iraq, a useful face for the controversial the organization spend more and District Court. and Afghanistan. A nurse and prac- organization, which uses taxpayer more of its efforts on supporting In the April 4 election, Baton ticing attorney, she is pro-life, pro- funds to haul Democratic voters to Democratic candidates at election Rouge attorney Eboni Johnson- traditional marriage, and pro-law the polls in major elections. Mois- time. Rose is one of the four Democrats enforcement. Her husband is Dr. ant has appeared before the Metro However, Judge Clark and running for the Division M seat on Jonathan J. Roberts, MD in internal Council, relieving Tasha Clark- Clark-Amar reportedly abandoned the court. medicine. They have one daughter, Amar of the task of defending her- Moisant when her candidacy ap- Eboni “Johnson-Rose” is the Tiffany-Elle, 10. She has been en- self before the Council. peared hopeless. They reportedly daughter of District Judge Ron John- dorsed by the Central City News. Moisant is supported by Baton decided instead to recruit someone son and the niece of District Judge Early on, powerful District Judge Rouge attorney Yigal Bander, who they considered more electable, Ba- Don Johnson. Her election would Janice Clark and her daughter Tasha filed suit to block the incorporation ton Rouge City Judge Yvette Alex- add to the power base of the John- Clark-Amar, director of the Council of the City of Central in 2005, and ander. Judge Alexander is consid- son brothers on the court. “Johnson- on Aging, reportedly decided they by Mary Olive Pierson, who filed ered a leading member of the Baton Rose” is in quotes because that is not would support liberal white Demo- suit to block the incorporation of Rouge political establishment. actually the candidate’s name. Her crat and Obama supporter Jennifer the City of St. George late last year. However, she is largely unknown maiden name was Eboni Townsend Moisant for the Division M seat. Moisant served first as chairman of among voters in the northern sub- and her married name is Eboni Moisant has served as chairman the Council on Aging and now as district. She hasn’t had an election Rose. “Johnson” has never been of the Council on Aging and been treasurer during a period which saw in more than 20 years and has never in her name, according to our re- been on the ballot in Baker, Central, search. However, she will appear on or Zachary. the ballot as Eboni Johnson-Rose. City Judge Alexander has been The election of Eboni Johnson- ISTROUMA KIWANIS CLUB the subject of investigative reports Rose would be a blow to Judge in the Baton Rouge Advocate, which Clark and Tasha Clark-Amar’s ef- Serving the Children revealed her extensive out-of-state forts to control the District Court of North Baton Rouge and foreign travel at taxpayer ex- bench and a plus for the Don and pense. As the current campaign got Ron Johnson faction on the court. Meets 12 Noon Tiffany Foxworth, the conserva- 1st & 3rd Mondays underway, Judge Alexander was in South Africa on a three-week tour, tive Democrat, has been campaign- Doe’s Eat Place although it is not known whether ing hard in Central and hopes to put 3723 Govt. St. this trip is at taxpayer expense. together a coalition of Democrats A total of 15 District Judges and Republicans to win the seat. Visitors Welcome If no candidate wins on April 4, a Istrouma Kiwanis on Facebook currently serve on the 19th Judi- cial District Court, including eight runoff will be held on May 9.

Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Newsmaker Luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 Lunch 12n $19.50 • Café Américain Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 7521 Jefferson Highway Sponsored by Republican Party of EBR Baton Rouge, LA 70806 11:30 Reception • 12 Lunch • $19.50$19 “Like”“Like” CapitalCapital RepublicanRepublican Café Américain • 7521 Jefferson Hwy. on Facebook or go to www.ChamberEBR.com No Reservation Necessary CapitalRepublican.com 6 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020 King Jonathan Sumich and Queen Michelle Lewis 2020 Central Mardi Gras Ball Feb. 15

Keith Keithly and 2020 Queen Michelle Lewis of Lewis Wrecker Service, 2020 King Jonathan Sumich of Oak Point Fresh Market, and the Sumich family

Anita Lazaroe and Tommie Morden; Jonathan Sumich and Michelle Lewis are named 2020 King and Queen of Krewe de Central Ball for by the City of Central Chamber of Com- merce Board of Director chair John Kovalcik at Girasole Exquisite Italian restaurant. The Mardi Gras Ball is February 15. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Debbie Anderson, Juanita Ross, Lyn Ross, Christine Ross and Barbra Guyon (left), Carolyn and Ron Ericksen and John Kovalcik (center), Aria, Jessica Thomas, John Knaps

Michelle Lewis’ granddaughter Aria tries on her crown; Ti Barnes and Rhonda, Tony Nicosia, Reda Cockerham and Tim Lazaroe Announcement of 2020 Central Mardi Gras King and Queen Girasole Italian Restaurant • January 21, 2020 Photos by Woody Jenkins of Central City News February 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 7 8 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020 Valentine’s Day: The Central Crew

Morris and Linda Summers Ted and Joyce McCulley Art and Dianne Goulas Editor’s Note: No group in Central better epitomizes the Original CREW Members spirit of Valentine’s Day than the members of The Crew, Central Residents Eating Well who give so freely of them- • Jim & Mary Ann Gardner • Larry & Ruby Foil selves to help our community • John & Betsy Hooper • David & Jill Walker and especially the children • Ted & Joyce McCulley • Morris & Linda Summers served by the Central Commu- • Doug & Cookie Browning • Will & Dot Easley nity School System. The group • Mike & Peggy Faulk • Joan Lansing is made up of couples, most of • Tommie Morden • Art and Dianne Goulas whom have been married 50 • Wayne & Janet Messina • Donald Ray & Mona Kennard years or more. Their love for • Harry & Louise Rauls • R.J. & Pat Saucier one another and our commu- • Tommy & Judy Belcher • Debbie Cooper nity shines brightly through- • Ralph & Caroline Washington out the year! Some members of The Crew have passed away and are pictured on the front What began as a loose- the CREW, seemed like a page of this edition of Central knit group of acquaintances fitting title. The CREW was City News. with a love for Central and officially formed! Linda Summers the school system evolved The tradition of meeting of The Crew into a circle of close friends for breakfast once a week who have built lasting re- has continued to this day. CENTRAL — In 2007, a lationships. The group has CREW members can be loose-knit group of Central shared many life experi- found at David’s Mobil on DONALD RAY — On a visit to the WWII Museum in , citizens began supporting ences through the years. Tuesday mornings. the late State Rep. Donald Ray Kennard ordered what he thought the new Central Community They have laughed together In addition to regular would be a light lunch. When the foot-long super dog was placed be- School System by attending in joyous times and cried breakfast meetings, the fore him, his expression was priceless, and the group had a good laugh. school board meetings and together in times of sorrow. group of friends has get-to- volunteering their help in They have created a support gethers throughout the year. cleaning and sprucing up the system that has helped them They recently celebrated city’s aged school facilities. get through life’s ups and the new year with a bonfire These ordinary citizens downs. and an old-fashioned wie- spent much of their sum- None of the group imag- ner roast. Many events find mer painting and assist- ined that their initial meet- them in their “happy place” ing in getting the schools ing would develop into rela- – the Easley barn. The large ready for the fall semester. tionships that would last for facility has been the scene Afterwards, they helped to 13 years. However, as their of many celebrations for the raise funds for the schools work for the schools contin- CREW. Will and Dot Eas- by working at Cooking for ued, they began to meet so- ley, members of the group, Kids events and also offered cially. In 2008, they decided have graciously opened their help whenever schools to meet weekly for break- their barn for Christmas needed some extra hands. fast at Debbie Cooper’s parties, anniversaries, and In addition, the group orga- former restaurant on Joor other events shared by the nized a jambalaya fundrais- Road. It was at this time the group. The friends have also er that brought in $15,000 ladies decided that the or- enjoyed private bus trips to to help Whitney Taylor, the ganization needed a name. the Festival of Lights in daughter of principal Rhon- Since dining was always a Natchitoches and the World da Taylor who was diag- part of the itinerary, Central War II Museum in New Or- nosed with a brain tumor. Residents Eating Well, or leans. Tom and Judy Belcher

THE LADIES OF THE CREW sit together for breakfast every Tuesday morning at Da- THE MEN OF THE CREW also sit together for breakfast every Tuesday morning at vid’s Mobil at the corner of Hooper and Joor roads. Who knows what they are cooking up? David’s Mobil. Their job is to solve the world’s problems and especially Central’s!

Photos by Jolice Provost Central City News February 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 9 Keeps Love Lights Burning All Year

Jim and Maryanne Gardner David and Jill Walker Jim Gardner sports an LSU letterman jacket Originally, the CREW consisted of about 35 peo- What CREW Members Say ple, but some of them have About The Crew passed away and a few oth- Wayne Messina: What I remember: The get-togethers for ers have moved to other breakfast at houses of friends. The cruise we went on to- areas. Most of the group gether. Ralph Washington’s story about the three guys who members are still in Central went in the fire. The friendships that have been established. and continue to meet and Being there for one another through thick and thin! Saying enjoy life together. our prayers together. I would not trade it in a million years! Central schools con- Betsy Hooper: A fun night in an empty house! A weenie tinue to flourish, and this roast! It was cold! We brought our left over goodies from the knowledge brings a smile holidays in the hopes they would get eaten! We sat around to CREW members. The the fire and shared stories and good times. No one fell in friendships they have forged the dark! No one got poked in the eye with a weenie stick! as they worked together and Average age approximately 76 or 77! now play together have re- Ted McCulley: Our most moving memory involved the mained solid. A love of Whitney Taylor Benefit. After selling 1,700 lunches in two God, a love of one another, hours, we sold out but Central folks continued to drive and a love of Central have through handing us money for Whitney! been the glue that has kept R. J. Saucier: A first memory of the CREW was a time I the CREW together. They asked time to discuss Central politics with them....very re- feel blessed to be a part of spectful and orderly they were. Now I can hardly get a word each other’s lives. in edgewise... Guess they got to know me! Ted McCulley and Morris Summers

Wayne and Janet Messina Cold weather, a weenie roast, and good company! Will and Dot Easley

THE CREW — (1st row) Jill Walker, Maryanne Gardner, Judy Belcher, Dianne Goulas, WHITNEY TAYLOR BENEFIT — One of The Crew’s most moving memories in- Joyce McCulley, and Linda Summers; (2nd row) Jim Gardner, Art Goulas, and Ted Mc- volved the Whitney Taylor Benefit. After selling 1,700 lunches in two hours, they were Culley; and (3rd row) David Walker, Tom Belcher, and Morris Summers sold out, but Central folks continued to drive through giving money for Whitney. 10 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020 Central High Wildcat Baseball Has Won State Championship 2 of Last 3 Years New Head Coach Leo McClure Takes Helm of Wildcat Baseball

DOUBLE ALL-AMERICANS — Leo McClure’s son Trey McClure of LSU was named to the All-American baseball team. That same year, son Todd McClure of LSU was named to the All-American football team.

Coach McClure and his son Tanna Leo McClure, Central High Head Baseball Coach Coach McClure and his wife Vicki

Woody Jenkins ball. Tanna started at LSU and was baseball academy with 19 teams. This year’s coaching staff will Editor a relief pitcher at Delgado and SLU. Zach Marucci, trainer for LSU include Collin Rogers, who was Trey was the most versatile ath- football, made a wooden bat for his with the Royals for five years; CENTRAL — Central High lete, winning All State honors in son, and that bat proved the inspira- Hunter Edgens, Brett Courville, School’s new head baseball coach several sports, but it was Todd who tion for what has become a nation- and Frank Fresina. is no stranger to Central. A Central made his mark in the pros as the wide, even worldwide business. Coach McClure said he is very High graduate of 1973, Leo Mc- starting center for the Atlanta Fal- Son Todd McClure is retired. excited at the support he has re- Clure has spent much of life as a cons for 14 years. He has a ranch in the Zachary area ceived from parents and alumni. player and coach in Central. And Since the 1990’s, Leo has devel- and owns 6M antique woods. He They sold 70 signs at $500 each his sons are some of the most suc- oped travel baseball and currently finds wood throughout the country and 197 signs altogether. cessful athletes in Central history. runs the Louisiana Tigers, a group when old buildings are torn down. Coach McClure said he has After finishing at Central High, of six to 10 teams, each of which Todd also raises bulls for profes- been humbled by the parental sup- Leo played basketball at SLU in plays 70 to 80 games a year. sional rodeo riders. Todd’s oldest port. Not only the selling of signs Hammond. He returned to Central Coach McClure says travel son Maverick McClure plays for but the packed house of 400 at the High School as head basketball baseball has become almost a ne- Zachary and with have the chance baseball banquet. “The parents coach from 1977 to 1984. From cessity for athletes who want to to face off against his grandfather have really welcomed me back,” 1984 to 1989, he was head bas- play at the college and professional Leo when Central and Zachary he said. ketball coach at SLU. After a few levels and even at the high school meet later this spring. The team has purchased 75 years out of coaching to work in level. The experience and level of Coach McClure is optimis- chairbacks from Yankee Stadium. private business, Leo McClure re- play simply can’t be reached any tic about this year’s Central High The outfield wall will be double turned to Central High as Athletic other way, he said. Wildcat baseball team. He said it’s height this year. A second batting Director and head football coach in More than 150 of McClure’s a young team but it’s “good young” cage has been purchased, along 1991 and 1992. travel baseball players have gone with lots of talent and experience. with better equipment. By the mid-1990’s, Leo’s sons on to play college baseball and 40 “We have a lot of experienced Central won the State 5A Cham- Trey, Todd, and Tanna were mak- have played in professional base- 10th and 11th grade pitching,” he pionship in 2017 and 2018. Coach ing names for themselves at Cen- ball. McClure said travel baseball said. He has strong team leader- McClure asked, “Do you know tral High School. The three of them is costly and time consuming but ship returning this year, he said. what two schools have won the last piled up a host of All District and 90 percent of advanced players “There’s no question we have five state championships? Central All State honors in multiple sports. play travel baseball. the pitching and defense to be in and Barb!” At LSU, Trey was an All Ameri- Today his sons Trey and Tan- the running,” he said. “The real Could it happen again? can in baseball and the same year na are national sales directors for issue is hitting. If we bat well, we It’s certainly not out of the ques- Todd was an All American in foot- Marucci Sports and have their own will be very competitive.” tion!

Coach Leo McClure has great success with his travel baseball team the Louisiana Tigers. The Louisiana Tigers have teams that range from 10-14 years old. Players are accepted through tryouts that are held yearly. These teams travel throughout the United States playing in various tournaments against the most elite teams in the nation. February 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 11 Central High Wildcat Baseball Has Won State Championship 2 of Last 3 Years

2019 Central High Past Broadcasts Averaged 10,000 to 15,000 Viewers Varsity Baseball Schedule Feb 8 Intersquad H Central City News to Broadcast Feb 15 West Feliciana* H Feb 18 Central Private* H Feb 22 Denham Jamboree A 21 Central High Baseball Games Central vs Episcopal CENTRAL — The Central City per game. Jenkins, the Voice of the Wildcats, News will resume its live cover- In the spring of 2018, the Cen- said he’s looking forward to re- Feb 22 Denham Jamboree A age of Central High baseball this tral City News broadcast about 30 suming coverage of Central High Central vs Doyle spring and plans to broadcast at Central High baseball games, lead- baseball. “We enjoyed broadcast- least 21 regular season games in ing up to the state finals. Baseball ing BRCC but honestly it’s hard to Feb 24 Mandeville A February, March, and April. averaged 10,000 to 15,000 viewers match the enthusiasm and excite- Feb 25 New Iberia H The newspaper began its cov- per game. The newspaper broad- ment of baseball at Central High erage of live sporting events with cast Central High School football School. In addition, we think the Feb 27 Live Oak Tourney A live coverage of Central High’s live again in the 2018 and 2019 Wildcats may be headed for an- CHS vs Ponchatoula State Championship game in seasons with audience sizes slight- other great year and we want to be May 2017. That game, which was ly increased. part of it!” Feb 27 Live Oak Tourney A broadcast on Facebook Live, drew Last spring, the Central City Central businesses interested in CHS vs Sam more than 94,000 viewers, accord- News broadcast 30 college basket- sponsoring the live broadcast of ing to Facebook. In the fall of ball and baseball games for Baton Central High baseball should call Feb 28 Live Oak Tourney A 2017, the Central City News began Rouge Community College. Woody Jenkins at 225-921-1433 CHS vs Byrd broadcasting Central High football This year, the newspaper will or email him at centralcitynews@ live. That year, the viewership of resume its play-by-play coverage hotmail.com. Feb 29 Live Oak Tourney A Central High football averaged be- of Central High baseball. The first broadcast will be Cen- CHS vs Loureauville tween 15,000 and 20,000 viewers Central City News editor Woody tral vs. Central Private on Feb. 18. Mar 3 Open Date TBA Mar 5 W Monroe Tourney A CHS vs Ruston Mar 6 W Monroe Tourney A CHS vs W Monroe Mar 7 W Monroe Tourney A CHS vs Parkway Mar 10 Catholic A Mar 11 St. Augustine H Mar 13 St. Louis Catholic A 244EMPLOYEES Mar 14 Sapula, Okla A Mar 14 St. Louis Catholic A Mar 17 East Ascension H Mar 19 Live Oak Tourney A CHS at Catholic Mar 20 Live Oak Tourney H 82 St. Charles vs CHS Mar 21 Live Oak Tourney H LOW-PRICE POWER PROVIDER Northshore vs CHS FOR 20 YEARS Mar 24 Central Catholic H IN OUR SEVEN PARISH AREA Mar 26 Dutchtown H Mar 27 Doyle A Mar 28 Open Date TBA Mar 31 Westminster Christian H Apr 2 Denham Springs H Apr 4 Denham Springs A 112,000 Apr 7 Scotlandville A Apr 9 Scotlandville H Apr 11 Walker H Apr 14 Walker A Apr 16 Zachary H It takes more than poles, wires and kilowatt Apr 18 Zachary A hours to make a co-op strong. DEMCO Apr 21 Live Oak A employees work tirelessly to provide Apr 23 Live Oak H reliable, affordable electricity to each and every one of our members. Our civic Apr 25 Regular Season Ends dedication is evident through annual Apr 25 S Terrebonne H employee contributions to the Dream * Scrimmage Game Day Foundation and the Capital Area District Games United Way. We’re committed to this DEMCO.org /DEMCOLouisiana Head Coach: Leo McClure community because we’re a part of it. Principal: Brandon LaGroue 12 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020

DemocratFive Candidates Vie for Baton Rouge City Judge Have Strong Edge in Voter Registration But GOP Turns Out Higher BATON ROUGE — Three Demo- cratic candidates and one Republi- can made the case for their candi- dacies for Baton Rouge City Judge at the Candidates Forum held Jan. 28 by the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Parish. To watch, click your phone over the QR Code below. The election to fill a vacancy on the court left by the election of Judge Tarvald Smith to the Dis- trict Court will be held Saturday, April 4, with a runoff if necessary on May 9. Candidates speaking at the forum were Donald Dobbins, Johnell Matthews, Whitney Hig- ginbotham Greene, and Jonathan Holloway. Unable to attend was Greg Cooke, who had a court ap- pearance in another parish. All of the candidates are Demo- crats except Greene, who is a Re- publican. Dobbins has been en- BATON ROUGE CITY JUDGE CANDIDATES FORUM — Candidates for Baton Rouge City Judge in the dorsed by the Democratic Party April 4 election spoke at the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Parish Candidates Forum Jan. 28 at and Greene is expected to be en- Café Américain. Shown are (left to right) Donald Dobbins, Johnell Matthews, Whitney Higginbotham Greene, dorsed by the Republican Party. and Jonathan Holloway. Not shown is candidate Greg Cook. All of the candidates are Democrats except Greene. The election is citywide and a Dobbins has been endorsed by the Democratic Party of East Baton Rouge Parish, and Greene is expected to be majority of voters are Democrats. endorsed by the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish. A runoff if necessary will be held May 9.

Chamber of Baton Rouge City Judge Commerce of Candidates Forum East Baton Rouge Photos by Woody Jenkins Jan. 28, 2020 & Jolice Provost for Point Phone Central City News Click Here

Attorney Johnell Matthews, candidate for Baton Rouge City Judge candidate City Judge, with husband Johnny Jonathan Holloway with supporters

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Bruce Medine • Linda Medine • Owners 8931 Greenwell Springs Road

Whitney Taylor Fund Raiser 2015 Christmas Morris, Ted 2019 Jim Gardner and ladies at Mobile Station 2018 Joyce and Betsy after attending Mike Faulk’s mother’s wake 2013 Dinner Bell, Attached is list of attendees February 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 13 In Magazine World, Michelle Obama is Still First Lady, British Royal Family Continues Its Reign in America!

Diane Jenkins to find a magazine about ing all of us in America Women across America, was lauded for years!! The Staff Writer First Lady Melania Trump, informed of every fawning like me, want to acknowl- daily attacks on President whom I personally admire detail of their lives... In edge her valuable role in Trump make me sick and On October 13, I visited for her beauty, brains and the magazine world, Mi- our country, hear from her, sad. And the fact that the a bookstore in my home- grace. However, I could chelle Obama is still First and read about the good magazines are ignoring our town and a grocery store not find one single maga- Lady and the royal fam- things she represents: de- First Lady angers me, too... in my neighborhood. This zine that featured her! ily reigns not only over voted wife and mother, and I deeply appreciate the sac- is what I found on one What I did find made Great Britain, but the a really smart lady... Who rifices President and First day... The well-known me really upset: Michelle United States as well! For do we know who speaks Lady Trump are making bookstore has a magazine Obama was the “Featured the last three years, I have six languages? I remember to save our country. God section of more than 300 Magazine” right up front. observed the same thing how Jackie O wowed the Bless the Trump Family! publications. My grocery Then there were about a week after week, month world because she spoke store’s magazine rack con- dozen different magazines after month. I wondered French in the presence tains about 100 different with members of the Brit- “Why can’t we have our of President de Gaulle in Photos by publications. I had hoped ish royal family — Keep- First Lady?” Paris... And for this, she Diane Jenkins

225-261-2995 DavidDavidDavid P.P.P. Fargason,Fargason,Fargason, M.D.M.D.M.D. RobertRobertRobert Geier,Geier,Geier, O.D.O.D.O.D. ervices: Lewis Wrecker Service, Inc. Services:ervices: Family Owned and Operated since 1956 SS• NEW LASER Cataract/Implants Family Owned and Operated since 1956 • • 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 Remember When? ••• Glaucoma/Laser LASIKGlaucoma/Laser BLADE FREE Lewis Cafe on ••• LASIK EyeLASIK Examinations BLADE BLADE FREE FREE ••• Eye ContactEye Examinations Examinations Lenses Airline Highway ••• Contact OpticalContact Lenses Lenses •• Optical Optical in the 1950’s • Diabetic Eye Exams David P. Fargason, MD in the 1950’s •• Diabetic Diabetic Eye Eye Exams Exams DavidDavid P. P. Fargason, Fargason, MD MD all to Schedule Your Eye Exam 9555 Joor Road allall to to Schedule Schedule Your Your Eye Eye Exam Exam 9555 Joor Road 225.262.8141 Central, LA 70818 225.262.8141225.262.8141 Central Professional Plaza CentralCentral11424 Professional Professional Sullivan Road Plaza Plaza You have tried the rest! Now USE the BEST! 1142411424 Sullivan Sullivan Road Road 14 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020 Dr. Ben Black Opens Chiropractic Clinic St. Alphonsus Names Two Top Students CENTRAL — Blake Phistry and Kathryn Gravois have been selected to represent St. Alphonsus Catholic School in the Students of the Year Awards Program this year. These students have demonstrated excel- lent academic achievement, leader- ship ability, and citizenship. They will now compete on a state level.

CENTRAL — Dr. Ben Black, a 2009 graduate of Central High School, where he was a star football player, a star in “Beauty and the Beast,” and named Most Talented member of the senior class, has graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College in Daytona Beach, FL, and returned to Central to open his office for the practice of chiropractic. Ben met his future wife Emily while attending SLU. They have one child. He said attending Palmer was a life-changing experience. “It was tough to leave family, but it was amazing to be surrounded by people from all over the country who are health- centered 24/7.” He said he hopes to help the people of Central who need chiropractic care. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. Duane Black. Dr. Black’s office is located in the Oak Point Shopping Center. To make an appointment, call 225-963-9090. Central Business Directory Automotive Carpet Cleaning Dirt WorkWork Blake Phistry 5th Grade North - Airline & BayouSteam General Sand & Gravel Co. Choctaw Carpet, Upholstery, Limestone, Gravel, Mason Sand, Clay, Top Soil, 225-927-2311 Riversilt, Crushed Concrete, Tractor Work, South - Airline Tile & Grout Cleaning Swimming Pool Demo & Fill-In & Cloverland Locally owned and operated 225-261-3953 225-751-3656 225-955-6955 Electrical Lawn Care Plumbing Simple Electric PRO CUTS Installation of All Electrical Work Mowing & Trimming • Tree Maintenance Commercial • Residental Over 35 Years Experience • Any Size Job Flower Bed Maintenance Parking Lot Lights, Security Lights, and Video No Contracts • Free Estimates Family Business 262-1234 Parking Lot Lights, Security Lights, and Video Zachary St. Francisville Baton Rouge 225-921-2633 225-614-7496 654-9080 784-0448 262-1234

Storage Kathryn Gravois 8th Grade Climate and Non-Climate Control Units Advertise in Business Directory Fenced In 24 Hour Access Various Sizes Available 3 months $50/mo • 6 months $47/mo Parish Lenten Mission • NORTH RIVER ROAD STORE AND LOCK 9 months $45/mo12 month $42/mo 4747 N. River Road • Port Allen March 2-4 at 6:30 p.m. Book & Pay Online: northriverrdstorage.com Call 225-261-5055 or email [email protected] 225-888-3122 • UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT St. Alphonsus presents Mary Bielski “Made New: Transforming Power of the Gospel” Tasty stuffing is... Classifieds $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- [email protected]. Or mail or hand de- Made With liver check and ad copy to City News, 910 N. Foster, Baton Rouge 70806 HIRING: Hiring Full/Part-Time day- care workers for Comite Child Dev. Ctr. Call 225-273-2699 JOB LISTING: Looking for a strong conservative who is a wake of current events with computer skills, to help build a conservative information center. Call Tommy at 225-301-0996. Leave a message. FOR PURCHASE at TRACTOR SUPPLY: Happy Jack® LiquiVict 2x®: handy dispenser insures accurate dosage to treat hook and round worms. At Trac- tor Supply. (www.happyjackinc.com). ADVERTISE IN CENTRAL CITY NEWS: Reach your best audience. Ad- vertise in the Central City News. Call Recipes at MadeWithManda.com 225-921-8784 or 225-261-5055. February 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 15 Cooking in Central Set Friday, March 27

Last year Cookin’ in Central raised $54K for worthwhile causes in Central! Organizers are hoping for another great year. All are invited to join in the fun at this community event. CENTRAL — Cooking in Central, p.m. Meal tickets are $20 for boiled the Official Festival of the City crawfish or the fish and shrimp din- of Central, will hold its Premier ner. Take out dinners will be avail- Spring Event on Friday, March able from 5:30 to 7 p.m.. 27. This year’s festival will fea- The ever-popular crawfish boil ture entertainment by The Molly competition will be a featured Ringwalds, along with a Seafood event. Competing teams will pro- Extravaganza. Gates open at The vide their own crawfish and a $50 Amazing Place, 10305 Blackwater entry fee. For information email Road, at 4 p.m. The entry fee is $5 [email protected] or call per person 16 and older. 225-938-1753. The family event will have en- Everyone is invited to come tertainment for children and adults eat and dance the night away for a alike: Pony rides, the Central great cause! Proceeds will benefit Fire Department’s Smoke House, Central area schools, CCAF, Cen- BREC activities, auctions, raffles, tral Athletic Foundation, Cast Iron and live music. In addition, there Assistance, and the Capital Area will be lots of food starting at 5 Law Enforcement Foundation.

The Best Price In Roofing & Sheet Metal Services Blanco’s Roofing & Sheet Metal LLC Serving Central and the Surrounding Area Since 1990 Our Top Priority Is Your Complete Satisfaction COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL 262-1980 Fax 262-1981 www.blancosroofing.com

Comite Child Development Center A Ministry of Comite Baptist Church ENROLLING NOW! Nursery and Preschool (Babies 6 weeks old – Pre-K 4) 50% Registration Fee Discount Now through February 28, 2020 Call TODAY! 273-2699 12250 Greenwell Springs Road at Flannery 16 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020

YourYour PhysicalPhysical HometownHometown TherapyTherapy 225-261-7094225-261-7094 1311113111 HooperHooper RoadRoad centralptonline.comcentralptonline.com Central,Central, LALA 7081870818 Your Rehabilitation Experts Central’s Hometown Heroes

Richard O’Quinn, PT and Kara Kinchen Erik Strahan, Physical Therapist PT Tech Katie Carpenter Massage Holly Bates PTA Herdman Vestibular Certification Download a QR Code Reader to Your Phone and Point Your Phone at the QR Code Below to Watch a Video

Meet Meet Meet Richard O’Quin Kara Kinchen Erik Strahan and Learn About Learn About Learn About Massage Plantar Concusions Fasciitis

Beautiful Facility • Quality Staff • 30 Years in Business • Offering More Services • No Need to Travel Outside Central • Physical Therapy • Skilled, Hands on Approach • One-on-One Care • Muscular and Skeletal Problems • Concussions • One of Top Concussion Programs in the Country • Dizziness • Fall Prevention • Recovery from Surgery • Aquatics Program • Sports Therapy • Fitness • Massage Therapy • Dry Needling Owners Helen Balzli, PT, and Tom Coplin, PT and Administrator February 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 17 Dr. LoBue Opens Luxury Boarding the guests, such as squirrels, rab- Most Advanced bits and birds. Each suite also includes a device Boarding Facility, that allows the pet owner to call in and speak directly to the guest. In addition, the owner can tap a but- Day Care Center ton on his phone that causes a treat to be dispensed to the guest. In Capital Region All units have a door that al- CENTRAL — Dr. Tony LoBue has lows the pet to go in and out to the greatly expanded his veterinary workout area. practice with the opening a new Play time is scheduled dur- state-of-the-art luxury pet board- ing the day, and dogs get to play ing facility and day care center. with others at the boarding facility. Located behind Crossroads Ani- Before a pet is allowed to inter- mal Hospital, the new facility is a act with other dogs, he is admin- separate building, which provides istered a temperament test to help some rather impressive services. insure that he has the social skills Kennels and pet boarding fa- to be able to play with other dogs. cilities are notorious for their odor, Boarders must have all required but a tour of the luxury facility was shots. surprisingly odor-free and did not Doors to the suites are opened smell of chemicals. Unlike tradi- four times a day and left open dur- tional kennels, there is no gutter ing play times if weather permits. allowing wastes to flow to an out- Dogs are taken out three times a let. Instead, dogs are allowed to go day to a fully-fenced play yard outside to do their business most where there is agility equipment, of the time. When they are unable toys, and room to run. to, the wastes are vacuumed up Dogs can be boarded or kept for through a vacuum system through- day care for a half day or full day. out the facility. The wastes are then Holidays are coming up soon, processed. and reservations are beginning to When a visitor walks through fill up. Events coming soon are: the pet boarding facility, the first • Mardi Gras thing he sees are the “luxury suites” • Spring break near the entrance. Visitors can be • Easter counted on to laugh and view the • Vacation time scene with amazement! Crossroads Animal Hospi- Each suite is quite large and of- tal is located at 13933 Greenwell fers guests a memory foam bed and Springs Rd., Central 70739. Phone their own personal large screen TV, Dr. Tony LoBue has opened a luxury pet boarding facility behind his vet office. 225-261-6000. The website is which shows videos of interest to crossroadsanimalhospital.com.

Dr. LoBue’s luxury boarding facility is dedicated to his mentor, Dr. John Rust.

Victory Academyest.1980

MINISTRY OF VICTORY HARVEST CHURCH PRE-K - 8TH “A love for learning brings us together a desire for excellence sets us apart.”

3953 N. Flannery Rd. 225-272-8339 Non-discriminatory admissions policy 18 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020 Jack Hood Jewelers Comes to Central Exquisite Jewelry Not Just Made in U.S.A. But Made Here in Central CENTRAL — Jack Hood opened Jack Hood Jewelers on Boulevard nearly 40 years and de- veloped a thriving business based not so much on selling jewelry but on designing and creating unique, world class jewelry unsurpassed in the Baton Rouge market. Nearly 90 percent of all jewelry sold in the world is manufactured in China, India, Europe, and third world countries, and most jewelry stores in Louisiana simply import and sell those products. However, at Jack Hood Jewelers, their products are not only made in America, but they are designed and created from scratch right inside Jack Hood’s store. Now the only location of Jack Hood Jewelers has moved to the Oak Point Shopping Center at the corner of Greenwell Springs and Sullivan roads in Central. With that comes Jack’s unique artistic talent and craftsmanship. A small sample of the thousands of exquisite pieces of jewelry manufactured to your desing by Jack Hood Jewelers Jack’s daughter Kelli Hood has attended St. Alphonsus for elemen- developed life-threatening cancers Jack Hood Jewelers is open for spent a lifetime with her mom and tary school and then Redemptorist. nine months apart. Now they have business now. The Grand Opening dad in the jewelry business. She Kelli loves being back home and emerged from those nightmares and will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat- runs the retail side of the business has kind words for their landlords, are ready for life to get back to normal urday, Feb. 15. The public is invited. and is a leading designer of jewelry. the Sumich family. at their new store. With Kelli able to Jack Hood Jewelers is located When problems developed with The past three years have been handle the retail side of the business at 14395 Greenwell Springs Road. their building on Florida Boule- tough for Jack and his family. They and much of the designing, Jack is Telephone 225-928-2529. vard, Kelli pushed to relocate in were victims of the flood of Au- now able to focus on the creative The website is jackhoodjewelers. Central. She’s a Central gal, having gust 2016. Then he and his wife side of the business that he loves. com. “Like” their Facebook page.

Jack Hood Jewelers Is Now Open • Grand Opening Feb. 15 10 am-3 pm Baton Rouge’s Premier Jewelry Manufacturer Has Relocated to Central After 40 Years!

Designer Kelli Hood helps you design your unique, one-of-a-kind family heirloom. Then we manufacture it here at our shop in Central. Made to last for generations! Need something inexpensive? All items on right side of store are beautiful and priced under $100.

TOUR: Click on QR Code at right for a tour of Jack Hood Jewelers by designer Kelli Hood. Jack Hood Jewelers 14395 Greenwell Springs Rd Suite D Central, LA 70739 • 225-928-2529 jackhoodjewelers.com

Master jeweler Jack Hood brings his world-class talent to bear for you. “LIKE” our page on Facebook.com February 2020 CENTRAL CITY NEWS 19

TODDTODD NETHERLANDNETHERLAND THETHE TREEMANTREEMAN FullyFully LicensedLicensed andand InsuredInsured

“Todd Netherland Treeman” with Dub Pray • Established in 1969 Same Guy • New Numbers • FREE ESTIMATES

SameSame GuyGuy •• NewNew NumbersNumbers •• FREEFREE ESTIMATESESTIMATES OwnerOwner ToddTodd NetherlandNetherland •• CentralCentral NativeNative andand LicensedLicensed ArboristArborist Take Down That Tree Before That Tree Takes Down Your House Our Trucks Remove Debris Required By Law You Don’t Get Stuck With Clean Up

Don’tDon’t TrustTrust YourYour HomeHome andand YourYour FamilyFamily toto anan Unlicensed,Unlicensed, Uninsured,Uninsured, Out-of-StateOut-of-State Operator!Operator! OwnerOwner ToddTodd NetherlandNetherland •• CentralCentral NativeNative andand LicensedLicensed ArboristArborist ToddTodd NetherlandNetherland 225-505-4341225-505-4341 DubDub PrayPray 225-454-4982225-454-4982 20 CENTRAL CITY NEWS February 2020

Central High Wildcat Championship Baseball Is On the Air for 2020 4-5A Season!

Central Wildcat Baseball

Watch LIVE on Your Phone Go to ‘Central City News’ on Facebook.com! Play-by-Play by Woody Jenkins Voice of Wildcats

Tentative February 2020 Broadcast Schedule Times TBA Feb 18 Central Private H Feb 22 Denham Jamboree A Central vs Episcopal Feb 22 Denham Jamboree A Central vs Doyle Feb 24 Mandeville A Feb 25 New Iberia H Feb 27 Live Oak Tourney A CHS vs Ponchatoula Feb 27 Live Oak Tourney A CHS vs Sam Houston Feb 28 Live Oak Tourney A CHS vs Byrd Produced LIVE by Central City News