Championship Banners to Be Raised at Istrouma Gym During Ceremony State Championship Istrouma Teen New Lt

Istrouma Spring Game May 16 vs. Central BATON ROUGE - Central High head football Coach Sid Edwards Istrouma vs. Central and Istrouma High head football Spring Football Game coach Jeremy Gradley have an- Thursday, May 16, 2019 nounced the two schools will meet 3 p.m Banquet honoring all for a spring game at 5:30 p.m. on past Istrouma State Thursday, May 16 at Tack Jackson Championship teams Stadium at Istrouma High on Win- (of all sports) and bourne Avenue in Baton Rouge. unfurling banners in The event will be an Istrouma Istrouma High Gym Alumni Night, and all former Is- 5:30 Spring Game between trouma High football players will Central and Istrouma be honored at mid-field during at Istrouma High Field, half-time ceremonies. 3730 Winbourne Ave. It will be a good opportunity to help Istrouma raise money to sup- Jenkins Woody by Photo 6:30 All former Istrouma football players will be See ISTROUMA on Page 10 Istrouma football players Brandel Belle and Don Crayton at Istrouma Kiwanis honored at half-time

Celebrating the Past and Building the Future of North Baton Rouge

February 2019 • Vol. 3, No. 1 • 16 Pages • Your Community Newspaper • Like ‘Istrouma Journal’ on Facebook.com • 225-261-5055 Championship Banners to Be Raised At Istrouma Gym During Ceremony State Championship Istrouma Teen New Lt. Gov. Team Members to Be Istrouma High sopho- Clubs in schools which do Honored at Banquet more Tyger Johnson has not currently have an ac- been elected Lt. Governor tive Key Club. At 3 p.m. on May 16 BATON ROUGE - Members of the Louisiana-Missis- He is looking forward of Istrouma High’s many sippi-West Tennessee Dis- to attending the Key Club State Championship foot- trict of Key Club Interna- International Convention ball and other teams are tional. in Baltimore this being invited to return to The Istrouma summer and will the school May 16 for the High Key Club be working with unfurling of their team’s is sponsored by other Key Club- State Championship ban- the Istrouma Ki- bers to raise the ners. The ceremony will wanis Club. Both money to attend. take place during a banquet organizations fo- Tyger is also to be held at 3 p.m. that day cus on helping involved with in the Istrouma gym. children suffer- power-lifting Each athlete will be indi- ing from poverty and Alpha Botil- vidually recognized. Fami- or disease. Tyger lion. Tyger lives Key Club Lt. Gov. ly members are also invited. said he is excited Tyger Johnson with his dad and The Spring Game between about Key Club makes money Central and Istrouma will as a chance to serve the cutting yards and working begin at 5:30 p.m. Istrouma community. As Lt. Gover- with his dad, who is a mu- football players of all years nor, he will represent Key sician, DJ, and comedian. will be honored at half-time. Clubs throughout the Ba- He describes himself as To make banquet reserva- ton Rouge area. One of his organized, hardworking, HEISMAN TROPHY — Billy Cannon of Istrouma High School and tions, email woodyjenkins@ goals is to establish Key and fun-loving. LSU poses with Vice President Richard Nixon and the 1959 Heisman hotmail.com. They are free Trophy honoring him as the top college football player in America. for players and family. Aquaponics Project: Raising Fish, Producing Lettuce Waste from Fish Farm Used to Nourish Crops Indoors at Istrouma HS BATON ROUGE - Istrouma High School students have been working this year on an aquaponics program that has taught them to raise catfish for the commercial market while utilizing the catfish waste as nutrients for growing lettuce used in the school cafeteria. It’s part of a program organized by Ronnie Morris of Exxon that teaches stu- AQUAPONICS — Istrouma High and Brookstown Magnet students are learning practical skills in the schools’ aquaponics program. dents practical skills using the training, many students science, technology, en- than two dozen Istrouma the program were honored chemistry. As a result of are considering careers in gineering or math. More students who participate in in White Coat ceremonies. 2 ISTROUMA JOURNAL Thursday, February 28, 2019

Facebook Reveals Who Was Behind Mysterious Demonstration Russian Intelligence Heightened Tensions Here By Initiating an Alton Sterling Protest at BRPD knew what would happen An Investigative Report next. If a protester got out EDITOR’S NOTE: In July 2016, of hand, the pastor or other during protests against the shoot- leader would step in front of ing of Alton Sterling, Central him and tell him to back off. City News editor Woody Jenkins was in daily contact with black Dunn and other leaders leaders in Baton Rouge. Based told the protesters, “This is on interviews done at that time, our city and we’ll handle a report issued by Democratic things our way!” he said. members of the House Intelli- “If you can’t cooperate, you gence Committee, and recent in- need to leave.” terviews with some of the same A few radical groups got Baton Rouge black leaders, this investigative report was put to- on TV and tried to stir up gether. It shows how foreign passions, but the protests agents located on the other side gradually slowed down. of the world were able to ma- On Sunday, July 17, 2016, nipulate events in Baton Rouge. three Baton Rouge Police officers were assassinated Woody Jenkins by Gavin Eugene Long, a Editor, Central City News Powers Kim by Photo former Marine Corps ser- geant who embraced a black BATON ROUGE — After the PROTESTERS confronted Ba- THIS FACEBOOK AD paid for in rubles by Russian intelligence shooting of Alton Sterling ton Rouge City Police in front of promoted a protest at BRPD Headquarters that local black leaders had separatist movement and at at the Triple S convenience BRPD headquarters in 2016. The no knowledge of. Out-of-state protesters surged into Baton Rouge, ap- times claimed to be Mus- store on North Foster Drive protest was promoted by Russia. parently not knowing the protest was initiated by Russian intelligence. lim. The assassinations oc- in July 2016, protests broke publicans, which was con- police unit drove up North curred on Airline Highway, out in front of the conve- ducted in public at Café Foster and paused in front just a few blocks from po- nience store and at other Américain on Jefferson of the Triple S. lice headquarters. points around Baton Rouge. Highway. A black youth pushed In 2018, the House Intel- Some protests were spon- Everything seemed to be forward and threw a bottle ligence Committee asked taneous, while others were going well — until some- at the vehicle. The crowd Facebook to produce ads well planned and organized. thing quite unexpected hap- shouted at him not to do placed on Facebook by What few people knew pened. A protest was called that! Then two black moth- Russian intelligence agents at the time was that a small in front of Baton Rouge Po- ers grabbed the young man during 2016. Facebook pro- group of key African Amer- lice Department headquar- and set him straight. There duced more than 3,500 ads ican leaders were meeting ters at the corner of Good- would be nothing like that that it believed to be placed wood and Airline Highway. here, they told him in no un- by Russian intelligence. everyday throughout the While the ads showed protest. Their goal was to The black leaders who certain terms. Businessman Cleve Dunn, Jr. protest the killing of Sterling had been carefully orga- After that, the reporter no evidence of collusion but also to make sure the nizing and monitoring the said there were no more between the Russians and protests did not turn violent. protests were caught by sur- signs of violence at Triple the Trump campaign, it did One of the African Ameri- prise. They had not called S. Her only concern was the show a pattern of the Rus- can leaders willing to speak for the protest. Worse still, fact that some people were sians injecting themselves on the record was busi- they didn’t know anything drinking and that could into a wide range of political nessman Cleve Dunn, Jr. about it. easily get out of control. disputes in the United States, During the protest, Dunn As word spread about As word of the planned always trying to stir the pot, and others were quietly the protest, the concern of protest in front of BRPD make American politics working to calm things black leaders grew. A direct headquarters spread days more toxic, and turn Ameri- down and keep everyone on confrontation with the po- later, African American Dwight Hudson cans against one another. both sides safe. The group lice was not something they leaders became uneasy. Now on Metro Council Among the ads was one often met at the Triple S. wanted and certainly not in Who had called the protest? Worse still, the Baton which answered the question “Baton Rouge is not like front of police headquarters No one seemed to know. Rouge leaders didn’t recog- of Who was behind the pro- the places where they have where tensions would prob- Rumors spread on social nize these people. A few lo- tests at BRPD headquarters? experienced violent protests ably be high between police media like wildfire. The cal people were mingled in Russian intelligence pur- and wanton destruction of and protestors. Black Muslims were com- but basically they were out- chased ads on July 9, pictur- property. Our people are the Central City News re- ing. The Black Panthers of-towners that no one knew ing Alton Sterling and urg- ones hurt the worst when porter, Kim Powers, was in were coming. In fact, bus and no one could control. ing people to come to the that occurs,” Dunn said. the midst of virtually all of loads of people did begin Kim Powers was on the rally in front of BRPD head- During the protests, the demonstrations, starting arriving. scene taking pictures and quarters. The ad targeted Dunn and State Rep. Ted with the first one in front of Cleve Dunn was among talking to people. Dwight people living in Louisiana. James were among black the Triple S on North Fos- those who spoke out in the Hudson, now a Republican It was paid for in rubles on- leaders invited to attend a ter Drive. Often she was media, saying that outsiders Metro Councilman, was line from Russia. The ad ran meeting of the Ronald Rea- the only white face on the weren’t needed or wanted in there too passing out bottled from July 6 to July 9, 2016. gan Newsmaker Luncheon scene. Yet, she was always Baton Rouge. We have our water to the protesters and At least 111 people signed sponsored by the Repub- treated courteously and with issues in Baton Rouge, and trying to keep things friendly. up on the Russians’ Event lican Party of East Baton respect. we can handle them, Dunn As things began to get Page to attend the protest, Rouge Parish. Both groups Powers reported that dur- said. tense, once again, the black and Facebook reported that wanted an open dialogue ing the first protest at Tri- Before the protest at leaders including a number 26,000 people saw the ad. that made sure there were ple S, no uniformed Baton BRPD protest, black leaders of black pastors began to Democrats on the House no big surprises. Rouge police officers were in Baton Rouge were em- walk the line between the Intelligence Committee made The media covered the present, and it was unclear ploying a tactic at protests. protesters and the police, the Facebook ads public. meeting between African at first what direction things If there were a confronta- putting themselves in harm’s Baton Rouge leaders such American leaders and Re- would take. Then a BRPD tion between protestors and way as they did so. No one See RUSSIANS on Page 6 the police or with anyone else, they would be there to step between the parties and calm things down. So far, that had worked, but no one knew if it would at BRPD headquarters. Cleve Dunn said, “We thought it was unhealthy to go out to the police headquarters to challenge the police, and we opposed it. Then we got a call from city officials saying that the protesters were there — young people no one knew — and they were confronting the police.” When black leaders ar-

rived, they saw protesters Photo by Kim Powers Kim by Photo

Photo by Kim Powers Kim by Photo lined up in a long line facing off against the police. There JULY 2016 — The mood was explosive during protests in front of was trash talk and obsceni- FACEBOOK PROVIDED ANSWERS — Documents obtained by BRPD headquarters. The question was who called the protest? ties. the House Intelligence Committee solved a mystery.about a protest. Thursday, February 28, 2019 ISTROUMA JOURNAL 3 Broome Takes on Far-Left ‘Together Baton Rouge’ Mayor: We Need Exxon Industry, Especially Exxon, Valued Part Of BR Community, Mayor Broome Says Woody Jenkins Editor

BATON ROUGE - On a brisk, clear morning last week, Mayor-Presi- dent Sharon Weston Broome gathered 200 local business people and members of the news media on the plaza between City Hall and the Old State Capitol to voice her sup-

port for ExxonMobil. Jenkins Woody by Photo The industry giant has come under attack from a leftist organiza- SUPPORT FOR EXXONMOBIL — Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome held a Mayor-President Sharon Weston tion called Together Baton Rouge news conference at City Hall to reassure ExxonMobil that they are a valued part of the Broome at news conference that succeeded in killing an Indus- Baton Rouge community and that Baton Rouge is committed to providing a positive environment for further investment here by the company. ExxonMobil came under attack three Use QR Code Reader trial Tax Exemption for Exxon be- weeks ago from a left-wing organization called Together Baton Rouge, which succeeded in fore the parish school board, and getting the school board to kill an Industrial Tax Exemption sought by Exxon. In 2013, the to Watch Mayor’s the Mayor was fighting back. Capital City News investigated the origins of Together Baton Rouge (see Page 16). Econo- News Conference Broome said, “We are here this mist Loren Scott writes about the importance of Exxon to the local economy (see Page 16). 13,400 Views morning to support a community partner and job creator that has been here for over 100 years — Exxon- Mobil. Our purpose here today is to send a powerful message that Baton Rouge is open for a growing business. We want to compete for your investment over any other city, parish, or state.” In contrast to the criticism of Exxon by Together Baton Rouge, Mayor Broome sided with Exxon, “We must provide a stable business environment here. We support Exx- onMobil!” she said. She said Exxon is offering 600 construction jobs, 45 full-time jobs, $4 million in wages, and $55 million in taxes. “We want to win that investment,” she said. LOCAL OFFICIALS — (Left to right) Metro Councilman Matt Watson, EBR school George Bell, president of United Way, “Baton Rouge is a strong, stable board president Mike Gaudet, and school board vice president Jill Dyason came to the cited Exxon’s support of charity. place to do business.” Mayor-President’s news conference to voice support for ExxonMobil. Dr. Larissa Steib, chancellor of Baton Rouge Community College, They have contributed more than you to have a good result.” came to lend her support to Exx- $25 million to Capital Area United Another reporter said, “Dur- onMobil. She said, “Baton Rouge Way and allowed us to help hun- ing your campaign, you supported Community College has secured dreds of thousands of people,” the ITEP postion of Together Ba- a lot of growth. We believe every- Bell said. He praised the countless ton Rouge. What is your position one should have the opportunity to Exxon employees who volunteer to now?” achieve their goals. BRCC relies on help the community. Mayor Broome said, “In 2017, the strength of our community part- “United Way would not be the I went to a Together Baton Rouge nership, like the one we have with same in this community without board meeting and said that after be- Exxon, to allow us to continue.” Exxon. Our ability to help people coming Mayor I had to revisit ITEP. Chancellor Steib said the Exxon would be greatly diminished,” he Everything rises or falls on leader- partnership has been the spring- said. “I ask everyone to consider ship, and I support bringing jobs to board allowing the North Baton the wonderful role that Exxon Baton Rouge. I support Exxon!” Rouge Industrial Training Initiative plays. They are a great partner for She said, “We have new ITEP to move forward. “They (Exxon) United Way,” he said. rules to guide you, and I support approached us, providing training In closing, Mayor Broome quot- them!” “Peace, prosperity, and for 170 North Baton Rouge resi- ed late Baton Rouge Mayor Wade progress!” she said. Donna Saurage of Community Coffee dents to earn the skills needed for Bynum who said in 1909, “We After the meeting, East Baton said Exxon has spawned small business. a high-paying job in industry. Now have reflected on the impact of this Rouge Parish School Board presi- there are 800 applications for the company. We realize we have re- dent Mike Gaudet and vice presi- training program. Exxon is a valued ceived a steady stream of blessings dent Jill Dyason said they continue leader in workforce development.” unprecedented in the South.” their support of ExxonMobil. They Donna Saurage of Community Broome said, “Those words are said the school board has new ITEP Coffee said 100 years ago, her late even stronger today. We make a guidelines in place that should pro- husband’s grandfather saw an op- commitment as a city to Exxon that vide certainty in the future. portunity when he opened a grocery we will provide you with a predict- Gaudet and Dyason both support- store at the gates of Standard Oil. able business environment. We ed the Exxon tax exemption. Then Cap Saurage started selling continue to support your expan- They said one of the things that coffee. She asked, “How many oth- sion!” hurt the application was the fact er businesses started because Exx- After the speeches, the Mayor that the investment has already onMobil came to our little town?” opened the floor to questions. A been made. George Bell, president of the member of media asked her reac- Metro Councilman Matt Watson Capital Area United Way, said his tion to the school board rejecting said he was happy to see Mayor organization has been in business Exxon’s Industrial Tax Exemption Broome providing leadership on for 94 years and has 400 partners in application. Mayor Broome said, this issue. He said she has not taken the Baton Rouge area. “All elected officials are respon- leadership on the issue in the past. “Our largest partner in terms of sible for their own decisions. How- He said he will work with the new dollars and volunteers is Exxon. ever, the message from my admin- guidelines to try to bring business BRCC Chancellor Dr. Larissa Steib istration is that we will work with investment to Baton Rouge. praised Exxon’s hiring in NBR. 4 ISTROUMA JOURNAL Thursday, February 28, 2019

COMMUNITY PRESS, LLC Capital City News CENTRAL CITY NEWS & & South Baton Rouge Journal Vol. 28 • No. 1 The Leader Vol. 22 • No. 2 • CCN No. 424 910 North Foster Drive Post Office Box 1 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 City of Central, LA 70739

910 North Foster Drive Vol. 3 • No. 1 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 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 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 WHERE IS MY COUNTRY? — Your country is where your heart is. If your heart is in $18 a year by subscription in advance • $25 a year outside East Baton Rouge America, then work for it, fight for it, and never give up on it. Liberty is our ideal, but it is not a destination. It is a journey, a battle, a lifelong fight for each generation.

Liberty always begins in the heart of a man. He may be in the darkest prison where hope has been destroyed. “ Yet, deep inside his heart, there is a spark. That spark is Where Is My Country? love — love for his country, love for his family, love for Woody Jenkins from Jefferson: “God who gave us our God. Love gives rise to inspiration, planning, deter- Editor life gave us liberty. Can the liber- mination, and hard work. ties of a nation be secure when we Benjamin Franklin said, “Where have removed a conviction that ” Liberty dwells, there is my coun- these liberties are the gift of God? listening to Rush or watching Fox try.” One of our readers, Ann Ma- Indeed I tremble for my country News at night is not a commitment. 2019 rie Perkins, asked, “So where is my when I reflect that God is just, that Did you sacrifice days of your life country?” The answer is simple, His justice cannot sleep forever.” in this recent campaign going door Istrouma Journal but before giving it, we should In America, we have so much and to door or making phone calls or Publication Dates say something about Liberty. we take so much for granted. Many waving signs? Did you give money Liberty always begins in the today say, “America is over, all is or raise money? May 9 heart of a man. He may be in the lost!” How ridiculous! How short- Victory in everything goes to darkest prison where hope has been sighted! No hope for America? We those who work their hearts out and July 18 destroyed. Yet, deep inside his still have every imaginable resource sacrifice. Did you? Don’t say you August 22 heart, there is a spark. That spark is at our disposal — private property, voted. That is the utter minimum September 19 love — love for his country, love for freedom of speech, the right to keep that anyone can do. Voting should his family, love for our God. Love and bear arms, and millions upon be the last final act of a whirlwind October 3 gives rise to inspiration, planning, millions of Americans who love of activity in helping elect Liberty- November 7 determination, and hard work. Liberty. loving candidates for public office. Liberty was never bought with- Think of the poor peasant in If you sit on the sidelines, don’t December 12 out great sacrifice. Someone has to Southeast Asia whose village has blame the liberals, the welfare been burned by the Communists, cheats, the illegal immigrants, the Deadline: 5 p.m. pay the price. Sometimes a whole Friday Before generation, a whole nation must his family killed, his livestock de- crony capitalists or any of the other pay the price. In every corner of the stroyed. He is left with only him- left-wing, corrupt forces that are Call 225-261-5055 world, man yearns for Liberty. And self and an old carbine rifle. Yet, he bringing our country down. If you [email protected] he fights for it. fights for his country and his free- sit on the sidelines and do nothing, There is no country immune dom. Now that is a hopeless case. blame yourself for what happens. from the passion of the single man Yet, it too can turn to victory. All that is necessary for Evil your words are like clanging cym- willing to give everything for a God said, “Know the truth, and to Triumph is for good men to do bals that have no meaning. chance to breathe free. the truth will set you free.” nothing. For Liberty to triumph, So the question is asked, “Where Liberty springs forth from the To have Liberty, man must have it’s not enough to “love” Liberty. is my country?” And the answer is heart. The love of Liberty is more the truth. Communication is essen- You have to work tirelessly and simple: Your country is where your powerful than the greatest dictator tial in the fight for freedom. With- sacrifice for it. heart is. If your heart is in America, who commands the greatest army. out truth, there is confusion and dis- You have to be willing to do then work for it, fight for it, and On the northwest wall of the Jef- sension. But with the truth, the path what others refuse to do in order to never give up on it. Liberty is our ferson Memorial in Washington are to victory is often clear. make a real difference. If you sat ideal, but it is not a destination. It these words, which are a warning Today many Americans see their on the sidelines and watched what is a journey, a battle, a lifelong fight country and Liberty slipping away. happened in this election, resolve for each generation. They fret, they stew, they wring never to do that again! A great part of America is con- their hands. They talk. But they do Be in the arena, covered with tinuing the fight for Liberty. The 2019 nothing. blood and sweat and tears. Then love of Liberty is expressed through Istrouma High “I voted!” a man says. You vot- and only then will you have the action. ed? Well, great, but what the hell right to complain about what’s hap- Yes, Liberty begins in the heart Baseball Schedule else did you do? Sitting in the car pening in our country. Otherwise, of a man, and you are that man! Feb 28 Tara H Mar 8 East Feliciana A Mar 15 Broadmoor Tourney A Mar 16 Broadmoor Tourney A Mar 22 Southern Lab H ISTROUMA Mar 25 East Iberville A Mar 26 McKinley H JOURNAL Mar 27 East Iberville H Apr 2 Port Allen A Your Apr 11 Episcopal A Apr 13 Woodlawn/Lee H Community Apr 15 Dunham A Newspaper Apr 17 Episcopal H Coach: Bill Umstetter Phone 225-261-5055 Principal: Reginald Douglas Thursday, February 28, 2019 ISTROUMA JOURNAL 5

Istrouma High School Donuts for Dads Photos by Woody Jenkins Woody by Photos

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD FATHERS — Donuts for Dads at Istrouma High emphasized the importance of having a good father in our lives. Bishop Ronald Hardy spoke.

ISTROUMA KIWANIS CLUB was among the organizations that sent representatives to develop relationships and help mentor young men at the school. 6 ISTROUMA JOURNAL Thursday, February 28, 2019

Drew Lasseigne #99 attemps to block the field goal by Evan Light #13 for Dunham. Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon Clerk of Court Doug Welborn Discusses Work

Of His Office, Cites Need for Commissioners Photos by Jolice Provost Jolice by Photos

Glen Fortune Director of Training Fred Sliman Public Information

Clerk of Court Doug CLERK OF COURT STAFF who explained the work of their respect divisions or staffs were (1st row, left to right) Clerk of Court Doug Welborn with public Sonia Kinchen, public information assistant; Elisa Stephens Randall, administrator of court services, and Kelly Carpen- Welborn with Elisa information assistant ter, supervisor of domestic violence department. (2nd row, left to right) Greg Brown, chief deputy clerk of court; Glen Stephens Randall of Sonia Kinchen Fortune, director of training; Jeff Hickerson, land records administrator; Fred Sliman, public information officer; Clerk Court Services of Court Doug Welborn, and former Rep. Woody Jenkins, editor of the Capital City News. BATON ROUGE — East Baton the office down to 169, has surplus- er to your phone and scan the code to Rouge Parish Clerk of Court Doug es, and money in the bank. Along the the left. Welborn explained the workings of way, the East Baton Rouge Parish Download his office before the Ronald Reagan Clerk’s office has become one of the QR Code Reader Newsmaker Luncheon. The entire most advanced in the state. Then Scan Here Russians Tried to event was broadcast by Capital City The office maintains the -prop Clerk of Court News and is available online by erty records and most official scanning the QR code at right. documents of the parish, includ- Doug Welborn Heighten Tensions Welborn reviewed how he inher- ing all filings in civil and criminal Continued from Page 2 ited a troubled office 27 years ago matters, as well as domestic vio- as Cleve Dunn were shocked to with the previous clerk going to lence matters. It also has the only mation and systems in place at the learn of the Russians’ involvement. prison, a $750,000 deficit in the of- director of training in the state. clerk’s office, including more than Local leaders had nothing to do with fice, and more than 300 employees Director of training Glenn For- 1,000 attorneys, Southern Universi- the protests at BRPD headquarters, — far more than necessary. tune has trained many groups and ty law students, LSU paralegal stu- except that they showed up to try to He said that he has “right-sized” individuals on how to use the infor- dents, realtors, appraisers, real es- keep them peaceful, which they did, tate investors, 19th Judicial District no thanks to the Russians. clerks, the District Attorney’s staff, Cleve Dunn said, “We are in and individuals interested in genea- a vulnerable place with technol- Go-Day Set March 30 at Istrouma logical research. ogy. It has brought us a lot of BATON ROUGE — Baseball will The clinic will be held from 9:30 Elisa Stephens Randall, direc- benefits but just as many disad- make a return to North Baton Rouge to 11 a.m. tor of court services, explained the vantages. It has taken humanity on Saturday, March 30 when boys Students and parents will also be Front Counter App that allows docu- out of our relationships. We go to and girls in the 3rd through the 8th allowed a free tour of the school. Is- ments to be sent out live. That sys- our rooms and pick sides. That’s grades gather for a baseball clinic at trouma Middle and Istrouma High tem is now in place for civil mat- not the way it should be.” Istrouma High School. are now accepting both magnet and ters and they are working to include Now at least, the mystery of who Istrouma Baptist Church is spon- other students. criminal matters. was behind the protests in front of soring the event, which will give There is no registration fee and To watch the video of the presen- Baton Rouge Police headquarters in a free baseball or softball glove to no need to register in advance. Just tation of Clerk Doug Welborn and July 2016 has been solved. each participant. show up! his staff, download a QR Code read- Yes, it was the Russians.

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. Lewis Wrecker Service, Inc. ervices: Services:ervices: Family Owned and Operated since 1956 SS• NEW LASER Cataract/Implants • • NEW NEW Tecnis LASER LASER Multifocal Cataract/Implants Cataract/Implants and Tecnis ToricTecnis Lenses Multifocal Multifocal for Astigmatism and and Remember When? • Glaucoma/Laser Toric Toric Lenses Lenses for for Astigmatism Astigmatism Lewis Cafe on ••• Glaucoma/Laser LASIKGlaucoma/Laser BLADE FREE ••• LASIK EyeLASIK Examinations BLADE BLADE FREE FREE Airline Highway ••• Eye ContactEye Examinations Examinations Lenses ••• Contact OpticalContact Lenses Lenses in the 1950’s •• Optical Optical • Diabetic Eye Exams David P. Fargason, MD •• Diabetic Diabetic Eye Eye Exams Exams DavidDavid P. P. Fargason, Fargason, MD MD 9555 Joor Road all to Schedule Your Eye Exam allall to to Schedule Schedule Your Your Eye Eye Exam Exam Central, LA 70818 225.262.8141 Central, LA 70818 225.262.8141225.262.8141 Central Professional Plaza You have tried the rest! Now USE the BEST! CentralCentral11424 Professional Professional Sullivan Road Plaza Plaza 1142411424 Sullivan Sullivan Road Road Thursday, February 28, 2019 ISTROUMA JOURNAL 7 Greats and Near-Greats Gathered at Duke’s in Watson Istrouma Football Reunion from 50’s-60’s Istrouma Indian All-State Players 1917-1980 1937 T.J. Bankston FB 1940 Thomas Charleton E 1944 Homer McGaugh T 1945 Bobby Clegg HB 1946 Lawrence Mears T 1946 Jim Roshto HB 1947 Thomas Mire FB 1947 Glynn Blackledge G 1948 Paul Miller T 1948 Pat Windham T 1948 Glynn Blackledge G 1948 Lester Landry QB Former Istrouma assistant principal and later Supt. Clyde Lindsey (left) and current principal Reginald Douglas 1950 Larry Mobley E 1950 Harold Newman T 1951 Larry Grissom E 1951 Gus Nordstrom T 1951 Harry Hodges B 1952 Win Turner B 1955 Luther Fortenberry T 1955 Billy Bueto G 1955 Billy Cannon B 1955 George Guidry B 1956 Bev Esque T Former Istrouma greats and near-greats gathered at Duke’s in Watson for a well-deserved reunion. 1956 Don Smith B 1957 Roy Winston T 1957 Norbert Roy G 1957 Don Smith B 1957 Lynn Amedee QB 1958 Don McCollister E 1958 Malcolm Fleming C 1958 Lynn Amedee QB 1958 Don Hargett T 1959 Dickey Cox E 1959 Ronnie Sessions G Many players from the 1955 Istrouma State Championship team and other championship teams were on hand. 1959 Donnie Cotten B 1961 George Rice T 1961 Dwain Nettles B 1963 Mike Hopper C 1963 Melvin Hopper B 1963 Charles Rogers T 1964 Kelly Lacoste G 1972 Steve Bozeman T 1973 Tim Bonvillion T 1976 David Brumfield G Old teammates from North Baton Rouge (including a few Redemptorist boys) swapped stories, some true. 1976 Wayne Parker E 1976 Randy Thomas T Members of 1976 Raymond Wolsefer LB 1976 Doug McCorkel DB Istrouma’s State Championship Teams 1976 Jude Hernandez RB will be honored at a banquet at 3 p.m. May 16 1978 Mark Hernandez G Istrouma High Gym • Free Admission Families Welcome! Istrouma Make Reservations at [email protected] Football Reunion or call 225-921-1433

13,000 ViewersLike Istrouma Journal On Facebook And Stay Tuned for News 8 ISTROUMA JOURNAL Thursday, February 28, 2019 Prestigious White Coat Ceremony Honors 31 Aquaponics Students at Istrouma High

ISTROUMA HIGH PRINCIPAL REGINALD DOUGLAS and a host of dignitaries honored 31 Istrouma students in White Coat Ceremonies at the Istrouma Gym. The students were recognized for their successful participation in the school’s Aquaponics Program. Ronnie Moore of Exxon, who facilitated the program, helped present the white lab coats.

White Coat Ceremony Istrouma High Jan. 30, 2019 Aquaponics Program Photos by Derrick Kyle Thursday, February 28, 2019 ISTROUMA JOURNAL 9 Istrouma Kiwanis Club’s 2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa in IHS Cafeteria

For the second straight year, the Istrouma Kiwanis Club sponsored Breakfast with Santa to give children in North Baton Rouge the chance to meet Santa Claus.

Members of the Istrouma Kiwanis Club served pancakes for the kids and members of the Istrouma Key Club served and cleaned up.

Members of the Downtown Kiwanis Club cooked pancakes for the kids of North Baton Rouge.

Members of the Istrouma High Key Club

Breakfast with Santa Sponsored by Istrouma Key Club Istroums Kiwanis Dec. 8, 2018 Istrouma Cafeteria Photos by Woody Jenkins Members of the Istrouma Kiwanis Club 10 ISTROUMA JOURNAL Thursday, February 28, 2019

New Program to Face Huge Challenge in Week Five Istrouma to Face State Champ Zachary BATON ROUGE - As Istrouma High School prepares for its first varsity football season since 2013, head District 7-4A Coach Jeremy Gradney announced that the Indians will face the two- Belaire time defending State 5A Champion Zachary Broncos in Week 5 of the Broadmoor 2019 season this fall. Playing Zachary was arranged Istrouma by Istrouma assistant principal and Lee Magnet* Athletic Director Pat Hall. It is a bold move that Coach Gradney Plaquemine says will allow the Indians to find out where their program stands. “If St. Michael’s we want to be the best, we have to Tara play the best,” he said. A two-year agreement will have Lee Magnet is not eligible Two-time defending State 5A cham- Istrouma coach Jeremy Gradney to play varsity until 2021 Istrouma return to Zachary in 2020. pion Zachary will host Istrouma mentors an Indian early in 2018 season. In recent years, Zachary High School has developed one of the years, but Istrouma made the most ing State Champions Zachary and transition to varsity. It’s all about premiere athletic programs in the of it, going 5-1 in 2017 and 8-0 in West Feliciana. preparation — for the season and state. It has been the No. 1 school 2018. Along the way, they defeated How will Istrouma prepare for each week. We will do everything system in the state academically the junior varsity teams at defend- Zachary? “We have to make the possible to be ready,” Gradney said. for the past 15 years. The Zachary High Bronco football team won the State 5A Foot- ball Championship in 2017 and again in 2018. The team was 15-2 Istrouma-Central in Spring Game May 16 last year and won the state title in Continued from Page 1 the Louisiana Super Dome against port their fledging football program, All Former Istrouma Football Players to West Monroe. The West Monroe which will debut at the varsity lev- game was one for the history book. el this fall after a six-year hiatus. The Broncos upended the mighty Be Honored at Midfield at Half-Time undefeated Rebels 27-24 on an 80- The game has sentimental value yard screen pass. for Coach Sid, who’s father gradu- tral show up for this game. It will act! Central has a successful major Istrouma High itself has one of ated from Istrouma High. “I grew be great for the two programs,” the high school football program, and the greatest football traditions in up just a few blocks away and at- Coach Sid said. we learn a lot when we are togeth- Louisiana sports history, having tended Redemptorist. So my North Istrouma Coach Gradney ex- er,” Gradney said. won nine State Championships. Baton Rouge roots go deep,” Ed- pressed appreciation for Coach The new stadium at Istrouma However, the glory days were wards said. Sid’s willingness to schedule Is- High is named after the former from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. The The Central High coach expects trouma for its spring game. “I have football coach and principal. It school closed in 2014. to have a good team this year. The utmost respect for Coach Sid and seats 3,200, and Coach Gradney Now Coach Gradley and his starting quarterback is expected to the entire Central High team. They hopes every seat will be filled. Indians are starting a new tradi- be Sam Kenerson, who is a threat invited us to spend a day at Central Former Istrouma High football tion. When the school reopened as a passer and a rusher. High last year, and it was a won- players who plan to attend should in 2017, the LHSAA limited it to “I’d really like to see all of Cen- derful experience. They are a class email [email protected] junior varsity competition for two 2019 Istrouma High Istrouma Last Played Varsity Football in 2013 District 7-4A Football Week 1 Bogalusa H Week 2 Mentorship A Week 3 Madison Prep H Week 4 McKinley H Week 5 Zachary A Week 6 Belaire* A Week 7 Tara* H Week 8 Plaquemine* A Week 9 St. Michael* H Week 10 Broadmoor* H * District 7-4A Opponent LAST GAME — In what was nearly the last-ever Istrouma football game, the Indians played Live Oak in 2013 playoffs, losing 49-20. Istrouma Booster Club: Season Tickets, Free Parking BATON ROUGE - As the Istrouma volunteer their time helping prepare CLIP AND MAIL High School football team pre- for and work through game day. pares for its return to varsity play Membership in the Istrouma Istrouma High Booster Club this fall after a six-year hiatus, Is- Booster Club is $100 a person for Istrouma High School trouma High parents, alumni and the season. For an additional fee, 3730 Winbourne Avenue other friends of the school are orga- Istrouma Booster Club membership Baton Rouge, LA 70806 nizing the Istrouma Booster Club. can be upgraded to a Couple or a The Booster Club will provide fi- Family Plan. Details on those lev- Please enroll me as a member of the Istrouma Booster Club for nancial and volunteer help for head els will be decided by Club mem- 2019 Football Season. I am enclosing a check for $100 payable Coach Jeremy Gradney, the coach- bers and announced soon. Funds to “Istrouma High Football Program.” ing staff, and members of the team. raised will be used for equipment [ ] My business is interested in a Stadium sign. Contact me. Members of the Istrouma Booster and other needs of the team. Club will have To join, send your check for $100 • A season ticket for all Istrouma to Istrouma High Football Pro- Name ______home games gram, 3730 Winbourne Ave., Ba- Address ______• Designated parking ton Rouge, LA 70805. Please write City, State & Zip Code ______• Access to tailgating area “Booster Club” on your check. Email Address ______Booster Club members will also Businesses can also help by ad- have a designated seating area in the vertising in the stadium. The cost Best Phone No. ______stadium if they decide to use them. is $250 a year. If interested, please I am q Istrouma Grad Year ___ q Parent q Friend of Istrouma Many Booster Club members will mark and mail coupon on the right. Thursday, February 28, 2019 ISTROUMA JOURNAL 11 ‘Muffins with Moms’ Gave Students Opportunity to Honor Great Mothers

MUFFINS WITH MOMS — Every month, Istrouma High sponsors the Istrouma Parents Academy to help bring parents in closer contact with the school and what it has to offer. The theme of the February meeting was Muffins with Moms. More than 200 mothers, grandmothers, or aunts of Istrouma students participated, along with their children. The Motto of the Parents Academy is Empower, Engage, and Educate Parents and Families to Help Children Succeed in School. Istrouma students each have a Chrome book computer that contains all their work. They bring it home instead of textbooks. Parents are being trained to access the Chrome books so they will know everything happening. The event included reading inspirational poetry and singing, as well as speaker Debra Jones of United Health Care who spoke on Heart Smart Sisters. The Academy is bursting at the seams and will soon graduate to the gym. 12 ISTROUMA JOURNAL Thursday, February 28, 2019 Seen at Krispy Kreme Donuts on Plank Woody Jenkins Editor BATON ROUGE - Things change but one thing stays the same — Krispy Kreme Doughnuts on Plank Road! Since it first opened in 1961, Krispy Kreme has stood like a lighthouse in a great storm. Everything else may change. People move out. Others move in. Businesses open and close. Hurri- canes, floods, disasters, economic boom times and economic reces- sions, but Krispy Kreme is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week 364 days a year. Krispy Kreme closes at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and reopens at 5 p.m. on Christmas day. It stands there like an old friend with good hot coffee and fresh donuts ready and waiting for you! A few weeks ago on a Saturday night, hot glazed were rolling down the conveyor belt being covered with liquid sugar and the sign outside was flashing “Hot Doughnuts.” A man pulled up in a beautifully re- stored 1955 Chevy, blue and white. It was Jackie Mouton, a businessman from West Baton Rouge Parish who regularly drives over when the lights are flashing. Jackie has several businesses and collects antique cars. Then who should stop in but Rep. Barbara Carpenter of Baker. Bar- bara’s dad was Mr. Robert West, who served as principal at Istrouma LOCAL BUSINESSMAN Jackie Mouton with his 1955 Chevy waiting for hot glazed donuts coming off the line at Krispy Kreme. High School for a number of years. She loved Jackie’s Chevy! Sara is studying broadcasting at A few days later two beauti- Coffeyville Community College ful young ladies named Douglas in Kansas where she plays on the stopped by Krispy Kreme to pick basketball team. Naomi is studying up some donuts for their daddy. medical lab science at ULM. Their dad is Reginald Douglas, Mr. Douglas is very proud of the principal at Istrouma High School. girls and was very happy to see

Sara and Naomi Douglas stopped to pick up donuts for their dad, Reginald Douglas. them arrive back home loaded with hats are off to him and his great crew. Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Rumor has it that Krispy Kreme The shop on Plank Road had to corporation may want to build a close recently to install a new floor beautiful new store on the cur- in the baking area, but it reopened rent location complete with drive- Thursday afternoon. I was de- through. That would be fantastic! pressed the entire time! However, rumor also has it that Mr. Donnie the manager and his they don’t want to build until the staff at Krispy Kreme do a fantastic City-Parish tears down the aban- job, and they are so supportive of the doned eyesores across the street. North Baton Rouge community. Our City-Parish, are you listening?

EYESORE — The northwest corner of Plank Road at Hollywood Street has been an eyesore for years. The City-Parish has often been informed of the situation. Yet, it remains. Now the ugly neglect on one corner threatens improvements to the neighborhood. Thursday, February 28, 2019 ISTROUMA JOURNAL 13 Istrouma Kiwanis Developing Projects For Students in North Baton Rouge

ISTROUMA KIWANIS CLUB — At left, Istrouma principal and Kiwanian Reginald Douglas and Kiwanis president Jim Crifasi. At photo at right, (first row, left to right) Kiwanis vice president Bobby Yarborough, Johnny Schittone, Mike Stewart, Kim Powers, Kiwanian and Key Club advisor Patricia Cooke, and Istrouma football players Brandelle Bell and Don Crayton. (Second row) Cecil Cavanaugh, Kiwanian and Key Club advisor Bill Umstetter, Istrouma principal Reginald Douglas, Istrouma head football coach Jeremy Gradney, Kiwanis president Jim Crifasi, Fred Koch, and John Crifasi. The Istrouma Kiwanis Club meets at 12 noon on the first and third Mondays at Doe’s Eat Place, 3723 Government St.

SERVICE TO FELLOW MAN — The Istrouma Kiwanis Club is not a social club but a service organization devoted to helping young people in North Baton Rouge. Among other things, it sponsors the Istrouma High Key Club, Breakfast with Santa, Leaders by Example, and a trip to the Key Club International Convention each summer. Most members graduated from Istrouma or Redemptorist High Schools or own businesses in North Baton Rouge. Shown (left to right) are John Crifasi, Bobby Yarborough, Jeremy Gradney, Bill Umstetter, Johnny Schittone, Fred Koch, Brandelle Bell, Cecil Cavanaugh, Kim Powers, and Bill Umstetter. Kiwanis has a middle school affiliate called the Builders Club. Istrouma High Women’s Basketball Team Head Coach Eric Brown • Assistant Coach Ebony Noah

ISTROUMA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL — Shown are (left photo) McKeeler Lanieux. (Center photo) First row, left to right, are Madison Ross, Iyana Washington, Diamond McDonald, and Brandi Matthews, and second row, TyLiyah Black, Derrica Morris, Jol Johnson, and McKeeler Lanieux. (Right photo) Iyana Washington.

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Across Louisiana Thousands March for Right to Life March for Life Rally in Downtown BR BATON ROUGE — More than 2,000 gathered Jan. 26 on the steps of the Old State Capitol to stand up for the Right to Life and oppose abortion. People of all ages and faiths gathered to speak out against what some called the American Holocaust. The main speaker, Dr. Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Lu- ther King, said she sees the pro-life movement as a continuation of the civil rights movement. Many people carried signs, such as “Real Men Love Life” and “Abortion Stops a Beating Heart.” The annual march, which has been held since shortly after the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 was both upbeat and hopeful. The abortion issue leaped to the forefront recently when the New York Legislature passed a bill allowing abortion through the day of delivery. The far-reaching and some said murderous practice can now be performed by a physician or any other person. Pro-lifers said the legislation legalizes infanticide and can no longer be justified on the basis of protecting a mother’s mental or physical health, since the baby is already born before being killed. They say the pro-abortion argu- ment that such legislation is necessary to make abortion “safe” and stop “back alley” abortion can no longer be made, since the legislation allows anyone to perform an abortion in any setting. Louisiana was in the news on the abortion issue this week as the U.S. Supreme Court enjoined a new Louisiana law requiring abortion- ists to have admission privileges at area hospitals. Pro-lifers say the law is necessary to protect women when the abortion creates compli- cations for the mother. The injunction is only valid until the Supreme Court decides whether to hear the Louisiana case. LOUISIANIANS MARCH FOR LIFE — Thousands gathered at the Old State Capitol to protest baby killing and support life. Louisiana Right to Life Rally • Photos by Kim Powers • Istrouma Journal

Metro Airport’s Marketing Mgr. Jim Caldwell, Chairman Cleve Dunn, NORTHWESTERN — Members of the Istrouma Class of 2020 travelled to Northwestern State Universi- Jr., Asst. Aviation Dir. Greg Pierson, and Aviation Dir. Mike Edwards ty at Natchitoches Monday to check out the offerings. The class has also been to LSU, Southern, and ULL.

PROCESS TECHNOLOGY — Supt. Warren Drake and top EBR School Board officials “just happened” to be JR. BETA CLUB — The Jr. Beta Club of Istrouma Middle Magnet en- driving by Istrouma High in a school bus when they saw the Process Technology class selling candles they made! joyed their trip this past weekend to state Beta convention in Lafayette. Thursday, February 28, 2019 ISTROUMA JOURNAL 15 Clark Family Homeschooled Their Eight Children Billy Clark Family Leads Delta College To Graduate Its 100th Class of Nurses to the Board of Practical Nurse Examiners to express their intent. Delta Graduates There Billy B. Clark was told that LPN programs could only be offered More Nurses Than by public schools. The board put up road blocks, but Clark persisted. The Board said Delta would have to have Any Other School at least three clinical sites. Instead, Delta offered 12. Inside Louisiana Finally, the board voted unani- Woody Jenkins mously to approve Delta’s applica- Editor tion. More than 200 students applied for Delta’s first nursing class. From a class of 30, 27 graduated, and all BATON ROUGE — Delta College 27 passed the LPN exam. It had an of Arts and Technology has just impressive start, and the board be- reached a milestone. On January came supportive of the college. 31, 2019, Delta graduated its 100th In 1997, Billy B. Clark retired, class of nurses. A total of 1,600 have and his son, Billy L. Clark became completed the program to prepare president of Delta College of Arts to be an LPN since Delta launched and Technology. its nursing program in 1992. The LPN program offers full-time Everywhere you go in the Ba- during the day over a 16 month pe- ton Rouge area, you’ll find Delta’s riod or by evening classes over a 24 nursing graduates in medical clin- month period. In either case, the ics, hospitals, nursing homes, urgent course consists of 1,700 hours of care centers, and rehabilitation fa- Billy L. Clark is president of Delta College, founded by his dad, Billy B. Clark. training. cilities. Delta College graduates hold im- Today, Delta College has gradu- portant positions in the health care ated more nurses than any other col- industry. Today 27 years after Billy lege in Louisiana. B. Clark began to seek approval to In addition to nursing, Delta also offer LPN training, Delta is a leader offers training in Allied Health, in its field. medical billing and coding, dental Billy L. Clark and his wife Linda assistant, business office administra- have eight children, all of whom tor, and graphic arts. were home-schooled. They are Amy, The nursing program has had a tre- who is on a mission trip to Italy; mendous impact on the Baton Rouge Kay Lynn, a professional photogra- area and given opportunity and hope pher; Joy, who graduated from SLU to young people who dreamed of go- and is a wife and mother; Catherine ing into the health care profession. who works at Judson Baptist Retreat The success of Delta College in Jackson; Andrew, who is handi- in nursing education and the oth- capped; Michael, who is a mechani- er courses of study it offers is re- cal engineer; Joshua who is studying ally a tribute to the Clark fam- finance and who works at the- col ily whose vision and hard work lege, and Clara, who is in graphics made Delta what it is today. arts and Christian theatre. Billy B. Clark grew up in Monroe The national chains that compete and became a business education with Delta College have now moved teacher. Later he moved to the Baton out of Baton Rouge. Rouge and taught business educa- Joshua Clark, one Billy L and Linda Clark’s eight children, studies finance tion at Central High School. at LSU and works at Delta College with his father. Billy L. Clark feels that excessive Delta College was founded in regulation is pulling down the weak- 1970, and Billy B. Clark purchased Place off Wooddale Boulevard. tion for that era. This includ- er colleges. However, Secretary of it in 1973. Unfortunately, he soon Since then, Delta College has ed key punch, PBX phones, Education Betsy Devos is a support- learned that the debt was twice as grown to seven buildings on Ex- typing, and business machines. er of private proprietary schools like high as he thought, and the revenue change Place with 30,000 square As federal grants and loans be- Delta, and Clark feels the future is was half as great. Despite much ad- feet. Delta College now includes came available, more and more stu- bright for those who have survived versity, he kept the school open and seven campuses in Louisiana and dents could take advantage of the the heavy regulation. won accreditation in 1974. That Florida. courses Delta had to offer. Clark says it won’t be long until same year, he moved the school to its In the early days, Delta Col- Delta College wanted to offer a the 101st nursing class graduates present location at 7290 Exchange lege provided business educa- nursing program and in 1992 went from Delta College! ISTROUMA HIGH FOOTBALL Coming This Fall ISTROUMA JOURNAL Watch LIVE on Facebook 16 ISTROUMA JOURNAL Thursday, February 28, 2019 What Exxon Means to City of Baton Rouge Professor Loren Scott bil’s Joliet Refinery in Illinois re- Economist ceives no property tax breaks. The Joliet Refinery is half the size of My latest report on the eco- Baton Rouge’s. Would TBR like to nomic impact of ExxonMobil’s take all the numbers in the previous four facilities indicates the com- paragraphs and cut them in half? pany employs 6,915 employees TBR says the company’s refin- and contract workers at an aver- eries in Texas pay more in prop- age wage of $74,158 a year — 51 erty taxes. The refineries in Texas percent above the average wage in did not have to write out a check East Baton Rouge Parish. For the for $17.5 million in corporate in- last 10 years, the company has income taxes like ExxonMobil did vested in excess of $250 million A in Louisiana in 2016. In addition YEAR in capital spending at these to no income tax, Texas has a uni- plants. Taking into account the fied sales tax collection, does not multiplier effect, every 10th job tax manufacturing utilities, does in the parish can be traced back ExxonMobil is the largest taxpayer in East Baton Rouge Parish. not tax manufacturing equipment, to these four plants. Yet, Together does not tax manufacturing inputs, Baton Rouge says ExxonMobil is Adding in direct and indirect employees contributed $1.4 mil- has significantly lower local sales not doing enough. sales taxes generated through the lion to our United Way, about 14 tax rates, and has a much higher In 2017, ExxonMobil paid East multiplier effect, ExxonMobil pro- percent of UW’s total collections ranking in education, roads and Baton Rouge Parish $32.7 million duced $88.5 million for our local and the largest from any entity in legal environment. But the “econ- in property taxes, two and a half government — enough money to the region. The ExxonMobil Foun- omists” with TBR say we do not times more than the 2nd ranked pay the salaries of 58 percent of the dation contributed $1.1 million to need the industrial tax exemption payer, Entergy. No other company public school teachers in the par- LSU and Southern universities last to compete with Texas. in the state writes out a check that ish. As a result, depending on what year, and the company and its em- The Baton Rouge debate pushed large to a parish government. In ranking you use, our schoolteacher ployees and retirees contributed $4 by TBR can create a precedent for ev- second place is Entergy, paying St. pay ranks between 11th and 16th in million to Baton Rouge area non- ery parish with industrial facilities. Charles Parish a much lower $20.1 the state. But TBR says ExxonMo- profits and schools. But TBR says If TBR prevails, prepare for the million. But TBR says ExxonMo- bil is not doing enough. ExxonMobil is not doing enough. poor in our community becoming bil is not doing enough. In 2017, ExxonMobil and its TBR points out that ExxonMo- much worse off. Reprinted from Capital City News of July 25, 2013 Together Baton Rouge, Saul Alinsky, and Snake Oil EDITOR’S NOTE: In January, pdf form on-line, says the end jus- far-left Together Baton Rouge Saul Alinsky said community organizers should use tifies the means and advocates di- launched an attack against Exxon- rect action to create conflict. Mobil resulting in the East Baton ‘symbol construction’ to create unity. He would draw on Rouge Parish School Board defeat- “ loyalty to a church or religious group to create an or- Alinsky said community orga- ing 5-4 a routine Industrial Tax Ex- ganization within which to function. Alinsky said create nizers should use ‘symbol con- emption (ITEP) for Exxon’s Baton unity by identifying a common enemy, usually a local struction’ to create unity. He would Rouge refinery. The school board politician or opposing group. The next step is to de- draw on loyalty to a church or re- action and some of the harsh attacks stroy that person or group. The tactic is ‘Pick the target, ligious group to create an organi- against Exxon raised questions as freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.’ zation within which to function. to whether Baton Rouge was still a Alinsky said create unity by iden- good home for Exxon and whether tifying a common enemy, usually a the company would sour on Louisi- ” local politician or opposing group. ana’s capital city. In 2013, our sister rode the bus was not enough buses and the tax narrowly passed in Ba- The next step is to destroy that per- publication, the Capital City News and not enough routes. ton Rouge and Baker. son or group. The tactic is “Pick published this article exposing the A tax would be needed, Togeth- The website of Together Baton radical left roots of Together Baton er Baton Rouge said, to increase Rouge, www.togetherbatonrouge. the target, freeze it, personalize it, Rouge, which came here in 2011. the Capital Area Transportation org, says in the “About” section and polarize it.” The school board action has been System budget from $12 million a that the group is part of the Indus- One of Alinsky’s rules is “Power the result of eight years of radical year to $30 million. A new 10.6 trial Areas Foundation. The Indus- is not what you have but what the political organizing at the grass- mill property tax, generating $180 trial Areas Foundation was orga- enemy thinks you have.” Another roots level in Baton Rouge. million over 10 years was pro- nized by Saul Alinsky in 1940 and is “Make the enemy live up to its BATON ROUGE — If Brod posed for Baton Rouge, Baker, and still follows many of his teachings own rules.” Still another is “Ridi- Bagert had come to the river city Zachary. Other parts of the parish, on community organizing. Alinsky cule is man’s most potent weapon.” of Baton Rouge in the 1850’s fresh which had voted against a smaller is famous for his book, Rules for Alinsky focused on class war- off the steamboat with a trunk full tax two years before, were exclud- Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for fare and knew that if he could make of snake oil and promises of mir- ed from the vote. Realistic Radicals. It was pub- in-roads in the “middle class,” he acle cures, he could not have got- Bagert organized churches in lished just before his death in 1971. could be victorious. ten a more enthusiastic reception the inner city to get out the vote, Rules for Radicals, which is in Snake oil sells! than he got when he arrived here in 2011 with promises to make Baton Rouge “the next great city.” The veteran community orga- nizer began working for the In- Reaching North Baton Rouge... dustrial Areas Foundation in 2002. From his home in New Orleans, it was a natural step to come to Baton and the World with Social Media Rouge to help organize Together Baton Rouge and use public trans- Istrouma Journal on Facebook portation to push an agenda of ur- Watch North Baton Rouge Events and... ban socialism. Istrouma High Football LIVE The fact that Baton Rouge is a low density city where few people Central City News on Facebook ride the bus didn’t matter. A host Watch Central High Baseball and Football LIVE of religious liberals and some big businesses represented by the Ba- ton Rouge Area Chamber were ea- Capital City News on Facebook ger to join in. Watch BRCC Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Bagert helped Together Baton Baseball, and Softball LIVE Rouge organize mass meetings and generate media exposure in almost St. George Leader on Facebook every major media outlet in the city. Watch Woodlawn High Football LIVE They said poor people were suffer- ing and the reason very few people