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Poverty Point offers Artifact ID program

Tue, 01/11/2022 - 4:30pm
PIONEER

Have you found any neat projectile points, beads, plummets, pottery or ceramic objects that you want to show off?
Are you unsure of what you have found?
On Saturday, Jan. 22, Louisiana State Parks invites visitors to share their finds as part of an Artifact ID program at Poverty Point World Heritage Site. On-site specialists will help you better understand the artifacts you find in your fields or along the banks of waterways.
The program will be offered from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Participants should check in at the museum for this special program. If you want a more itemized program experience, please bring small plastic bags to separate the artifacts and Sharpies to mark the bags, along with a pen and paper to takes notes.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience and learn about the earthworks and those individuals who raised them from the ground between the years of 1700 and 1100 BCE. The $4 admission fee provides access to the museum, film theatre, hiking trail, driving tour, seasonal tram tour and any interpretive events taking place at the site. Children (3 and under) and senior citizens (62 and over) are admitted free of charge.
Poverty Point is located in West Carroll Parish, east of Monroe at 6859 La. Hwy. 577. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional information, call 888-926-5292 toll free or 318-926-5492 locally or follow the Poverty Point World Heritage Site Facebook page.

Longtime friend brings others along on outings

Tue, 01/11/2022 - 4:26pm

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend, “Tara,” I have known for a long time. Early in our friendship when we made plans, she would bring her boyfriend along (without asking or telling me she was). When she began dating her now-husband, it continued. I did grow to like him and appreciated the chance to get to know him, but I thought it could have been handled better (a planned event where we all hung out occasionally, not her dragging him along to everything we had planned together).
She’s married now, and a mother, and now every time we hang out, she brings along her rambunctious 6-year-old. Tara’s mother is older and lives with her, and sometimes she comes along with them. I’m the boy’s godmother (we are close, he calls me Auntie and I love him dearly) but that doesn’t mean I don’t want some alone friend time with Tara.
The child is not well-behaved, so taking him out in public isn’t always pleasant or easy. I am a planner. I dislike getting railroaded with babysitting when I’m anticipating a fun girls’ day out. Tara usually waits until right before we’re getting together to say he’s coming, changes our plans or waits until she’s on the way and says, “I hope it’s OK ‘Bobby’ is coming with me.” I find it rude and disrespectful of me and our time together.
I hate to lose a longtime friend, but I never know what I’m getting with her and am now hesitant to make plans with her. What would you do in this situation? – SIMMERING IN SOUTH CAROLINA

DEAR SIMMERING: I would tell my friend that once in a while I don’t mind an occasional change of plans, but when I have “a fun girls’ day out” planned with her, I don’t appreciate what she has been doing. Your feelings are valid.

DEAR ABBY: I have been invited to a wedding. I’m close with the bride and want to attend. However, more than 400 people have been invited, and I’m not comfortable attending an event this large where social distancing will be impossible. While I can try to keep my distance and, of course, wear a mask, the seating cannot be arranged so guests can socially distance.
I’m torn between protecting the health of others and myself, and preserving my friendship because she’s a bride in love and I’m worried about hurting her feelings. In our state, gatherings of 100 people are allowed if they are outside and people wear masks and socially distance. She thinks the coronavirus is a hoax and God will have it go away completely by her wedding. I need to RSVP. Please help. – UNEASY IN OREGON

DEAR UNEASY: Tell your friend that you are sorry you will miss her wedding, but that you are not comfortable traveling at this time or being in large groups while the COVID-19 virus is still an issue and the omicron variant is more contagious than delta.
The COVID virus is not a “hoax,” and none of us has such a close relationship with the Almighty that He (or She) will make it disappear so a bride can have a large wedding. The bride-to-be is entitled to her opinion, and you are equally entitled to yours, so send your regrets and the reason for them, and do not allow yourself to be sucked into a debate about it.
P.S. A nice wedding gift might “soften” the blow of your absence.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Crowley City Court proceedings: Dec. 6

Tue, 01/11/2022 - 4:23pm
CROWLEY

The following cases were determined by Crowley City Judge Marie B. Trahan during proceedings on Monday, Dec. 6:
Warrants were issued for failure to appear for the following persons:
• Devon U. Babineaux, 28, West Third Street, Crowley: criminal damage, bench - $100 contempt fee.
• Lawrence Bernard Jr., 41, Western Avenue, Crowley: possession of paraphernalia, careless operation w/accident, bench - $100 contempt fee each charge.
• Sunnie Carter, 21, Errol Road, Crowley: possession of paraphernalia, bench -$100 contempt fee.
• Iesha Clark, 29, Ross Avenue, Crowley: improper backing w/accident, driver’s license in possession, bench - $100 contempt fee each charge.
• Dwayne Cormier, Standard Mill Road, Crowley: maintenance and cleanliness of property.
• Shawn Derrick, 35, Horn Drive, Crowley: theft, bench -$100 contempt fee.
• Peyton Doucet, 19, Happy Hallow, Lafayette: possession of marijuana, bench - $100 contempt fee.
• Robert Greschke, 42, West Spruce Street, Crowley: possession of marijuana, bench - $100 contempt fee.
• Troy Kibodeaux, 29, Old Bonita Road, Bastrop: theft by shoplifting, bench - $100 contempt fee.
• Trudy Lorick, 50, South Avenue N, Crowley: animals running at large, bench - $100 contempt fee.
• Wilfred Lormand, 51, Standard Mill, Crowley: possession of paraphernalia, driver’s license - suspended, bench - $100 contempt fee each charge.
• Carlos Quintana, 35, Friendly Road, Houston, Texas: improper lighting, bench - $100 contempt fee.
• Antoinette Robinson, 52, Kathy Meadows Lane, Crowley: simple battery, bench -$100 contempt fee.
• Marquires Robinson, 25, Dejean Circle, Crowley: possession of marijuana, bench - $100 contempt fee.
• Erica L. Washington, 28, West Andrus Drive, Crowley: insurance (none), bench - $100 contempt fee.
• Shaneka S. Wiltz, 33, North Avenue L, Crowley: theft by shoplifting, bench - $100 contempt fee.
The Post-Signal received the docket on Monday, Dec. 20, and possible changes in dispositions may have occurred between that date and today. Neither the Crowley City Court nor the Post-Signal is responsible for reporting any such changes.

National leaders celebrate the life of Bishop Roy L.H. Winbush

Tue, 01/11/2022 - 4:03pm
LAFAYETTE

People from around the world, including family and friends, and members of the Church Of God in Christ gathered together last week to remember and celebrate the life of the renowned Bishop Roy L.H. Winbush.
Winbush served the Lafayette and Acadiana areas for more than 65 years.
His service transformed church leadership like Presiding Bishop J. Drew Sheard and First Lady Karen Clark Sheard.
“Bishop Roy Winbush was one of the brightest minds of our church,” Sheard said. “I’m personally thankful because he invested in my life and tutored me, and we’re thankful for his awesome leadership,” he added.
“It’s so important for us to be here because Bishop Winbush probably impacted or had some input on every person’s life that is a part of leadership,” Sheard said.
“Absolutely a brilliant mind…I think he should mostly be remembered for his love for God, his family, definitely his love for the faith community and really the impact he made here in the community of Lafayette,” COGIC Sunday School Department Assistant International Field Representative, Waynell Henson said.
“In a relatively obscure area such as Opelousas, Lafayette, Crowley, Louisiana came a world changer and organizational genius,” Bishop L. F. Thuston said.
“I think his uniqueness was the fact that he was a man who could really go into any space and he was brilliant wherever he showed up,” Henson said.
In 1988, Winbush was appointed nationally to the general board of God in Christ, responsible for the governance of the church and was consecrated prelate of the first jurisdiction of Louisiana for 35 years and held a number of esteemed national titles. He served on the General Board from 1988-2018, and granted emeritus status thereafter.
He also served as a representative to the Congress of National Black churches. He would later become its chairman.
His casket, covered with red purple and a blue purple cloth symbolizing his service.
Survived by his wife of 65 years and two daughters,the late Winbush received his high school diploma from Crowley Industrial High School and bachelors degree from Southern University A & M.
In 1979, Winbush, along with his wife, established the Gethsemane Christian Academy and Lapetite Early Childhood Development Center here in Lafayette.
Winbush served as a pastor for 65 years in churches in Opelousas, Lafayette, and Crowley.
He is also a recipient of an American Legion Award and Korean War Veteran.
“Watch this man who was not only a pastor but had a radio station, a funeral home, an insurance company, and a daycare. Nobody did that, I mean nobody and pastored three churches,” Thuston said. “There will never be another Roy L.H. Winbush.”
Those who knew him say he was a tremendous leader who invested in people and the next generation.

Registrar sets commissioner drawings Jan. 14

Tue, 01/11/2022 - 4:00pm
CROWLEY

The Acadia Parish Board of Election Supervisors will draw commissioners-in-charge for 2022 at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, according to Billie J. Meyer, registrar of voters.
The drawings will be held in the registrar’s office at 568 NW Court Circle.
The event is open to the general public.

Suspect charged in Church Pt. shooting

Tue, 01/11/2022 - 3:59pm
Second suspect still at large, considered armed and dangerous
CHURCH POINT

One of two suspects being sought in connection with recent shootings in Church Point has been arrested.
Davonte DeShawn Mott, 22, was arrested Wednesday by Church Point Police. He has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of weapons and aggravated criminal damage.
Mott was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail, His total bond is $116,000.
According to Chief Dale Thibodeaux, Church Point Police received calls on the evening of Dec. 14, 2021, saying someone had been shot on North Wilson Street in the Centennial Village housing area.
Responding officers located a juvenile male who had been shot in the buttocks. The juvenile was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
According to police, two groups of people were shooting at each other, during which several vehicles and residences were hit. Officers recovered a total of 43 spent shell casings.
Police obtained arrest warrants for Mott and 18-year-old Darrion Bradley. Warrants also were requested through the juvenile court for several other individuals, according to Thibodeaux.
Police say Bradley, who is also suspected in several other shootings in Church Point, should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information should contact Church Point Police at 337-684-5455.

City’s hesitancy to name ‘blight court’ officials raises citizens’ ire

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 5:46pm
Mayor: ‘ enormous cost’ associated with program
Steve Bandy, Managing Editor
CROWLEY

The seeming reluctance of the city administration to appoint an Administrative Hearing Officer and attorney to handle all matters related to blight took center stage during Wednesday night’s city council committee meetings.
After it sent a pair of condemnation recommendations to the full council for consideration, the Public Safety Committee heard from four citizens, three of whom asked directly about the delayed appointments. The fourth complained about the proliferation of wrecked automobiles parked outside a local wrecker service.
The most vocal of the speakers was Rich Hughes, a member of Citizens Against Blight, a local volunteer organization dedicated to identifying blighted structures in Crowley.
Hughes pointed out that the city council, nine months ago, adopted an ordinance calling for the establishment of a “blight court” to deal with code enforcement. “It’s a law,” he said. “You need to do something about it.”
Hughes said the movement “met with resistance from the get-go” and continues to be stalled.
“The problem du jour, I’m told, is that this is going to cost the city $200,000 to implement,” he said.
Asked where he heard that figure, Hughes declined to answer.
He claimed that at least four state municipalities – Opelousas, Lake Charles, Bogalusa and Monroe – use a system similar to that outlined by the Crowley ordinance and “each of them have realized a positive cash flow” as a result.
But Mayor Tim Monceaux was not so sure.
“There’s an enormous cost, the exact amount we don’t know” associated with the establishment and implementation of the blight court, he said. “When I get that number and an exact date I will give it to (the council).”
Monceaux added that he had personally contacted the mayors of three municipalities – all in the New Orleans area – that he had previously been told used a similar system “and none of them, not one, operate with an Administrative Hearing Officer.”
Also speaking regarding the blight court were Mary Augustine Cole and Evangelist Wheeler.
Cole urged the appointment of the hearing officer and attorney because “I have the right to reside in a neighborhood free of blight.”
She called the failure to expedite the appointments “a bane on the city of Crowley.”
Wheeler echoed Cole’s concerns, asking what could be done to speed up the process.
Brad Core, committee chair, said the next move is up to the mayor.
“We (the city council) have done all we can and it’s now out of our hands and in the hands of the mayor and administration,” he said.
Vernon “Step” Martin echoed that sentiment, explaining that the council, as the “legislative branch” of local government, had adopted the ordinance and now it was up to the mayor, the “executive branch,” to enact it.
Also addressing the committee was Troy Evans, who lives at the corner of North Avenue L and Front Street.
Evans said “wrecked and trash vehicles,” some of which he said are parked on city property along the road near the John N. John Overpass, make it impossible for two cars to pass. He also claimed that wreckers from the nearby wrecker service often unload cars in the roadway, blocking traffic in front of his home.
Evans was assured that the city Code Enforcement Office would be notified of the alleged infractions and Police Chief Jimmy Broussard told him to call the police station when the road is being blocked “and I will instruct the officers to clear the roadway.”
In other action, the committee recommended approval of liquor licenses for A&J’s Convenience Store at 803 W. Hutchinson, Asian Buffet at 2108 N. Parkerson Ave., I Mart Stores (Valero Corner Store) at 1764 N. Parkerson Ave., and Pizza Hut at 1900 N. Parkerson Ave.
Those recommendations will be considered by the full council when it meets in regular session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12.

Prep Roundup: Lady Rebels curise past Teurlings

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 5:42pm

MIDLAND – Gracie Miller erupted for 17 of her game-high 25 points in the first quarter to help lead the Midland Lady Rebels to a 71-33 victory over visiting Teurlings Tuesday.
The victory sent the Lady Rebels, who are ranked No. 6 in the most recent Class B power ratings, to 14-8 on the season heading into Friday’s 6 p.m. home showdown with No. 1 Fairview.
Teurlings, a Class 4A team that is ranked No. 14 in Division II, fell to 9-11.
Miller got the Lady Rebels going early with three 3-pointers and four shots inside the arc in the opening frame during a 27-point outburst for the hosts.
Teurlings was limited to just seven points in the frame on a 3-pointer and a basket in the lane by Kennedy Sinitiere and two free throws from Keeley Johnson.
The pace slowed in the second quarter and Teurlings outscored the hosts 11-7 to trim the deficit to 16 (34-18) entering the half.
Teurlings scored seven points from the free throw line during the frame.
Post player Makenzie Oliver had four of Midland’s seven points in the quarter.
The Lady Rebels ramped up the offense once again in the third quarter with an 18-point outburst to push the lead to 52-26.
Oliver added six of her 16 points in the frame and Caitlyn Boudreaux also hit three shots during the run.
The Lady Rebels continued their onslaught over the final eight minutes by going on a 19-7 run to put the game away.
Oliver and Holi Myers combined for 10 points and Miller added five in the final frame.
Boudreaux and Myers joined Miller and Oliver in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Myra Carlson added five points in the victory. Marlie Boudreaux and Dai’Ja-Lee LeBlanc rounded out the Lady Rebels’ offense with two points each.
Sinitiere was the leader for Teurlings with 10 points. Amelie Dupuis added six points, Johnson, Gracie Thibodeaux and Julianna Gaspard followed with five points each and Angelle Dupuis finished with two.
The Lady Rebels open District 7-B play next week with a pair of home games: They will entertain No. 11 Bell City on Tuesday and No. 2 Hathaway on Friday.
Both games are slated for a 6 p.m. start with the boys varsity game to follow.
Warriors fall short
CROWLEY – The Northside Christian Warriors were simply outmanned in their showdown with the ESA Falcons on Tuesday.
ESA had eight players score, including two in double figures and the No. 3-ranked team in Division V ran past the Warriors, 60-41.
The Warriors, ranked No. 5 in Division V, fell to 11-13 overall heading into Thursday’s road contest at Oak Hill.
The Falcons improved to 13-6 with the victory.
The Warriors kept pace with the Falcons early in the contest and trailed by just 11 at the break (26-15) thanks to seven points from Andrew Woods and four from Garrett Kidder.
The Warriors aided in the Falcons’ early lead by committing 14 turnovers in the first half.
The Falcons maintained their 11-point lead through the first four minutes of the third quarter before going on a 6-0 run late in the frame.
Jagger Thibodeaux hit a runner in the lane for the Warriors and Caleb Hanks dropped in a shot just before the buzzer to get the Warriors within 15 at 37-22.
The Warriors had their most productive offensive quarter in the final period with a 23-point outburst, but it wasn’t enough.
Every time the hosts made the slightest run, the Falcons had an answer.
ESA forward standout Alex Koval poured in 13 of his game-high 21 points in the final period to help the Falcons withstand the Warriors’ late push.
Ethan Harson also scored in double figures for the Falcons with 13 points, Wilt Hoggatt had nine and Cameron Lee added eight.
Thibodeaux led the Warriors with 10 points, Woods and Hanks each added eight and Jake Morgan had five.
In addition, Garrett Kidder scored four points, Joseph Woods added three, Christian Myers had two and Carson Tweedel finished with one.

Late rally propels Gents past Bulldogs

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 5:41pm
IOTA

The Crowley Gents erased a nine-point halftime deficit by erupting for 31 points in the final two frames to slip past Iota, 46-45, Tuesday evening on the Bulldogs’ home court.
Crowley improved to 4-11 with the victory.
Iota fell to 9-7.
“This was the first time this season that we have strung together two wins, so that is big for us,” said CHS coach Jason Lewis. “I think the kids are starting to understand the system a little bit better and we are starting to put things together.
“We knew Iota was a good team - they are always tough, and coming in, I thought we had a decent chance if we executed.”
That execution wasn’t exactly going the way Lewis had hoped early in the game when the Gents managed just four points in the second quarter and faced a nine-point deficit (24-15) entering the break.
The Gents made some minor adjustments during the half, however, and it paid dividends in the third quarter.
The Gents held the Bulldogs to just three points in the period and they rallied to knot the game at 27-27.
“We had a really bad second quarter but we never panicked,” said Lewis. “I decided to come out and put more pressure on the ball in the second half to try and take them (Iota) out of their offense and that worked. They really had no adjustments to it.”
The Gents got two big 3-pointers from Chris George and Trevon Flugence early in the fourth quarter to take a 35-31 lead and they added a free throw on a technical foul to push the lead to five (36-31).
The Bulldogs chipped away at the lead and Chase Lalonde’s 3-pointer with just over two minutes remaining trimmed the lead to one (40-39).
After the basket, however, Lalonde was whistled for his second technical and Crowley’s Cam Scott sank both free throws to give the Gents a little breathing room.
The Bulldogs cut the lead to one three more times down the stretch, but they were unable to take the lead.
The Gents missed a pair of free throws with just over 20 seconds remaining, but Trevonta Ben hit one of two shots from the stripe with 8 seconds left to give the Gents a 46-44 lead.
Luke Duhon missed a last-second shot to tie the game for Iota, but he was fouled and went to the line for two shots with no time remaining.
He missed the first but he made the second to end the game.
The Gents went just 9-for-15 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter but they made some big free throws down the stretch to help preserve the victory.
“We gave up some big shots in the fourth quarter, but we hit a few free throws to maintain the lead,” said Lewis. “We found ways at the end and I was proud of the kids for not giving up. They continued fighting and they saw the momentum shift and that gave them a little life.
“We found a way to finish it off and it was spread out through everybody.”
The Gents had three players score in double figures.
James Collins led the way with 12 points, including six in the final frame. He also pulled down 14 rebounds.
George and Zuri Poullard each added 11 points. Poullard hit all four of his free throw attempts in the fourth quarter.
In addition to the leaders, Ben scored seven points, Flugence had three and Scott finished with two.
Duhon paced the Bulldogs with a game-high 14 points. Lalonde and Cole Breaux each added eight points, Andrew Thibodeaux scored five, Payton DarDar and Kolton Morgan each had three and Connor Daigle finished with two.
Iota returns to action on Thursday with a road trip to South Beauregard.
The Gents will be in action again on Friday with a game at Pine Prairie.

LSU issues strict COVID protocols ahead of spring start

Mon, 01/10/2022 - 5:39pm
William Patrick, The Center Square
BATON ROUGE

Louisiana State University (LSU) has issued new COVID-19 protocols for the school’s upcoming spring semester, encompassing in-person learning, vaccines and masks.
LSU is the state’s largest university per student population. The new rules will affect an estimated 36,000 students, as well as faculty and staff, and build on last year’s self-imposed vaccine mandate, LSU President William Tate said.
“In consultation with our faculty Health and Medical Advisory Committee, and looking carefully at the nationwide surge of the Omicron variant, we are building on our successful approach from the fall and providing you with our protocols for the spring 2022 semester,” Tate said.
Instructors with courses listed in the spring catalog will have the option to teach remotely for the first two weeks of classes, the protocols read. In-class teaching will only be required after the two-week period if the “community and campus” COVID-19 positivity rates are below 10%.
Masks will be required both indoors and within 50 feet of school building entrances, the protocols state. Masks are also mandatory at campus events and on campus buses.
“Cloth masks are acceptable but K-N95 and N95 masks offer the best protection to the wearer and are encouraged. Masks should completely cover the nose and mouth,” a statement said.
The school’s vaccine mandate will also remain in place despite being one of the strictest COVID-19 university policies in the Southeast.
“Our student vaccination rate of over 84 percent represents the best in the state for public universities and is among the highest vaccination percentages in the SEC (Southeastern Conference),” Tate said.
Unvaccinated students, faculty and staff will be required to comply with existing testing rules.
“Each week, 25 percent of all unvaccinated students will be tested using a stratified approach to ensure each week’s sample is generalizable to the student population based on living arrangement (i.e., on-campus or off-campus) and other factors,” the protocols said.
Students living in on-campus housing – such as residence halls, apartments and Greek Houses – must show proof of a negative test before returning for the spring semester regardless of vaccination status. The administration said it will also monitor “wastewater.”
“COVID testing will be required for all students in residence halls, campus apartments and Greek Houses whose wastewater shows a substantial spike in virus,” the protocols state.
Students who do not comply with the spring semester COVID-19 rules will be administratively withdrawn from classes. Employees who are not fully vaccinated and do not comply with testing regimens may be subject to disciplinary action, LSU’s website said.
All students, faculty and staff are further required to participate in the school’s “Daily Symptom Checker,” a daily monitoring and contact-tracing application.
“The daily symptom checker requires respondents to take a one- to two-minute assessment of their symptoms. Once respondents have provided information about their symptoms, they will be provided with feedback. The QR code from the daily symptom checker will be used for entrance into high traffic areas on campus,” the school states.

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