CENTRAL SPEAKS · 2018. 12. 19. · Plaza Office 225-654-2788 2110 Church St. Zachary Main Office...

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6300 Main St. Zachary

CENTRALSPEAKSThursday, December 20, 2018

Upcoming Editions:January 10 & 24

As the new year approaches I would like to introduce myself as the new owner and editor of Central Speaks Newspaper. I am proud and honored the Freneaux family has chosen me to continue on with this respected and local newspaper as they retire from the business. I am humbled that they have chosen me for this exciting opportunity. My name is SarahJo Griggs. I live in the Central community. I am married to a wonderful man that I am blessed to call my husband. We have 4 beautiful children and 2 fun loving grandchildren. I believe that Central not only wants Central Speaks to continue, but that the community also needs it to continue. As I acclimate myself with the entire workings of the newspaper you may see a few changes. To me, change is good - it represents growth and forming the paper into my vision to represent what I want and expect it to be. I am excited and looking forward to this amazing opportunity. If you ever have any questions, want to place an ad, want to run a story, obituary, wedding announcement, birth announcement, classified ads, or Shop Central First ads, please do not hesitate to contact me.

With the Best, SarahJo Griggs

[email protected]

Mailing Address:P.O. Box 78304

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70837

Central SpeaksUnder New Ownership

Voters chose two more political newcomers in December’s runoff for the final two seats on City Council. Aaron McKinney defeated Ryan Meador for an At-Large seat and Briton Myer prevailed over Charles Lee Hinton in District 5. McKinney and Myer join Aaron Moak, Joshua Roy, Dave Freneaux, D’Ann Wells, and Wade Evans, all of whom won Council seats in the November primary election. Central’s 2018 election resulted in a complete turnover of Central’s elected officials with the incumbent Mayor, Police Chief, and four Council Members all falling to challengers.

Central Fire Department Press Release The end of an era occurred November 30, as Fire Chief Bill Porche completed his last day as the leader of the Central Fire Department. Porche retired after 39 years with the CFD, serving as the department’s chief since 1996. Porche started his tenure with CFD as a volunteer in 1979 and began full time employment with CFD in 1988. Under Porche’s leadership, CFD has progressed from a combination fire department composed of volunteers and a few career firefighters with four fire stations to a predominantly career department with five staffed stations and a career staff of approximately 40 personnel. During Porche’s tenure as chief, the fire rating for the Central Fire Protection District

dropped from a 4 to 3 and two new fire stations were constructed, one on Monticello Boulevard and the other on Lovett Road. The main station on Sullivan Road was also remodeled during this time. CFD’s apparatus fleet was modernized and a replacement schedule for each piece of major apparatus was developed. Once the city of Central was incorporated, Porche also served as the city’s

Emergency Management Director leading the community through hurricanes such as Katrina, Rita and Gustav, winter weather events and serious flooding including the devastating flood of 2016. Deputy Chief Charles Mondrick stated Chief Porche has been a faithful servant to the Central Community and a great leader for the fire department. The Central Fire Department Board of Commissioners met on November 20th and appointed CFD District Fire Chief Stephen Branscum as the Interim Fire Chief. Branscum will serve in that position until the civil service process searching for a permanent chief is complete. Chief Branscum’s father, James Branscum, was a long-time volunteer with CFD and

Central Fire Chief Porche RetiresBranscum to Serve as Interim

McKinney & Myer to

Council

Chief Branscum literally grew up in the Central Fire Department. Chief Branscum became a Junior firefighter in 1994 and accepted fulltime employment in 1999. Branscum was promoted to captain in 2009 and District Chief in 2016. He served as the department’s training officer for 17 years and obtained his Associates Degree in Fire Science in August 2001.

Branscum continued his education by obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Protection Administration in June of 2017. Mondrick stated Chief Branscum has prepared himself his entire career to serve as chief of the department and has a leadership style and the progressive nature to continuing moving the department forward in a positive and progressive direction.

McKinney Myer

CONTACT Central SpeakSEditor: Dave Freneaux

[email protected]

Email: [email protected]: (225) 262-3730Fax: (888) 220-8396

Published Twice Each MonthDeadline 5 PM Mondays

Article submission is free of charge.

P.O. Box 78137Central, LA 70837

Submit articles by [email protected]

Production Editor: Beth Fussell

Ads:[email protected]

2 Thursday, December 20, 2018 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

I never intended to publish a newspaper, and the reason I did it is a story for another time. The nine-year experience of publishing Central Speaks has included a steep learning curve and much work, but worth every bit of the effort. I could write for days about all the amazing people I have met on this journey, the insights that I have gained into who we are as a community, and the tough lessons I have learned. However, the most important thing I have learned is that the news media’s single most important role is to shed light on the actions of the government and to hold our elected leaders accountable for their actions.

I ALSO never intended to run for public office, but here I am with the privilege joining your City Council in January. So now I find myself passing Central Speaks on to SarahJo Griggs and making one important request of her, to continue to use Central Speaks to hold Central’s elected officials accountable for what WE do and say. The roles have reversed! As the saying goes: “Be careful what you ask for.” I look forward to the challenge of being accountable and voting consistent with my editorials and campaigning. With this as my last editorial, I need to say how amazing my daughter Beth Fussell has been in producing Central Speaks week after week. Every word, photo, and headline you have seen in every issue for almost nine years has been placed there by Beth, virtually error-free. I could not have done this without her. Working by her side has been this father’s privilege. And you all know that the best thing about me is that I’m

married to Mia, a truly amazing woman. Her role in Central Speaks has been amazing as well. She has proofed, sold ads, delivered papers, kept me out of trouble in my editorials (mostly), and used her considerable writing skills to tell the many great stories of the wonderful people of Central. I will continue to give information and opinions about issues in Central. If you want to be on my email distribution list, email me at [email protected]. I will update you on important decisions coming before the City Council, ask for your opinions, and likely give my opinion on those and other matters. Thanks again to all of our readers for making Central Speaks your community newspaper, to our advertisers for making this possible, and to my trusted wordsmith and advisor who prefers anonymity. I ask all of Central to welcome SarahJo as she steps up to keep the presses rolling, because that is Good News for a Great City.

Role Reversal

Central’s 2018 Christmas Parade rolled out the Christmas Season in truly grand style with some truly GRAND Marshals – Reda Cockerham and Tommie Morden! These two ladies represent the very best of the heart of service of our town. The Central Chamber of Commerce elected them for this honor because of their countless hours helping out with the Central City Chapeaux Chicks, Relay for Life, Cooking in Central, Republican Women of Central, many committees for the City of Central, and other fundraising and service efforts. They are both Past Queens of the Central Mardi Gras Ball, and both have served on the Chamber’s Board for over 10 years. Anytime there is an event in our town you will see both of them there helping in any way they can. Congratulations Reda and Tommie for this well-deserved honor!

Reda Cockerham & Tommie Morden

Serve as Grand Marshals

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, December 20, 2018 3

J A N U A RYJA Z Z E DA B O U T

MUSICAL THEATRE STUDY FOR KIDS INDEPENDENCE PARK THEATRE January 2-4 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ADULT AMATEUR ASTRONOMY COURSESHIGHLAND PARK ROAD OBSERVATORYJanuary 5: Learn Your SkyJanuary 19: Learn Your TelescopeFebruary 2: Learn Your Binocular

FROGWATCH USA™ TRAININGBLUEBONNET SWAMP NATURE CENTERJanuary 5 | 10 a.m. – noon

HEARTS & HOOVES VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION and fun day! FARR PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTERJanuary 12 | 9 a.m. – noon

SWAMP FIBER ART SHOWBLUEBONNET SWAMP NATURE CENTER Exhibition: January 15 – February 10

SUNSHINE SOCIAL WOMACK PARKJanuary 18 | 6 – 9 p.m.

FARR PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTER’S STUDENT HORSE SHOWFARR PARK EQUESTRIAN CENTER January 19 + 20 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSEHIGHLAND PARK ROAD OBSERVATORYJanuary 20 | 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.

WOODS WALK HIKING SERIESMANCHAC TRAILJanuary 26 | 9 – 11 a.m.

TO VOLUNTEER AT THESE OR OTHER EVENTS, EMAIL [email protected]

brec.org/thismonth

In the final meeting for the departing City Council Members, a unanimous vote resulted in the sale back to the Central School System of the two acres selected as the site for a City Hall. In November, the School Board requested the property be sold back when the election results made it clear that the proposed $5 million plan for City Hall would not move forward while drainage problems remained unsolved. The newly elected Council Members take office in January and campaigned that the project should not move forward until the city funded a drainage solution. Most of the new Council also expressed concerns over the size and cost of the proposed building.

City Council Sells City Hall Property

While most in Central opposed the half-cent sales tax on the December 8th ballot, it passed Parish-wide. The obvious benefit to Central is the four-lane widening of Hooper from Blackwater to Sullivan and Wax/Magnolia Bridge from Sullivan to the Amite River. A lesser-known benefit of the tax is that all of this tax collected in Central’s city limits is kept by Central for use on road projects within the

city. Initially, the annual revenue is expected to top $1 million per year, with total revenue for the 30-year tax expected to top $40 million. Central already has a similar tax revenue under the half-cent Green Light Plan tax which also generates over $1 million each year. Combined, these streams of revenue should allow Central to address more road local improvements in the coming years.

Half-Cent Sales Tax –Added Benefit to Central

Lane RMC Press Release A Bell Dedication Ceremony in memory of Sheila Barrett, RN, was recently held at Lane Cancer Center, 6180 Main Street in Zachary. Before she passed away from cancer at age 56, Sheila worked at Lane for more than 25 years where she was a much-loved nurse, well-respected department leader, mentor and friend. Sheila’s passion was caring for others, and she was an advocate for patients and nursing. The Celebration Bell has been hung in her memory at Lane Cancer Center for patients to ring upon completing their chemotherapy treatments. “As we stand here ‘Sheila Strong’, we honor Sheila and fulfill her wish to celebrate small victories in the fight against cancer,” said friend and co-worker, Allyson Bennett. “Each time someone steps up and rings this bell, the memory of Sheila will ring loud and clear, just as it does in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.” For more information or to make an appointment with a medical oncologist at Lane Cancer Center, please call (225) 658-4400 or visit LaneRMC.org/cancer.

Celebration Bell Ceremony at Lane Cancer Center

Local Light DisplaysHohensee Lights (Sullivan Road across from Central Intermediate School - Hohensees are encouraging community members to donate to the Central

Food Bank this holiday season.)Leader Open House (behind AA Mini Storage on Hooper: December 21-

24, 6-9 p.m. - Free admission, and accepting donations to CCAF)Light Display at corner of Sullivan and Hooper

Light Display at Central Square (corner of Sullivan and Wax)


Cleaning: Christian, dependable lady -House cleaning, office cleaning, & sitter.

Call Norma at 261-3754 or 485-1084.

Granny’s Sewing Machine Service & Repairs 225-262-1735

CLASSIFIEDS

For Sale: 20 ga. shotgun, H&R single shot, old style, good condition, $90.00,

call 225-480-7253.

For Sale: Parts for 02 extended cab gmc Chevy 1500 parts 95 - 98 gmc

trucks. 347 4072

Puppies: Pomeranian puppies for good loving homes/there are both vet

checked, potty trained, (804) 723-0563

For Sale: 410 ga. shotgun, H&R single shot, good condition, $130.00,

call 225-480-7253

SUBMIT CLASSIFIEDS:[email protected]

Submission Deadline: Monday the week of publishing.

Garage sales and individual items for sale print free. Real estate, business, and professional service classifieds

are $10/week for 3 lines.

Sitting is the New smoking! How many times have we heard that? But, a recent study by the Cleveland Clinic of 122,000 patients who underwent exercise treadmill testing between January 1, 1991 and December 31, 2014 found a sedentary lifestyle is even worse. The study found that when comparing those with a sedentary lifestyle with the top exercise performers, the risk of premature death was 500% higher! And that comparing the risk of sitting with the highest performing on the exercise test, the risk is about three times greater than smoking. The article goes on to say that the benefits of exercise don’t need to be just for the highest performers. It found that comparing people who don’t exercise with someone who exercises regularly, a risk of 390% higher. Being found unfit in an exercise test is a worse prognosis than high blood pressure, diabetes, or being a current smoker.

There has been some school of thought that it is possible to exercise too much or too hard, but this study showed that there is no limit to the amount of exercise someone can perform and there is no age limit that doesn’t benefit from being physically fit. This benefit was seen across all ages and sexes with even more benefit for women. We have always known that a sedentary lifestyle has some health risk. But until now, we haven’t had the definitive and objective proof. This study wasn’t about people reporting their exercise capability, it was about testing them and figuring out the real measure of what they do. The two most expensive diseases in the US are diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Together they cost more than $200 billion a year and are both modifiable and stand to gain enormous benefit from a lifestyle of regular exercise. We are meant to move…to walk, run or exercise. Anyone who scores poorly on a properly constructed exercise test or is sedentary should be given an exercise prescription by their doctor. So, take charge now. Improve your human experience. Get up out of your chair and… Take your walk right now (make it twenty or thirty minutes) and take someone with you. And don’t forget to call your Physical Therapist… You’ll be glad you did.

Tom Coplin PTCentral Physical Therapy

Take Charge Now

By Kevin A. Rogers, OD,Rogers Regional Eye Center Nerf guns come in a number of shapes and sizes and have become incredibly popular. However publicity surrounding the toy has not been all positive. Many parents out there are questioning the safety of the toy foam guns, particularly to the eyes, before making the purchase. The question of safety ultimately comes down to the user. Nerf darts are relatively soft, foamy

and not inherently dangerous, but if shot in the wrong way, they could cause pain or even serious injury. This is particularly true of the eyes because they are a vulnerable organ that can be damaged easily upon impact. Injuries from even a soft projectile could include corneal abrasions (surface scratches), bleeding, cataracts and even retinal detachment which can lead to permanent vision loss. Nevertheless, Nerf guns are fun and can even be used to help motor development and other skills, so with the right guidelines, children can learn to use them safely and benefit from the enjoyment they provide. The best defense for your eyes is safety glasses. This is the one way you can be sure that you or your child’s eyes are truly safe during Nerf shooting. We strongly recommend safety glasses be worn during any play that involves projectile objects, particularly for small children or during serious games such as Nerf Wars.

Are Nerf Guns a Safe Present


By Mia Freneaux Walking into Buddy’s BBQ, one’s nose is immediately enticed by the sweet smell of smoky meat. The nose does not lie! Buddy’s slow cooked meats are a treat for the taste buds as well. “I’d been in the restaurant business before, and stepped away from it because it took too much time away from my family,” explains Mickey Watson, owner of Buddy’s. When working in the oil and gas industry moved him to Memphis, a whole new opportunity came open for him. “I joined a competitive barbecue team named the “Refined Swine”. It was my introduction to Memphis-style, ‘low and slow’ cooked meat.” From this seed Buddy’s BBQ was born. “We offer not-your-typical Louisiana style barbecue,” explains Mickey, “For example, our brisket is cooked West-Texas style. We use our own special rubs and sauce to bring out the meats’ flavors and

enhance their tenderness. Memphis style involves cooking meat for a long time at a low temperature, and that’s what we do here, giving our barbecued meats optimum tenderness and juiciness.” A bite into their top selling pulled pork will attest to this – it practically melts in your mouth! It also guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken breasts and sausage. Buddy’s ribs are cooked “competition style”, meaning the meat must be so tender you can easily bite it off the bone. Mickey actually attended several judges’ schools to learn what judges think make the best ribs. He incorporated what he learned into his methods and the result is definitely delicious. “If it’s too difficult to decide on one of our meats, I recommend the Family Pack, which includes all of our offerings – something for every taste!” advises Mickey. Buddy’s offers a large variety of side dishes to complement their meats: slow cooked green beans and baked beans, tangy coleslaw, decadent garlic mashed potatoes and a new addition of rich and cheesy macaroni and cheese. “We put our love in all of our sides,” smiles Mickey. Cookies and bread pudding finish off a down home delicious meal. All items on their menu are available for catering needs. Mickey has a business plan, but it may not be what you think it is. Mickey grew up in Loranger

working in the dairy industry. This taught him the value of hard work, but it was his dad, Buddy, who taught him the value of personal integrity. This is why Buddy’s is named after him – “I hope to carry on his legacy in my children,” says Mickey. His children, aged 13 and 17, help out with the business and are learning the same lessons that Mickey learned at their age – hard work, determination, and always offering your best are a recipe for success. “After the flood of 2016, we must have handed out 15-20,000 plates of food to flood victims. Watching their reactions to even just a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich was a confirmation of my belief that we’re called to be a light for someone. So my business plan not only includes serving good food and running a good business that supports my family, but one that employs my neighbors and allows us to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” Mickey is very appreciative of the support the Central community has offered him. “I just want to say ‘thank you, Central’ for being patrons of our business and helping to make our family dream a reality.” Find Buddy’s BBQ on Facebook and Instagram. 18564 Magnolia Bridge Road, 388-5339, 11-7 Monday through Saturday. Check out their new location at 105 Florida Boulevard, Denham Springs, 243-4454, 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Denham location serves breakfast as well.

Business Spotlight: Buddy’s BBQ

“Sassy” the cat, pictured below, went missing in Winchester Subdivision off of Hooper near Blackwater. Please call 413-7444

if you have seen her.

This dog went missing from North Old Settlement in Central. Please

call 305-3487.

Lost Pets

Facebook: Lost Pets of Central City La

Central Christmas Parade Photosby SarahJo Griggs

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, March 8, 2012 ANNOUNCEMENTS 116 Thursday, December 20, 2018 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition


Rogers RegionalEye Center18901 Greenwell Springs Rd.Bldg 3A, Central, LAPhone: (225) 261-6282www.rogersregionaleyecenter.com

Book yourappointmenttoday to findthe remedy!

Mallory Bankston, FNP-C

C S C are

tat

entral Now Accepting Primary Care By Appointment or Walk-In

225-261-4493

Manage your prescription refills

Wellness Visits & Routine Labs

Adult PCP Available Monday - Friday

9AM –5PM

Specialist Referrals

Submitted by Peggy Whittington Congratulations to the Central Middle and Central High dance teams who had the honor of being invited to dance at the LSU Men’s Basketball game on Sunday, December 9th. The two dance teams were among 17 schools to be invited by the UDA to perform at the LSU vs Incarnate Word home game. Central performed along with approximately 100 girls at halftime to dance the Tigers to a victory of 91- 50. Congratulations to all the girls as they did

an amazing job promoting the central schools on the court that afternoon.

Central School Dance Teams Perform at LSU Game

CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition • Thursday, March 8, 2012 ANNOUNCEMENTS 118 Thursday, December 20, 2018 • CentralSpeaks.com Print Edition

Bayou SteamCarpet, Upholstery,

Tile & Grout CleaningLocally Owned and Operated

225-955-6955

CARPET/TILE CLEANING

Central Lawn Pro, LLCLawn Maintenance, New installation or renovation, Landscape, Hardscape

Licensed and Insured413-5028

LAWN CARE

General Sand & Gravel Limestone, Gravel, Mason & Fill

Sand, Riversilt, Crushed Concrete, Clay, T/S - Tractor Work

VISA 261-3953 M/C

DIRT WORKCentral Painting and Drywall

Interior & Exterior - Central OwnedPopcorn Ceiling Removal

35 Years Experience - Dependable Service225-936-7191

PAINTING

DAVE-CO PLUMBINGQUICK QUALITY FLOOD REPAIRSNEW CONSTRUCTION & REMODELSA PLUS BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU262-1234 CENTRAL FAMILY BUSINESS

PLUMBING

TREE MEN, LLCTree service & stump grinding

Fully Licensed and insuredFree Estimates

262-6092 or 791-3981

TREE REMOVAL

CABINETSCabinet Central

Specializing in facelifts and remodels. Call for an estimate.

225-278-8241

Mike’s Lawn & LandscapeFull Service Lawn Care, Including Weeding,Insect Control, Pruning, Spring Cleanup,Prep, Color, etc. - 40 Years ExperienceLicensed Horticulturist: 939-7424

LANDSCAPING

Blalock Paint & Design IncInterior & exterior painting, sheetrock

repairs, distressing & faux finishes. Sheetrock finishing & trim carpentry.

Call Kim at 225-261-0850

PAINTING

ALL PURPOSE EXTERIOR CLEANINGQuality work at a fair priceHouse & concrete cleaning

Affordable House Washing Since 1994225-273-1473

HOUSE WASHING

Simple ElectricLicensed, Insured & Bonded

Any Size Job - 30 Yrs ExperienceCentral Owned Business

921-2633

ELECTRIC

Chiasson Co., LLC.Remodeling, additions, home repairs,Outdoor kitchens, window & door install

Free Est. Call Matt 225.806.9127www.chiassonconstruction.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Shop Central FirstAIR CONDITIONING

Confederate Heating & AirProtect your family from dangerous

carbon monoxide.Heater safety checks $70

Licensed / Bonded / Insured 261-5000

Caliber FlooringShowroom now open!

All types of floor coveringsDIY or we can install

225-447-8142

FLOORING

Mill direct fabrics, Shades, Custom drapery, upholstery, woven wood

Romans, interior shutters. 22 years experience. Call Charlotte Harris

225-936-8649

DRAPERY/UPHOLSTERY

Solutions:

Email [email protected]



The Art League of Central celebrated their 10-year anniversary with a juried show held at the Central Library. Award winners pictured are: Derrel Robinson (Honorable Mention), Margaret Shipley (2nd Place), Deb Kuhn (Honorable Mention), and Amy Lane (1st Place). Winners not pictured are: Les Lane (3rd Place), Kellie Hayes

(Honorable Mention), and Beth Fussell (judge’s special recognition).

Art League of CentralAnniversary Show Winners

All locations of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library will be closed Monday, December 24, in observance of Christmas Eve, and Tuesday, December 25, in observance of Christmas Day. Normal hours of operation will resume Wednesday, December 26. The Library will be open Monday, December 31, but will close early at 6 p.m. that day, and be closed all day Tuesday, January 1, 2019, in observance of New Year’s Day. Normal hours of operation will resume Wednesday, January 2, 2019. All our resources, e-books,

downloads and other information still will be available – as always – 24 / 7 online at www.ebrpl.com. It’s FREE, and all you need is a Library card to check out resources. East Baton Rouge Parish residents who do not already have a Library card may use online registration to receive a temporary e-card which allows access to the Digital Library. For more information about Library holiday closures and hours of operation, call (225) 231-3750. To learn more about the Library and its resources, go online to www.ebrpl.com.

Libraries Closed Christmas Eve & DayDID YOU KNOW?

Christmas trees are grown in all 50 U.S. states and have been sold for the holidays since 1850. Each year, over 30 million live Christmas trees are sold in this country. As for decorations, Thomas Edison’s assistants were the first to come up with the idea of putting electric lights on Christmas trees. The names of eight of Santa’s reindeer (Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen) were originally part of the 1822 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clark Moore. It was not until 1939, over 100 years after the naming of the original reindeer, that Rudolph appeared. Mr. Robert May wrote a story about Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which became a promotion by the department store Montgomery Ward during the Christmas holidays. The story later became a song made famous by Gene Autry in 1949.


J e w e l l M c L a i n Wison, born in Clinton, LA, June 1, 1929 and resided at his home in Central, LA until his passing

Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Jewell was an active member of Blackwater United Methodist Church. He retired from Copolymer Rubber and Chemical with 35 years of service. He was a member of the Central Masonic lodge 442, for 50 years, where he served for a time as past master. He and his wife Barbara were very active and involved in the lives of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He attended literally thousands of ballgames over the years. He was extremely dedicated to his family. Jewell also enjoyed farm work, tinkering in his shop, listening to bluegrass music and reading old western novels. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Barbara Rabb Wilson;

son and wife, Mark and Jackie Wilson of Central; daughter and husband, Brenda McClure Poppell and Paul of Central; son and wife, Scotty and Cherie Wilson of Central, seven grandchildren; Trey, Todd and Tanna McClure; Micah, Sydney, Brady and Cole Wilson, thirteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents; Duncan and Katie Wilson, sister; Mary Smith, brothers; Donald, Allie, Roy and D.C. Wilson. Visitation was held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, East 11000 Florida Blvd., on Tuesday, December 18, 2018. Visitation resumed on Wednesday, December 19, at Blackwater United Methodist Church from 9:00 a.m. until a Masonic Ceremony at 10:45 a.m. with religious services following at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers were Jewell’s above mentioned grandchildren. The family would like any memorial contributions to be sent to Blackwater UMC in Jewell’s honor. The family would like to give a sincere thank you to all of his caregivers over the last two years: Betty Dixon, Cynthia Dunn, Dianne Rogers and Celeste Buhler.

In Memoriam:Jewell McLain Wilson

Katrina Walters Wicker died Friday, December 15, 2018, at The Carpenter House. She was 93 years old. Katrina was born in Baskin, Louisiana (Franklin Parish) to Worth William Walters and Ethel Nixon Walters. After high school graduation, she attended the Western Union Training School in Springfield, Missouri. Traveling to Missouri on a train in the heat of the summer, she said she was sweltering in her only good outfit – a red wool suit. After completion of studies, she secured a job at Western Union in downtown Baton Rouge. It was war time and Western Union was a hubbub of activity. One day, a tall, handsome Marine came strolling in the office asking for Katrina Walters. It seems her old friend from Baskin, Don Norman, was stationed with Ben Wicker and heard Ben was going to Baton Rouge on leave. Don asked Ben to look up his friend. Ben certainly did that and married Katrina within a few months on December 20, 1944. Katrina and Ben were married 72 years until his death after the great flood of 2016. She lived a full and productive life having a large circle of friends and church family in Baton Rouge. But her heart remained in Baskin and during her lifetime she traveled back often taking her children, nieces, grandchildren, great-grands and anyone else that wanted to take a little ride. She still maintained a bond of kinship with her best friends there, Bud and Oleta Hilbun. She was a faithful member of Blackwater Methodist Church since the early 50's and was active in her Mary Martha Circle.

She is survived by her sister, Kouzea "Dee" Norman Bryan of Rayville; brother, Illie Ray Nixon (Becky) of West Monroe; sister-in-law, Mildred Walters of Jetmore, Kansas; daughters, Kathy Wicker and Becky Collins of Baton Rouge; grandchildren, Casey Bradford of Central, Lyn-dee Mattia (Frank) of Elkins Park, PA, Will Bradford (Rachel) of Central, and Jessica Collins of Baton Rouge; and great-grandchildren who provided her with many hours of entertainment, Phoebe, Brady and AnnaLynn Mattia. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Worth Walters and Twyman Walters (Kitten); and her oldest daughter, Diane Wicker Davis and husband Frank. The family wishes to thank The Carpenter House for their exceptional care and Barbara Smith, her devoted companion. Relatives and friends joined the family for the visitation at Blackwater United Methodist Church, 10000 Blackwater Road, Central, LA, on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service officiated by Reverend Pattye Hewitt. The graveside service and burial followed in the Blackwater United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were her grandsons and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blackwater Church 10000 Blackwater Road Baker, La 70414. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.bakerfuneralhomeonline.com.

In Memoriam:Katrina Walters Wicker

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CENTRAL SPEAKS · 2018. 12. 19. · Plaza Office 225-654-2788 2110 Church St. Zachary Main Office...

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Transcript of CENTRAL SPEAKS · 2018. 12. 19. · Plaza Office 225-654-2788 2110 Church St. Zachary Main Office...