Wise and the Heartbreak Orchestra Return to Franklinton

Cody Wise and The Heartbreak Orchestra will perform live in concert at Bowling Green School in Franklinton, LA.  A 2003 graduate of BGS, Cody will bring his popular show to the school on Saturday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m.

The Heartbreak Orchestra will feature a special performance by David Fontana, son of Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame drummer D.J. Fontana. The elder Fontana served as Elvis Presley's drummer for 14 years. The performance includes Elvis hits from the 50s, his 68 Comeback Special and 70s and features three costume changes and an intermission.

Cody last performed in Franklinton to a sold-out audience at the 1010 Club and again at the Washington Parish Fair.

During his time as an Elvis tribute artist, Cody has played in venues that include the Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, MS, the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, FL, the Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis, MS and the Florida State Fair. He's also performed in Las Vegas, Nevada, Presley's hometown of Tupelo, MS and Memphis, TN which was home to Elvis and his Graceland mansion. In 2013, Cody was also selected to play the part of Elvis in the Broadway hit Million Dollar Quartet.

Tickets for the November 22 performance can be purchased at Bowling Green School, Shirts-n-Things in Franklinton and Citizens Savings Bank (Franklinton and Bogalusa). Tickets are on sale now for $20 when purchased in advance or $25 at the door.

Cody Wise and the Heartbreak Orchestra will perform at Bowling Green School on Saturday, November 22

BGS to host Veterans Day Program

Friday, November 7^th, Bowling Green School will celebrate Veterans Day.  We will begin with breakfast in the cafeteria at 8:15 then move to the gym for our special program for 9:00. 

Immediately following the program, there will be a Service for Dignified Disposal of Unserviceable American Flags. 

If you have a tattered flag and would like it to be part of this special ceremony, please drop the flag off at the school or at The American Legion. BGS encourages all Veterans and their spouses to join us in honoring the men and women who has served our country.

November Is Native American Month

Washington Parish President Richard Ned Thomas joined in the support of the Museums of Cassidy Park and the Intertribal Council of Louisiana's Nov. 8 Native American Cultural Day by proclaiming the entire month of November “Native American Month,” and Nov. 8 “Native American Cultural Day” in the parish.

Thomas presented the proclamations to ITCL Director Kevin Billiot and MCP President Jo Ann Miller during the parish council meeting on Oct. 27.

The joint project will bring representatives of seven Louisiana tribes to Bogalusa's Cassidy Park to educate visitors about the culture and to demonstrate traditional dance, games, crafts and more. Individuals will be able to check out replicas of traditional dwellings and to ask questions in the intimate setting, and everybody will get a chance to take part in the fun and games.

Traditional craft items and food will be available for purchase, but admission to the 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event is free of charge.

The proclamation notes, in part, that Native Americans were the first explorers and settlers of the area that now makes up Washington Parish; that large numbers of Native Americans have defended the security of the United States by serving in the armed forces; and that “the unique spiritual, artistic and literary contributions of Native Americans, together with their vibrant customs and celebrations, enliven and enrich our land.”

Thomas also notes that Native American Cultural Day on Nov. 8 at Cassidy Park offers a rare learning opportunity, and he asks all parish citizens to join in the celebration of the “history, heritage and culture of the native people of this great country.”

Cutline information: Washington Parish President Richard Ned Thomas, left, presents a proclamation declaring November “Native American Month” and November 8 “Native American Cultural Day” in the parish to Intertribal Council of Louisiana Director Kevin Billiot and Museums of Cassidy Park President Jo Ann Miller. The ITCL and MCP are partnering to present Native American Cultural Day in Cassidy Park.

Parish President Richard Thomas presented proclamations to ITCL Director Kevin Billiot and MCP President Jo Ann Miller during the parish council meeting on Oct. 27.

Robinson, Magee meet in SEC clash

Franklinton's Josh Robinson and Terrence Magee were on opposite sidelines Saturday night as Mississippi State took on LSU in Tiger Stadium. The two are former teammates from the 2010 FHS state championship team. Robinson was a running back while Magee quarterbacked the Demons to the state title.

Robinson carried 16 times for 197 yards in Mississippi State's win over eighth-ranked LSU. He scored the Bulldogs second touchdown to give MSU a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

Magee also got in on the big plays by completing a halfback pass for 44 yards to wide receiver Malachi Dupre. He also caught four passes for 29 yards.

Mississippi State defeated LSU 34-29 on Saturday to break a 14 game LSU winning streak against the Bulldogs.

Josh Robinson (13) takes off on a 66 yard run against the LSU Tigers.

Magee to Represent LSU at SEC Media Days

SEC Media Days begin Monday, July 14 and run through Thursday, July 17. The annual event is a prelude to the upcoming football season and brings players and head coaches together from each of the 14 SEC member schools.

A trio of LSU Tigers will take center stage Wednesday along with Head Coach Les Miles at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Hoover, Alabama. Franklinton's Terrence Magee is one of three Tigers chosen by Miles to represent LSU.

Magee and others will face questions from the national media as well as one-on-one interviews with writers interested in learning more about the 2014 LSU Tigers. Offensive lineman La’el Collins and linebacker D.J. Welker are the other two student-athletes that Coach Miles chose to attend.

An all-state quarterback who led the Franklinton Demons to back-to-back state championship game appearances in 2009 and 2010, Magee enters his senior season at LSU as the leading returning rusher in an extremely talented backfield.

After patiently waiting for playing time his freshman and sophomore years, Magee took advantage of every opportunity in 2013 by rushing for 626 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. He was named the SEC Player of the Week after rushing for 149 yards and a touchdown in LSU's win over Texas A&M in 2013. Magee earned the Alvin Roy Fourth Quarter Award for outstanding performance in LSU's off-season program and the Eric Andolsek Leadership Award for his leadership role in spring drills.

Arguably the ultimate compliment comes from the LSU football website which describes Magee as the "consummate team player who serves as a role model for younger players".

Being selected to represent LSU at SEC Media Days is a tremendous honor for any student-athlete and the usually soft-spoken Magee shouldn't feel any pressure behind the microphones. The former FHS quarterback led his team to the school’s first state championship in 2010 while earning most every high school award in the process.

After numerous losses to the NFL draft, Magee will be looked to more as a leader by his teammates. The Tigers open regular-season play against Wisconsin on August 30 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.

Former FHS Demon Terrence Magee to represent LSU at SEC Media Days

Linda Crain chosen as Citizen of the Year

Article and photo courtesy of Lucy Parker (Bogalusa Daily News)

Retired educator Linda Smith Crain is the 2013 Citizen of the Year for Franklinton.

The selection was made Monday, June 2, by a group of past Citizen of the Year honorees assembled in the Varnado Store Museum annex.

Once the voting process was complete, the group made some calls and discovered the honoree was at work at Crain Funeral Home, a business that is owned by Crain and her husband, Robert.

Thus, the members of the group jumped in their cars and went there to surprise her with the news.

Looking around at the others who have been named the Citizen of the Year, Crain said it makes her proud to be recognized among that distinguished group.

“I’m very humbled by this honor,” she said.

And as soon as she heard, she called her husband of 44 years to share the news with him. He told her he was so proud of her, she said.

Crain had a 30-year career in the Washington Parish School System, retiring 12 years ago as the principal at Franklinton Junior High. She also spent 15 years as a classroom teacher and is a past Enon Elementary principal.

“I loved every minute of it,” she said. “I was associated with so many hard-working and dedicated professionals.”

After her retirement, Crain got a chance to do a little traveling and has been able to spend lots of time with her grandchildren.

She and her husband have three children and seven grandchildren. She said she thoroughly enjoys being a MeMe and being involved in her grandchildren’s activities.

Her daughter, Susan Crain Bonner, and son-in-law, Chris, live in Mandeville with their children, Caroline and Christopher.

Her son, Rob Crain, and his wife, Kristi, live in Franklinton and have three boys, Wesley, Andrew and Jacob, while her son, Matt, and his wife, Heather, reside in Hernando, Miss., and have two children, Hannah Grace and Wilson.

A lifelong Franklinton resident, Crain said she loves the small-town atmosphere in the Fair City. She said she likes how she knows the people she sees in the grocery store, for instance.

“That’s the good thing about living in a small town — you know so many people,” she said.

Crain is an active member of First Baptist Church of Franklinton. She teaches the Ruth Sunday school class, helps facilitate a women’s Bible studies group at the church and is a member of the hand bell choir, in addition to her service to numerous other committees.

Franklinton High graduate Crain earned bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees in education at Southeastern Louisiana University and Louisiana State University.

She is the current vice president of the Washington Parish Retired Teachers’ Association and is presently serving as parliamentarian of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, Beta Rho Chapter, a professional organization for women educators.

She is also a member of several social/civic clubs: the Waverly Club, of which she is a past president and current treasurer, the Winbury Club and the Magnolia Belles.

Past Citizen of the Year Mike Gill said Crain has made a great contribution to the community through her work in the schools and her church.

Further, he noted that the Citizen of the Year recognition is a way to show good deeds don’t go unnoticed.

“That’s what makes the community — all the good deeds everyone does,” he said.

In her nomination letter, Karen Spears of Franklinton discussed Crain’s dedication to her family and church and her active involvement in various community endeavors.

“Linda goes above and beyond the call to duty,” Spears wrote. “Her unspoken motto must surely be, ‘If a job is worth doing, then it must be done well!’ Close to perfection better suits her.

“I am pleased to nominate Linda Crain for Citizen of the Year. I feel she is most deserving of this honor.”

Linda Smith Crain, at right, is congratulated by past Franklinton Citizens of the Year Terry Seal and Mary Jo Poole.

Nobody Wins In Recent Tax Removal

Recently the Washington Parish Recreation District #1 Board of Directors decided to remove a property tax proposal from the May 3 ballot. The proposal was for the construction and operation of a new recreation complex that would have served Franklinton, Mt. Hermon, Pine, Enon, Hackley and other local communities.

The decision to remove the tax from the ballot was very difficult and only made after careful consideration and much prayer. The project has been in the works for the last six years by a group of seven dedicated volunteers appointed by the Washington Parish Council. These volunteers have given their time, efforts and even money in an attempt to provide much-needed opportunities for our communities.  

Nobody likes property taxes and it wouldn't have been the route the board chose to go if we would have known of other funding sources. We agree that a property tax isn't a way for everyone to equally share the cost and I respect those who were supportive or opposed. It seems like the majority agrees that the project is needed, but disagreed on the funding method. That's certainly understandable.

What the citizens of this recreation district hopefully realize is that we need to come up with a funding source that is agreeable to the majority and hopefully many more. Using St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parish residents as examples, they realize that if you want good recreation it's going to cost you something. If you want good roads it's going to cost you something. If you want good law enforcement it's going to cost you something. We can't sit back and wait for the government to write us a check so that everyone can realize the benefits of this. The fact is that this is going to cost people a little money if we want it to become a reality.

Chappapeela Park in Hammond (recently completed at $17 million for 90 acres) held their Strawberry Cup soccer tournaments on two consecutive weekends. They played a combined total of 276 soccer matches in four days. Meanwhile, our local children weren't able to play a single game during these days because the fields and parking areas were too wet. This isn't a knock on anyone involved with our local soccer association. It's simply an example of what we’re missing out on by having outdated facilities in all of our youth leagues. To try and update them is only putting a Band-Aid on the problem. When others are asked about their recreation parks, other communities speak of their parks with a source of pride. They see the benefits offered to their citizens and received from an economic standpoint.

After we removed the property tax from the May 3 ballot, it was easy to find comments on social media pages as well as in the newspaper with people boasting that "we won". The truth is nobody won. Our children are still playing in antiquated facilities, our businesses, schools system, hospital, etc. aren't receiving funds from what a new park would generate and there's still no solution for a funding source at the moment.

Hopefully we're still not stuck at a crossroads with this project in 20 years.  I know the recreation district board isn't throwing in the towel. We've had setbacks before and managed to find a solution to work through them, so quitting isn't an option.

 If someone has a recommendation then we hope they'll present it to us. Until a solution is found and this recreation complex is built, there are no winners in this matter.

Local AT&T Store Gets Major Upgrade

Franklinton and the surrounding areas welcomed an updated, modern AT&T store Friday at a grand opening held for the public. Located to the left of Winn-Dixie and behind Wendy's, many citizens got their first look at the business.

"The grand opening was wonderful," said manager Tracey Thomas. "Our town really came out and supported us. The store was filled with customers and everyone was quite impressed."

The store moved to its new location on January 25 after being located on Washington Street for the last 15 years. The new version of the AT&T store is exactly like AT&T stores found in Covington and larger, surrounding areas.

Thomas said the new store will offer all phones and tablets that AT&T has to offer. This includes iPhones, iPads and Samsung phones and tablets. Also offered are assessories including powerrocks, juice packs for charging your phone, cases, chargers, earbuds and Bluetooth. The store offers the same pricing and availability as other AT&T stores.

Customers are also now able to pay their bill at the new store for both cell phones, tablets and home phones. AT&T Internet DSL and U-verse can also be ordered through the new location.

Thomas said the new store has been extremely busy since its move.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to serve the wonderful customers, both veteran and new, and strive to give them the latest devices, plans and accessories right here in their hometown while providing them with excellent customer service.

"There is really no need to drive out of town for any of your wireless, home phone, or Internet needs. Our friendly, experienced staff can handle all your needs right here in our hometown," said Thomas.

Thomas invites everyone to stop by and see what the new store has to offer.

Officer receives new vest after being shot

Friends, family and coworkers gathered Friday at the Franklinton Police Department for a special ceremony that saw Sgt. Chad Dorsett receive a new bulletproof vest.

Dorsett was on duty the evening of December 19, 2013 when he and other officers responded to a 911 call regarding a subject being shot in the arm. After arriving and finding the suspect barricaded in a mobile home, officers attempted to gain entry through a cracked door.

The suspect fired a shot using a 9 mm handgun that went through Sgt. Dorsett's forearm before lodging in his bulletproof vest. Once Dorsett realized he was hit, he turned to Chief Donald Folse to let him know.

"He never panicked and he never lost his cool," said Chief Folse. "He told me that he was hit and I escorted him back near the units to a safe area. He had enough wit about him to tell me that there was a bullet in the chamber and the gun was set to fire. He asked me to take the gun off of him after making me aware. That's the kind of people we have in our department.

"Chad's been around enough to know and instincts kick in. I'm proud of the way he handled himself and I'm proud to have him with the Franklinton Police Department."

Safariland Group, the supplier of bulletproof vests for the department, was represented by domestic account manager Erik Belsom.  Belsom presented Sgt. Dorsett with a new bulletproof vest before honoring him with a plaque to make Dorsett a member of the Safariland "Saves Club".

"We’re here today to make Chad a part of our Saves Program," said Belsom. "He's our 1878th documented save and we want to recognize and acknowledge his sacrifice and commitment. Today is about Chad and the Franklinton Police Department."

Sgt. Dorsett realizes the importance of wearing the bulletproof vest especially after being shot.

"I heard the shot and then felt a burning in my arm," recalled Dorsett. "I didn't realize it had hit me in the vest. I remember telling somebody I was shot – that they got me. I moved back towards the road and then saw the blood trickling down my arm and then it (the pain) hit me in my chest. Then I worried about it going through.

"I took my (injured) left arm and reached under my vest and saw blood when I looked at my hand. Then I realized it was from my arm that had been hit. Then I put my right arm under the vest and realized the Safariland vest had stopped the bullet. I was very relieved and then it was all about preserving evidence."

Bulletproof vests have become hard for police departments to afford these days. They have a five-year life expectancy, but the average vest being worn by Louisiana policemen is 10-12 years old. The vest that Sgt. Dorsett was wearing when he got shot was almost 5 years old.

"We realize the importance of why everyone needs to wear their vests," said Chief Folse."Unfortunately, it's a strain on smaller departments to be able to afford the vests. They're getting very expensive and we used to be able to get grants for them. That's next to nonexistent now. We just have to do what we have to do to make sure our officers are safe."

At Tuesday's Board of Aldermen meeting, Alderman John Daniel stated that funds are already set aside in a Capital Improvements account to purchase new vests for all officers.

"It's very important to us as a Council to make sure we give our officers everything they need to keep them safe and help them do their job," said Daniel.

Belsom with Safariland said the vests cost anywhere from $500-$900 depending on the model. The more expensive vests are lighter and more comfortable. Belsom noted that makes a difference when officers are wearing polyester uniforms on long shifts and working in the August heat. "Vests work and they save lives," said Belsom.

Sgt. Dorsett, his coworkers, family and friends realize how true that statement is.

"I'm a newfound believer in what vests can do," said Dorsett just minutes before taking a family picture with his wife and kids. "I want to thank my wife for being the vest police and making sure I wear it every time I come to work."

Sgt. Chad Dorsett receives a new bulletproof vest from Safariland's Erik Belsom. Chief Donald Folse (left) looks on.

(L-R) Chief Donald Folse, Sgt. Chad Dorsett and Erik Belsom