Bogalusa, Mississippi

I vaguely remember in the days following Katrina that Governor Blanco didn't know where Bogalusa was. Whether this was on radio, in The Daily News or some other paper, I don't recall now.

But the nonexistent town of Bogalusa, Mississippi found its way into the official paperwork of HR 109-377:

In another instance, Bogalusa, Mississippi had
requested water and baby food from Fayetteville. [page 11]

Fortunately the Gov was able to find us Wednesday.

Go JROTC!

The Bogalusa JROTC Drill Team is competing at a meet in Lucedale, Mississippi on Saturday.

Support our drill team, drive to Lucedale, make a day of it.

I'll update with exact location and time later today/tonight.

Nice. And not nice.

Fourteen Bogalusa students are spending the week in Jackman, Maine:

"The people are very nice," said Tre Johnson, a Bogalusa eighth-grader. "They don't catch attitudes. They are very friendly people."

The ambitious weeklong stay was arranged through the help of Rural School and Community Trust affiliates in the Northeast and Southeast, and through various fundraisers in Jackman.

Sadly, later on in the article is this [emphasis added]:

Daisy Slan, southeast representative for the Rural School and Community Trust, emphasized that white people probably would not be hosting blacks in Louisiana.

"The only way that you get into a white home in Bogalusa is if you're cleaning their homes, taking care of their babies or cooking their meals," said Slan, who is black.

Bogalusa's bad reputation still goin' strong [sigh].

Previous:
Jackman to Bogalusa
Just go home?
Dishonest or dumb?

Crime at the boat launch?

I wasn't there, myself. But it was related to us that crack paraphernalia has been seen discarded in the parking lot.

And that couples have been dropped off, and they go wandering back into the trees. I don't recall any picnic tables, do you?

Drive carefully

I've lately seen loose livestock - cows, horses.

Use caution on country roads. Hitting a 1,000 pound plus animal ain't nothin' nice.

Rumors that sound true. Are they?

At least one public school student has mentioned in our presence that teachers are asking if they go to church.

We've all heard of "Don't ask, don't tell" in regard to gays in the military. Religion in the public schools needs to follow similar rules, as far as the teachers and administration are concerned.

Don't ask the students; and don't tell them.

In the United States, people have the right to attend any church, or none. They have the right to believe in G*d, Allah, animal deities, voodoo, the Hindu gods, Jehovah, or Joseph Smith - among many others. And they have the right to not believe.

A right that gets ignored in our fair city is the right not to be required to tell what your beliefs are, or which church you attend. Just like the right to a silent, anonymous ballot, we Americans have the right to "silent religion."

A public entity or employee - be it a teacher, a principal, or the city council - can't require an answer to the question, "Which church do you go to?" or even "Do you go to church?" By law, those same people and entities aren't allowed to endorse any religion, even a generic Christianity.

It's a no-brainer, folks. I find no reference in the Bible that says you should be demanding that school children tell you about their religious preferences or which church they attend. I find plenty of references in the laws of the United States that you need to keep your trap shut.

It sure isn't a way to win converts. It's pushy, rude and disrespectful, not to mention illegal.

Put a lid on it.

With school graduations that sound like revivals, and school board meetings ditto, we believe the incident(s) likely happened. And before anybody gets bent out of shape about "taking religion out of the schools," no student can be stopped from praying to any God they wish, as long as they aren't disruptive.

School discipline

An article in the September 20th edition of The Daily News said:

During the public comment session - which more often resembled a revival service than a board meeting...

I'm glad somebody else is noticing these things. Heh.

Instead of praying and invoking G*d's name, how 'bout taking action to solve the problem?

If G*d gave you brains, use 'em; don't just sit there passively with your hands folded - unless you're stumped and imploring The Almighty for ideas and answers.

And for goodness' sake, try a little harder to keep religion out of the public schools. I didn't attend, but I bet this meeting started with a prayer, too, didn't it?

I'm convinced that some people are itchin' for a fight with the ACLU. There goes the BCS budget...

Previous:

Tangipahoa Parish in Trouble Again
Graduation? or church service?

Briefs

Weather: We've been having a decent amount of rain, and the nights have cooled off. Fall is on its way! Not a moment too soon for us.

Crime: Apparently there was a theft by a student at Bogalusa Middle School earlier in the week. The police were called, and it's said that the thief turned himself in and the item was recovered.

School:Public school students are off today.

Only the good die young?

Washington Parish has lowest life expectancy in Louisiana

The audit report. Finally.

In The Daily News:

Councilwoman Oneita Graham hesitated to read the report aloud because of is length. Also citing hoarseness, she said the "last time" she read something, she "was accused of making accusations, when all I did was read."

Graham did read the 10 questionable findings listed on Seal's cover page.

They are a Chamico cost-plus contract, Northshore Emergency Services contract, overtime pay, General Obligation Bond Debt Service Fund, City of Bogalusa employees' retirement system, emergency ordinances, Willis Avenue overlay, Industrial Park repairs, budget amendments and Central Purchasing.

Copies of the report were to be made available to the general public on Thursday, September 7, 2006.

Somebody identifying themselves as "Oneita" posted much of the report online at the Hard Copy Message Board on September 5, 2006. I don't know how long the archives there are saved, nor how long they will be viewable. Posts seem to "fall off" the bottom of the page.

In any event, I'm going to cut-and-paste some of the pertinent points from each page as it was posted on that board. I'm making no claim as to their accuracy, but I have the screen shots saved from Oneita's posts for backup, in case you wanna argue.

From R. Seal's (auditor) cover letter:

Management's Responses follow each finding and a letter from the Mayor is included. The above findings are generally instances of noncompliance with laws, regulations and the City Charter and probably will not affect my opinion on the financial statements at the conclusion of the audit.
There are two other points that I would like to clarify.
1. Because of the nature of the above findings, auditing standards required me to keep the Council President informed as the audit progressed, rather than wait until the audit was finished.
2. The provisions of the State Bid Law, the State Budget Law and the City Charter were never waived or suspended after Hurricane Katrina.

From Page 5:

Criteria - City Charter requires an ordinance to authorize any contract on behalf of the City. State law prohibits cost-plus contracts. State law requires that public works contracts in excess of $100,000 be advertised and let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder.
Condition - on January 5, 2005, the Mayor entered into a contract with Chamico, Inc. to "perform any and all service work requested of them by authorized city officials for work that is within the scope of approved licensing of Chamico, Inc." The contract provides that Chamico, Inc. would be paid "by man-hours and equipment-hours actually worked at the current published rate of Chamico, Inc., plus the necessary materials for the requested work, plus 15% for overhead and profit." The contract also provides that it will remain in effect until written cancellation by either party. Chamico invoiced the City for over $440,000 from January through December 31, 2005, and another $165,000 through February 22, 2006, mainly for repair of public buildings damaged by Hurricane Katrina. All the work was done in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract dated January 5, 2005.
Effect - 1. The contract was vague as to the nature of the work to be performed.
2. The City could not locate any published rates for Chamico's man-hours or equipment-hours.
3. there was no ordinance passed by the City Council to authorize the contract.
4. It is a cost-plus contact which is prohibited by state law.
5. No bid was obtained as required by state law.
Auditor's Recommendation - The City should use emergency ordinances and adopt specific, written internal controls to prevent this from happening in the future.

This was quoted as part of "Management's response":

Management's Response - Much confusion was left in the aftermath of Hurricane Ktrina. In her wake City personnel immediately began damage assessment and cleanup with virtually no means of communication otehr than hand held radios. there was death, injury and an immense amount of property damage throughout the City.
In an attempt to recover from the devastation, the Public Works Department contacted 3 local construction contractors by driving and walking to their home and/or office. Two contractors were themselves devastated by the storm and unable to assist with recovery. The Public Works Director selected the only one available (Chamico) to assist with projects necessary for recovery. No contract was executed for Chamico as this took place in the first circumstances resulting from the chaos the hurricane left in her wake.

You really need to get over to that board and read the whole thing, or get a copy from the City. Fascinating stuff. You should also search The Daily News archives for all articles about Katrina to get a timeline of events.

Reading the details about this fiasco raises my blood pressure. How 'bout you?

Lumberjacks win!

19-14. Check it out.

Thank you, San Diego!

The Lumberjacks travel to the Left Coast:

Louisiana football team gets a hand

By Nicole Vargas
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
September 7, 2006

LAURA EMBRY / Union-Tribune

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, players on the Bogalusa High football squad were grateful for the team's trip to California this summer.
CHULA VISTA – When Antoine Temple emerged from his family's Bogalusa, La., home that August morning, he couldn't believe what he saw.

“I had trees everywhere,” Temple recalled after Hurricane Katrina passed directly through his hometown last summer. “Power lines were down. We couldn't even get out of our driveway.”

Surrounded by a lush pine forest, Bogalusa (population 13,365) is a lumber town about an hour's drive north of New Orleans. After what some accounts said were as many as 16 straight hours of devastating winds as high as 180 mph, not a single home in Bogalusa escaped damage as trees snapped, assaulting the dwellings like missiles.

Do read the whole thing.

More:
Bonita Vista vs. Bogalusa
Daily News article

Bogalusa Strutters to Oz

In Jazz News:

The Manly International Jazz Festival 2006 is Australia's largest and longest-running community based jazz festival. Set amongst the beautiful Sydney harbour environment, Manly is considered to be the 'home of jazz' in Australia. This year will mark the 29th year of the Manly International Jazz Festival and will be held on 30th September, 1st October, 2nd October 2006. [...]The line up of over 54 bands include: ...The Bogalusa Strutters...

Man's best friend - Part II, Health

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian or a lawyer, follow this advice at your own risk, consult your veterinarian rather than relying on anything you read on the 'net - including this post.

Top ten dog care tips from the Humane Society of the US. Read all of their pet care information.

Spay/Neuter. It's a one-time cost that pays dividends over the life of your pet. And if you've got an unwanted litter, for G*d's sake quit dumping them here, there, everywhere. It's cruel, it's illegal, it's a public health risk and a nuisance. Just because people live in the country doesn't mean they want more critters - especially from a doofus who wouldn't spay, or keep their pet inside when in heat, and probably didn't vaccinate or worm her either.

This includes cats. They cannot "take care of themselves," contrary to popular myth. The average lifespan of a stray cat is only two years.

If you must find a new home for your pet, consult the local shelters/humane societies (that's a great place to get a pet, too). And don't offer him "free to good home" unless you want him to end up in a laboratory cage or worse. Charge something - $30-50, say. It discourages the jerks and makes people stop and realize that owning a pet costs money; that little fee is only the beginning.

Rabies vaccination is required by law. For your dog, your own health and safety, and that of the community, get 'er done! It ain't expensive.

Vaccinate against other diseases, too, at the intervals recommended by your vet. Most dog owners have heard of the dreaded parvo and distemper. They are preventable. Some owners do it themselves, but remember that those shots from the local store don't include rabies.

Feeding bones to your dog is Russian roulette. Don't.

Heartworm is a preventable killer. Your vet carries Heartgard (tm) or another prescription med for it. Here's a link about DIY prevention. The dose the author is using is one-tenth of a cc per ten pounds, of one percent injectable ivermectin, given orally once per month.

This isn't much of a money saver for a single dog, but if you've got 3+ it can be. Do not give Ivermectin to Collies/herding breeds without veterinary advice! Ivermectin can be safely given to heartworm positive dogs, according to many apparently reliable sites, but will not cure them if they're already infested.

Inexpensive DIY treatment for intestinal parasites. Worms, blech.

And here's the Beagle guy's index of health articles.

Fleas and ticks. Ick! I use either Frontline or Advantix and also treat the yard with insecticide granules. Works well for us. Your vet is a good source of flea prevention and treatment info.

Mange. There are several different types, and a lay person can confuse flea allergy with mange. Please consult your vet, and don't use motor oil. Coating a dog with motor oil is cruelty and punishable in some places. Not to mention, it doesn't work. Motor oil curing mange is an old wive's tale, folks.

Do not allow your dog to run at large - either in town or in the country. You are required by law to keep your dog under your control at all times. That includes unincorporated areas of the parish - where he can be shot dead for harassing or killing livestock. Getting shot ain't good for a dog's health. And buying your neighbor a new heifer, or a coop full of purebred chickens, is real expensive. Plus anywhere, town or country, your dog can be hit by a car. Fence, leash, train, supervise.

Some good pet sites:

Petfinder - adopt, find, place in a home

Petfinder's Resource Library of information

Doctors Foster and Smith - pet supplies online. Beware: some "discount" online pet sites sell bootleg/fake stuff. Foster and Smith get good reviews. They also have a free pet care newsletter you can sign up for.

Merck Veterinary Manual online

Kebbie Loves Ken

Nice article about a gift shop in Skaneateles, New York:

Soon after their vacation, the Rosenbergs relocated to Skaneateles and opened the Blue Willow Inn, a bed and breakfast on State Street Road. They at last realized their dream when they set up a small shop in one corner of the building.

After closing the inn last year, they relocated the store to their present downtown location.

And the interesting name?

“It's just something we know will last,” she said. “A name like Kebbie Loves Ken will be memorable when we open shops in other places ...like Manhattan,” Kebbie said.

Really sweet. But oh my goodness:

Since she grew up in Bogalusa, La., a suburb of New Orleans...[emphasis added]

You'd think a journalist could look at a map or google "Bogalusa." Sheesh.

I guess it's better than "Nowheresville."

Man's best friend - Part I, Training and Behavior

Dogs... So many people have dogs as pets. Here are some links to help keep your buddy happy and well-behaved.

Important disclaimer: I am not a vet or professional trainer (and I don't play one on TV, heh).

Dog Play: A nice site with info on enjoyable activities, behavior and training.

Humane Society of the US has Dog Behavior Tip Sheets.

Dr. P's Dog Training: Loads of helpful articles.

Unchain Your Dog!: Fido should live in the house with his family. Read this site and find out why.

Eat, drink and be merry

This weekend in Bogalusa, the "Centennial Year Music and Arts Celebration." Here's the music schedule.

Slap on some sunscreen, hie thee to Cassidy Park and party hearty!

Take a moment to thank the military recruiters for their service to this great country :-).

Calling all cat lovers

There's a beautiful, friendly young cat wandering at the Riverside Drive boat launch. Probably could use a loving indoor home. Walk off the parking area toward that old concrete structure and call "Kitty-kitty-kitty" and the darling will trot over and wrap around your legs.

We live in "Nowheresville"

Ariel Pink Plays Nowheresville
Bogalusa poised to become the "L.A." of LA link

Just a little insulting, eh?

Laura Pearson is the author, and her email is pearson@pitchforkmedia.com. Don't be shy - tell her how you feel.

Who's his stepfather? Running for Mayor, the article says...