Columns

It’s hot. Triple digit days, nights in the upper seventies.

For months, Louisiana residents have watched as major decisions about economic development and the state’s energy future have taken place largely out of public view. They have involved the use of non-disclosure agreements and backdoor proceedings among state and local leaders, Entergy and Meta to create a $50 billion artificial intelligence data center in Richland Parish.

“We don't need no education We don't need no thought control No dark sarcasm in the classroom Teacher, leave them kids alone Hey, teacher, leave them kids alone All in all, it's just another brick in the wall All in all, you're just another brick in the wall” These are lyrics to a song that came out in 1979 by Pink Floyd. I know a whole lot of you weren’t around in 1979, but this song has withstood the test of time for many.

The East Carroll Parish School Board once again addressed at its regular meeting last week the executive order from Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, requiring a $2,000 stipend for all teachers. Meagan Brown, district superintendent, told the board her office had not yet heard whether the board’s current practice of providing bonuses for school employees would be considered compliance with the executive order.

It seems like we were just singing 'School’s Out for Summer,” but in stores this week it was evident that the party’s over. Papers, pencils, binders, and backpacks are out in full force.

Today’s children could be the first generation since the 1970s to do better than their parents as young workers become more sought after and well paid. They may even see a surplus of housing to make their lives even easier after recent shortages.

“Used to be, the saying was, ‘Where goes New Orleans, where goes the state,'” Gov. Jeff Landry told reporters this month.

A few days ago, I hosted a memorial service for a hero of mine in my yard. It had been her family home, before it became mine, and it meant a lot to her. Lake Providence meant a lot to her. Over the years, she’d talked a good bit about the women of this place who had influenced her: Mrs. Opal Lensing whose subtle, wry humor made her smile, Flo Trieschmann who was “just cool,” Elsie Terral who understood her mom, Mary Marron and Mrs. Cook as teaching mentors, there were more.

You know, I am quite aware that I am in the minority when it comes to a lot of issues. I think that the first priority of our nation, our country, our state, indeed, all of our politicians is to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

The East Carroll Parish Council on Aging received good news from Director Evelyn LeBeau that the Louisiana state legislature has increased council funding by $50,000. LeBeau said that an increase in the funding would be helpful, especially with all the repair expenses that the council has incurred in the past months.