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Columns

How I learned to let go of the incidental stuff

Last month, I went to the cemetery to make sure the company that manufactured my Dad’s headstone could put it in the right place. There had been a marker with Dad’s name placed at the head of his grave after the funeral, but now I couldn’t find it.

Child support process needs upgrade

A man appeared in court last week who makes $7000 a month with five children, and was ordered to pay $490 a month for each child. Louisiana says a person responsible for child support has to pay twenty five percent of their gross income towards the benefit of the child. Gross, not net, income is what the formula says.

Oh, honey! Help me with these allergies

Are you tired of sneezing, sniffling, and itching your way through allergy season? If so, you might want to consider a natural remedy that's been buzzing around for generations: local honey. This golden elixir isn't just a delicious addition to your morning toast or coffee; it could also be the key to easing your allergy symptoms.

We are all stakeholders in kids' lives

As summer approaches, there is a debate taking place in our community about how to reach more of our young kids. There used to be a program called “Save Our Sons” that tried to reach young Black boys in at-risk communities, the most likely segment of society to end up incarcerated, but this program no longer exists.

Show up and vote or don't complain

This past weekend, there was a presidential primary in Louisiana, and once again voter turnout was dismal. While it may not seem to matter that much for this particular election due to the fact that both of the frontrunners for the nominations of their respective parties have already secured enough delegates to represent their parties in the fall election, the fact is that this continues a trend where less than 35 percent of the voters who are eligible to vote actually participate in the process.

Healing local economy with creative investing

A couple of East Carroll residents traveled to New York last month representing Delta Interfaith and told the story, with its twists and turns and challenges and successes, of how they, along with other leaders, have worked to bring fast, affordable internet to our parish. Wanda Manning and Linda Millikin also hope that representatives of the New York Federal Reserve, where the meeting was held, would be moved to consider giving or loaning some funding for the completion of the network.

Sickness reveals vulnerabilities

I took my 12-year-old cousin to the emergency room two years ago after she was experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms one night and was told that she actually had the flu. Since I had been around her all day, I was asked by the emergency room physician if I wanted to get tested as well?

Warmer temps, case for local eats

My Opinion By Billy Coleman As spring is approaching, later sunsets should mean better days for local businesses. It remains to be seen if that will happen this year as we have several new businesses hoping for great success in the warmer months.

Small changes can help

Having a background in the helping profession is a curse. I’m sure any nurses, doctors, or paramedics know what I’m talking about.