News

For all you hot natured folks, is it cold enough for you yet? According to Stacker, a statistical data company, January 2025 could set records as one of the coldest months in East Carroll history. To date, January 1940, holds that record with an average temperature of 40.2 degrees. I just know it is cold!

The East Carroll Parish Hospital Board voted in a special meeting last week to amend the current insurance coverage for its employees after yet another increase in premiums from Blue Cross Blue Shield. La-Donna Englerth, hospital administrator, said that the insurance premiums have increased by over 20% in the last three years, largely because of the number of claims filed. “We have had so many claims filed that they continue to raise our premium costs.” The hospital had always paid its employees’ insurance premium until last year when they voted to assess a $100 a month cost for each employee for insurance. The newest changes included in the option adopted by the hospital board last week increased the deductible from $1,500 yearly to $2,000. Employees will also have $50 monthly added to the cost of their premium, bringing the cost to employees for insurance to $150 a month. Englerth said that employees had never had to pay a deductible on their drugs, but the new option included a $250 deductible for pharmaceuticals. These changes do not come close to covering the cost of the premium to the hospital, Englerth explained. “We are trying to do the best we can for our employees and keep it affordable.”

The Town of Lake Providence has approximately 48 fire hydrants inside the town’s limits that don’t work. Thanks to assistance from the East Carroll Parish Police Jury, the fire hydrants will soon be replaced. Mayor Bobby Amacker informed the finance committee at the regular meeting Tuesday, January 14, that he had approached the parish about helping with a project to replace fire hydrants inside and outside the city limits.

As farmers begin making plans for the upcoming growing season, many are bracing for the likelihood of another year marked by tight margins. “Production costs for 2025 are estimated to decrease for the second consecutive year, which is good news,” said LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto.

Food distribution will be held Tuesday, Jan. 28 beginning at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church parking lot. Food will be given on a first-come, firstserved basis. Call Doris James, 559 1543 for more information.

Thanks to the quick action of his 12-year-old sister, a Transylvania toddler is once again enjoying his Christmas toys and life in the country. Three-year-old Asher Dye was driving his new Christmas side-by-side in his yard on Monday, January 13, when he decided to go across the yard to his grandparents’ home. Asher’s father, Nathan Dye, said that there was a road between the two yards to allow better access between the families. Asher hit a rut in the road which snatched the steering wheel out of his hand, turning the side-by-side toward the pond. Startled, the three year old accidentally hit the throttle, sending the power wheels vehicle into the pond.

Driving to Broken Bow, Oklahoma, a few weeks ago, I was listening to a podcast about a chef in Texas. He owns a restaurant called Dai Due where he serves local food made strictly with local ingredients.

Homeowners in Louisiana will see a small discount on the fees they pay on top of their property insurance premiums this year. The Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

The East Carroll Community Action Agency has funds available to assist eligible low-income households with energy payments for heating assistance from Louisiana Housing Corporation. East Carroll Parish allocation is $32,379 to assist with heating costs and $12,952 for crisis assistance.

Additionally, those insured through Louisiana Citizens will no longer have to pay a 10% surcharge when they begin a new policy or renew their existing policy this year. The waiver, part of newly enacted legislation, took effect on Jan. 1 and will last for the next three years.