Arcadia’s News Blog

MEMO FROM THE MAYOR

Thu, 13 May 2010 12:22:46 -0500

By: Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith
Planning for Henderson Jordan Park
A committee composed of Melissa Permenter, Jackie Cook, Barbara Sartor, Louria Dell Jefferson, Billie Smith and yours truly met on Monday, May 3, 2010, to finalize plans for the dedication of Henderson Jordan Memorial Park. Dedication will take place at 2:00 P. M. on Sunday, May 23, 2010, on the site of the former Conger’s Furniture Store and Conger’s Funeral Home, which is where Bonnie and Clyde were brought for autopsy and embalming . Quite appropriately, services will take place on the date of the 76th anniversary of the demise of the famous duo. The entire country is indebted to Sheriff Jordan and the other lawmen responsible for their downfall.

AWA Honors Seniors With Breakfast
Arcadia Women in Action congratulated the Arcadia High School Class of 2010 with a Senior Breakfast at City Hall on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. The reception area was appropriately decorated in the school colors-black, gold, and white. Yolanda King served as Mistress of Ceremonies, I gave the welcome, and Reverend Isadore Millican, who has four grandchildren graduating this year, led in prayer.

Seniors introduced themselves and told their plans following graduation. Next, a bountiful breakfast was served, after which Mr. Edward Mason, Sr. spoke. He reminded the group that everything they really needed to know, they learned in kindergarten. La Shondra, assisted by Louria Dell Jefferson, awarded scholarships. James Mason received a $1,000.00 scholarship, and Ebonee Millican, Toneshea Frazier, and Ginger Abney each received a $500.00 scholarship.

LEAD Louisiana Leadership Seminar
On May 5-6, the Town of Arcadia and Entergy sponsored a Leadership Seminar at City Hall. Classes lasted from 1:00-6:00 P. M. and were taught by Dr. James Barnes, Glenn Dixon, Dora Ann Hatch, and Dr. Cynthia Parker . Foundations classes were taught in: Community Development, Communication, Parliamentary Procedure, and Community Capitals. Twenty-three participants attended classes, and thirteen people attended all sessions and received graduation certificates. See additional information on this topic elsewhere in this paper.

Surprise Visit by Georgia Clerk
Last week, Karen Hedgelon, city clerk for Carlton, Georgia, stopped by for a late afternoon surprise visit. She and her husband were driving across country and visited for a few moments-just long enough for us to exchange a few comments about each of our small towns. It was interesting to discuss the common problems that all towns have and how we deal with them. They were excited about traveling to California in their 1961 Falcon, which had just been refurbished. Hope they had a safe journey.

Webinar
I spent over an hour last Friday morning on a webinar with Louisiana Municipal Association officials and other mayors discussing pending bills in the Louisiana Legislature. We talked about ways in which certain bills could possibly affect towns and municipalities and how we wanted our representatives to lobby in our behalf. This modern means of communication is not only useful but also fast and helpfulin many ways.

Lunch Bunch Meeting
Last Friday, I attended the monthly meeting of the Lunch Bunch, a group of businessmen and elected officials, who meet at Exacta Inn in Minden and hear speakers, while enjoying a nice meal. This month’s speaker was Mark Mc Ilroy with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries discussed the giant salvinia problem at Lake Bistineau. Giant salvinia was discovered on the lake in 2006, doubles in sizes every 5 to 7 days, and now occupies over 800 acres of the lake. It seems that this is a rapidly growing problem that will take a great deal of time, money, and effort to get under control.

GSU Caravan
Last Friday evening, the Bienville Parish Chapter of Grambling University National Alumni Association met at Crawford High School. Edwin Mason, president, welcomed the caravan of big wigs from GSU, served as master of ceremonies, and presented scholarships to Tevin Champion, a senior from Bienville High School and Iesha Lewis representing Gibsland Coleman High School.

Representatives of GSU’s Athletic Department were present and encouraging ticket sales to help cover some of the fiscal deficits that the state has recently imposed on all state universities. Donita Rogers, head women’s basketball coach; Bobby Rogers, head men’s basketball coach; Rod Broadway, head football coach; each gave their pitch for assistance along with Sherry Francis, ticket office representative; and Lin Dawson, athletic director. I thanked former GSU President, Steve Favor, for coming with this prestigious group and presented Coach Broadway with a key to the city in appreciation of the vital role the university plays in educating our young people and supplying jobs for the surrounding area.

Night Under the Stars
Those who attended Arcadia Service Club’s annual Night Under the Stars at Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days had an enjoyable evening of music, socializing, and great food. The evening air was a bit chilly, but that didn’t keep us from having fun and bidding on the numerous items in the silent auction. We went home with our arms full. The Service Club did a great job with the event again this year!

Willow Bay Ballroom Shaping Up
Many of you have asked about the renovations taking place on the corner of Hazel and North Railroad Avenue. Sherri Ballance has purchased the former Western Auto Store and is transforming it into something that will be a real asset to Arcadia. She is in the process of converting that building into a beautiful meeting place to be called Willow Bay Ballroom. The facility will house meetings of various sizes and will be a real showplace when completed-something we can truly enjoy.

I stopped in recently and talked with Sherri about her plans. Noticing several sizable piles of debris, I asked her to have her helpers place the materials near the door, but not outside on the street or sidewalk because it would be dangerous to passersby. Later, I sent a town employee along with some Bienville Parish trusties who do work for the Town, to remove and haul away the mess. We will be glad to do the same thing for you if and when you have a similar situation.

Meanwhile, Sherri invites you to drop by, chat a while, and see what’s going on! The situation changes daily.

MEMO FROM THE MAYOR

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:47:28 -0500

By: Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith

We’re on Display Today
All of our Spring Cleaning efforts will be on display today because the judges for the state-wide Cleanest City Contest will be in town looking us over. Property owners throughout the town have been busy for several weeks picking up litter, pruning, mowing, and doing numerous other cleanup chores. Neither have our Town employees ceased their efforts to help us achieve our goal. Thanks to everyone, including the school children, who pitched in and worked hard. The students at Crawford Elementary participated in some great ways by making posters, composing jingles, and writing slogans; and the seniors at Leslie Lakes Independent Living and Retirement Center did the same. It’s good to see so much community pride displayed. Arcadia will be a winner no matter how the contest comes out!
Meeting Regarding Naming of Henderson Jordan Park
Much consideration has been given to naming the park located downtown just east of Wisteria Antiques. Because there is so much continuing interest locally regarding the outlaws Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker, and because of our desire to honor law enforcement instead of glamorizing the outlaws, it has been decided to name the park—not after the duo--but after our sheriff at the time, Mr. Henderson Jordan, who headed the posse that led to the demise of the notorious criminals.

A meeting was held at City Hall on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, and we formulated plans for a big celebration on Sunday, May 23, at 2:00 P. M. This happens to be the 76th anniversary of the death of Bonnie and Clyde. How appropriate that the park is located on the site of the former Conger’s Furniture and Conger’s Funeral Home where the two were brought following the shootout. Make plans now to attend this historical event as we honor Sheriff Henderson Jordan for his leadership in this significant event.
National Honor Society Induction at A. H. S.
Last Wednesday, the National Honor Society recognized new inductees at Arcadia High School. The entire high school student population turned out to see the following students inducted: DeAnza Andrews, Roniquea Cockerham, Victoria Coleman, Shenika Rhodes, Courtney Robinson, Angelica Womack, K’Lawrence McIntyre, Ginger Abney, Darrien Harris, and Sabrina Stewart. They were selected for exhibiting the qualifications of scholarship, service, leadership, and character, which Rev. Samuel Andrews, a teacher at the school, gave a splendid talk about. I enjoyed visiting with the students, teachers, and parents during refreshment time which followed the ceremonies.
Another Saint Called Home
On Wednesday, April 21,2010, I attended services for Mr. Mervin A. Davis, with Rev. Larry Earhart officiating. Mr. “Mert” and Mrs. Alice moved from Colorado to Arcadia as a young couple and reared their family of six children here. Everything about the funeral was tastefully done to symbolize Mr. Mert’s life, the way he lived it. The casket was draped with an American flag, representing his service in Germany during World War 11. Pallbearers were dressed in overalls to reflect his contracting profession and his love of farming, gardening, hunting, fishing, and woodworking.

Mr. Mert was a member of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church where he was a leader and a Sunday School teacher. He leaves to cherish his memory 6 children: Jim, Sandra, Diane, Teresa, Jeff, and Tonya; 22 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Rev. Earhart read reminiscences that family members had written about their loved one, which reflected his Christian faith, work ethic, love of family, and fun-loving personality.
Last Call for Haitian Relief
For several months, the Town of Arcadia has been working with Minister Carolyn Clough collecting used medical equipment such as walking canes, walkers, and wheel chairs to help the needy folks in Haiti following the earthquake there. It is almost time to ship these items. Look around your home and see if you have any of the above items that are no longer being used. Call City Hall at 263-8456, and we will send someone to pick it up. Thanks for helping!
BIDCO Meeting
Our regular meeting of BIDCO, the financial arm of Coordinating Development Corporation, had its regular board meeting last Friday, April 22, 2010, at Zoloca Restaurant in Shreveport. We heard the usual reports and then listened to my friend Doyle Robinson, who is personal assistant to Governor Jindal, as he related to us how the state is working to reestablish Enterprise Zones for economically depressed, rural areas, after federal funding for them ran out. This is very important to us because Arcadia is an Enterprise Zone, and companies wishing to locate here have received federal monies in the past. This is one of our avantages, and we have been using it and wish for it to continue.
SMF Board Meeting
Last weekend, Billie and I went to Little Rock, Arkansas, to attend a Bible conference and board meeting of Scripture Memory Fellowship, International. Years ago, many people in Bienville parish and throughout the country memorized scripture through a program named Bible Memory Association when they had a camp at Ringgold.

This is the same organization begun by Dr. N. A. Woychuk in 1944 through which tens of thousands of children and adults have memorized for years. In 1968 the organization became know as Scripture Memory Fellowship. The headquarters has recently been moved to Hannibal, Missouri, and Dr. Woychuk’s son, Dr. James A. Woychuk has become executive director, following the death of his father. It was good to see our friends and get an update on recent developments. If you are interested in reconnecting with this group, their address is:
Scripture Memory Fellowship, International
P. O. Box 568
Hannibal, MO 63401
You may also call toll free: (888) 569-2560. Their internet site is memorize@mindspring.com.
This organization has had a powerful impact on individuals and families for several generations.

MEMO FROM THE MAYOR

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:42:23 -0500

by: Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith

Golden Travelers Meeting
On Thursday morning, April 8, 2010, Billie and I attended a meeting of the Golden Travelers, a combined group of ladies from the Arcadia and Gibsland areas who enjoy traveling to special events together. The meeting was held at the newly renovated Willie Abney Center here in Arcadia. The meeting was conducted by Lettie Rochelle of Arcadia and Freddie Blow from Gibsland. Following their business meeting, the ladies gave me an opportunity to speak. I shared with them about new businesses that are about to locate here and the fact that Arcadia recently won the Fifth District Cleanest City Contest.
AWA Golf Tourney
Arcadia Women in Action (AWA), a local community service organization, held their 12th Annual Golf Classic at Trails End Golf Course on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Proceeds from the tournament will help fund scholarships that will be distributed to high school students in the Arcadia area. The ladies did everything possible to see that the golfers had an enjoyable game. As always, they prepared and served great food and presented nice trophies. Thanks to AWA for all their hard work for such a worthwhile cause. These ladies are few in number, but their hearts and intentions are enormous and they have lofty goals.
North Louisiana Economic Partnership Meeting
I attended the monthly board meeting of the Northwest Louisiana Economic Development Foundation (NLEDF) on Monday, April 12, 2010, at the AEP SWEPCO Business Center in Shreveport. NLEDF and the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce are a combined group forming the North Louisiana Economic Partnership. This is a group of businessmen and women and mayors who work together to attract business and industry to our area. While enjoying a light lunch, we dealt with the minutes, budget, and various reports. I came away fully informed about new and upcoming developments and got to visit with an old high school buddy, John S. Turner, who is also on the board.
Stress Seminar
The Covering Kids and Families Coalition held a meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, April 13, 2010, with ladies from across Region 7 in attendance. La Rhonda Coleman gave the welcome, and Brenda Smith, Region 7 Coordinator, gave the purpose of the meeting. Following a catered luncheon, Belinda Wright, project coordinator, introduced the speaker, Vanessa Braggs, who represented MADD and gave an interesting talk about handling stress following a car accident that claimed the lives of her husband and two of her three children. Jennifer Lawson is our local Healthy Start Health Care Advocate at the Bienville Parish Health Unit.
New Sign for Hwy. 9
A number of weeks ago, I talked with the LA Department of Transportation and Development about the need for a sign on LA Hwy. 9 just before the road makes a 90 degree turn going east to Jonesboro. There have been a number of accidents at that location in the past, including several big trucks that have turned over. The sign lowers the speed limit and alerts the drivers of big trucks with heavy loads about the necessity to slow down because there is the possibility of turning over. The new sign was placed last week—hopefully it will prevent future accidents at that site.
Busy Friday
Last Friday began with a ribbon cutting at the Rolling Hills Ministries’ Thrift Store at VF Outlet Mall. An unusually large crowd gathered for the ceremonies and then did some shopping and enjoyed great refreshments. Chamber members, local politicians, ministry supporters, and others looked on as Billie Nutt, on behalf of the Arcadia/Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce, welcomed store managers, David and Jerry Abernathy, to Arcadia. Then, I said a few words and helped the Abernathys cut the ribbon, and Rev. Jeff Hoffman led in prayer.

The Thrift Store will locate in the Mall until such time as they can have a facility built on the GAP Farm property, which may be in the neighborhood of two years. Some of the merchandise is new, but most is very nice used clothing, and it is all selling at greatly reduced prices. Stop by for a visit and save some money.

After work, Billie and I attended the Bienville Parish Library’s Open House to showcase their newly renovated and expanded facility. A nice group toured the library, and we were amazed at the new expansion as librarian, Peggy Wall, and other employees guided us throughout the building. Then, we enjoyed light refreshments in the conference room.
Family & Friends’ Day at Holland Grove
Sundays usually include services at First Baptist Church, followed by a visit to some other local church. This past Sunday, I was invited to attend Family and Friends’ Day at Holland Grove Baptist Church where Rev. Calvin Wortham is pastor. The sanctuary was packed , and folks were dressed in their family’s chosen color. Patrick Jefferson served as Master of Ceremonies, and Shirley Hollinquest gave the welcome and theme emphasis. Rev. Gregory Williams, pastor of New Hopewell Baptist Church of Bernice, was guest speaker. The guest choir, also from New Hopewell Baptist, led in the splendid music service. This service culminated a big fund raising effort which resulted in an offering of $25,000. The end result will mean big improvements for Holland Grove.

WE WON CLEANEST CITY! / CENSUS REMINDER / RELAY FOR LIFE

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:22:33 -0500

MEMO FROM THE MAYOR
By: Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith

We Did It! We Won District cleanest City! Let’s Take State!
The Cleanest City judges rolled into town on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, and looked us over. They received a warm welcome at City Hall by all the office workers who were in charge of the occasion because I was attending important meetings in Baton Rouge that could not be rescheduled. A small reception was held for the ladies representing the Louisiana Garden Club Federation, which was followed by judging of our scrapbook that documented much of the work that had been done.

Next, came the big event – the tour of the route. Beth Erwin, District V Cleanest City Chairman, declared that remarkable progress had been made on reducing litter since her original visit here in March. I received a letter from her stating, “You had excellent cooperation in the residential area on the route. Praise those folks and ask them to do it again.” So, that’s what I’m doing! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to get Arcadia ready for the contest. You did your job well because the judges declared Arcadia to be the District Winner of the Contest.

Statewide judging will be Thursday, April 8, 2010. That means continuing effort on the part of everyone. We will be competing against Amite and Ferriday. Let’s give it our all, and go for state!
A Reminder About the Census
Some of you haven’t filled out your Census form yet. Perhaps it’s because you haven’t received your questionnaire. Mine never came in the mail or appeared on the doorknob, so I got one from the Census worker, Jason R. Young, who comes to City Hall every Tuesday and Thursday to supply forms and help with completing them. If you need assistance, he’s here all day 8:00 A.M. till 4:30 P. M. on those days, and at Bienville Parish Library on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 A. M. till 3:00 P. M. His services will be available until April 19, 2010.

This is the easiest form to fill out that the Census Bureau has ever had, and takes about 3-5 minutes to complete. I was so surprised! All they want to know is your name, address, date of birth, race, and number of people living at your address. It’s just that simple, and completing the form is very important. Help our state be properly apportioned and assist Arcadia and Louisiana in receiving our share of federal funds. In case you’re concerned, all information you provide is confidentially protected under the Privacy Act. Deadline for completion is May 1, 2010. This is a required civic duty – IT’S THE LAW - so be sure to do your part.
Relay for Life – a Success Again
Last Friday evening, a huge crowd gathered at Arcadia High School and enjoyed a variety of events to raise money for Relay for Life. The event was held indoors this year because the track was being worked on, but that didn’t damper the spirit of the supporters. The food was great, activities interesting, entertainment varied and top notch, silent auction most profitable, and support over the top. I heard they made a lot of money for their cause.
Worship at New Hebron
Billie and I accepted an invitation to attend the 9th Anniversary Celebration of Pastor Woodrow Dean at New Hebron Baptist Church. A nice crowd was present to hear Minister Edward Scott of Grambling speak and share in the festivities. Pastor Dean and his wife, Chyree, are doing outstanding work at New Hebron in spite of his recent illness. A nice meal was served following the service.

FRED’S RE-OPENS / VISITS TO CRAWFORD ELEMENTARY / LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

Sat, 3 Apr 2010 16:27:18 -0500

MEMO FROM THE MAYOR
By: Arcadia Mayor Eugene Smith

Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting for Fred’s
Remember Christmas Eve 2009 when Arcadia experienced a huge sustained rainfall that created unbelievable flooding conditions at Hart’s Arcadia Center? Well, the waters have subsided, the hole in Fred’s floor has been repaired, and the entire building has been renovated and updated. On Friday, March 26, Fred’s had a Grand Opening of the new facility and sent some of their important officials to Arcadia for the ribbon cutting and re-opening activities.

Officials representing the Arcadia/Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Arcadia were present to cut the ribbon and enjoy the festivities. Visit the store for some new and different merchandise, including TV’s and new, nationally advertised merchandise in addition to the usual products that you have long enjoyed. We are grateful to Fred’s and to Dean Hart for their support of our little community.

Visits to Crawford Elementary
On two occasions last week I visited with Crawford Elementary School principal, Oswald Townsend, and he showed me around the facility. I attend programs there often, but it had been a good while since I visited in the classrooms and watched instruction in progress. Billie accompanied me on the last visit because she wanted to see the students using the new “Smart Boards” that are being used in every classroom. This is an internet device that is interactive and can be manipulated by students and/or teachers. The teacher can select a lesson relevant to her current topic that is available in any chosen ability level. We observed lessons being taught in reading and math at varying ability levels. Student placement is determined by achievement tests which are administered several times a year.

Parents need to begin reading to their children at the earliest ages, listen to them as they begin to read, let the children see them read, and then encourage a wide range of reading materials as the kids grow up. The time you spend reading with and encouraging your children to read will be some of the most profitable time in his/her school experiences and will set the course for successful careers. Nothing is more important to a child’s doing well in school as reading.

Thanks to Principal Townsend and all of his teachers for their hard work!

Leadership Workshop Being Planned
As part of the Arcadia Ready Community Project, the Town of Arcadia and Entergy are offering a Leadership Seminar to anyone interested in developing his/her leadership skills who lives or works in Arcadia. The seminar will be held May 5-6 from noon until 6:00 P. M. in the Arcadia Town Hall. This free course will be taught by Dora Ann Hatch of the LSU AgCenter. Classes will develop the following: Foundations of Community Development, Foundations of Communication, Foundations of Parliamentary Procedure, and Foundations of Community Capitals.

In addition to living or working in Arcadia, the applicant must complete the application form by April 28, 2010 at 4:30 P. M. and submit to the LSU AgCenter’s Bienville Parish Extension Service at 2710 South Maple Street, Arcadia. For additional information, call (318) 263-7400.

Big CDC Meeting

Gene Taylor’s Funeral