Central High Class of 2023

By Woody Jenkins More than 340 Central High School seniors received their diplomas Wednesday, May 16 during commencement ceremonies at the River Center in Downtown Baton Rouge.  More than 4,000 graduates, teachers, staff, family, and friends attended the event which was marked by speeches, honors, recognition, and traditional celebrations. Central High principal Brandon LaGroue told […]

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Growing Impact of Private Education

Most students in Central attend one of the five public schools in the Central Community School System and graduate from Central High School.  However, a large number attend private schools in and around Central or participate in home school programs taught by their parents or others. An estimated 20 percent of Central students are outside […]

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Key Conservative Bills Pending in Legislature

 Here is the status of some of the major bills that are under consideration in the current regular session of the Louisiana Legislature. The list has been updated through Wednesday night, May 24, 2023.  The recommendation of YES or NO is the recommendation of the Central City News.  Details about all bills, including the text, […]

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Five Candidates Vie for State House

Five candidates seeking election to the Louisiana House of Representatives from Central introduced themselves and explained why they are running at the Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon on Tuesday, May 9. The five candidates, all but one newcomers to politics, pledged to represent the conservative views of the people of Central.  The forum was sponsored by […]

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Warrior for Justice, Rule of Law

By Woody Jenkins Louisiana has lost a great attorney and an even better man.  Alex St. Amant passed away in his sleep with his wife Floris at his side in the early morning hours of Saturday May 20, 2023. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Alex since 1963 when he and I debated the governor’s […]

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54% of LA Children Without Fathers

NBC News reports “Researchers found that children born outside marriage face elevated risks of falling into poverty, failing in school or suffering emotional and behavioral problems.”   The National Fatherhood Initiative reports “Children who live without a father are two to three times more likely to be poor, use drugs, experience education, health, emotional and […]

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Why Is Central So Different? Fathers!

By Woody Jenkins  I grew up right off Winbourne Avenue near Istrouma High School and have lived my entire adult life in North Baton Rouge.   For 28 years, I had the privilege of representing the people of North Baton Rouge, including all of 70805, in the Louisiana House of Representatives.  Over the years, I’ve […]

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Tragic Loss for Beloved Central Family With Close Ties to Law Enforcement

A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Anna Mae Dipuma Welborn, passed away at age 90 on May 5, 2023, surrounded by loved ones at her home in Central.  She joined her husband, Capt. John C. Welborn, Sr., who passed away June 17, 2022, and her sons Billy Welborn who passed away March 13, 2021, and […]

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Dr. Clyde Lindsey, 99: Legendary Player at LSU, Coach at Istrouma, EBR Parish Superintendent

By Woody Jenkins  Dr. Clyde Lindsey, 99, passed away Tuesday, May 23, after a long illness.  The most outstanding high school athlete in the State of Texas in the early 1940’s and one of the foremost LSU athletes in the school’s history, he bypassed a career in professional sports in January 1947 to go directly […]

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Donnie Shaffer: Pastor, Missionary, Teacher

Pastor Donald “Donnie” Otto Shaffer Jr., age 66, of Central went home to be with Jesus Christ on April 25, 2023, en route to minister in Tokyo, Japan.  Donnie was born on Dec. 18, 1956, to Donald Otto Shaffer Sr. and Marion “Faye” Annison Shaffer in Baton Rouge. He spent his childhood moving from one […]

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