Central City News

NOTE: The current Louisiana Constitution was written by a state constitutional convention, which was called by the Louisiana Legislature in the spring of 1972. The process began years earlier as political leaders, citizens, and the media debated the need for a new constitution. In 1971, both gubernatorial candidates, Edwin Edwards and his opponent J. Bennett […]

Coach Lawrence H. Meares went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at the age of 96. Larry, resident of Slaughter, La., was born on Jan, 29, 1928, to Hurschel and May Meares. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife […]

 Jacklyn Bates Porta passed away at home, peacefully, on Saturday, Feb., 24, 2024 at the age of 90. She was born in Bogalusa to Ephraim and Aline Bates. She was a graduate of Bogalusa High School and Southeastern Louisiana University. She received a Masters of Education from LSU.  She was a long time educator beginning her […]

In 2017, Kathryn Mancuso’s friend asked her to paint a party cup for her and it unlocked a desire to paint and create again that she hadn’t felt since she was a little girl. Ever since, she hasn’t been able to put the paint brushes down! She has built her small business up to where […]

 Dorothy “June” Eisworth Theriot passed away at her home on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 at the age of 90. She was born in Baker to George Sr. and Minette Eisworth and was the oldest of four siblings. She resided in Central all her life.  June had poise, beauty, a heart of gold and was always […]

Faced with opposition from State Treasurer John Fleming, M.D., members of the Louisiana Senate, the State Medical Society and other physician groups, and its own voting members, Blue Cross has announced it is withdrawing a reorganization plan underway since last year. Just a few days ago, many in politics thought the plan was unstoppable. Then suddenly it crashed […]

Gail Koziara Boudreaux serves as CEO of Elevance Health (formerly Anthem), the company that proposes to buy the book of business currently owned by Blue Cross of Louisiana. Ms. Boudreaux, a native of Chicopee, MA, is one of the highest paid CEO’s in the health insurance business.  Her compensation for 2022 was $20.9 million according […]

By Woody Jenkins, Editor, Central City News – Baton Rouge In August 2023, Baton Rouge attorney Henry “Tut” Kinney filed suit to stop the proposed sale of Blue Cross of Louisiana to Elevance, the nation’s largest health insurer. On Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, Kinney deposed Blue Cross CEO Dr. Steve Udvarhelyi and Tim Barfield, the […]

STATEMENT  BY LOUISIANA TREASURER JOHN FLEMING, M.D. Ronald Reagan Luncheon Thursday, February 8, 2024 The Sale of Blue Cross I come before you today as your new State Treasurer but perhaps more importantly as a practicing physician who has spent a lifetime as a family doctor in the City of Minden, Louisiana. Like thousands of […]

In a strongly worded letter to Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, Attorney General Liz Murrill outlined grave concerns about the proposed Blue Cross reorganization plan. Her letter was issued on Mardi Gras day, Feb. 13, 2024.  Later that day, Blue Cross notified Temple they were withdrawing their proposal. Here are excerpts from the Attorney General’s […]