From the Files of Central City News 2005-2014

Here are stories from the files of the Central City News and The Leader over the past 10 years.  To do your own research, go to www.CentralCityNews.net.  Access to the private files of the newspaper is free and provided as a public service by Central City News.

10 Years Ago

Central Rallies for Incorporation (Feb. 3, 2005).  Pro-incorporation signs are appearing on Greenwell Springs, Hooper, and Joor roads.  Justice of the Peace Clif Richardson said more control over growth would be one of the benefits of incorporation.  Russell Starns said there will be no extra cost to taxpayers and the current tax base is adequate to fund the proposed City of Central with a budget projected at $5.6 million.  Organizers hope for a public referendum on incorporation on April 23, 2005.

Holden Addresses CABA, Has No Objection to Incorporation (Feb. 17, 2005).  Mayor-President addressed the Central Area Business Association and discussed the need for a new thruway to Central.  As to incorporation of Central, Holden said, “If they want to incorporate, let them incorporate!”

Dr. Tony LoBue was elected new president of CABA.

9 Years Ago

Bamboo Forest on Amite River (Feb. 2, 2006). Several acres of rare Moso cane are growing along the Amite.  Moso grows 60 feet high in 60 days.

A feature on Mr. Greenwell’s Springs and the origin of the Greenwell Springs resort in the 1850’s.

Central City Elections April 1

(Feb. 9, 2006). Qualifying for Central’s first-ever municipal elections were for Mayor — Mike Kelly and Mac Watts, for Police Chief — Doug Browning and Wayne Ryland, and for five seats on the City Council — Louis DeJohn, Tim Falke, Pete Humble, Rusty Jacobs, Joan Lansing, Mike LeClerq, Aaron Moak, Carolyn Patterson, Lucky Ross,

Al Schaffer, and Bob Struppeck.

8 Years Ago

Land Acquisition and Clearing for Central Thruway (Feb. 1, 2007).  The preliminary stages of building the Central Thruway are now underway.

Central icon Johnny Carpenter, known for his Pickin’& Grinnin’ dinners, passed away.

The new Central Community School System is advertising for teachers for the 2007-2008 school year, the first year of its existence.

Construction Has Resumed on Joor Road (Feb. 8, 2007).  A 3.138-mile-long stretch of Joor Road is being four-laned at a cost of $28.8 million.  Clif Richardson announced his candidacy for the Louisiana House of Representatives, to replace Rep. Donald Ray Kennard, who is retiring.

EBR School Board Negotiating Central Pull-Out (Feb. 15, 2007). Central will takeover the public schools in Central on July 1, 2007, and now EBR has finally agreed to sit down and work out details of the transfer.  The Central City News has launched its e-edition at www.CentralCityNews.net.

7 Years Ago

Starkey Academy to Close in

May (Feb. 7, 2008).  Founder David Starkey has announced that Starkey will close after 25 years.

Louisiana College to Begin Dual Enrollment Program at Central High School (Feb. 14, 2008)

Agnes and Chester Guidry celebrated their 69th anniversary.

Promoters of BR Loop Refuse to Hold Public Hearing in Central

(Feb. 21, 2008) However, Central residents flooded into an open house on the Loop held at BREC headquarters on Florida Blvd.  Loop officials announced three routes, including one across the middle of Central.

Groundbreaking will be held next

week for Village at Magnolia Square.

6 Years Ago

New City Hall Opens on Hooper Road. Prior to opening the new City Hall, Ken Montgomery donated his property on Sullivan Road for use as City Hall for three years.

John Vranic was named CEO of DEMCO.

Central Middle School Site Could Be Future Home of City Center (Feb. 12, 2009).

Central School Board said the school system needs $130 to 150 million in infrastructure improvements.

What We Want (Feb. 19, 2009). A survey of Central residents by the Central City News show they think there is a need for a barbecue restaurant (39 percent), diner (37 percent), Italian restaurant (35 percent), senior center (37 percent), assisted living facility (37 percent), nursing home (28 percent), funeral home (24 percent), more physicians (31 percent), produce market (32 percent), Christian bookstore (28 percent), UPS store (28 percent), and office supply store (25 percent).

Half-Cent Sales Tax Increase (Feb. 26, 2009) — The school board is proposing to raise sales taxes by one-half cent to fund a new middle school.

5 Years Ago

Mac Watts and Jr. Shelton Launch Their Campaigns for Mayor of Central. Candidates also qualified for police chief and five seats on the City Council.

The school board voted to purchase 83 acres on Sullivan Road to build a new school complex.

In Livingston Parish, residents demonstrated against the proposed Loop, chanting “No loop, no loop!”

Deep Drilling in Central (Feb. 18, 2010).  BP is drilling for natural gas 3.6 miles under Central.

Central High Gets A+ Rating from SACS Team (Feb. 11, 2010).  The accrediting agency gave CHS a top rating.

Central’s legislative delegation to the State Capitol pledged no new funds to study the Loop.

A roundabout will be built at the intersection of Sullivan and Gurney roads.

Trevor Sansone Is State’s Fastest Man (Feb. 25, 2010).  Central High school speedster set an all-time state record at the Division I State Indoor High School Track Meet with a time of 6.35 seconds in the 55-meter dash, the 5th fastest time in the nation this year.