Toledo Bend Lake Country Named One of Top 11 Southern Retirement Hotspots
January 29, 2010
Toledo Bend Lake Country has been named one of the Top 11 Southern Retirement Hotspots to be featured in the upcoming Jan./Feb./March, 2010 quarterly edition of Retirement Lifestyles, a 10-year-old magazine that highlights locations, communities and lifestyles for prospective retirees across the United States. “We were impressed by the Toledo Bend Lake, the incredible housing values in the area and the golf at the Cypress Bend Golf Resort and Emerald Hills,” said Retirement Lifestyles Executive Editor Dan Owens. “Our editorial staff feels that this rural part of Louisiana has a resort atmosphere but also a low cost of living that allows retirees to really stretch their retirement savings. Military retirees should fell especially welcome in Sabine Parish,” he said. Charlotte, NC – Toledo Bend Lake Country has been named one of the Top 11 Southern Retirement Hotspots to be featured in the upcoming Jan./Feb./March, 2010 quarterly edition of Retirement Lifestyles, a 10-year-old magazine that highlights locations, communities and lifestyles for prospective retirees across the United States. “We were impressed by the Toledo Bend Lake, the incredible housing values in the area and the golf at the Cypress Bend Golf Resort and Emerald Hills,” said Retirement Lifestyles Executive Editor Dan Owens. “Our editorial staff feels that this rural part of Louisiana has a resort atmosphere but also a low cost of living that allows retirees to really stretch their retirement savings. Military retirees should fell especially welcome in Sabine Parish,” he said. “So many retirees have been affected by the recession that the Toledo Bend Lake area of Louisiana in Sabine Parish is actually a great relocation choice for many relocating retirees from other states,” Owens added. Retirement Lifestyles magazine focuses on communities and retiree lifestyles in 11 southern states: Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The award-winning magazine often highlights smaller towns that are “under the radar” of the national media. “As baby boomers age, there will be an increasing interest in finding unspoiled smaller communities with great natural assets and a good quality of life,” Owens said. “Many retirees need an information source like Retirement Lifestyles to learn more about great lifestyle communities such as the Toledo Bend Lake Country area. We feel that this area has been a popular tourist and resort destination. Our view is that the area has growth potential as a national retirement destination,” the editor said. Retirement Lifestyles, which has approximately 100,000 readers each quarterly issue, was named the 2nd Best Magazine for 55+ Readers – just behind AARP - in 2009 by the national Mature Market Media Awards (www.seniorawards.com ).
OMV TO DISCONTINUE TOLL-FREE PHONE SERVICE
January 29, 2010
With the state currently facing difficult budget challenges, the Office of Motor Vehicles continues to evaluate its programs in an effort to streamline operations and reduce expenses without significantly impacting customer service. OMV has determined that discontinuing the OMV toll-free number will save the department $600,000 annually. However, OMV will continue to maintain the customer service call center that is available to answer questions from the public.
“As we experience these difficult financial times, maintaining customer service will continue to be our number one priority,” said Kay Hodges, OMV Commissioner. “OMV has already implemented streamlining efforts such as outsourcing functions, eliminating management positions and reducing days of service in low production offices.”
Recent trends in telecommunication plans have provided many people with unlimited long-distance calls. Therefore, February 1, 2010, OMV will no longer provide toll free phone service. When these changes are fully integrated, the number 1-877-DMV-LINE (1-877-368-5463) will no longer be in service. Customers who call the toll-free number after February 1st will receive a recorded message directing them to call the new number (225) 925-6146 to reach the OMV Call Center for assistance. The OMV Call Center operates Monday through Friday from 08:00am to 4:30pm.
OMV customers are encouraged to utilize the OMV Website at www.expresslane.org for general services. Through the Website, customers can complete registration renewals, license renewals of all types or find answers to specific questions. In addition, the public can e-mail questions directly to OMV and receive a personalized response.
Zwolle Hawks vs. Natchitoches Central Chiefs Tonight
January 28, 2010
Tonight the Zwolle Hawks’ boys team travel to Natchitoches to face Natchitoches Central. Baldridge Dumas will broadcast the boys’ contest on KZBL100.7. Please keep in mind this will be par Natchitoches Central.
Toyota Sales
January 28, 2010
Toyota is suspending U.S. sales of eight recalled vehicle models to fix accelerator pedals that stick
As part of the plan, Toyota is halting production at five manufacturing facilities next week.
Toyota said the sales suspension includes the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia.
Valley Electric Vote
January 28, 2010
On Saturday, January 30, 2010 Valley Electric Members will vote for lower rates. Voting in person will take place at Natchitoches Central High School in Natchitoches. Transportation is being provided from the following locations in and around Sabine and Vernon parishes.
Government To Borrow An Additional $1.9T
January 28, 2010
Majority Democrats in the U.S. Senate muscled through legislation today that would allow the government to go $1.9 trillion deeper in debt.Democratic leaders were able to prevail on the politically volatile 60-39 vote only because Republican Sen.-elect Scott Brown of Massachusetts has yet to be seated. Republicans had insisted on a 60-vote, supermajority threshold to pass the measure. An earlier test vote succeeded on a 60-40 vote.
The measure would put the government on track for a national debt of $14.3 trillion, or about $45,000 for every American, and it served as a vivid reminder of the United States’ dire fiscal straits.
The massive increase in the debt limit would allow the Democrats to avoid another vote until after the congressional elections in November. New estimates released by the Congressional Budget Office on Tuesday showed that the United States could run a deficit this year to match last year’s record $1.4 trillion shortfall.
To win the votes of moderate Democrats, President Barack Obama promised to appoint a special task force to come up with a plan for dealing with the spiraling debt.
To get the support of more conservative “Blue Dog” Democrats in a House of Representatives vote next week, the measure includes tough new “pay-as-you-go” budget rules to make it harder to run up the deficit with new tax cuts or federal benefit programs. Senate Democrats had been reluctant to approve the new deficit curbs but relented and approved them by a 60-40 vote.
Several Republicans who had earlier voted for the new rules, which would make it more difficult to extend some tax cuts permanently when they expire at the end of this year, switched their positions and opposed it.
They include John McCain of Arizona, who is facing a primary battle with former Rep. J.D. Hayworth, who is winning support from conservative activists.
The current $12.4 trillion debt ceiling is expected to be reached in mid-February.
Congress never has allowed the United States to default on its obligations, which would roil markets and probably cause the government to lose its AAA credit rating.
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“We have gone to the restaurant, we have eaten the meal. Now the only question is whether the government will … pay the bill,” said Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Democrat.
Democrats and Republicans alike share responsibility for running up the debt, but it fell upon Democrats to pass the measure since they control the government. It makes no difference that Republicans routinely backed increases in the debt when former President George W. Bush was in office.
Republicans blame recent generous spending bills enacted by the Democratic-controlled Congress for driving up the debt. Those measures, however, are just one relatively small part of the problem. The far bigger element is a sharp drop-off in tax revenues because of the recession and the economy’s slow recovery, as well as higher costs, since more people are taking unemployment benefits and government-issued food stamps to help the poor with meals in tough times.
“Why $1.9 trillion?” said Republican Sen. Judd Gregg. “So that Congress doesn’t have to face up to the debt ceiling until after the next election. We ought to face up to it before the next election because the people in this country have a right to know whether or not this Congress is going to do something about controlling … the debt.
Earlier Thursday, Obama’s Democratic allies in the Senate rejected a plan attempting to adopt a modified version of the president’s proposal to freeze spending on domestic spending passed by Congress in annual spending bills.
But a 56-strong majority of senators supported the plan, which failed only because 60 votes were required. It serves as a marker for later this year when Congress passes its budget.
“We have gone to the restaurant, we have eaten the meal. Now the only question is whether the government will … pay the bill,” said Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Democrat.
Democrats and Republicans alike share responsibility for running up the debt, but it fell upon Democrats to pass the measure since they control the government. It makes no difference that Republicans routinely backed increases in the debt when former President George W. Bush was in office.
Republicans blame recent generous spending bills enacted by the Democratic-controlled Congress for driving up the debt. Those measures, however, are just one relatively small part of the problem. The far bigger element is a sharp drop-off in tax revenues because of the recession and the economy’s slow recovery, as well as higher costs, since more people are taking unemployment benefits and government-issued food stamps to help the poor with meals in tough times.
“Why $1.9 trillion?” said Republican Sen. Judd Gregg. “So that Congress doesn’t have to face up to the debt ceiling until after the next election. We ought to face up to it before the next election because the people in this country have a right to know whether or not this Congress is going to do something about controlling … the debt.
Earlier Thursday, Obama’s Democratic allies in the Senate rejected a plan attempting to adopt a modified version of the president’s proposal to freeze spending on domestic spending passed by Congress in annual spending bills.
But a 56-strong majority of senators supported the plan, which failed only because 60 votes were required. It serves as a marker for later this year when Congress passes its budget.
Controversy Over Who Owns The “Who Dat” Phrase
January 28, 2010
Throughout the Gulf Coast, the chant of “Who Dat” has been shouted all season by Saints fan, especially after Sunday’s win to secure a spot in Super Bowl XLIV. Now, the simple but extremely popular phrase is the subject of an NFL cease and desist order.
Lauren Thom, owner of Fleurty Girl t-shirt shop in uptown New Orleans, has been slapped with a six paragraph “no-no” letter from the National Football League over the term “Who Dat.” In Baton Rouge, the story is much the same. Elizabeth Harvey, co-owner of Storyville, can hardly keep “Who Dat” merchandise on the shelf, but the NFL would just assume she removed it.
“The question here is who owns ‘Who Dat,’” Thom said. “Right now, there’s a little bit of confusion over who owns the phrase ‘Who Dat,’ said Harvey. “Is it the people? Is it the NFL? Is it someone else? We’re kind of waiting.”
“We hereby demand that you cease and desist in any and all further sale of unlicensed products,” the letter reads in part. It also asks for an accurate accounting of all sales. Store owners admit they are slightly intimidated when it comes to dealing with the NFL.
“The NFL is not a company or anybody that I want to rock the boat with, but I definitely want to look into it and see what my rights are,” Thom explained. “Well, we want to play ball. We want to keep making the ‘Who Dat’ shirts. People want their ‘Who Dat’ shirts,” Harvey added.
Both Thom and Harvey commented they will sell their remaining inventory and not replace it until a clear resolution is reached.
The NFL’s slice of the t-shirts is generally around 10 percent of the price of the shirt.
Two Many Tigers, Jacobs and Palmer Commit to LSU & NSU
January 28, 2010
Many, a back-to-back Class 2A quarterfinalist, has a pair of committed players. Tight end/defensive end Nic Jacobs was one of LSU’s first commitments for its 2010 class, giving his pledge to the Tigers last February. Jacobs, a 6-5, 245-pounder, said the decision to make the early commitment had much to do with location. “I’m a native of Louisiana,” Jacobs said. “It’s the big college in the state.” “My parents wanted me to stay close to home,” Jacobs said, “so that was a big factor. This way they can come see me play.”
Tigers quarterback D.J. Palmer, The Times’ All-Area Offensive Player of the Year, waited until early January to commit. The 6-foot, 180-pound Palmer will sign with Northwestern State during signing day ceremonies at Many next week.
“When I went, I felt like the players felt like a brotherhood to me,” said Palmer, who is being recruited to play multiple offensive positions. “I feel like the coaches wanted me more than Southeastern (Louisiana) and Lamar did.”
Salmonella Outbreak
January 27, 2010
Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., advises Louisiana residents to check their refrigerators for certain salami products following a recall announcement from Daniele International Inc., a Rhode Island-based company.
More than 1.2 million pounds of ready-to-eat varieties of sausage products have been recalled by the firm because the products may be contaminated with salmonella. The products were distributed nationwide and abroad.
According to a United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) news release, officials became aware of the problem during an ongoing investigation of a multistate outbreak of salmonella serotype Montevideo illnesses.
Officials said the salmonella strain identified in the sample Daniele salami product is not the Montevideo strain.
There is one reported case of salmonella Montevideo in Louisiana.
Consumers may return any of the previously mentioned products to the place of purchase.
Boil Band Over
January 27, 2010
Ebarb Water District #1 announces that the boil order that went in effect several weeks ago, is now lifted. According to officials with Ebarb Water District #1, there is no longer a need to boil water for one minute in a clean container.
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