The University of Louisiana System Board could vote to weaken its tenure policy at its meeting Friday morning. Instead of declaring financial exigency, which it clearly could do in view of the predicted post stimulus cuts for next year, the Board may vote instead for the death of a thousand cuts for the eight colleges they oversee.
Randy Moffitt is the person proposing this change and he no doubt has tenure himself coming from the faculty at Southeastern Louisiana University with Dr. Clausen. If the Board declared financial exigency he could not return to a classroom if he was relieved of his duties by the Board. And that goes for all of the academic vice presidents, deans and department heads in the system that have always had a tenure safety net to fall back on.
Once the word gets out in the higher education community that University of Louisiana System has weakened its tenure policy, it will be more difficult for its universities to recruit capable faculty to teach and do research without paying a lot more money. And that is exactly the opposite of what Board will say they are trying to do which is save money.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Pit Bulls and Cock Fights Used as Networking Tool for Drug Traffickers
AUG 09 -- LAKE CHARLES, La. + The main organizer and supervisor of a lucrative drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting kilogram quantities of cocaine and marijuana from the Brownsville, Texas area, was sentenced on August 5, 2010 to 12.5 years in federal prison, followed by five years supervised release. Pedro Mendez Ramos, 41, of Church Point, La., was sentenced by U. S. District Judge Patricia Minaldi for Continuing a Criminal Enterprise and Money Laundering Conspiracy.
Ramos and seventeen others were indicted on a variety of drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges following an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed “Operation Fowl Play” and “Rio Gallo.” While under Ramos’ direction, this drug trafficking organization was responsible for transporting and distributing cocaine and marijuana from the Brownsville, Texas area to the Church Point, La. area. From Church Point, the drugs would then be distributed to Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and other parts of Louisiana. Large amounts of drug proceeds would then be transported back to Brownsville, Texas and ultimately, Mexico. Ramos, an avid pit bull and cock fighter, with over three hundred gamecocks and sixty fighting pit bulls of his own, utilized these illegal events as a networking tool in order to recruit members to transport and sell cocaine and marijuana for his organization. The organization utilized various methods to conceal their cocaine, to include tractor trailers and trucks with hidden compartments and gamecock cages with false bottoms. The Ramos organization was supplied cocaine and marijuana directly from members of the Gulf Cartel, a multi-national drug trafficking organization located in Matamoros, Mexico.
At one point, the Ramos organization had amassed so much cash from the sale of cocaine that Pedro Ramos attempted to purchase Canal Oil Refinery, an oil refinery located in Church Point, La. in order to launder the organization’s drug trafficking proceeds. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies, seized approximately 111 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 1.8 million dollars from members of Ramos’ drug trafficking organization, along with real property with an estimated value of one million dollars located in both Louisiana and Texas.
Special Agent in Charge Jimmy S. Fox III of the New Orleans Field Division stated, “The coordinated efforts of this investigation not only exposed and dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking organization, it also helped to cease the brutality and unspeakable cruelty of animals at the hands of inhumane individuals.” U. S. Attorney Finley stated: “Organized drug trafficking threatens our safety, disrupts our communities, and destroys lives. This case is an example of how federal, state and local partnerships can succeed in dismantling large international criminal organizations. Our office is committed to combating drug trafficking in this district.”
For full story please visit us at www.DEA.gov.
Department of Justice Privacy Policy GovDelivery Privacy Policy
U.S. Department of Justice · 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20530 · 800-439-1420
Ramos and seventeen others were indicted on a variety of drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms charges following an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed “Operation Fowl Play” and “Rio Gallo.” While under Ramos’ direction, this drug trafficking organization was responsible for transporting and distributing cocaine and marijuana from the Brownsville, Texas area to the Church Point, La. area. From Church Point, the drugs would then be distributed to Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and other parts of Louisiana. Large amounts of drug proceeds would then be transported back to Brownsville, Texas and ultimately, Mexico. Ramos, an avid pit bull and cock fighter, with over three hundred gamecocks and sixty fighting pit bulls of his own, utilized these illegal events as a networking tool in order to recruit members to transport and sell cocaine and marijuana for his organization. The organization utilized various methods to conceal their cocaine, to include tractor trailers and trucks with hidden compartments and gamecock cages with false bottoms. The Ramos organization was supplied cocaine and marijuana directly from members of the Gulf Cartel, a multi-national drug trafficking organization located in Matamoros, Mexico.
At one point, the Ramos organization had amassed so much cash from the sale of cocaine that Pedro Ramos attempted to purchase Canal Oil Refinery, an oil refinery located in Church Point, La. in order to launder the organization’s drug trafficking proceeds. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies, seized approximately 111 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 1.8 million dollars from members of Ramos’ drug trafficking organization, along with real property with an estimated value of one million dollars located in both Louisiana and Texas.
Special Agent in Charge Jimmy S. Fox III of the New Orleans Field Division stated, “The coordinated efforts of this investigation not only exposed and dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking organization, it also helped to cease the brutality and unspeakable cruelty of animals at the hands of inhumane individuals.” U. S. Attorney Finley stated: “Organized drug trafficking threatens our safety, disrupts our communities, and destroys lives. This case is an example of how federal, state and local partnerships can succeed in dismantling large international criminal organizations. Our office is committed to combating drug trafficking in this district.”
For full story please visit us at www.DEA.gov.
Department of Justice Privacy Policy GovDelivery Privacy Policy
U.S. Department of Justice · 950 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20530 · 800-439-1420
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Alabama Gambling Lobbyist "2 million. It's only a drop in the bucket"
Report: Ala gambling interests gave $2.2M to PACs2/22/2010, 1:06 p.m. CSTKIM CHANDLERThe Associated Press(AP) — MONTGOMERY, Ala. - During the last three days of 2009, Alabama gambling interests wrote checks for more than $2.2 million to political action committees, according to campaign finance reports.The money flowed as the state gears up for election season and a legislative and legal battle that could decide the fate of electronic bingo in the state.
Gambling opponents say it's difficult for them to compete with the deep pockets of bingo operators, while a lawyer for the state's largest casino downplayed the contributions, calling them "a drop in the bucket" compared to what's given overall in a major election cycle.Dog track and bingo casino owner Milton McGregor, along with his two tracks, was the largest contributor among the gambling interests, according to a review of 2009 campaign financial disclosure reports.McGregor and his two tracks gave nearly $1.6 million spread out among more than 30 PACs run by lobbyists and political consultants, according to a sampling of campaign finance records.
Almost all of the money was given in the final three days of 2009.McGregor owns VictoryLand in Macon County, the state's largest bingo casino with more than 6,000 machines. McGregor also owns the Birmingham Race Course -- which could be allowed to have bingo machines under legislation pending in the Alabama Legislature.The state Senate might vote as soon as this week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow 10 non-Indian bingo casinos across the state. The measure would be subject to voter approval in a November referendum.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians gave more than $600,000 to political action committees run by their lobbyist, John Teague. Most of those contributions were dated Dec. 31. The Poarch Creeks operate bingo casinos in Montgomery, Atmore and Wetumpka. Teague also handled nearly $1 million of the contributions from McGregor's tracks.
Other contributors included Greenetrack and Ronnie Gilley, developer of the Country Crossing entertainment center and bingo casino in Houston County.The review of campaign records included 86 PACs that frequently have handled contributions from casinos and their owners. It did not include money contributed directly to candidates or any contributions by lawyers or public relations firms that represent the casinos, because those individuals and firms also represent other clients.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg," said gambling opponent Joe Godfrey, executive director for the Alabama Citizens Action Program. Godfrey said he believed bingo operators will invest tens of millions of dollars in campaigns and advertising because they stand to make "hundreds of millions" off gambling.Godfrey said the casino donations make it difficult for gambling opponents to contend for influence in the halls of the Alabama Legislature. And he said much more money will be poured into a statewide public relations campaign if the bingo measure goes before voters."We can't compete with the advertising and everything else," Godfrey said.
But a lawyer representing McGregor and VictoryLand said the contributions by his clients are "a drop in the bucket in a general election cycle in Alabama" during which every major state office is up for election."VictoryLand and Mr. McGregor's contributions are a matter of public record and so is his position on gaming, but ultimately he is only one man with one vote," John M. Bolton III said."VictoryLand and Mr. McGregor firmly believe that the people of Alabama should have the right to vote on a constitutional amendment that clearly defines bingo, strictly limits and regulates its operation, and generates significant revenue for education, social services and each county in the state," Bolton said.Gov. Bob Riley has been fighting to shut down the bingo operations, arguing the slot machine look-alikes are not what was intended when voters approved constitutional amendments allowing charity bingo operations.
McGregor and other bingo operators contend their machines are legal and that technology allows gamblers to play quick games of bingo electronically.Three of the state's major casinos -- VictoryLand, Country Crossing and White Hall Entertainment Center in Lowndes County -- closed after Riley's Task Force on Illegal Gambling sent large numbers of troopers to raid VictoryLand and Country Crossing last month.The task force did not have a search warrant during the raid attempts, but Riley's task force commander argued a search warrant was not needed if law enforcement officers witnessed a crime in progress.___Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews© 2010 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Gambling opponents say it's difficult for them to compete with the deep pockets of bingo operators, while a lawyer for the state's largest casino downplayed the contributions, calling them "a drop in the bucket" compared to what's given overall in a major election cycle.Dog track and bingo casino owner Milton McGregor, along with his two tracks, was the largest contributor among the gambling interests, according to a review of 2009 campaign financial disclosure reports.McGregor and his two tracks gave nearly $1.6 million spread out among more than 30 PACs run by lobbyists and political consultants, according to a sampling of campaign finance records.
Almost all of the money was given in the final three days of 2009.McGregor owns VictoryLand in Macon County, the state's largest bingo casino with more than 6,000 machines. McGregor also owns the Birmingham Race Course -- which could be allowed to have bingo machines under legislation pending in the Alabama Legislature.The state Senate might vote as soon as this week on a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow 10 non-Indian bingo casinos across the state. The measure would be subject to voter approval in a November referendum.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians gave more than $600,000 to political action committees run by their lobbyist, John Teague. Most of those contributions were dated Dec. 31. The Poarch Creeks operate bingo casinos in Montgomery, Atmore and Wetumpka. Teague also handled nearly $1 million of the contributions from McGregor's tracks.
Other contributors included Greenetrack and Ronnie Gilley, developer of the Country Crossing entertainment center and bingo casino in Houston County.The review of campaign records included 86 PACs that frequently have handled contributions from casinos and their owners. It did not include money contributed directly to candidates or any contributions by lawyers or public relations firms that represent the casinos, because those individuals and firms also represent other clients.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg," said gambling opponent Joe Godfrey, executive director for the Alabama Citizens Action Program. Godfrey said he believed bingo operators will invest tens of millions of dollars in campaigns and advertising because they stand to make "hundreds of millions" off gambling.Godfrey said the casino donations make it difficult for gambling opponents to contend for influence in the halls of the Alabama Legislature. And he said much more money will be poured into a statewide public relations campaign if the bingo measure goes before voters."We can't compete with the advertising and everything else," Godfrey said.
But a lawyer representing McGregor and VictoryLand said the contributions by his clients are "a drop in the bucket in a general election cycle in Alabama" during which every major state office is up for election."VictoryLand and Mr. McGregor's contributions are a matter of public record and so is his position on gaming, but ultimately he is only one man with one vote," John M. Bolton III said."VictoryLand and Mr. McGregor firmly believe that the people of Alabama should have the right to vote on a constitutional amendment that clearly defines bingo, strictly limits and regulates its operation, and generates significant revenue for education, social services and each county in the state," Bolton said.Gov. Bob Riley has been fighting to shut down the bingo operations, arguing the slot machine look-alikes are not what was intended when voters approved constitutional amendments allowing charity bingo operations.
McGregor and other bingo operators contend their machines are legal and that technology allows gamblers to play quick games of bingo electronically.Three of the state's major casinos -- VictoryLand, Country Crossing and White Hall Entertainment Center in Lowndes County -- closed after Riley's Task Force on Illegal Gambling sent large numbers of troopers to raid VictoryLand and Country Crossing last month.The task force did not have a search warrant during the raid attempts, but Riley's task force commander argued a search warrant was not needed if law enforcement officers witnessed a crime in progress.___Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews© 2010 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
colorado community college headmaster grossly overestimated revenue to sell ammendment 50 to Colorado voters.
New gambling revenue falling far short of forecastBy Andy Vuong The Denver PostPosted: 12/20/2009 01:00:00 AM MST
Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, says community colleges may receive just $2 million to $3 million from gambling taxes during the first year of new games and table limits. The 2008 ballot measure that eased gambling regulations was pitched as a way to bolster the ever-slimming budgets of the state's community colleges.
Much of the additional tax revenue generated from higher bet limits, 24-hour gambling and new table games would go to the schools, an estimated $29 million during the first year and $222 million over five years."Anything that's going to add over $200 million over the next five years . . . is very good for us," Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, said in November 2008 shortly after it was disclosed that voters had approved Amendment 50.
Now, more than five months after the gambling changes took effect in July, McCallin says community colleges may receive just $2 million to $3 million from gambling taxes during the first year. Despite a sparkling first month, the Amendment 50 changes — which came as gamblers were cutting back on casino trips amid the economic recession — haven't boosted revenue by nearly as much as initially projected.
A Denver Post analysis based on the first five months of data shows colleges could receive $4.4 million during the first year, if business stays at the current pace."We knew that it was going to be a year where we didn't have a whole lot of information, and so we knew that any of the projections were going to be a guesstimate, at best," McCallin said last week.Community colleges won't receive gaming funds until September. As required by the measure, the money has to go toward classroom instruction and financial aid.McCallin said she won't make plans on how that money will specifically be used until May, when the budgeting process for fiscal 2011 begins.
This year, state funding for community colleges was cut from $142 million to $106 million, though much of that was made up with one-time federal funding, she said.For fiscal 2011, community colleges face an $11 million cut, with no assurance that federal funding will cover the gap."That's happening the same time when our enrollment is surging, so we're going to see some substantial cuts next year," McCallin said.
Casino revenue is up 8.5 percent this fiscal year, which began in July. Industry officials initially projected growth of 20 percent to 25 percent.In November, only Black Hawk casinos saw a revenue gain, posting a 13 percent increase, according to data released last week by the Colorado Division of Gaming. Central City and Cripple Creek casinos each reported declines of about 5 percent.
Even with lower-than-expected revenue from the changes, there are concerns among historic-preservation officials that community colleges are set to receive too much of the gambling tax. When voters approved casino gambling in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek nearly two decades ago, the intention was to use the tax revenue to help restore and preserve the historic mining towns.Dan Love, president of the board of directors of Colorado Preservation Inc., said community colleges stand to receive "a disproportionately large share" of the revenue.
As it stands now, existing recipients of gambling tax revenue, which include the state historical fund and general fund, would receive $97.7 million this fiscal year (a 3 percent increase from fiscal 2009), before regulatory expenses are subtracted. Anything generated above $97.7 million is earmarked for Amendment 50 recipients, with 78 percent going to community colleges and the rest going to the various casino cities and counties.
With a projected $106 million in gambling tax revenue for fiscal 2010, based on five months of data, Amendment 50 recipients would receive $8.3 million, before regulatory and other charges. After those charges, the Amendment 50 pot drops to an estimated $5.7 million."We weren't doing this for a single increase in funding," McCallin said. "We were in this for the longer term. And longer term, we know that the gaming industry will turn around as the economy turns around and we'll see increased revenue."
Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, says community colleges may receive just $2 million to $3 million from gambling taxes during the first year of new games and table limits. The 2008 ballot measure that eased gambling regulations was pitched as a way to bolster the ever-slimming budgets of the state's community colleges.
Much of the additional tax revenue generated from higher bet limits, 24-hour gambling and new table games would go to the schools, an estimated $29 million during the first year and $222 million over five years."Anything that's going to add over $200 million over the next five years . . . is very good for us," Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, said in November 2008 shortly after it was disclosed that voters had approved Amendment 50.
Now, more than five months after the gambling changes took effect in July, McCallin says community colleges may receive just $2 million to $3 million from gambling taxes during the first year. Despite a sparkling first month, the Amendment 50 changes — which came as gamblers were cutting back on casino trips amid the economic recession — haven't boosted revenue by nearly as much as initially projected.
A Denver Post analysis based on the first five months of data shows colleges could receive $4.4 million during the first year, if business stays at the current pace."We knew that it was going to be a year where we didn't have a whole lot of information, and so we knew that any of the projections were going to be a guesstimate, at best," McCallin said last week.Community colleges won't receive gaming funds until September. As required by the measure, the money has to go toward classroom instruction and financial aid.McCallin said she won't make plans on how that money will specifically be used until May, when the budgeting process for fiscal 2011 begins.
This year, state funding for community colleges was cut from $142 million to $106 million, though much of that was made up with one-time federal funding, she said.For fiscal 2011, community colleges face an $11 million cut, with no assurance that federal funding will cover the gap."That's happening the same time when our enrollment is surging, so we're going to see some substantial cuts next year," McCallin said.
Casino revenue is up 8.5 percent this fiscal year, which began in July. Industry officials initially projected growth of 20 percent to 25 percent.In November, only Black Hawk casinos saw a revenue gain, posting a 13 percent increase, according to data released last week by the Colorado Division of Gaming. Central City and Cripple Creek casinos each reported declines of about 5 percent.
Even with lower-than-expected revenue from the changes, there are concerns among historic-preservation officials that community colleges are set to receive too much of the gambling tax. When voters approved casino gambling in Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek nearly two decades ago, the intention was to use the tax revenue to help restore and preserve the historic mining towns.Dan Love, president of the board of directors of Colorado Preservation Inc., said community colleges stand to receive "a disproportionately large share" of the revenue.
As it stands now, existing recipients of gambling tax revenue, which include the state historical fund and general fund, would receive $97.7 million this fiscal year (a 3 percent increase from fiscal 2009), before regulatory expenses are subtracted. Anything generated above $97.7 million is earmarked for Amendment 50 recipients, with 78 percent going to community colleges and the rest going to the various casino cities and counties.
With a projected $106 million in gambling tax revenue for fiscal 2010, based on five months of data, Amendment 50 recipients would receive $8.3 million, before regulatory and other charges. After those charges, the Amendment 50 pot drops to an estimated $5.7 million."We weren't doing this for a single increase in funding," McCallin said. "We were in this for the longer term. And longer term, we know that the gaming industry will turn around as the economy turns around and we'll see increased revenue."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Gambling is not Economic Development
December 15th, 2009 How Has the Recession Affected The Gambling Industry?
The recession has led to many people becoming more conservative with their spending, and this could be bad news for gambling revenues, as casinos nationwide experience huge drops in attendance and overall money spent. In order to combat consumers who are less willing to roll the dice with their dwindling savings, casinos are desperately trying to find ways to stay afloat.Atlantic City Recent numbers out of Atlantic City, the weekend gambling location for New York’s risk takers, have see decreasing returns from last year, taking in 13.4% less this November compared to 2008.
According to a report by USAPlayers.com, each of the cities 11 casinos reported a decline in earnings last month, with the biggest losses experienced in the table games, which saw a 21% drop from last year. Slot machines dropped as well, but slightly less, only 9.5%.Some casinos have cashed in their chips, deciding that they are not willing to continue to take losses in an economy that doesn’t seem will be sending customers back to the craps tables anytime soon.
The Boardwalk Casino, one of Atlantic Cities oldest gambling establishments, will soon hand over its casino to lender Wells Fargo.Las VegasEven Las Vegas isn’t immune to this latest trend, seeing an industry-wide drop in revenue of 11.6% from a year ago. October marked the 22nd straight decline in revenue, reaching its lowest point since 2003.
In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, senior director of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Kevin Bagger said that while attendance has started to recover, consumers are still spending less.“We’re happy to see the increase in volume, but consumer spending is still impacted by the broader economy,” he said.
Because of the drop in earnings, casinos have been forced to cut down on employees; MGM Mirage laid off over 1,000 of its workers last year. Casinos are one of the major sources of jobs in Las Vegas, employing around 27% of the total workforce, according to author and former Caesar’s Palace gaming instructor Barney Vinson.
Not Recession Proof After AllThe numbers coming out of the gambling industry over the last year seem to disprove the thought that gambling is a recession proof industry.
There are some who claim that even as consumers personal incomes decline and unemployment rises, gambling will remain constant or even increase as people become desperate for quick ways to increase their money. However, with revenue losses forcing casinos nationwide to increase layoffs, and less strict gambling laws leading to competition for traditional gambling centers like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, it seems the recession may hit harder, and last longer, for the gambling industry.
The recession has led to many people becoming more conservative with their spending, and this could be bad news for gambling revenues, as casinos nationwide experience huge drops in attendance and overall money spent. In order to combat consumers who are less willing to roll the dice with their dwindling savings, casinos are desperately trying to find ways to stay afloat.Atlantic City Recent numbers out of Atlantic City, the weekend gambling location for New York’s risk takers, have see decreasing returns from last year, taking in 13.4% less this November compared to 2008.
According to a report by USAPlayers.com, each of the cities 11 casinos reported a decline in earnings last month, with the biggest losses experienced in the table games, which saw a 21% drop from last year. Slot machines dropped as well, but slightly less, only 9.5%.Some casinos have cashed in their chips, deciding that they are not willing to continue to take losses in an economy that doesn’t seem will be sending customers back to the craps tables anytime soon.
The Boardwalk Casino, one of Atlantic Cities oldest gambling establishments, will soon hand over its casino to lender Wells Fargo.Las VegasEven Las Vegas isn’t immune to this latest trend, seeing an industry-wide drop in revenue of 11.6% from a year ago. October marked the 22nd straight decline in revenue, reaching its lowest point since 2003.
In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, senior director of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Kevin Bagger said that while attendance has started to recover, consumers are still spending less.“We’re happy to see the increase in volume, but consumer spending is still impacted by the broader economy,” he said.
Because of the drop in earnings, casinos have been forced to cut down on employees; MGM Mirage laid off over 1,000 of its workers last year. Casinos are one of the major sources of jobs in Las Vegas, employing around 27% of the total workforce, according to author and former Caesar’s Palace gaming instructor Barney Vinson.
Not Recession Proof After AllThe numbers coming out of the gambling industry over the last year seem to disprove the thought that gambling is a recession proof industry.
There are some who claim that even as consumers personal incomes decline and unemployment rises, gambling will remain constant or even increase as people become desperate for quick ways to increase their money. However, with revenue losses forcing casinos nationwide to increase layoffs, and less strict gambling laws leading to competition for traditional gambling centers like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, it seems the recession may hit harder, and last longer, for the gambling industry.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Here's To You Mrs. Wilkerson
Mrs. Kathy Wilkerson will assume a coordinator’s position at the soon-to-be re-engineered Monroe, News Star according to well placed sources in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.
Like Gannett’s Hattiesburg, MS, American is to its Jackson, MS, Clarion Ledger, the News Star is scheduled during the next calendar year to be down-sized to just a bureau of the much more important Shreveport Times.
It’s sad for Ken Stickney, who is really running the News Star day and night while Mrs. Wilkerson and her hubby are doing the North Side Monroe social scene, most recently in ULM’s Brown Hall Row I for the Tom Friedman talk. He will probably be down-sized as well after the publisher who delayed his long over due retirement finally departs N. 4th Street. It’s a second smack down for him.
Maybe after the dust settles, Ken and Kathy can get on the Louisiana State Teat with their spouses at Delta Community College and the University of Louisiana Monroe, respectively.
Like Gannett’s Hattiesburg, MS, American is to its Jackson, MS, Clarion Ledger, the News Star is scheduled during the next calendar year to be down-sized to just a bureau of the much more important Shreveport Times.
It’s sad for Ken Stickney, who is really running the News Star day and night while Mrs. Wilkerson and her hubby are doing the North Side Monroe social scene, most recently in ULM’s Brown Hall Row I for the Tom Friedman talk. He will probably be down-sized as well after the publisher who delayed his long over due retirement finally departs N. 4th Street. It’s a second smack down for him.
Maybe after the dust settles, Ken and Kathy can get on the Louisiana State Teat with their spouses at Delta Community College and the University of Louisiana Monroe, respectively.
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