It’s never too early to talk politics and JT has already heard some rumblings about who might toss their name into the hat next year for the term-limited seat of State Representative Kenny Cox. One name that’s always in the discussion about the seat is Kenny’s brother, Johnny Cox, the mayor of Coushatta. There’s also been Parish President John Richmond’s name tossed about. It may have been a result of the alcohol being passed around during the Fourth of July holidays, but one of JT’s acquaintances suggested retired NSU President Chris Maggio. He’ll be a year into retirement by the time the race begins and he certainly has the connections in the three-parish district of Natchitoches, Red River and DeSoto. Another name to the list is local attorney Jared Dunahoe. It seems he’s mentioned his interest in the past to some folks. This term for legislators began Jan. 1, 2020. The term will end Dec. 30, 2023.
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JT doesn’t know the particulars of the “Conceal Carry” legislation that lawmakers passed this session. But he hopes there’s some logical language in there. (Although he hasn’t heard of any.) Right now, most of the financial institutions have their lobbies closed because the mask mandate is optional to individual businesses. Simply put, most bank robbers have some sort of mask…don’t they? And now lawmakers want to allow a non-law enforcement masked gun carrying person to enter the banks? JT’s said more than once that the “devil is in the details”…and no one is talking about the details of this legislation. JT did a bit of research and learned the bill would only do away with the requirement to pay for a training course, something that costs a lot of money, which some say is a fiscal barrier to low-income citizens. But it wouldn’t do away with the permitting process. It’s aimed at law-abiding citizens and probably won’t do much to change law breakers like bank robbers who will find a way to get a gun regardless of any law. So there’s that.
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After being backed up on South Drive for 30 minutes Monday, JT sure hopes the work on LA 494 (that’s the extension of Keyser Avenue past Wal-Mart) goes swiftly. JT notices more than a few aggressive drivers. He’s ready for them to get off of South Drive and return to their normal route home. The City announced early Wednesday that the contractor for the project completed the work and the highway reopened. They cautioned that motorists should travel with caution as there will be only aggregate surfacing on top of the pipe until the asphalt surfacing can be installed, which should be sometime Wednesday.
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JT hears Melrose will host a Folk Art Festival the second weekend in October. This is a first in that the art works will all be created using traditional folk art techniques and materials. Clementine Hunter, the famous folk artist who lived and worked at Melrose, is the inspiration behind the first ever event. It’s sponsored by the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches (APHN) and the proceeds will be used on the preservation of Melrose. Mark you calendars now for this new event in the fall.
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