Columns

By Stephen Waguespack 

In Louisiana, we sure do know how to stretch out a good time. While the rest of the country typically gets back to work shortly after the New Year, we Louisianans have a knack for drawing that holiday spirit out a little bit longer than most.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. 

By John Blanchard 

Duck hunting in Louisiana is either feast or famine; usually feast in the south and famine in north Louisiana. Sometimes. With the stoppage of duck and geese in northern states, particularly Missouri and Illinois, means that north Louisiana hunters don’t see many duck flights until the season closes.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. 

The Public Affairs Research Council (PAR), a well-respected good government group, declared in a 1988 report that, “Louisiana’s pattern of increased spending in boom times has resulted in an overall level of operating expenditures the state cannot support, even with frequent tax increases and budget cuts…State spending policies have remained essentially unchanged also – a plethora of programs and a large amount of state aid to local governments.”

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. 

By John Blanchard 

“We will be alright if it doesn’t catch on fire.” These were the words of the pilot of the crippled Grumman Widgeon twin-engine seaplane, which needed a grass runway on which to land. The wheels would not come up or go down and to land on water it would turn into a somersault.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. 

By Stephen Waguespack 

Throughout life, we often find ourselves on a quest for that one silver bullet to solve our problems. The problem with that simple approach is that most of life’s challenges are complex and multi-faceted, demanding a similarly complex solution. 

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. 

By John Blanchard 

Many moons ago, representatives of stock performances came to small towns to stage a play using local talent. Since graduating seniors usually had some appearances before the lights they were sought out to perform for the professional who came into the community to teach drama and take the proceeds from these country volunteers.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. 

By Stephen Waguespack 

There is a subtle, yet significant, distinction between being “at” the table or being “on” it. If you don’t believe it, ask the Thanksgiving turkey how much he enjoys his seat at the table every year. Last week, to kick off our 41st year, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) hosted the newly inaugurated Gov. John Bel Edwards as the keynote speaker.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. 

By John Blanchard 

There are some interesting things happening on elk hunts in the western states, some which are long remembered. We hunted with three doctors from North Little Rock, Arkansas. One an ophthalmologist who was called “Money Bags” by the OB-GYN and the anesthesiologist. The wealthiest wanted badly to call up a bull elk on his own and take him with a large rifle.

To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. 

By John Blanchard

By Stephen Waguespack