The News-Star from Monroe, Louisiana • Page 21

For the recordLocalLouisiana Friday, December 3, 2004 SB Hurricane season is over, but evacuation is still a concern Associated Press BATON ROUGE Though the 2004 hurricane season ended this week, state officials still are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, a storm that did little direct damage to Louisiana but caused traffic snarls, a flood of complaints and a sweeping review of evacuation procedures. State police, the state transportation department and the Louisiana National Guard all are working on improvements to Louisiana's response to the threat of hurricanes, hoping to avoid -another frustrating vehicle crawl like the one spawned by the September storm. Residents from the New Orleans area, the southeastern coastal parishes and other neighboring Gulf Coast states, all fleeing the unknown path of Ivan, took as long as 10 hours to drive, the 70 miles from New Orleans to Baton Rouge on the interstate highways. Baton Rouge had 26 hours of traffic congestion because of the evacuation, according to transportation experts. Gordon Nelson, assistant secretary of operations for the state Department of Transportation and Development, outlined many planned changes to a Senate committee on Thursday: The state police will place tow trucks along some of the heaviest evacuation routes, so vehicle breakdowns and accidents don't further tie up traffic.

Transportation officials will put more signs along heavily traveled roads to suggest alternate routes. Tolls will be immediately suspended on the two toll bridges in the New Orleans area, after reports that money still was being charged six hours after evacuation orders during Ivan. Evacuations will be more closely coordinated between state and local officials to stagger the times to avoid an immediate spill onto the highways all at once. A traffic control center involving DOTD and the state police will work solely on traffic problems during the preparations and evacuations for a hurricane, and more helicopters will monitor the traffic situation by air. But lawmakers on the Senate Select Committee on Homeland Security said state officials need to improve their communication with local law enforcement and officials like mayors and parish presidents to quickly move citizens out of a hurricane's path and to.

safety. "I'm hearing sheriffs scream bloody murder, 'We're not in the as they should be. We've just got to do a better job," said Sen. Robert Barham, R-Oak Ridge. CoL Henry Whitehorn, the head of state police, said he knows about the Droblems and state offi residents know the different roads they can use to leave town.

Consultants have finished their review of the state's "contra-flow" plan, in which inbound lanes on interstates are reversed from Kenner to LaPlace, including the development of computerized traffic models of possible extensions and revisions, according to Nelson: Col. Jay Mayeaux, of the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, said the final "after-action" report on how to improve Louisiana's response to hurricanes likely will be complete in late January. It will go to the governor for review. cials were working to improve communication systems with local officials. "If we don't bring those communication systems together, we're spinning our wheels," said Sen.

Gerald Theunissen, R-Jennings. Theunissen said local sheriffs deputies often were in a better position to manage traffic on the roads because they can get into place quickly. Nelson said, the transportation department also hoped to distribute state maps outlining the evacuation routes, including alternate paths, and do public service announcements about them so The News-Star www.thenewsstar.com VJ'jr LOTTERY fantiHi reaches out to vours and hope for the season. Vur fHt in joy Flowers Funcnl Homo Cemetery Insurance www.mulheimfuneraihome.com OBITUARY ADS are placed through funeral homes. Deadline la 4PM dally and wknd.

We strive to ensure the correctness of your ads. The News-Star may not issue credits or rerun ads, when proof of copy has been issued. Proof is provided for correctness of text only. It is not representative of the layout and the actual ad may differ, when printed in the paper. Credit will not be issued based on appearance of obit.

For more information call the funeral home of your choice or us at 362-0201 Obituaries are also posted on our website at www.thenewsstar.com. W7S Edward Ray Lee, 49 DELHI Edward Ray Lee, a boat factory worker, died Saturday. The funeral is noon Saturday at Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Waverly. Burial is at Waverly Cemetery under the direction of Tennant Funeral Home, Rayville. Willie Singleton Jr, 69 VIDALIA Willie D.

"Sweet Soap" Singleton a supervisor for the city of Vidalia Waterworks, died Saturday. The funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday at Union Baptist Church, Vidalia. Visitation is 7 p.m. today at Concordia Funeral Home chapel, Ferriday.

Burial is at Vidalia Cemetery. Burline Specks Jr, 58 HOMER Burline Specks a Ludlow Plastics employee, died Tuesday. The funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday at Spring Lake Church of God in Christ, Homer. Wake service is 67 p.ra today at King Funeral Home chapel, Homer.

Burial is at Moreland Cemetery. Betty M. Spencer, 57 VIDALIA Betty Morales Spencer, a school teacher with Morehouse Parish School System, died Tuesday: The funeral is 11 am today at Greater St Reed Baptist Church, Ferriday. Burial is at St Matthews Church Cemetery on Lake St. John, under the direction of Concordia Funeral Home, Ferriday.

Demetraic Trent, 40 Demetraic Trent of Monroe, a manager with Fairhaven Shelter and a musician, died Tuesday. Arrangements are incomplete under the direction of Funerals by McFarland, Monroe. Travis T. Tynes Sr, 83 Travis T. Tynes Sr.

of West Monroe, owner and operator of Tynes Roofing Sheet Metal, died Monday. The funeral is 10 a.m. Saturday at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Monroe. Visitation is 6-9 p.m. today at Kilpatrick Funeral Home chapel, West Monroe.

Burial is at Riverview Cemetery, Monroe. Gerald BamettJr, 27 START Gerald Wayne Bamett an automobile painter, died Tuesday. The funeral is 2 p.m. today at Lighthouse Baptist Church, Monroe. Burial is at Greer Cemetery under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville.

Charlie Brown Jr, 57 Charlie Brown Jr. of Monroe, a construction worker, died Nov. 18. The funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday at Hester Central State Funeral Home chapel, Monroe.

Visitation is 1 p.m. until 630 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial is at J.S. Clark Cemetery, Monroe.

Lizzie M. Dawkins, 78 Lizzie M. Dawkins of Monroe, a dietician, died Monday. The funeral is 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverside Baptist Church, Monroe.

Visitation is noon until 7 p.m. today at Miller Funeral Home chapel, Monroe. Burial is at Richwood Memorial Gardens. Robert Douglas, 62 TALLULAH Robert Douglas, a cook, died Sunday. The funeral is 1 pjn.

Saturday at-New Light Baptist Church Tallulah. Visitation is 6-7 p.m. today at Beckwith Golden Gate Funeral Home chapel, Tallulah. Burial is at Oakwood Cemetery. Kelvin Jackson, 20 TALLULAH Kelvin Jackson, died Nov.

25. The funeral is 11 ajn. Saturday at First Colored Baptist Church, Tallulah. Visitation is 6-7 p.m. today at Beckwith Golden Gate Funeral Home chapel, Tallulah.

Burial is at Mount Celler Cemetery, Tallulah. John 'Jack' Jussel, 74 John D. "Jack" Jussel of Monroe, retired from IMC, died Tuesday. The funeral is noon today at First Presbyterian Church, Monroe. Burial is at Mulheam Memorial Park under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe.

sultant for Ford, Bacon, and Davis giving expert testimony concerning gas pipeline infrastructure. He was also a member of Birds Creek Baptist Church in Harrisonburg. LA. Mr. Wright also served hhi country in the United State Army.

He was preceded in death by his father C. L. Wright and mother Mildred Huffman Wright Survivors include her sisters: Nedra Boothe of Harrisonburg, LA, Bonnie Wright Qunn of Houston, TX, Janice Wright Boothe of Harrisonburg, LA, Linda Wright of Houston, TX; brother Gary Wright of Harrisonburg, LA, a host of neices and nephews. The Pallbearers will be Glendon Hutchins, David Mitchell, Harold White, Neal Gunn, J. D.

Alexander, and Hank Mason. The family will receive friends at Young's Funeral Home, Jonesville, LA, from PM to 9:00 PM Friday, December 3, 2004. Thursday Pick 3: 0-3-6 Thursday Pick 4: 2-9-6-3 Thursday Cash Quest: 3-25-30-46 Wednesday Powerball ($146 million): 3-28-36-38-44; power ball: 1 Power Play: 04 Wednesday La. million) 6-11-17-18-20-21 BIRTHS Glenwood Willie and Brandon Washington, a girl, BreAnn Faith St. Francis Casey Caples and Travis Burke, a girl, Rylee Elizabeth Stephanie and Jessie Jordan, a girl, Jessa Ryane Anita, and Claudell.

Mack, a boy, Channing Claudell DEATHS Funeral homes should call The News-Star with death notices at 362-0272 from 4-6 p.m. weekdays and 362-0278 on weekends. PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED Albritton, Mary 1 p.m. Saturday, Mays Chapel C.M.E., Ruston. Harrell, Pearl: 1 p.m.

Saturday, Truellght Baptist Church, Winnsboro. Johns, Kathi 1 p.m. today, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Winnsboro. Mitchell, Ollie Mae: 1 p.m.

today, Galilee Baptist Church, Hodge. Moore Gurthie: 11 a.m. Saturday, Fellowship Baptist Church, Simsboro. Terrance Armstrong, 23 BASTROP Terrance Pierre Armstrong, a construction worker, died Nov. 28.

The funeral is 1 pjn. Saturday at Morehouse Association Building, Bastrop. Visitation is 6-7' p.m. today at New Jerusalem No. 2 Baptist Church, Bastrop.

Burial is at H.V. Adams Cemetery under the direction of Tennant Funeral Home, Rayville. Ruston Bonnie and Clyde, portrayed by CJ. Matlock and Doug Postel, will hijack the trolley at gunpoint. From page IB demonstration, and the Louisiana Military Museum before heading downtown for the faux shootout and hijacking, Friedley said.

Bonnie and Clyde, played by C.J. Matlock and Doug Postel, will fire blanks into the air after casing a bank and steal the trolley while driving throughout the downtown and university area. The travelers will then stop for lunch at Pot Luck Gifts and LIZZIE MAE DAWKINS Millers Funeral Home Monroe, LA. Lovely Lizzie Mae Dawkins was born March 24, 1926 to the late Johns Lovely and Amie Donison in Monroe, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her husband William Dawkins, and son William DeWayne Dawkins.

Lizzie confessed her faith at an early age. She was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church. On November 29, 2004 she went home to be with the Lord at the St. Francis Hospital. She leaves to mourn her passing: four siblings: Ella Brown, Liilie B.

Ross, Alberta Savannah, and Ned Ross; seven daughters: Betty Faye Sims, Eariene Givens, Margie Daniels, Rita Curvin, Dale Thomas, Wanda Munson, and Liz Sophia Dawkins; six sons: Sammie Tribble, Thomas Givens, Billy Givens, Charles Givens, Donald Givens, and Glen Dawkins; thirty-four 'grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. Services will be Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 1:00 PM at Riverside Baptist Church. MATTIE RUTH CORLEY MEDARIES Kilpatrick Funeral Home West Monroe, Louisiana Funeral services for Mrs. Mattie Ruth Corley Medaries, 84, of West Monroe, LA wilt be 10:00 AM Saturday, December 4, 2004 at McGuire United Methodist Church, West Monroe, LA. Officiating will be Rev.

Michi Head, Rev. Marvin Corley and Rev. David Corley. Interment will be at Chatham Cemetery, Chatham, LA the di DEALER. rection of Kilpatrick Funeral Home, West Monroe, LA.

Mrs. Medaries was born September 18, 1920 in Clear Creek, Louisiana and passed away December 2, 2004 in West Monroe, Louisiana. Mrs. Medaries was a member of McGuire United Methodist Church. She was retired from Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology.

Mrs. Medaries was preceded in death by her husband Clyde A. Medaries. Survivors are sons: Clyde Corley and wife Marilyn Medaries; Richard and wife Barbara Medaries; grandchildren: Amanda and husband Wayne Wiggins; Minyon Gilley; Justin and Bridget Medaries; Amber Nicole Medaries; Matthew Medaries; Benjamin Medaries; Carley Medaries; Jesse Medaries; great grandchildren: Morgan Wiggins, Christian Gilley, Aubrey Ann Mayo; two brothers: Marvin Corley and wife Pat; David Corley and wife Beth; sister. Ruby Pearl Cloyd; numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Matthew A. Medaries, Justin W. Medaries, Wayne Wiggins, Billy Green, James Roberts and Bill Corley. Honorary pallbearers will be The Wednesday Night Share Group of McGuire United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Friday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, West Mon-.

roe, and Saturday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church. MR. L. C. WRIGHT Young's Funeral Home Jonesville, LA.

Fgneral services for Mr. L. C. Wright, 66, of Harrisonburg, LA, will be held at Harrisonburg Baptist Church, Harrisonburg, LA, on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at 10:00 AM with Rev. Ed Cotten officiating.

Interment will follow' at Tidwell Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Home Jonesville, LA. Mr. Wright died Wednesday, December 1, 2004 at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Alexandria, LA. He was a resident of Harrisonburg, LA. He was employed as a gas sealant supervisor with Ford, Bacon and Davis serving the northeast United States, based in Hartford, Connecticut.

He was an International Con 1 20 Service Rd. East WAC. STKB054W. POWER IT ALUMINUM To reach us To comment on a story, offer story tips, or speak to a local editor: A section News News Editor Mark Henderson 362-033) section Local Assistant Managing Editor Eleanor Rushing 362-0263 section Sports Sports Editor Nick Deriso 362-0234 section Accent Acting Accent Editor Fred Phillips 362-0235 section Business Business Reporter GregHilburn 362-0288 Collectibles, owned by Rosy Bromell, chairwoman of the Louisiana Tourism Development Commission. "We're hoping to show the tour operators what kind of attractions and events we have planned, and we hope they see what they're looking for, because there haven't been a lot of motor-coach tours through here," said Bromell, pointing out tourism is the second biggest industry in the state.

"It's something we haven't tapped into much, and we hope to." Ruston is trying to be on the cutting edge of in-state and regional tourism, because most people do not want to drive long distances in the age of high gas prices, Friedley said. Also, many from Shreveport-Bossier and the Monroe area are looking for weekend getaways, he said. Vee's Flowers (expression of faring is Soever (fforqotten 324-8337 1814 Roselawn Ave. Monroe 14'. 4" 4 a Rusty Garden original Irtatt IwGterti Veryillarttklt '4 UnlgiMirariMiiwaM '4.

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