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Brig. Gen. Bob Efferson Credits Istrouma With Instilling Values Essential to Success

Brig. Gen. Bob L. Efferson was mobilization assistant to the Commander, 8th Air Force, Barksdale Air Force Base and Air Force Component Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb. The command comprises 10 expeditionary wings and is the Air Force component for USSTRATCOM, providing nuclear and computer network operations capability for the Air Force. Eighth […]

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Istrouma Advisory Committee Completes Successful 2017 Centennial Celebration

Twice a year, the greats and near-greats of LSU football from the 1950’s to 1970’s gather for a reunion.  It’s a time for the players to see one another, reminisce, and tell stories, “some of which are actually true,” according to Mark Lumpkin, who organizes the event. Lumpkin was the leading scorer on the LSU […]

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LSU Football Players of 1950’s to 1970’s Meet Twice a Year to Fellowship and Reminisce

Twice a year, the greats and near-greats of LSU football from the 1950’s to 1970’s gather for a reunion.  It’s a time for the players to see one another, reminisce, and tell stories, “some of which are actually true,” according to Mark Lumpkin, who organizes the event. Lumpkin was the leading scorer on the LSU […]

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Hi Nabor Continues a Family Tradition

Sam Crifasi’s father Dominic immigrated to America from Italy and started a fruit stand to provide for his wife, five boys, and three girls. Sam worked in the family businesses. A practicing Catholic, Sam fell in love with a Southern girl named Mary Lou Jacocks, who was Protestant. She converted, they married and started having […]

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Greatest Generation Still Going Strong

The greatest generation still lives! Here in Baton Rouge, that generation is epitomized by the Crifasi family. Their mother and father immigrated from Italy in the early 1900’s. Of the five boys and three girls, six are still alive, including five who reside in the Baton Rouge. They range in age from 83 to 100. […]

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Flood Survivors Glean Lessons From Past Year

We asked our readers who survived the flood of August 2016 and its aftermath to tell us what they learned from the experience. Here’s what they said: Rhonda Badeaux Conrad That I put too much value on “things” and not enough on family! Sherry Kelley-Mack Don’t trust your insurance policy, agent, or provider! Rae Lyons […]

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Brandi Payne: How the Flood Changed Our Lives

My friend wanted a non-flooded comparison of Lawson’s touching front entrance photo. Doesn’t look too drastic until you look at the mailbox. Wow! This is about how it looked when we woke up. We were rescued by boat about three hours later. What a long wait! Cell phones not working, 911 not answering anymore, or […]

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Battle of Baton Rouge Ceremonies Aug. 5

As part of the 1817-2017 Baton Rouge Bicentennial Celebration, the annual Commemoration of the Civil War Battle of Baton Rouge will be enriched with educational displays and special guests sharing Baton Rouge and Louisiana’s history, archaeology, cultural, and medical past. The free event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Magnolia Cemetery, 422 N. […]

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The Bonfire and Other Secrets from Dr. Laycock’s Goodwood Plantation

[NOTE: After more than 160 years in the possession of only two families, Goodwood Plantation in Baton Rouge has been sold to developer Michael Hogstrom, who plans to preserve and restore the home and build 48 high-end homes on the property] By Woody Jenkins As a boy, I was always fascinated by Goodwood Plantation, sitting […]

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Remarkable Moments in Baton Rouge History

There are many remarkable moments in the history of Baton Rouge.  Here are a few of my favorites: The Red Stick or Istrouma •In 1699, French noblemen and explorers Iberville and Bienville sighted a large cypress tree stained with animal blood on the banks of the Mississippi.  It was called Istrouma and served as the […]

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