70 Years Ago

January 14, 1954

A neighborhood shelter to seat 30 people during such disasters as a tornado or bombing has been built by Earnest Guinn, Civil Defense Director of Harrisonburg, at a cost of approximately $250. The shelter which measures some 10 by 11 feet and is 6 feet, 1 inch in height, has walls of cinderblock and concrete and is topped by 5 inches of steel reinforced concrete under two feet of clay. The entrance is covered by an oaken door and ventilation is provided by outlets in cinder blocks over the door. In addition to benches, shelter equipment includes first aid kits, electric lanterns, and a battery powered radio.

A note from Pvt. James Richardson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hall Richardson, Sr., of Jena, gives his friends a glimpse into army life in Germany. Hall, who is now stationed in Schwabisch Gmund, Germany, with the 28th Infantry Division, says he likes being a cook in the Army just fine. When his Sergeant instituted a new rule that the cleanest, neatest appearing cook would get a 48hour pass, Hall says he won the first one which made him feel good.

The movies playing at the Strand this week included “The Moonlighters,” “From Here to Eternity,” “Fight Attack,” “Gun Fury,” “Six Gun Decision” and “Tangier Incident.”

60 Years Ago

January 16, 1964

Airman Third Class Jerry K. Brian of Jena is being reassigned to England following his graduation from the technical training course for United States Air Force Communications Center Specialists here. Airman Brian, son of Mr. and Mrs. Iley M. Brian of Nebo Route, Jena, studied military communications procedures, message structure and the operation of teletypewriter equipment used in the world-wide Air Force communications system. He graduated from Jena High School and entered the service in August 1963.

January has been designated as the Louisiana Baptist Convention, Wade B. East, Superintendent of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, said today. The annual emphasis is directed by the Louisiana Baptist Foundation which encourages individuals to make their wills and remember in them their church and mission causes and agencies such as the children’s home. An effort is made to stress the importance of will making as it relates to everyone concerned. East said that statistics show that a large percentage of people die without having made a will.

The Strand played “Savage Guns,” “The Maniac,” “Rampage” and “The Slave.”

50 Years Ago

January 10, 1974

Speeds on Louisiana highways

including those in LaSalle Parish, both federal and state routes, will be cut to 55 miles per hour Feb 1, Gov. Edwin Edwards said Thursday. Louisiana motorists are urged to voluntarily observe the slower speeds through January to get used to the idea of traveling slower. “The new speed limit will include cars and trucks, night and day,” Edwards said. “Highway Director, W. T. Taylor has assured me he has the authority to post speed limits in case of an emergency, and this is a national emergency.” Edwards said Taylor told him it will take about three weeks to change the speed limit signs on Louisiana highways. “There will be some problems involved,” Edwards said. “There will have to be a change in driving habits. But there’ll be some salutary effects, too. The lower speed will reduce the accident rate.” He said, “We will enforce the new speed limits on Feb. 1. A month’s enough time for people to get accustomed to the new speeds.”

Maxine Hudnall Glascock of Pampa, Texas has just completed requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from West Texas State University at Canyon, Texas. She had a grade point average of 2.5 on a 3-point scale. Maxine graduated from Jena High School in 1955 and is the daughter of Mrs. Gladys Hudnall Willis of Jena and the wife of Charles Glascock formerly of Tullos. She and Charles have four children: Teresa 15, Bradley 13, Tamera 12 and Bryan 11. Maxine got a late start in her college work since she waited until the children were ready for school before she started going. It has taken determination and hard work to see a long-time dream fulfilled, especially since the college was about 75 miles from her home; and she commuted back and forth in addition to taking care of her family.

40 Years Ago January 11, 1984

The Jena Fire Department was finally given a break, with Monday being the first day of this year without a call. The firemen seemed to be on triple duty throughout the Christmas holidays and the first eight days of 1984 held little difference. According to Fire Chief John Heath, the department has answered 15 calls from January 1-8, more than in a typical month. He added that the department should be called immediately in the event of any fire, even a grease fire in the kitchen. “We’d rather go to a small fire, even if all we have to do is put a lid on it, than see something burn,” Heath said.

A total of $206.50 was collected through fines by the Jena Police Department during the month of December. According to a police report presented to the Jena Town Council Tuesday night by Chief George King, the department made a total of 12 arrests during the month, including five D.W.I.’s. Twelve accidents and four injuries were investigated. Police vehicles were driven a total of 9,207 miles during December. A total of $21 was collected in pound fees. Six dogs were adopted and seven dogs returned to owners.

25 Years Ago January 13, 1999

Blanchard C. Smith, 83-year-old Jena resident, was the last person to pick up mail at the old Jena Post Office last Wednesday afternoon before officials locked the facility for the last time at 4:30 p.m. The new Post Office opened early Thursday morning. Smith said he had received his mail in Box 303 since June 1940, or the past 58 years. A retired banker, Smith said he first rented the box in 1940 when he got married. Although Smith kept his same box number in the move, over 200 numbers eliminated and new numbers were assigned.

About three hundred seniors attended the first annual Health and Safety Fair held Saturday, Nov. 7, 1988, at the Jena Fair Barn. The LaSalle Parish TRIAD, sponsor of the event, termed it a tremendous success. Seniors were treated to a variety of health and safety programs, fed a delicious lunch and entertained during the event. Despite the bad weather on Saturday, the turnout was great and TRIAD expresses their thanks to everyone who attended and participated.

Gawan Burgess was named first place winner of the Nicest Teacher Contest at Jena High School and Glen Joiner won second place. The contest was held prior to the holidays and was sponsored by the Future Teachers of America as a fund raiser. Proceeds will be used to purchase videos and supplies for teachers in the classrooms, according to Dee Bradford, FTA Sponsor.

10 Years Ago January 15, 2014

During more than seven decades, thousands of Louisiana students who didn’t finish high school have received alternative diplomas by completing a test commonly referred to as “the GED”- the General Education Development test. However, starting this month for the past couple of years, has dumped the GED in favor of HiSET (High School Equivalency Test), developed by the Educational Testing Service as a national alternative to the GED. Louisiana is among several states dropping the old standard because of changes made by the company that offers it. Louisiana has about 600,000 residents over age 18 who have no high school diplomas, but officials have made a dent in it with LCTCS adult educational programs.

To bring attention to the issue of hunger in our area, Food Bank of Central Louisiana is teaming up with Walmart to host a food drive from now through a February 2 at 11 stores across central Louisiana for the Defeat Hunger Bowl. All donations will benefit the food bank. The Food Bank of Central Louisiana is a non-profit organization whose mission is to alleviate hunger in central Louisiana. The Food Bank distributes food and grocery produce to needy families through a network of approved charitable agencies.