Lost Bayou Ramblers move traditional music to the 21st century

I have seen the future of Cajun music and its name is Lost Bayou Ramblers.
The band was formed in 1999 by brothers Louis (fiddle) and André (accordion) Michot.
They have already released several albums of music. Their last studio effort was Mammoth Waltz, which was released five years ago. Since then they have also released a live album, Gaza Gaza, an album which very well represents the sounds of today's Lost Bayou Ramblers.
Recently they got the opportunity of having nation wide attention since the band was one of the acts chosen to perform on public television series, American Epic, a series, which told the history of the American recording industry. On the show they performed Allons A Lafayette, recorded on the same type of vintage recording equipment as when the song was first recorded, in the late 1920's. Louis Michot expressed in a radio interview recently the amazing feeling it was to have an opportunity to record the song on the same type of recording gear as was used when Joe Falcon and Cleoma Breaux first recorded it back in the days.

Lost Bayou Ramblers will release their eighth album on September 29. It is titled Kalenda after a song which founds its way to south Louisiana from the Caribbean, via the slave market on Congo Square in New Orleans.  I got a first taste of the new album some weeks ago when the band performed
during a release gig at Bayou Teche Brewing in Arnaudville. The brewery also launched a special brew, a porter seasoned with smoked Louisiana figs for the occasion.
The  Ramblers on the album are Louis Michot on fiddle and vocals, Andre Michot on accordion and lap steel guitar; Eric Heigle on drums; Korey Richey on bass, synth bass, and production; Jonny Campos on guitar, pedal steel and “tape manipulation” and Kirkland Middleton on drums and percussion. The album is recorded at studios in Maurice, Louisiana, New York City and New Orleans. Both Heigle and Richey engineered the recording. They have earlier worked with rock acts like LCD Soundsystem and Arcade Fire. Guest on the album include Spider Stacey of The Pogues, cellist Leila McCalla, Dickie Landry on saxophone, and Jimmy Horn on percussion.

The album starts with an old-timey sounding accordion. However, this  doesn't last long, The opening track, Sabine Turnaround, soon evolves into a modern soundscape with electric guitars, synthesized percussion, and  tape effects. The track has borrowed some from Allons A Lafayette, but becomes a new track by way of mixing traditional sounds with modern music production ideas. The track closes out as it begins, with accordion and fiddle.
The next track, Cote Clair Waltz, is adding André's lap steel to a great affect. This track is likely the most traditional sounding track of the album's ten tracks.

The third track, Granny Smith, is another great track guaranteed to fill up any dance floor in South Louisiana. Through the album Lost Bayou Ramblers continue to explore new sonic territories. It is very obvious on the fourth track, Freetown Crawl/ Fightin'ville Brawl, which almost goes psychedelic. Every time I hear this track Pink Floyd's On The Run from the Dark Side of The Moon album comes to mind. Don't ask me why, but that's how it is.

On an old traditional tune, Si J'aurais Des Ailes, the band invites The Pogues' Spider Stacey to play tin whistle. Lost Bayou Ramblers and Spider Stacey have performed together on several occasions playing the songs of the Pogues. They turn the ancient melody to a contemporary adventure, with Spider's tin flute giving it an Irish flair.
The title tracks,  Kalenda, is very experimental in nature, adding cello and saxophone and assorted percussion instruments to the mix. The song is also known as Colinda, but the popularized version of the song is far from Lost Bayou Ramblers take on it.

The album closes out with Aloha Golden Meadow, which almost takes us to the islands of Hawaii, although Forked Island, Cow Island, Pine Island and other Louisiana islands down the bayou are more likely destinations. The song was released last year accompanied by an official video.

A favorite on the album is the joyous Rice Pump, which begins with synthesized percussion sounding like a diesel pump used by farmers to flood their rice fields.
Kalenda is released on the band's own label, Rice Pump Records.

The release gig at Bayou Teche Brewing became a very informal affair. The band played under the roof of the brewery's front porch, while the Louisiana rain was pouring down for most of the time. They performed a few new numbers, mixed with old favorites.
All through their two sets the band experimented with new sounds. Sometimes the accordion was distorted, at other times more traditional. Louis' fiddle was enhanced by echo and other sound effects. The electric guitar was not given any solos, instead it added ambience with the help of the guitar player's assortment of pedals, bells and whistles. It just took one glance at guitarist Jonny Campos gear to realize Lost Bayou Ramblers is not your ordinary Cajun band. A hint of how it sounded is available on youtube. 

The release party at Bayou Teche Brewing was  followed by a stream of gigs across the country to promote their new album. I noticed that one of the clubs Lost Bayou Ramblers played at advertised the concert as Cajun psychedelic rock, which is probably not too far from the truth.
Kalenda is available on-line and at record stores from September 29 and will most likely also be available on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.
(All photos by Bengt Lindell ©)

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey came and left. The storm brought record breaking amounts of rain over Texas, especially the Houston area, but Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange and Vidor near the Louisiana border weren't spared either.
The coastal areas in Texas (The Corpus Christie, Rockport area) where Harvey made landfall saw total devastation from the Category 4 hurricane force.
Parts of southwest Louisiana experienced  flooding also, especially after Sabine River flooded and caused Interstate 10 between Texas and Louisiana to close down.Parts of I- were totally submerged by water.
After the storm several communities assisted evacuees from Texas and SW Louisiana.
Several hundred evacuees arrived at Jennings alone aand I decided to go there to make my self useful for a few hours.
I went over to Days Inn, by the Jennings airport since I knew many were housed there. From there I was sent to a storage building on Cuttting Avenue, were donations were dropped, sorted and distributed to evacuees in need of clothing, shoes, diapers, toys, paper towels, toilet paper and more.
I spent a few hours there. I didn't really do much, but what I did no one else had to do.
During a break I talked to one of the volunteers and asked if he had worked a lot during the extended Labor Day weekend.
He looked at me and replied quietly: Not really. I am actually one of the evacuees, my home in Winnie was flooded and I was eventually rescued and airlifted by US Navy.
He said he really didn't want to leave his home.
"I wanted them to rescue families and children first. I'm 62 years old, don't have a family and really don't have them many years left anyway."
He explained he lives near a marsh and two times before had he lost most of his belongings in flooding. This time he got time enough to save a valuable items, including his hunting weapons before as he said, he was "tricked to evacuate, by the  helicopter crew. He stayed with his sister in Lake Arthur, but was anxious to return home to to see what kind of damage his home had received. Meanwhile he volunteered to assist other victims of the rising waters. Indeed, a true hero.
A family of five walked in the distribution center, a mom, dad and three little girls. This Texas family had lost everything, except for what they had to load up in their vehicle, before the rising waters took over their home. It was very moving, very emotional to watch this family and they gratitude they showed for what they received. There were also room for a few smile as we watched the two girls checking out the donated toys.
It was just impressive to witness how a community can come together and assist others in need.
Less heroic efforts were made my the Budget Inn Motel in Jennings. Allegedly the motel took in refugees, but charged them $50 per room a night. They wanted cash  and pay for a week in advance. Other volunteers in Jennings dropped off food and water at the motel's lobby, reserved for the evacuees. The motel allegedly charged the evacuees $8 per meal, plus $1 per bottle of water for the donated items.
This issue is now reported to the Jennings police and the Attorney General of Louisiana. If the above is true one can only hope that the owner of the motel will loose his license to operate this stinky business.
When I drove back to Welsh I could not help to think about the many stories I heard from Hurricane Katrina evacuees 12 years ago. The couple of hours in Jennings brought back so many memories. So many evacuees came to seek shelter in Jeff Davis Parish, before chased away by Hurricane Rita, which made landfall at the mouth of Sabine River about three weeks after Hurricane K.
Meanwhile another hurricane (Irma) is aiming as the coastlines of Florida. More devastation could be in the forecast. The storm is estimated to make landfall in Florida around Sunday, August 10. Mandatory evacuation of all tourists in the Florida Keys is already in effect. More evacuation orders can be expected during the coming days.

Welsh mayor reponds to criticism

"At times I feel like we've been beating on a dead horse for the past six months," Welsh Mayor Carolyn Louviere regarding recent negative headlines. However, she also wants to embrace the positives, which also have occurred during the same time frame. The town has received several grants, and the town's finances continue to look good.
She explains the aldermen and the mayor have different roles which are regulated by the state's Lawrason Act.
The aldermen have a legislative role, they vote on propositions, which are brought up to them. This include rates, ordinances, appointments, etc. This also includes the budget. The mayor is more of an administrator, a CEO, sort of. The mayor oversees operations and ensures that the town's departments are run smoothly and that business is run on behalf of the citizens. However, the mayor has not the oversight over the police department. This is the duty of the police chief who is one of the town's six elected officials. She states it is not the duty of any of the aldermen to direct the work of the town's department heads.
During the past months there has been much discussion regarding the town's budget process and how it is put together.
Mayor Louviere explains that the budget is a projection, a forecast of incomes and expenditures for the budget year. The budget is compiled at the mayor's office, after meeting with department heads to discuss needs and projected expenses.
"Just because an item is placed in the budget, does not necessarily mean that those monies will be used, nor does it mean that if certain circumstances arise, which would require additional funding, above and and beyond what has already been budgeted, that those expenses will not be met," Mayor Louiviere states. She also says that however educated and researched the forecasted budget is, nothing is certain.
Her office has made the best possible effort to predict incomes and expenditures for the town's departments, including the police department.
Once the budget is prepared and balanced the budget is presented to the aldermen. They will vote for or against the proposed budget. The mayor says that the town's five aldermen plays an important role in the process, making recommendations and discussing issues with the department heads. She adds that several of the aldermen met individually with the town's department heads to discuss the needs of each department. However, ultimately it is up the the mayor to compile a budget and present it to the board of aldermen.
Mayor Louviere says that a lot has been said and written about the third budget meeting, which Alderman Colby Perry in a recent interview said "went downhill." Welsh Police chief, Marcus Crochet, had brought several of his police officers to the meeting, plus the police chief of Iowa and a financial advisor from that town.
About the meeting Mayor Louviere says, " I don't think the presence of a department's head, along with members of that department, who would be impacted by issues being discussed is something we should view as anything improper."
She also states that bringing in representatives from Iowa to discuss, or defend issues probably was wise. Alderman Perry had visited with officials in Iowa before the meeting to discuss budget issues. Mayor Louviere said that Alderman Perry had reacted to the presence of these individuals in an extremely rude and unprofessional way.
"I think Chief Crochet has every right to do whatever he thinks can promote those issues that concern him and his department," Louviere states.
She also says that proposed pay increases for the patrolmen and the chief were included in the balanced budget, which was voted on by the aldermen in May and was passed with a 3-2 vote. Colby Perry was one of the two aldermen voting against the budget. Louviere also says that even the pay raises were budgeted, it still takes a vote from the aldermen before any changes in salaries are implemented. Pay raises for the police officers have been approved by the aldermen, but the raise for the chief is expected to be voted on at the next council meeting Tuesday, July 11 (Date has been corrected by the author). A public hearing will be held before the vote.
An issue, which has been very troubling for Mayor Louviere is recent allegations regarding improprieties and abuse by Welsh police officers. These allegations were made in a letter Alderman Colby Perry wrote to the State's Legislative Auditor. She says that the allegations have put a lingering dark cloud over the town's reputation. Perry said he has obtained evidence though a private investigator he hired, but has chosen not to present any evidence, or make a formal complaint.
"I am asking Mr. Perry, for the good of the entire community, to properly address any improper violations of any laws that may have occurred and to produce any, and all of any items of evidence that he might have in his possession that would aid and assist law enforcement officers to resolve these terrible allegations," Mayor Louviere says in an attempt to reach out to Alderman Perry.
She adds, "I don't think that it is proper for an individual to publicly make these charges against an entire department (and elected officials) and make the statement that you have evidence in hand supporting your allegations, but you choose not to produce said evidence. I think it is serious given the fact that the person doing this is an elected official."
Another topic which has been discussed is the town's TED (Traffic Enforcement Detail) program and accounts which have been set up to administer revenue from TED. Welsh is one of many towns along Interstate 10, and also along Highway 165, to have implemented programs such as TED, although municipalities like Vinton, Fenton, Iowa, Jennings, etc. all have different names for the program. In the program police officers work overtime hours at I-10, issuing speeding tickets and tickets for other traffic violations. Speeding tickets are only issued if motorists travel above 10 miles per hour over the allowed speed.
"The TED program has provided an excellent source of revenue for many improvements and upgrades for our police department without putting any additional burden on our citizens. We will continue to utilize this program, and continue to seek out those opportunities to add to the town's revenue stream utilizing outside sources", Louviere says. She furthermore states that the town has been doing exactly what is required by Govern Accounting rules. The two discussed accounts have been audited and reviewed by third parties, as well as by the State of Louisiana.
"We have received opinions from local, parish, and state agencies that everything we have done is in strict accordance with  generally accepted accounting procedures," Mayor Loviere says and adds, "This is simply how governmental accounting works. Our books are open, and are subject to review by many outside regulatory agencies."
Additionally, Mayor Louviere explains any time a purchase is made a purchase order has to be issued, and the money is transferred from the right account, to the general funds.
"If we need to purchase gravel, that money would be transferred to General Funds from the Streets and Roads account. If a purchase is made for electrical supplies, these monies would come out of the Light and Water account."She adds that any expense can always be traced back to the correct account. Every bill has to be approved by the mayor before it is being paid.
She states that the town's finances are in a very good shape, which is the result of the hard and diligent work by the staff at the city hall. She says that as of May 31, 2017 (the end of the fiscal year) monies in the town's checking accounts totaled $2,066,106. The town's Cash Emergency fund totaled $1,002,115.
"We have worked hard to  build this level of financial soundness and security.
Despite all negative headlines a lot has been accomplished during the last six months.
A half a million dollar upgrade of the sewer system was completed. The project was financed with grant money.
Recently a check of $975,000 was presented to the town in Baton Rouge. The check represents a low interest loan, but 20 percent of the debt, or $195,000 will be forgiven. The funds will be used to improve the town's drinking water. Two new ground water storage tanks will be built. Papers for this work were recently signed.
A new sewer pipe, crossing Sportsman Park will be built, The work is financed with a $146,800 LGAP Grant.
The town has recently purchased a new garbage truck. The oldest of the two trucks will be sold as surplus.
The town has also upgraded an electrical sub-station, plus completed payment of two bonds.
Cleanup efforts on Interstate 10 have also generated money for the town. The company, which provided clean-up efforts extended electrical lines jut north of I-10 since a lot of electric power will be used for the clean up. The cost to extend the electric lines totaled $200,000, but at no cost for the town. However, the town will sell electricity to the company. The town recently issued a first monthy bill to the company, totaling $31,000 in revenue.
More grants for street projects are currently in the works, but have not yet been approved by the state. The grants if approved, would generate $600,000 to $800,000 which would be used for street repairs and other projects.

Alderman Colby Perry of Welsh explains his position

Small town politics in Welsh has seen its share of headlines during the last few months. In the midst of all the attention has often been Alderman Colby Perry, 23.
Perry was one of four new aldermen elected to the five seats in last autumn's election.
He is a Welsh native, and has been living in Welsh his entire life.He currently attends McNeese State University of Lake Charles and plans to graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in  General Studies. He is also a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve.
"I might have been the youngest alderman ever elected in Welsh. I am not sure. Donald Brown was elected at a very young age, too, but he was mayor," Perry comments on his age.
Perry explains that when the new council took office, the five of them, plus the mayor ever really got a chance  to sit down and talk to each other since the Louisiana Sunshine laws prevents them from meeting more than two at a time. (If three aldermen meet it would be considered a public meeting, which has to be publicly announced at least 24 hours prior to the meeting, author's note).
Perry explains that four of the aldermen went to the LMA (Louisiana Municipal Association) Convention, but that was really the only time they had a chance to interact outside of a public meeting.
Perry continues and explains that "things were thrown at them" very quickly in the beginning.
One of these items was the town's budget".
"For many of us this was our first time in office, and we wanted to set a ground for us to achieve the goals we had planned".
Perry explains that three budget meetings were scheduled.
"The first meeting went well. The second meeting went well, we had a lot of questions in that one. The third went ... off the wall," Perry says.
He continues and explains that no one really is against the police department.
"But a $250,000 increase is quite substantial," Perry says and continues, "to do that and not really look at other items was what made me concerned. I think we should have looked at every line item and find ways how to save money. We could have come up with a really good budget which would have set a good foundation for the future. Right now I am not confident with the budget, and I think we missed an opportunity".
He adds, "If it was up to me I wouldn't focus on just the police department, I would focus on every department to streamline that budget. Because at the end of the day that budget affects our citizens, whether it's  the services we provide, or how much I am going to pay for the services we do provide."
During this process, did Perry have any contact with, for example the police chief regarding his concerns?
"We were anticipating in doing that during the budget meetings", Perry replies.
However he adds, "Andrea (King) and I met with  the police chief at his office, I think all aldermen did."
He continues to explain that he had hoped to ask questions and address concerns at the third budget meeting.
Things went downhill after the earlier mentioned third budget meeting. His explanation of why there was a conflict at the meeting because  Police Chief Crochet had brought several of his police officers to the meeting, plus the Iowa police chief and the financial advisor from that town.
"I don't think the other side was 100 percent at fault; they just didn't take into consideration that they had new aldermen," Perry explains.
When asked which the other side was, Perry explains, "Take the mayor for example: It is almost natural for her to take charge of the budget because she has had the same aldermen for so long. She didn't realize that we wanted to focus on it in debt as we did. So I am not saying that she is at fault ... entirely."
He adds,  "Some of the aldermen wanted to focus more, some of the aldermen didn't understand, I just don't think we could have achieved what we wanted in just three budget meetings."
About the third budget meeting Perry says, "A lot of disconnect happened when these outsiders came, and it wasn't just the mayor, aldermen and police chief who sat down. Everything got misconstrued."
Perry says despite the conflict he sees more people attending the city council meetings.
"I see people who have never attended a meeting before. I see optimism, and I see people who want change."
He continues, "I don't think we drastically need to change everything, but we need to elementate some changes."
So what changes does Perry want to see, and where does he want Welsh to be in for example five years?
"I think we need to put more effort into making wise decisions. I don't agree with some of the decisions, but I think we really need to sit down ... we need work meetings so we can sit down and discuss. What happens is we come to the regular scheduled meetings and it becomes a show. It is very hard to polish your deliberations when you don't even have a prior meeting."
He is hopeful that regular meetings would go much smoother if items were discussed at a work meeting prior to the regular meetings.
"I want us to make good, solid decisions for the future. I want us to grow economically. I want us to be seen as an example of small towns. I don't want us to be the status quo."
Are there any challenges for Welsh to reach that goal?
"Right now we are facing communication challenges. I think we can achieve what we want. Bob (Alderman Bob Owens) had a great idea of a five to ten year plan. I think that is a wonderful idea.
So what does Alderman Perry want to see in the plan?
"I'd like us to promote some economic growth. I just want people to be positive about Welsh. I want people to continue to have that enthusiasm, that optimism that I saw when I was first elected. I want people to come to the meetings. I want people to engage. I want people to be excited about Welsh. And ultimately I want the people of Welsh to be united, whether that is your political standpoint, or your race, or whatever."
Is there anything to learn form the recent turmoil?
"I have learned that government is rather slow, and I move pretty quick.  I learned that it is important to sit down and communicate,  because not everyone will understand your perspective.
Would Perry have done anything different now with the hindsight and experience?
I don't regret anything, but ... well, maybe take it slower. Perhaps acknowledge that there never was an attempt to oppress us. Maybe there was just a lack of communication.
Perry adds, "To be frank, you have a group of new aldermen together with an established mayor, what can you expect. I think it makes us realize some things, actually, on both ends.
What would that be?
"In some ways we probably understand each other, looking back and reflect on what we have done. Maybe understanding a better way to communicate. I think there are things both sides need to work on."
Among the issues Colby Perry has disagreed on, so far, is the town magistrate.
He say he thinks the town can be very innovative in implementing two magistrates that would alternate in court.
"The reason I want to do that is - I have talked about unity and how there is a division - we would have two very experienced attorneys. It wouldn't cost us anything extra and we would have one black female and one white male. I think that is what we need."
He says he has seen distrust in the community regarding law enforcement and also the magistrate. A more diversified magistrate would help in abridging any division.
Perry says he has suggested this change to  the mayor.
"She didn't understand the significance of it."
He has also discussed Bernhard McLaughlin, who has agreed to volunteer as a mediator between the town's elected officials. Mc Laughlin will help assist with getting Perry's proposition in writing.
(Bernard McLaughling is a retired colonel and attorney from Lake Charles, who has agreed to volunteer as  mediator between the elected officials. McLauglin is also a member of the Welsh Police Reserve.)
When asked if it was in  a letter to the mayor where she felt like being accused of being racist, Perry replies,
"Yes that was a part of those letters. I don't think she is racist. In fact the letter never said 'you are racist.' It said she is embracing racism."
Perry was asked to elaborate on this subject.
"Well, considering there were postcards sent out with derogatory language." The postcards Perry is referring to were publicly known  last week. Some households in Welsh had received a postcard picturing aldermen Andrea King and Colby Perry where they were called terrorists. The author of the postcards used derogatory terminology, and a racial slur.
So does Perry suspect Welsh Mayor Carolyn Louviere was involved in the postcard?
"No, I don't think it was her, but it was supporting her agenda."
When asked to clarify what Colby Perry means with "her agenda" He answers, "With law enforcement, with recalling us, with removing us, with me and Andrea (King) being seen as antagonists working together  (There is a recall effort regarding Colby Perry only. Author's note).
Regarding his latest e-mail Colby Perry reflects, "Perhaps I just was angry and perhaps the e-mail was sent irrationally."
So was the e-mail sent out because of the post cards?
"Yes, I was made aware of the post cards. It was a very busy weekend for me. And again, that goes back to communication. I think the mayor should also have been considerate about where I was coming from."
Have you had any contact with the mayor since  the city council meeting on June 6, when Mayor Louviere replied to Colby Perry's accusations?
"No."
Do  you communicate with any of the other aldermen?
"Yes, I do with some of them, but not all of them."
Colby Perry again stresses the importance of work meetings. He states that everyone has busy work schedules, which makes it hard to have a regular contact. Perry also says that he doesn't think having work meetings on a monthly basis would be an added cost for the town and the taxpayers.
Accounts for the city hall and the police department have also been discussed by Colby Perry.
The town receives revenue from the so called TED (Traffic Enforce Detail) program, where police officers patrol Interstate 10 during overtime hours. Fines from TED have been a steady income for the town. A few years ago the town set up two accounts for the TED money. Sixty percent of the monies goos to the town's account. The remaining 40 percent went to the police department. The police department's funds would be used for maintenance, and to buy equipment for the police department. The town's 60 percent would be used in the general funds.
Earlier Colby Perry claimed that these two accounts were illegal. However he says he now understands the accounts are legal, although he does not agree with how the police chief handles his budget.
Perry says that according to Louisiana Law a budget has to be amended if expenditures are five percent or more over the budget. It is his opinion that the chief has waited too long to amend his budget  when predictions show the police department is over the five percent limit.
He says he is eager to see what the annual audit will reveal regarding the accounts.
At the council meeting on June 6, Colby Perry also discussed the possibility of shopping around for another auditor than the current accounting firm (McElroy, Quirk and Burch of Lake Charles). The town currently pays $12,500 annually for the audit. Perry says it would be good business practice to get bids form other accounting firms, although he does realize that he was too late to propose bids at the meeting in June. However, he thinks the town should ask for bids.
Perry claims that several aldermen over the years have been dissatisfied in regards to the current auditor.
"We need an auditor who will write us up. It is not to get anyone in trouble, but we need to correct our deficiencies," Perry says and continues, "Our audits are almost the same year after year and to be honest, you get that with auditors. They will only look at things that are really brought to the attention."
Perry says that eventually he and the aldermen will get a questionnaire from the auditor and he will provide a check list for them.
The checklist would include, but would not be limited to, the police department's budget practice.
"For instance I don't understand why we, for every pay period, we transfer money to our general funds, just to meet payroll"?
Furthermore  Perry also elaborates on the town's sales tax.
"People are taxed out, in a couple of years those taxes will be gone and would have to be renewed. Like things are now would voters support those taxes?"
He is also concerned with the town's TED program.
"Eventually motorists will recognize Welsh as a speed trap  and slow down. And what if the state shuts the TED program down? We must become self sustainable."
Recently Colby Perry directed allegations towards the police department in a letter addressed to Louisiana Legislative Auditor. According to Perry Welsh police officers were engaged in sexual affairs with female high school students and distributing alcohol to persons under the age of 21.
He said already in January he was made aware of an incident where a police officer allegedly made an arrest and body search without having any probable cause.
"I failed when I didn't talk to the police, I should have told them, but at the same time I was just coming into office. I didn't want any blood, it was a very difficult position to put me in."
Eventually Perry heard more accusations, but chose not to contact the Welsh police chief.
"It was my understanding that the chief was aware about it."
He adds, "The chief has yet to contact me about it (the allegations, so it is almost like they knew about it."
So what would Colby Perry recommend one of your constituent to do if he, or she heard the above accusations against the police department?
"They should contact the chief of police."
So why doesn't it apply to Alderman Perry?
"Again, I felt like the chief already was aware of the allegations. In a perfect world, yes, I would have contacted the police, but the way we were ambushed at that meeting (the third budget meeting) I still to this day don't feel secure talking to the police chief. I felt intimidated."
At the council meeting June 6, a public hearing regarding increased salary for Police Chief  Marcus Crochet was added to the agenda of the next council meeting Tuesday, July 11 (Date has been corrected by the author).
Perry says he will not vote in favor of such a measure, but welcomes the public's input in the matter.
He states that it is nothing personal against the chief, but he just does not feel confident in supporting a 33 percent pay raise.
"For $15,000 per year we could do a lot," Perry says. He states that he would like to see a pay increase for all employees. An increase for the town's police officers is already in the budget, which was voted on in May.
Perry again elaborates on the budget and says he thinks with a streamlined budget, the town would have been able to afford a pay raise for all town employees.
Perry says he welcomes the public to contact him to discuss these and other topics. He says he can be contacted on-line, or they can call him at (337) 452-1287.

Rest In Peace, Buster (November 2006 - September 2016)

On December 27, 2006, Pat's birthday, she brought home a puppy, a six-week old Boston terrier. Buster, which his name became, was Pat's birthday gift to herself. A relative oof one of her colleagues was breeding Boston terriers and Pat had gone there to pick one dog  from the litter. She had noticed one of the dogs, he was a little shyer then than the rest. The kennel owner told Pat that the puppy was the only one with perfect markings, a white streak on the forehead, white socks on his front legs and white dots on his back feet. She decided to take the "pick of the litter" and brought him home.
I honestly admit that I was a little skeptical at first. We were both working and taking care of a dog is a big responsibility. However, it didn't take long before before I thought it was the best idea in the world.
The first couple of days he hardly ever left the utility room, which eventually became his room.  We brought him outside every so often so he would get used of doing his "business" outside.
The first couple of times when Buster was outside we weren't sure how our cat, Critter, would react. However, she immediately adopted Buster as her own kitten. The only thing she didn't do was feeding him. Every time she saw Buster she approached him and licked him all over to assure he was clean. Buster didn't know what to think, since he had never met a cat before.
Getting Buster house trained was challenging at first. We bought cover for the floor and soon, he learned, well almost, to use the covers in the utility room as his bathroom when we weren't home.
I worked just a couple of blocks from  home, so it was easy for me to scoot over to our residence to check on Buster and take him outside.

Buster became bolder and bolder. Soon our home, not just the utility room, was his home also.
After a few weeks he managed to climb the outside stairs up and down. He couldn't wait to get outside to investigate what was out there.
 Also the indoors was a great place to be, according to him. There was so much stuff to chew on. Sometimes we got concerned about his habits since he thought it was OK to chew on everything from screwdriver handles he  found in the toolbox in the utility room, to electric cords.                                                                                     

We got wiser and wiser and managed to keep stuff out of his way, most of the time.

When we caught him chewing on something in the house, we fussed at him and and placed him in his bed in the utility room. Soon enough he learned his first phrase, "Buster, go to your house." And off he went. Eventually we didn't even have to tell him anything. When he was found  with "his hand in the cookie jar" he retired to the utility room without us having to tell him anything.
At home he had his dedicated spots. He always slept on his own in the utility room. When Pat and I watched TV, he was always with us in the sofa with us. He had his designated cushion, which was covered with a blanket. Whenever he decided to look for a more comfortable spot in the sofa we  told him, "Buster go to your place", which he did after giving us an accusing look.
Sometimes, when he was home alone, he would sneak out from his room and have a seat in the sofa. Sometimes he when we returned home, we caught in the sofa with a guilty look in his eyes. Other times he escaped back to the utility room before we unlocked the backdoor. He was usually sitting in his basket with a "I was here all the time" look on his face. However, a quick check of his warm spot in the sofa, confirmed his "guilt."
It was funny to see the different expressions he had. When we fist got Buster we read up on the breed one of the characteristics was the expressive face. Others included loyalty. Buster was very protective and always kept an eye on what was going on outside.

I mentioned our cat, Critter earlier. They remained good buddies over the years until she passed away of old age. Sometimes when we all were on the front porch Buster tried to aggravate her by dancing around Critter, like a boxer with fancy foot work. Every once in a while Buster would pretend to bite, which he never did. Critter was just sitting there watching Buster, until she had enough of his foolishness. Then she would swat him one time on the nose, but never with the claws out. Buster always looked stunned and immediately stopped. Other times they were just rubbing against each other like the two good buddies they were.

For a while Buster also had a girl friend, a brown Labrador retriever, named Belle. She was an old dog, but visited Buster ever so often. When we saw Belle outside we would tell Buster, "Belle is here." He rushed to the window and started crying when he saw her. We let Buster out and they played outside for a while and eventually Belle walked home. One time, when we hadn't noticed Belle outside, she was sitting out there barking, waiting for Buster to come out and play.
Buster seemed to love the Belle sessions. When he didn't play with her, he played with us. He had a favorite toy, a green rubber ring, which he got when he was just a few months old. When he needed entertainment he brought us his green ring and placed it in our laps so we could throw it.

Over the years Buster gave us so much joy. He was a good and obedient dog (mostly) and never caused us any major problems.He stayed healthy most of the times. He had been to the veterinary a couple of time before he got ill a few weeks ago. On one of those occasions he was bad off. He didn't seem to be able to digest his food. However, he never needed any medications, but was recommended by Dr, Cheramie and Jennings Animal Hospital to eat special food for a while. That helped him and he was soon back to his old self again.
Just before Labor Day we noticed that Buster was constantly panting. He seemed to be short of breath. He also had a cough. We brought him back to the vet, who noticed a murmur on Buster's heart. Dr. Cheramie prescribed some pills for Buster. One of them was for his heart and another was a diuretic to remove fluid from Buster's system. Already the day after we could notice a difference. His breathing was more normal, and he had gotten back the glint in his eyes. His cough was gone also. He continued to take his pills and all was well when he finished his cure, which was just a few days ago. However, Saturday we noticed he started panting again. A day later he also started his coughing. We decided that first ting of order Monday was to contact the veterinary and make an appointment. He seemed to be doing so well on the meds, so we were hopeful that he could get back on the medicine and perhaps stay on them.

Sunday evening when we were watching TV we could tell that Buster really needed to see an animal doctor. It seemed like he knew it too. He refused to lay down in his spot on the sofa, but insisted to sitting in between us instead. We didn't tell him to go to his place but instead tried to make him as comfortable as possible.
Before bed time I brought him outside a last time and he went out and did his business in our back yard.  I was standing on the front porch watching him. When he was done he came galloping back like he always did. Little did I know that I was the last time I brought Buster outside. The next morning I found him dead in the living room, where he peacefully had died.
Buster's last resting place is in our back yard where he is buried with his beloved green rubber ring.
Buddy, we didn't seem to keep you long enough. Thanks for everything you gave us.

A new twist on a Louisiana classic

A couple of weeks ago Pop's Poboys, located downtown Lafayette, was listed as one of the 50 best new restaurants in the country.  The list is an annual  event, sponsored by food magazine Bon Appetite. Eventually they will make a Top 10 list.
Pop's om Jefferson Street has been open for a bout a year and a half and is one of many places in that city, which serves po'boys.
A po'boy, for you you not from Louisiana, is a french bread sandwich, originating in New Orleans.
It's a classic sandwich, a  typical "workingman's lunch" The typical po'boy comes in a baguette, dressed with tomatoes, lettuce and mayonnaise. Stuffing can be everything from ham to sea food.
I was curious to see why a sandwich place would end on a Top 50 list like that. I did some research and found their menu on Facebook, as well as on their website.
I vaguely remember having tried a po'boy from Pop's during Festival International, but festival food is what it is, one enjoys it while it lasts, but afterwards it's hard to remember who exactly served what. However, both my wife and I remembered their sandwich as good.
Pop's is not a fancy restaurant. It's a typical south Louisiana casual place with friendly service. Their website states, "Classic interpretations and exciting twists on Louisiana's favorite sandwich plus starters, salads, sides, sweets and refreshing beverages, all in a relaxed casual setting."
The "refreshing beverages" contains everything from water to a list of cocktails with a local twist. They also carry the local soda pop, Swamp Pop.
I walked in and checked the menu, written on the wall. There were some items, not listed on their printed menu. However, I decided to stay with my initial plan, which was a Delcambre Dandy (shrimp) po'boy. I also added a serving of their house cut French fries, with a horseradish, peppercorn, dipping sauce. One orders at the counter, just like  at any burger, sandwich joint. and then take a seat.
I sat down at a table, which was covered with a paper table cloth. Crayons were available for the more creative lunch guests.
While waiting for my sandwich I looked at the constantly growing line of customers. I also noticed they were delivering take out orders, using the more and more popular Waitr app. Well, that's what I assumed since the guys leaving with bags of food hat Waitr T-shirts on.
The french fries with the dipping sauce arrived first. It was a big serving of fried potatoes and I almost regretted getting them. However. the fries and dipping sauce were good. I am a horseradish fan, and often used it, sometimes in a potato salad dressing or in a gravy served with fish. The dipping sauce had a nice, but not overwhelming bite to it.
I didn't have to wait too long for my sandwich, which arrived rolled up in paper and without a plate.
I unwrapped my serving and  the po'boy looked really good. Besides shrimp fried to perfection, it was dressed with tomatoes, arugula salad and a lemon and capers sauce, no mayo or mustard. I had to look at it for  a while because the bread with its stuffing looked so good. The shrimp were nice size and there were a lot of them, too. Ween i grabbed my sandwich a piece of tomato fell out  and landed on the wrap. I tasted it and it really tasted t-o-m-a-t-o. Most times tomatoes, especially in the wintertime taste like  a tomato, but when you get a sun ripened tomato in your mouth, you know the difference.
I took a bite. The shrimp were firm, but tender and just perfect. The lemon and caper sauce added a nice twist to it, just like promised on their website. The po'boy was absolutely delicious, the texture of the shrimp, tomato and arugula was very nice. The French bread was also very great. Sometimes I am picky with my bread.  I like my po'boy bread to be crispy on the outside and soft, but chewy on the inside. The bread was near perfect.

All in all, it was a very nice food experience. Pop's po'boys lets the ingredients do the talking. There's no gimmicks, no  waiters dressed in black, or anything fancy one would expect from a restaurant, listed as a top notch place to eat. Just good food made with love and creativity.
Highly recommendable. I'll be back!

Almost 18 years ago Welsh, Louisiana became my new home base.I had married Pat in November and arrived as a Swedish immigrant into the U.S. in December, 1998.
This blog will feature people, stories, music food and occurrences  I have run across since I moved here. There will also be some memories from "the old country".
South Louisiana has been my home since i moved here and after 18 years in , what some call Cajun Country. After all these years I refer to myself as Swejun.
Despite living most of my life in the Swedish south (Skåne) I soon realized that there was more that connected people from different cultures, than separated us.
I moved from a crawfish crazy, agricultural part of Sweden to a crawfish crazy agricultural part of southwest Louisiana.   
Over the years I have experienced so much here, much thanks to my job as the editor for The Welsh Citizen, a weekly newspaper in Welsh, where I live together with Pat and our Boston terrier, Buster. I was the "newspaper man" here. for 14 years, until the newspaper closed a couple of years ago.
Still to this day some kids refer to me as the "newspaper man", or the "picture man", when they see me at the grocery store.
My goal is to post stories here a few times every month, but I am not making any promises. Sometimes life has other plans in mind.