The Independent Media Group August 3, 2011 - The Independent Media Group

The Independent Weekly August 3, 2011

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A Fine Mess
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 By Wynce Nolley Photos by Robin May Nearing its fourth anniversary monitoring — and busting — lead-footed Lafayette motorists, the SafeLight/SafeSpeed program is racking up millions of dollars in fines. But getting violators to pay is another matter entirely. ... Read More >>

Welcome to Hooterville
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 By Walter Pierce Memo to Acadia Parish: The 1960s called, they want their politics back. ... Read More >>

One Step Forward, One Step Back
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 By Heather Miller *Growth remains slow at best, nonexistent at worst, in Lafayette’s at-risk schools.* ... Read More >>

Pooyie 08.03.2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 C’EST BON Louisiana is finally getting creative with people who welsh on their obligations to their children. PAS BON There’s no question that LSU is great at recruiting the top athletic talent in the country... COUILLON OK, we took some heat from readers this week... ... Read More >>

LOW CLASS & KICK ASS

Bas Clas is headed back to Lafayette for a pair of gigs and its first ‘real’ recording session in more than two decades. By Walter Pierce

If you’re from South Louisiana and are of a certain age — say, 40 to 60 — and if you care not for the Top 40 Pablum that has long oozed from the radio like bland porridge, you probably remember Bas Clas. At Grant Street and the old Jefferson Street Café in Lafayette. At Mother’s Mantle in Baton Rouge. The Maple Leaf in New Orleans.

Finds 08.03.11

THE RIGHT TOUCH OF SWEETNESS
For 100 years, “Steen’s 100 Percent Pure Cane Syrup” has been a Louisiana staple. The company’s sugar cane is grown in South Louisiana where it is field ripened before being crushed and cooked in open kettles into a dark, thick syrup that is not only poured over biscuits, waffles and pancakes but is also the secret ingredient in many delicious recipes. That same syrup is also converted into Steen’s Louisiana Cane Vinegar...

Mystery Solved
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 By Lisa Hanchey *A local woman’s real-life medical dilemma is featured on Discovery Health’s Mystery Diagnosis.* ... Read More >>

CyberKnife Saves a Life
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 By Lisa Hanchey *LGMC’s painless, noninvasive radiosurgery treatment puts Denham Springs woman on the road to recovery.* ... Read More >>

A&E Calendar for Aug. 3-9

The Independent Weekly’s calendar features community events, performances, workshops, meetings and more. To be considered for The Week, please submit information (including run dates, times, admission and ticket fees when applicable) 10 days prior to publication. Submissions will be edited for space. Items can be faxed to (337) 983-0150 or e-mailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Party Girl 08.03.11

A flurry of linen-clad ladies and gents gathered at Abacus for Sippin’ in the Sunset, A White Linen Night, benefitting the Oil Center’s Festival of Light. Restaurants from the OC served up a fabulous spread, including tasty chicken strips from Abacus; a savory chicken penne pasta from the Petroleum Club; a delicious chicken enchilada soup and sandwiches from Tropical Smoothie; stuffed mushrooms from Antoni’s Italian Café; Boulevard Salad from Boulevard Gril; shrimp and artichoke soup and

Most Read

Remembering Ricky Rees

The veteran police officer remembered by friends for his large and small acts of kindness will be laid to rest Wednesday.
Zachary Barker takes helm of the Opportunity Machine

Zachary Barker continues making waves in Lafayette’s business scene, mostly recently being named director of the Opportunity Machine.
Shakin' at the Shack

There will soon be a whole lot of shakin’ going on at Benny’s Sportshack Supplement Depot, a new concept by Opelousas native Benny Nele. Located at 2002 Johnston St., the supplement shop, smoothie bar and café, featuring hot off the press paninis and wraps, plans to open in late May.
Lafayette’s ‘sinking ship’ is cash flow positive

“We’ve crossed that magic threshold,” LUS Director Terry Huval says.
Child porn nets deMahy 2 years in prison

Philip deMahy Sr., a once respected New Iberia ad exec, was sentenced May 2 to spend the next two years (he faced up to 100 years) in a state penitentiary after state and federal investigators found dozens of images depicting children engaged in lewd sexual acts on his personal computer.

in case you missed it

COOL TOWN 2013

This year’s Cool Town issue is all about people who are not native to South Louisiana but made a conscious decision to be here, to be among us, to participate in our culture and contribute to it.
A curious compact

A shelved ordinance transferring $200,000 from a northside drainage project to a south Lafayette development may not break any laws, but it stinks to high heaven.
Pooyie 2012

It's good, it's bad and it's just plain crazy.
Saving Saturday Night

An effort to restore a shuttered dancehall and document other vacant or razed honky-tonks could serve as a model for saving an endangered species of entertainment.
Posthaste vs. HART FORTENBERY

Lafayette’s gene pool has been host to a long line of eccentric characters who have blurred the lines between crazy, genius, disturbed and curiously entertaining.