White Castle parade canceled because of violence

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012, 10:52pm

WHITE CASTLE, LA (WAFB)- For one local community, Mardi Gras did not happen this year. Residents in White Castle found out on Monday that their parade would be canceled.

Many weren't happy about the decision, but some, including the town's mayor argue it was the best decision. City officials canceled this year's Mardi Gras festivities, following a murder during a carnival parade several miles away in Plaquemine on Sunday.

Wayne Smith was shot and killed during the Plaquemine parade after police say he and another man got into an argument. Authorities are looking Akeem Gailes in the shooting.

"We're just taking preventative measures. We feel it's best for the entire community," said White Castle Mayor Gerard Williams.

Some residents in White Castle feel differently.

"I think it's pitiful. People should have a right to enjoy themselves," said resident Gregory Onerous.

If you have any information about Akeem Gailes, call Crime Stoppers at 344-STOP. You may be eligible for a cash reward.

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White Castle cancels Mardi Gras because of violence

Submitted by WAFB_Web_Staff

Monday, February 20th, 2012, 9:18pm

WHITE CASTLE, LA (WAFB)- According to White Castle Police Department, all festivities for the town of White Castle have been canceled.

They say it is due to the acts of violence that took place Sunday in Plaquemine, LA, where one man died after being shot during the parade.

"We're just taking preventative measures," said Mayor Gerald Jermarr Williams. "For the entire community as far as the council, the chief and myself. This decision was based upon what happened in the past."

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Celebrating Mardi Gras

Submitted by Michelle McCalope, Web Producer

Monday, February 20th, 2012, 2:09pm

Community Carvial Club Mardi Gras 2011. Past Queen and King. Queen Latrice Richard and King Spencer Duhe of New Roads

Check out our Mardi Gras slideshow with parades from across our area http://www.wafb.com/link/541348/slideshow-mardi-gras-parades

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Celebrating Mardi Gras

Submitted by Michelle McCalope, Web Producer

Monday, February 20th, 2012, 1:46pm

Two year old Dani Vaughn taking a llittle break from catching beads at the Port Allen parade.

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Annual Celebration of Writers and Readers, Feb. 25

Submitted by Michelle McCalope, Web Producer

Monday, February 20th, 2012, 11:15am

Annual Celebration of Writers and Readers, Feb. 25

The line-up of authors for the Sixth Annual Celebration of Writers and Readers sponsored by the Friends of the Library is finalized. The event will be held on Feb. 25, from 8:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Hemingbough Conference Center. It features the following authors:

Valerie Martin, Orange Prize for Literature for Property; other works are The Confessions of Edward Day and Mary Reilly. (made into a movie starring Julia Roberts)

Rodger Kamanetz, poet and non-fiction writer and author of 10 books; internationally acclaimed for The Jew in the Lotus; other works are Burnt Books and The History of Last Nights Dream, Terra Infima plus five books of poetry.

Mona Lisa Savoy, PhD., poet, collected poems in Red Beans and Ricely Yours

Tom Aswell, journalist and music historian, Louisiana Rocks: The True Genesis of Rock and Roll.

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