March 10th, 2023 Friends, I told you I would post the arrangements and obituary for my colleague and friend, Daniel Wesley Richey (October 31st, 1948 – March 5th, 2023).  “If there ever was a Renaissance Man from the town of Ferriday, Louisiana, it was Daniel Wesley Richey. Named after his uncle, a fighter pilot and hero shot down in World War II, Dan was the middle of five children born, October 31, 1948, to Verne and Johnnie McIntire Richey." "Dan found his first love on the basketball court, took to the hardwood as freshman teammates with “Pistol” Pete Maravich at LSU, and graduated from McNeese State University with a Master’s Degree in physical education to boot. He started the Youth Basketball Association (YBA) across the Mississippi River in Natchez at Cathedral Elementary, and by the time he reached his 60’s, would boast in his classic story telling style that he had coached, “over 10,000 youth ball games in my career," writes Will Richey. See Dan’s arrangements and complete obituary here. | |
Louisiana's governor's race saw a shakeup on Thursday when Congressman Garret Graves announced that he would not be running for governor. According to political consultant Roy Fletcher, Graves' decision was not surprising, as the congressman has a good situation in Washington and is part of the leadership there. In an email to supporters, Graves stated that he would focus on building upon recent wins in the U.S. Congress to serve Louisiana. Graves' decision has provided a window of opportunity for Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack (R), who announced his bid. He submitted a letter to the LABI Board of Directors, stating, "With a heavy heart and after prayerful deliberation, I have decided I will be stepping down from my position as CEO of the organization. I have loved my last ten years with you all, and I will forever be proud of everything that we have accomplished together. I have informed the board officers, pledged to them my assistance in the transition, and will do all that I can as they begin a search for a new leader. You all are the heart and soul of free enterprise in Louisiana. Thank you and please stay committed to this wonderful state we all love." The primary election is scheduled for October 14th. | |
In Livingston Parish, Louisiana, a heated dispute has arisen over the issue of explicit content in libraries. Councilman Garry "Frog" Talbert recently made headlines when he removed a library board member, Debbie Henson, citing her failure to adequately address his concerns about the presence of inappropriate materials in the library system. According to The Advocate, "In recent weeks, Talbert questioned Tairov in a public meeting, asking him to detail what the library system is doing now to protect children. During that exchange, Talbert revealed he had hired a private investigator to test library computers to see how effectively the system's internet firewall blocks pornography. The investigator managed to access pornography on a library computer via 'backdoor' methods, such as through Reddit or Twitter, instead of through popular websites dedicated to such explicit content." LFF applauds Livingston Councils Progress on parish libraries. There is more work to be done! | |
Friends, the LFF Leadership Academy was the brainchild of Dan Richey, who was passionate about kids, history, and America's spiritual heritage. Let's continue to nurture its growth! You can honor Dan's legacy by nominating or sponsoring a young leader here. | |
Gene Mills
President
Louisiana Family Forum | |
