THREE WISHES FOR SHREVEPORT

JOHN PERKINSAn end to the Covid pandemic, the local shooting death epidemic and all the children singing in perfect harmony, judged only by the content of their character. Easy, but we do not have a magic wand here.

30-SECOND READ: HESITANT NEW YEAR!

JEFF GAUGERYou’ve come at last, 2021. Thank you. Earth’s 7.5 billion human inhabitants are glad you’re here.We’ve greeted most of your older siblings with parties and booze, confetti, midnight kisses, even fireworks. You’ll get little of that. Parties, social kisses and fun are mostly out for now.

SETTLE TALK: END OF YEAR: LOOKING FORWARD OR LOOKING BACK?

JOHN E. SETTLE JR.It’s that time of the year.To sing “Auld Lang Syne,” toast with champagne, light fireworks, etc.The poem penned by Robert Burns is set to the tune of a traditional folk song.Traditionally, it is sung to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.

My Christmas Wish: New seats and seating arrangement for Riverview Theatre

It started in November of last year, 2019.The renovated/remodeled Riverview Theatre opened with the Shreveport Opera’sproduction of “Man of LaMancha.” Those attending who sat on the ground floor had a rude awakening.The new seats and seating arrangement left very little room between the rows.

SETTLE TALK: To be vaccinated, or not to be vaccinated?

That is the question. As one can guess, I am referring to the COVID vaccine. If you have not been asked, get ready.Undoubtedly, this will be the question of the day, the week, the month and probably for next year as well: to vaccinate or not to vaccinate?

30-SECOND READ: SIMPLE PLEASURES

JEFF GAUGERThe first slurp of coffee to slosh the tongue each morning starts a day well. I rise early, brew the coffee, pour a cup and sit for 60 to 90 minutes to read the news.But it’s that first slurp, sucked in while still at the coffee maker, that summons the most sensation.

UPDATE AND HISTORY OF SHREVEPORT'S CONSENT DECREE

William Daniel , Shreveport’s Department of Water & Sewer, briefed the Infrastructure Committee of the Shreveport City Council on Tues on the status of the city’s Consent Decree with the U.S. Department of Justice.

LISTEN UP: IT’S A THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND DIVORCE

BILLY ROY WAYNEBeing married and remaining together for over 40 years has taught me much about patience and personality(ies). A major lesson I have learned from marriage is that spouses should not allow issues and concerns to build up over months and years without addressing such.

NOT JUST ANY CHRISTMAS TREE

MARYANNA MAKENZIEOK, my Christmas tree is all set up, and per usual, not a single present is under it, but it’s up. I find that a victory. Because normally I pull down my fake Christmas tree the week of Thanksgiving, but not this year.This year I wanted to do something special.

THERE ARE RECYCLING OPTIONS FOR SHREVEPORT - BOSSIER AFTER ALL!

JOHN E. SETTLE JR.Despite the fact that Shreveport’s recycling options ended on Oct. 31, there are other options for local environmentally conscious residents.Bossier City has a recycling center at 3301 Shed Road, between Highway 80 and Shed Road.

Prentiss Smith - - It is not the Chief’s fault people are killing each other

Councilman James Green’s behavior at the recent City Council Meeting was disgraceful, and worthy of rebuke from the other six council members. Chief Raymond was only trying to respond to the questions of the council members, and he did not deserve to be berated by Councilman Green or his colleagues.

$250,000 APPROPRIATION TO EACH SHREVEPORT COUNCIL MEMBER QUESTIONED

The Shreveport City Council approved the 2021 budget at its meeting on Tuesday.The final budget includes an appropriation of "$250,000 per Council district to be used at Council discretion for initiatives to improve their Council districts.

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR SLT ACADEMY’S ‘FLAT STANLEY’

The Shreveport Little Theatre Academy’s box office is now open for their production of “The Musical Adventure of Flat Stanley Jr.” Based on the beloved children’s book written by Jeff Brown, everyone’s favorite two-dimensional hero has a new life in this production.

FAMILY FOUR-PACK AMONG TICKET OPTIONS ON SALE FOR RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL

SHREVEPORT, La. – The 45th edition of the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl - kicking off at 6 p.m. CST on Saturday, December 26 - still has ticket options available, including the Family Four-Pack.The Family Four-Pack has options of either $200 or $140 depending on the seats selected.

SHREVEPORT CITY COUNCIL DOES NOT BUY GALLAGHER SPIN

This time is was spin, spin, spin by not one, but two, representatives of Gallagher Benefit Services (Gallagher).Last time it was hand gestures and hair flips.On Oct.