Checks and balances: A State Inspector General’s report on the State Board of Massage Therapy says that its former executive director, Kayla Aymond, either misspent $201,200 of public funds or failed to account for the spending. The report also says between 2006-10, Aymond prepared checks payable to herself in excess of her standard salary, resulting in an additional $113,000 of income. The board fired Aymond in March 2010 after it began questioning expenditures and office practices. See the full report here.
New service, new fees: Bossier Parish has bought its first utility system as part of a $45 million consolidated water and sewer district it plans to operate. The parish police jury paid $3.9 million for Red Chute Utilities systems to serve a subdivision in Haughton. Wednesday, parish officials held a ceremonial signing for the purchase. The system serves about 1,100 residents in the town of Haughton. The purchase increases rates for Red Chute customers. Residents who now pay $18 can expect to see their bills rise to $50 for water and sewer service, Bossier Parish public utilities director Larry Landry says. Parish officials plan to purchase nine other systems in north Bossier, most of which also serve Haughton residents.
Sliders and shots: White Castle, the northern cousin of Krystal and 90-year-old hamburger chain known for its square “slider” burgers, is testing beer and wine sales at a restaurant in Lafayette, Ind. Customers can now order a glass of wine, domestic or seasonal beer at a restaurant that fuses a conventional White Castle with a new concept for the company called Blaze Modern BBQ. Wine costs $4.50 and beers start at $3. Other fast-food restaurants also are dabbling with alcohol. Earlier this year, Burger King opened the Whopper Bar South Beach, a restaurant in Miami Beach offering beer, and Starbucks has been testing beer and wine at a few sites, too. Uncork the full story here.
