Bank on it: Teche Federal Bank announced today that it has purchased a former Hancock Bank branch at 5063 Essen Lane, which it plans to demolish immediately and replace with a new branch building. Teche Federal Vice President and Commercial Executive David Henry says, “Essen Lane, across from Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, is a prime location for business banking.”
Until next year: A Baton Rouge lawmaker has pulled her anti-bullying proposal after the House Education Committee gutted it, taking out any reference to the type of activity that would be banned. The proposal has become an annual flashpoint over the rights of gay students, and both the Jindal administration and the conservative Louisiana Family Forum opposed the bill by Rep. Patricia Smith in its original form. Smith, a Democrat, proposed to spell out that harassment and intimidation would not be allowed for race, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and other items. Opponents say the list would create favored and protected classes of people. The committee stripped the list in a 10-5 vote, so Smith shelved the bill.
The song is over: Dick Clark, the television host who helped bring rock ‘n’ roll into the mainstream on American Bandstand, has died. He was 82. Spokesman Paul Shefrin confirms that Clark died but did not provide further details. Clark had continued performing even after he suffered a stroke in 2004 that affected his ability to speak and walk. Long dubbed “the world’s oldest teenager” because of his boyish appearance, Clark also was a successful businessman. He hosted an annual New Year’s Eve special and supplied a variety of game shows and music specials to TV, including the American Music Awards. The original American Bandstand was one of network TV’s longest-running series as part of ABC’s daytime lineup from 1957 to 1987. Over the years, it introduced stars ranging from Buddy Holly to Michael Jackson to Madonna.
