Editor’s Note: From the March 22 editions of the American Press for 2009, 1994, 1969 and 1944.

E

10 years ago

The 18th annual Celtic Nations Heritage Festival next weekend, the third in Lake Charles since Hurricane Katrina, will highlight the descendants of that ancient culture that became part of modern America.

The founder of the festival, Irish balladeer Danny O’Flaherty, moved it to Southwest Louisiana after the havoc wrought by the 2005 hurricane in New Orleans.

Six Eagle Scouts

Six Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 5 in Lake Charles were awarded the rank of Eagle in a ceremony Feb. 16 at First United Methodist Church in Lake Charles.

The six new Eagle Scouts are Thomas Breaux, William Sherwood, Holden Marceaux, Michael Richard, Thomas Vogel and Aidan Gallaugher. Thad Mayo is the scout master of Troop 5.

E

25 years ago

Heritage essay winners

Winners have been announced in the Black Heritage Festival of Louisiana’s recent contest. The contest was sponsored by St. Patrick Hospital. Lizzie K. Kyas was chairman.

Kenneth Ray Henry of Washington-Marion Magnet won the High School Division; Monique Gallien of Molo Middle Magnet, the Middle School Division, and Lawrence Hebert of Sacred Heart School, the Elementary Division.

McNeese golf team

FORT WORTH, Texas — Sophomore John Gregory led McNeese State to third place after the opening round of the Meadowbrook Invitational golf tournament here.

Gregory shot a three over par 145 (73-72) to hold down sixth place. Other McNeese scoring had Paul Shirey at 149 (76-73); John Carr, 151 (76-75); Jim Courville, 155 (78-75); and Bryan LeBlanc, 157 (74-83).

E

50 years ago

Prize package

Mrs. Becky Chaney of 4016 Genessee St. received an extra bundle for her Easter basket when she won the American Press prize puzzle contest last week.

Curtis Woods, circulation manager, presented Mrs. Chaney with the check for $200. Mrs. Chaney said she was going shopping.

Deceit of communism

The pulpit guest for both morning worship services at Trinity Baptist Church Sunday will be Dr. Nikolai Alexandrenko. The speaker, from personal experience, will explore communism in its deceit and emptiness.

During World War II, he was in the Russian paratroop corps. When liberated from a German P.O.W. camp by Americans, he refused to return to the Soviet Union. He has been a U.S. citizen since 1958.

E

75 years ago

In the Service

Seaman First Class Calvin J. Hamilton is somewhere in the Pacific. He has been in the Navy since July, 1943 and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Hamilton, 207 Division St.

Pfc. Elroy A. Richard and Sgt. Robert L. Richard, sons of Mrs. Pearl Richard of Westlake, are both on duty overseas. Elroy is in England in an infantry unit of the Army. Robert has been in Iceland for six months and is also in the infantry.

l

Our Past is a daily feature compiled by Mike Jones.