Home Care In Sicily Island, LA

Sambuca for a buck — this could be the destination real estate deal of 2019.

Local officials on southern Italy’s island of Sicily have put dozens of hilltop homes on the market for €1 ($1.29 USD).

BUYING A HOME? WATCH OUT FOR THESE 7 RED FLAGS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Yes, that translates to just over one American dollar — for villas with panoramic views of the Mediterranean on a fertile patch of land dubbed the “Earthly Paradise.”

This shocking real estate proposition is aimed at reviving a community that, like many other rural spots in Italy, has suffered from depopulation in recent years as locals relocate to metropolitan areas.

CRAZIEST HOMES THAT HIT THE MARKET IN 2018

There is one catch: The homes are dilapidated and prospective buyers are obligated to invest $17,000 in a refurb within three years. (Yes, you will have to pull a full-on “Under the Tuscan Sun” number on your new joint, a la Diane Lane.)

Sambuca’s not the first Italian town to tease outsiders with seemingly too-good-to-be-true offers, officials admitted to CNN — but they are the first to minimize red tape so anyone interested can make their purchase ASAP.

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“As opposed to other towns that have merely done this for propaganda, this city hall owns all €1 houses on sale,” says Giuseppe Cacioppo, Sambuca’s deputy mayor and tourist councilor. “We’re not intermediaries who liaise between old and new owners. You want that house, you’ll get it no time.”

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Founded by the Ancient Greeks, Sambuca was later conquered by Saracens who transformed it into a once-vital trade hub. The town is named after the Emir Al Zabut, aka “the Splendid One,” says CNN’s Silvia Marchetti. “It’s an open-air museum, a patchwork of contrasting architectural styles.”

South on Highway 425 is a village with a story to tell. A story rich in high school football traditions. A passion that encompasses the entire community.

This is Sicily Island.

The story seemingly got cut short in 1998 when the football program was shut down following that season. Now a new chapter is about to be written with the return of varsity football next month.

The lost years

Sicily Island endured the last 17 years without Friday night football. The program played the past two years of junior varsity football preparing to rejoin the Louisiana High School Athletic Association ranks once again.

“It was like losing a family member,” Walter “Pot” Krause said. “People from all over the state would come through here and want to know what happened to Sicily Island football.”

Krause is a 1972 graduate of the school and now serves as mayor and is owner of the most popular eatery in town “The Snack Shack”.

Hundreds of people per week stop in to eat and talk Tiger football – both the glory days and the startup program about to revive historic JR Peace Stadium.

What happened to a program that averaged almost eight wins per year since its inception in 1947?

“Our numbers were down and we got a group that didn’t want to play football,” Krause recalls. “You would have only 4-8 players at practice. Now the numbers are coming back and they want to play.

The desire of the next generation of Tigers to play is finally catching up to the communities’ fever for prep football.

Walter’s brother, Albert Krause, served under legendary coach Joe Raymond Peace before taking over as head coach of the Tigers from 1976-1987.

“They are just starved to death for it,” Albert Krause said of the town’s excitement to have high school football return. “The town was built on football. It was so popular. (On road games) It was always last one out of town turn out the light.”

Walter quipped that “You could rob a bank on Friday night, and have your way with the town” when the large contingent of fans went on the road with the team in a town of less than 600.

Thinking inside the box

Numerous district titles and two state runner-up finishes are among the past accomplishments of this proud program.

Part of the Sicily Island legend was built around the famed “Notre Dame Box” offense.

The offense is built on three backs in the back field, one as a wing back beside the quarterback and a running back split from a fullback behind the quarterback.

“It is a lot of faking the football,” Walter said. “We were the only one around that ran it. Boys (on defense) couldn’t keep up with the ball.”

The 2015 Tigers also plan to use some of those plays to their advantage.

The Krause family can be considered the first family of Sicily Island and the family involvement with the Tiger program will continue with Walter’s son Mark Krause. The younger Krause is a former LSU defensive lineman who now serves as the Sicily Island defensive coordinator. Marguerita Krause is currently the principle.

“The football program was the lifeblood of this community,” Mark said. “I am honored to lock arms with Ricky (Tolliver) Damon (Price) and Stephen (Collins. Without Ricky and Damon we would not be having this conversation.”

Mark will serve along with Ricky Tolliver and Damon Price as assistants under head coach Stephen Collins.

“The program has been a JV program the last few years,” Walter said. “Ricky and Damon deserve a lot of credit. They walked the streets every day door-to-door get kids interested in playing.”

For those like the Krause family that grew up in Sicily Island, the “Box” was just part of everyday life.

“When you were old enough to play football, you ran the notre dame box,” Mark said. “By the time you got to high school, there was no teaching of plays. It was as common as breathing to you. It was so engrained in you.”

Almost Showtime

The team will take the field along with the rest of the LHSAA on August 3 for fall practice. The team will join District 2-1A along with other upstart programs D’Arbonne Woods Charter, Delta Charter, and Beekman Charter as well as returning veterans St. Frederick, Oak Grove and Tensas.

This once dormant program now gets ready to flip on the Friday night lights as it spreads the message that has become a battle cry of hope in this small farming community.

“Big Red Ain’t Dead”.

Connect with Cody on Twitter @cfutrellTNS or via e-mail [email protected]

This year, popular Italian destinations like Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast are buckling under overtourism as record number of visitors embark in “revenge travel”. But other destinations are facing the reverse problem. Lampedusa, Sicily’s southernmost island famed for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches, is seeing fewer visitors this year despite the summer fervor.

A small limestone island with steep cliffs, sandy beaches and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean, Lampedusa is an idyllic destination for sun worshippers, divers and nature lovers. A remote island that lies closer to Tunisia than Italy, Lampedusa is geographically located in Africa while it is culturally quintessentially Italian.

Here, beach-side trattorias serve pasta tossed with freshly caught fish while vespas zip along country roads that lead down to Lampedusa’s colorful port. La Spiaggia dei Conigli (“Rabbit Beach”) is the island’s pride and joy. This nature reserve, with soft white sand and shallow turquoise sea, has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world since 2013.

Lampedusa’s unique geography means sun-drenched summers with dolphin sightings and sunset Spritzes, but its greatest asset is also its greatest challenge. The island’s proximity to north Africa means a consistent flow of refugees fleeing civil war, famine and climate shocks to seek a better future — and often, to fight for their very lives.

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ByAmy DaniseEditor

ByAmy DaniseEditor

Lampedusa is one of the main pathways to reach Europe, and the number of arrivals keeps increasing. This year, migrants and refugees have tripled in Italy due to deteriorating conditions in the Sahel, political unrest in Tunisia and economic downturn due to inflation. Every day, the Italian newspapers report on migrants being rescued off the coast of Lampedusa, and the constant coverage is taking a toll on tourism. In reality, the arrival process is quick and efficient, and refugees are not normally seen by visitors to the island.

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“The island is paying a high price for its position [in the Mediterranean],” says Ezio Macchione, a photographer from Lampedusa. “But we really need solidarity. Migration should be everyone’s problem.”

Lampedusa is home to 6,000 year-round residents who rely on tourism and fishing to sustain themselves on the remote island. “This week, we don’t have any tourists at our hotel,” says Franco Agosto who owns La Rosa dei Venti Club, a resort located near the port in Lampedusa. “What am I supposed to do with my 12-person staff?”

Islands, by their very nature, lie at a crossroads, and migration and tourism have co-existed on the island of Lampedusa for over 30 years. “The Italian media keeps calling the situation an emergency and creating confusion,” explains Filippo Mannino, the mayor of Lampedusa and nearby Linosa.

“But this isn’t a temporary situation, and the island isn’t collapsing. Migration has been part of our daily lives for more than a generation, and we have the systems in place to manage it efficiently and humanly. Lampedusa is an island that saves lives.”

Lampedusa’s coastguard is constantly involved in rescue missions, as 90% of migrants and refugees are spotted on open sea before being accompanied ashore. They are identified at the port, given water and a quick medical screening, and then sheltered in an immigration center before being transferred to other destinations in Italy and Europe within 48 hours.

“We need to keep in mind the unique conditions of the island. Lampedusa is a small island: only 20km² (12mi²) and located in the middle of the Mediterranean. We can’t possibly be the entry point for all migrants trying to reach Europe,” says Mannino.

Migration is a global phenomenon that will require political will to resolve. But in the meantime, the best way to support destinations like Lampedusa is to visit the island and help bolster the local economy.

How To Arrive

You can reach Lampedusa on a short flight from most major cities in Italy: the best connections are from Milan (two hours) and airports in Sicily (Palermo and Catania, one hour each). Visit Lampedusa Voli for this year’s airlines and connections. The summer season begins at the end of May and runs until mid-October, though temperatures are mild year-round.

Where To Stay

La Rosa dei Venti Club, a family-run property with 15 rooms, is a verdant oasis on the arid island of Lampedusa. Designed with terracotta and local stone, it is a charming property that captures a sense of place. And its location on the highest point of Lampedusa which guarantees a steady breeze even during the hottest months.

The property’s focal point is a large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by leafy patios and gardens with tropical plants, from palm trees and cacti to papaya and mango trees. All rooms are named after a wind — Scirocco, Maestrale — paying testament to the importance of this vital element on the island. Each room features nautical-themed furnishings and private terraces; there’s also a stand-alone “dammuso” located in the garden which is perfect for those who want more privacy.

Most guests are repeat clients and the atmosphere here is familial. The resort offers all-inclusive packages that include daily boat rides on an 18-meter wooden "Caicco" (with a multi-course lunch and free flowing wine), a car or scooter rental, free airport transfer and daily room service. Guests can also book the 13-meter "Sciallino" boat for exclusive use or fishing trips and diving excursions around the island.

All meals are included in your stay, showcasing the best of Sicilian seafood, from platters of red prawns and grilled mussels to tuna tartare freshly caught squid. Even the simplest spaghetti served with frutti di mare is a revelation when paired with organic Sicilian wines. For those who prefer to explore restaurants around the island rather than having dinner at the resort each evening, a half-board option is also available.

What To See & Do

Lampedusa is an island for sun seekers so come prepared with plenty of swimsuits and sunscreen. The nicest beaches are located on its southern coast and include Cala Guitgia, Cala Groce and Sciatu Persu. But Lampedusa’s uncontested pearl is La Spiaggia dei Conigli (“Rabbit Beach”), a free beach accessible along an easy 15-minute trail. In order to protect the area’s natural beauty (and its small population of loggerhead sea turtles), visitors must book their entrance in advance.

By boat, you can visit rocky coves with crystal-clear sea like Baia della Tabaccara which is known for its “flying boats” that look like they’re floating. Lampedusa is also a popular place for fishing and diving.

On land, spend an evening exploring Lampedusa’s colorful port which is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Paradise Gelateria and Bar dell'Amicizia serve Sicilian classics like arancini rice balls, ricotta-filled cannoli and icy cold granita. A short drive away lies one of the island’s most evocative installations by artist Mimmo Paladino: “Porta di Lampedusa, Porta d’Europa” — a large iron doorway that pays homage to Lampedusa’s location as the doorway to Europe.

Other scenic spots include the Faro di Capo Grecale lighthouse, a large sign marking where the 35th parallel passes through the island, and “Casa Teresa” a 19th-century dammuso (traditional stone structure, closed at the time of publishing). At sunset, locals gather for cocktails at Sprizzando and O'Scià Club before enjoying seasonal specialties at restaurants like Trattoria Terranova, a certified “Slow Food” restaurant, or Le Mille e Una Notte overlooking the port.

When Sicily Island basketball coach Curtis Shavers is displeased with something that his team does, the punishment drill is to run a mile down Peck Road to a small lake with a steep hill.

If Shavers is feeling kind, the Tigers are required to climb the hill five times and then run their way back to the gym.

His method must be working.

Under Shavers’ direction, Sicily Island (26-5, 13-0) has climbed its way to a No. 1 ranking for the first time in school history.

“When they are at their best, I would put them up against anybody,” Shavers said. “I think this is the hardest working team I’ve ever had.”

The team received notice of it’s top ranking in LHSAA Class 1A on Jan. 31 following an 84-69 victory over Delhi the night before.

Shavers said that the school made an announcement that afternoon to highlight the special occasion.

“It makes everyone feel good,” senior Johnny Tolliver said. “It lets us know that we are doing a good job and setting an example.”

The Tigers haven’t lost a game since Dec. 26, and their undefeated district record has already clinched them the 2-1A title.

To add to its impressive resumé, three of Sicily Island’s five losses have come to teams in higher classifications. They have also outscored their opponents by an average of 20 points in games they have won.

Shavers said that the team’s unity is one of its strongest assets.

It’s no wonder his team is close because his players grew up playing together, and many of them are related in one way or another.

The Tigers starting bunch have one set of brothers and three sets of cousins. And to add to their unison, junior Jim Atkins proposed the idea for the group to wear jersey numbers 1 through 5.

“We all just said we were going to take a single digit number,” Atkins said. “We are playing as a team more than ever.”

Senior Devion Dunbar is leading the team in scoring by averaging 24 points a game.

Dunbar posted 34 points in the Tigers’ 91-38 win over Beekman Tuesday, including five dunks.

Sicily Island has made the extravagant plays a specialty. In Tuesday’s win, Tyreke Tolliver added four dunks, and Atkins slammed two of his own.

“When they have a break away, I don’t mind,” Shavers said. “It’s all a part of them proving people wrong, including me. They like to give the other team’s ammunition to go against them, but when all of them are clicking, you can’t defend just one.”

Although Shavers has had district championship teams in the past, he is hopeful that this will be the first year his team can win a state title.

The Tigers made a semifinal appearance in 2013 and had their best playoff finish in school history the following year as state runner-up.

“I think we have all the pieces,” Shavers said. “I think they are realizing this is their last goal, and they are going to do all they can.”

Sicily Island will play its final district game of the year tonight at home against St. Frederick.

Adams County

March 17-23

Civil suits:

Carl Beasley v. Adams County Board of Supervisors.

DHS — Carlos Redden.

DHS — Clarence Hall.

DHS — Jacarius Moore.

Estate of Helen W. Huffman.

Denise Bell v. Alma Carpenter.

Rachel M. McKenzie v. Alma Carpenter.

Estate of Shirley T. Gibson.

Divorces:

Alexas Neal McElroy and Christopher McElroy. (Joint Complaint for Divorce)

Orena J. Campbell and Ramek Campbell. (Joint Complaint for Divorce)

Marriage license applications:

James Kevin Graham Jr., 31, Natchez to Kathleen Renee McAndrews, 30, Natchez.

Antonio Lancel Byrd, 36, Natchez to Chasity Monique Bailey, 33, Madison.

Deed transactions:

March 16-22

Kenneth S. and Kendralynn M. Norman to Kendralynn M. Norman, lot 8 of Tract No. 1 Lincoln Heights Subdivision.

Dr. Lee H. Turk to John C. Bergeron and Valerie S. Bergeron, lot 8 Ashburn Woods Subdivision.

Gerry Cameron and Anne Cameron to Cy Lambert, 54.01 Acre Tract Portion of Rowandale Plantation.

Ralph Lonnie Melton Jr. to Ronald Steven Melton, land beginning at an iron pin on the northerly line of the right of way of Morgantown Road.

Apostolic Faith Pentecostal Church to Gwendolyn Powers, 2 Acres Lot of lot 3 of Linwood.

Kayla Rawlings-Morris and Akiyama Morris to Daniel J. Case, lot 52 Westover Heights Subdivision, Fourth Development.

Waterfront Custom Homes, L.L.C. to Judith A. Lewis, lot 21 Azalea Gardens, being a portion of Hedges Plantation.

Bethsaida Garrido to Magnolia Realty, LLC, lots 2 and 3, First Addition, Cottage Home Subdivision.

Mortgages:

March 16-22

Dorothy Nix to United Mississippi Bank, Downtown Branch, lot 12 of Block “A” Roselawn Homes Subdivision.

Roice Y. Whittington and Lisa Whittington to United Mississippi Bank, lot 19 The Trees Subdivision, First Development.

Ronald Steven Melton to Assurance Financial Group, LLC, land beginning at an iron pin on the northerly line of the right of way of Morgantown Road.

Don Moss to Delta Bank, Vidalia Branch, land commencing at the southeast corner of lot 1 Forest Homes Subdivision.

Daniel Thomas Guedon and Elizabeth Fortenbery Guedon to United Mississippi Bank, lot 4, a 1.15 Acre Portion of Waverly Plantation.

Deloris W. Green to Loandepot.com., lot 12 Roselawn Terrace Subdivision (revised).

Adams County Justice Court

Thursday, March 23

Civil cases:

Serena G. Davis v. Joshua Pilcher.

Tower Loan of Natchez v. Micah J. Frye.

Tower Loan of Natchez v. Lemecia J. Johnson.

Tower Loan of Natchez v. Sherika R. Davis.

Tower Loan of Natchez v. James Eric Smith.

Tower Loan of Natchez v. Antonio Smith.

Tower Loan of Natchez v. Micah J. Frye.

American Cash v. Antounda Martin.

American Cash v. Luahkanth Snyder.

Bestway RTO v. Lonnie Jones

United Credit Corporation v. Kimberly Shannon.

Concordia Parish

March 17-23

Civil suits:

Goldman Sachs Bank USA v. Marvin Tennessee.

Republic Finance, LLC v. Anita J. Gable.

Succession of Anthony M. Pavloff.

OneMain Financial Group, LLC v. Tracy L. Johnson.

Wilmington Trust v. Tracy L. Johnson.

OneMain Financial Group, LLC v. Troy D. Johnson.

State of Louisiana v. Devonte Rayshawn Leonard Sr.

Divorces:

Daniel Craig Martin v. Brittany Jenkins Martin.

Marriage license applications:

Marsalin Lee Archer, 34, Ferriday to Angela Charleeen Pretty, 34, Vidalia.

Shleby Roy Zeagler, 31, Sicily Island, La. to Jamie Ellis Seymour, 49, Sicily Island, La.

Donald Ray Walker, 46, Alexandria, La. to Stacy L. Griffin, 45, Alexandria, La.

Caleb Evan Gillespie, 28, Sicily Island, La. to Cydney Rose Brown, 28, Jonesville, La.

Noah Candler Case, 23, Ferriday to Christian LeeAnn Fuqua, 23, Ferriday.

Brian Alexander Cerniglia, 33, Natchez, Miss. to Morgan Elizabeth Brown, 33, Natchez, Miss.

Yandri Alexander Arch, 58, Stamford, Conn. to Sally Anne Lancaster, 52, Natchez, Miss.

Deed transactions:

Michael Burley and Elizabeth Burley to Zachary Burley, lot 80 Cross Addition.

Sandra M. Caldwell to Wallace Lee Trahern Jr., lots 6 and 7 Shady Acres Subdivision.

Allen R. Talbert to Charles William Anderson Jr., lots 3 and 4 Sycamore Plantation.

Emfinger Property Management, LLC to Dignity Touch Enterprises, LLC, lot 32-D Jamar W. Adcocks Subdivision.

M & D Properties of Louisiana, LLC to Michael Burley and Elizabeth Burley, lot 80 Cross Addition.

Mortgages:

Zachary Burley to CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, lot 80 Cross Addition.

Dignity Touch Enterprises, LLC to Delta Bank, lot 32-D Jamar W. Adcock Subdivision.

Robert L. Smith and Jennifer Jones Smith to Concordia Bank & Trust Company, lot 12 Lower Spokane Plantation.

Stacy T. McGraw, Taylor Tennessee, and Charles McGraw III to Delta bank, lots 1 and 2 of lot 5-A Minorca Acres Subdivision.

Jasmine Schiele Emery to Delta Bank, lot 35 Helena Park Subdivision.