Home Care In Mooringsport, LA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, sometimes they cannot live independently without someone by their side to provide care. Unfortunately, some older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live in the comforts or their home rather than in an assisted living community. Home care in Mooringsport, LA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

Home Care Services

Home Care in Mooringsport, LA
The Always Best Care Difference
Types of In-home Care in Mooringsport, LA
Benefits of Home Care in Mooringsport, LA
Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors
Affordable Care Plans
Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers
Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

Service Areas

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DIFFERENCE

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they age. We are proud to have helped tens of thousands of seniors to maintain a higher level of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home care services in Mooringsport, LA. Always Best Care is here to help.

Hear from Our Clients

Elderly Care for Ella T.

“Great Company”

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In-home Care for Erin R.

“Always Best Care feels like a family! We truly care for each of our clients”

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Home Care Services for Yan S.

“great company and does great things in Shreveport!”

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Non-medical Home Care for Rae A.

“I love working at Always Best Care! Everyone is so welcoming! I would recommend ABC”

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Personal Senior Care for Connie. A.

“Shifts are flexible and the office staff will answer your questions or get you answers.”

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Home Care for Tracie M.

“Always Best Care is a Awesome, Excellent Company to work for .Awesome office workers .Some”

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Senior Care Services for A Y.

“We love Always Best Care! They have helped a number of our friends and family”

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In-home Caregiver for Amy S.

“Caregivers truly care about the clients they assist daily. Office staff and caregivers work hand”

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Personal Care Services for Amanda S.

“I work with a wonderful group of people in the office. Everyone tries to help”

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Senior Caregiver for MEDSOUTH K.

“Wonderful In Home Care with certified caregivers. Guarantee the services”

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In-home Care Services for Millen M.

“This is a wonderful company to work for and service! Our caregivers are full of”

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Home Care Services for Benjamin &.

“Best. Staff... And .caregivers available.... Who work around the clock for you. A service that”

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Non-medical Home Care for Benjamin D.

“Best. Staff... And .caregivers available.... Who work around the clock for you. A service that”

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Personal Senior Care for Amy C.

“24/7 hour services..... and the best staff. n caregivers..”

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Home Care for Shquilla K.

“I recommend this place for anyone that would like to get services here or even”

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Elderly Care for laretta W.

“I love working for Always Best Care. The staff is always friendly and very welcoming.”

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In-home Care for princess A.

“Absolutely love working here. To work with other peopps that share the same interest in”

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Senior Care Services for Sammy G.

“Top-notch care and facilities with friendly staff.”

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In-home Caregiver for Lauren A.

“Professional, safe, & reliable. If you are looking for the perfect caregiver-client relationship then this”

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Personal Care Services for Steven S.

“I'd efinitely recommend Always Best Care”

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Non-medical Caregiver for Sarah M.

“ABC is the best! Their caregivers are very professional and caring. They are CPR certified”

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Home Caregiver for Lupe R.

“Compassionate, kind and wonderful people to care for loved ones. From the moment they answer”

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In Home Senior Care for Chante P.

“The,Best decision that I,made choosing Always Best Care Senior Staffing to take care of my”

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Senior Care for Robin L.

“Always Best Care provider of exceptional care for your loved ones. Going above and beyond”

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In-home Care Services for Medsouth

“Excellent patient care ! management and staff were wonderful!”

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Ella T.

Erin R.

Yan S.

Rae A.

Connie. A.

Tracie M.

A Y.

Amy S.

Amanda S.

MEDSOUTH K.

Millen M.

Benjamin &.

Benjamin D.

Amy C.

Shquilla K.

laretta W.

princess A.

Sammy G.

Lauren A.

Steven S.

Sarah M.

Lupe R.

Chante P.

Robin L.

Medsouth

How does In-home Senior Care in Mooringsport, LA work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Types of In-home Care in Mooringsport, LA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

Eating
Mobility Issues
Incontinence

Bathing
Dressing
Grooming

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

Medication Reminders
Meal Preparation
Pet Care
Prescription Refills

Morning Wake-Up
Walking
Reading

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite activities and hobbies while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

Grocery Shopping
Transportation to Appointments
Nutritional Assistance
Conversation

Planning Outings
Completing Errands
Transportation to Community
Events and Social Outings

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Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy other activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress helps reduce the risks of caregiver burnout.

When it comes to non-medical home care, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible. If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

Advanced Healthcare Technology

Benefits of Home Care in Mooringsport, LA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care.

Age in Place

According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.

Peace of Mind

If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your senior family member is in expert hands.

Socialization

Unlike many senior care facilities where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.

Personalized Care Plan

No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our care plans are tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for clients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Mooringsport, LA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Mooringsport, LA gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Mooringsport,LA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Summer 2021 graduates announced

Louisiana Tech University has announced graduates from its Summer 2021 commencement ceremonies held May 22-23. They are listed below by state, with Louisiana listed first.LouisianaAbbevilleAlexandriaBakerBaton RougeBentonBossierBossier CityCarencroChathamChoudrantClarksColfaxColumbiaCovingtonDenham SpringsDeridderDownsvilleDry ProngDubachFarmervilleFranklintonGaryvil...

Louisiana Tech University has announced graduates from its Summer 2021 commencement ceremonies held May 22-23. They are listed below by state, with Louisiana listed first.

Louisiana

Abbeville

Alexandria

Baker

Baton Rouge

Benton

Bossier

Bossier City

Carencro

Chatham

Choudrant

Clarks

Colfax

Columbia

Covington

Denham Springs

Deridder

Downsville

Dry Prong

Dubach

Farmerville

Franklinton

Garyville

Geismar

Gibsland

Greenwell Springs

Gretna

Hammond

Haughton

Homer

Houma

Independence

Jackson

Jonesboro

Keithville

Kelly

Lafayette

Lake Charles

Leesville

Madisonville

Mandeville

Metairie

Minden

Monroe

Mooringsport

Natchitoches

New Iberia

New Orleans

Oak Ridge

Opelousas

Pineville

Pioneer

Prairieville

Princeton

Quitman

Rayville

River Ridge

Robeline

Ruston

Saint Rose

Shreveport

Sibley

Slidell

St Maurice

Sterlington

Thibodaux

Ventress

Vidalia

West Monroe

Winnfield

Winnsboro

Zachary

Zwolle

Alabama

Montgomery

Pensacola

Arkansas

Benton

Camden

El Dorado

Hot Springs

Little Rock

Strong

Arizona

Lake Village

Mesa

Peoria

Phoenix

Scottsdale

Tucson

California

Irvine

South Pasadena

Venice

Colorado

Denver

Greeley

Florida

Kissimmee

Tallahassee

Vero Beach

Iowa

Madrid

Windsor Heights

Illinois

Galesburg

Homewood

Marion

Massachusetts

Everett

Winthrop

Maryland

Abingdon

Michigan

Grand Blanc

Harrison Township

Livonia

Royal Oak

Minnesota

Woodbury

Mississippi

Columbus

Jackson

Natchez

Osyka

Pass Christian

Starkville

Vicksburg

Yazoo City

North Carolina

Durham

Nevada

Henderson

North Las Vegas

Oklahoma

Luther

South Carolina

Williamston

Texas

Allen

Anna

Arlington

Bivins

Cibolo

Corpus Christi

Dallas

Fairview

Frisco

Houston

Iowa Park

Irving

Joaquin

Lindale

Missouri City

Mont Belvieu

Pearland

Portland

Rockwall

Texarkana

Waco

Utah

Bountiful

Ogden

Virginia

Midlothian

Washington

Dupont

West Virginia

Martinsburg

Wyoming

Casper

Winning Powerball Ticket Sold at Albertsons in California

Powerball fever in Louisiana has been quite high with dreams of beach condos and luxury cars. Those dreams are over, for now. But someone in California will be able to go on quite a shopping spree. There is one winning ticket for the Monday night Powerball drawing and it is worth $699.8 million dollars. This is the 6th largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.The winning ticket was sold at an Albertsons supermarket in Mor...

Powerball fever in Louisiana has been quite high with dreams of beach condos and luxury cars. Those dreams are over, for now. But someone in California will be able to go on quite a shopping spree. There is one winning ticket for the Monday night Powerball drawing and it is worth $699.8 million dollars. This is the 6th largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history.

The winning ticket was sold at an Albertsons supermarket in Morro Bay, California, according to the state's lottery website.

Here are the winning numbers from the October 4 drawing:

12-22-54-66-69 and the Powerball was 15.

The jackpot was expected to be $685 million, but sales were so brisk the prize climbed to nearly $700 million. The onetime cash payout is $495 million.

Six other tickets matched matched all five white balls and are worth $1 million. Those were sold in Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Virginia.

Here’s a list of the top 20 prizes from the multistate games: Powerball and Mega Millions:

Best Burgers in Shreveport-Bossier

Gullo's Fresh Produce via Facebook

Gullo's Fresh Produce

If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. Gullo's Fresh Produce in Shreveport has THE best burger money can buy in the Ark-La-Tex. This is completely my opinion, and if I'm craving a burger, this is where you can find me.

Papa & Company via Facebook

Papa & Company

You didn't think we could make a list of the best burgers in town and not include Papa & Company, did you? Many Shreveporters claim Papa & Company has the best burger in town, and if you've tasted this delicious burger, you'll know why so many feel that way.

Flying Burger and Seafood via Facebook

Flying Burger

There has been a lot of hype surrounding this burger as of late. The restaurant has only been open on Airline Drive in Bossier City for a little over a year, but that hasn't stopped this burger from quickly become a top-tier burger in the SBC.

Superior Grill via Facebook

Superior Grill

Superior Grill is a beloved restauraunt in Shreveport that has stood the test of time. While we all love Superior for their margaritas and delicious high-end Mexican cuisine, burger-lovers in Shreveport-Bossier know their burger is top-notch and deserves more recognition.

Rollin' in the Dough via Facebook

Rollin' in the Dough

I'll make this very simple. You've never met anyone that has ate a burger from Rollin' in the Dough and didn't love it. That person doesn't exist. These burgers are awfully hard to beat, and we're lucky to have them in Shreveport-Bossier.

Griff's via Facebook

Griff's

I'll never forget the very first time I ate a Griff's Burger. I was a kid and my grandma claimed it was the best in town. This burger is unbelievably delicious and will always be one of Shreveport-Bossier's top burgers.

Maxwell's Market via Facebook

Maxwell's Market

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my co-workers and I went on a burger tour. I was shocked that Maxwell's Market was put on our to-do list because I had no clue they served burgers. Not only do they serve burgers, but their double cheeseburger was one of the best I've ever had in my entire life.

Patrick Netherton via Facebook

2Johns

This is not your every day burger. In fact, it's only available around lunchtime on Fridays. It's the most exclusive burger in town, and if you haven't tried it yet, you are missing out in a major way.

Ki' Mexico via Facebook

Ki' Mexico

Ki' Mexico, much like Superior, isn't necessarily known for their delicious burgers. I think that should change. The burger you'll find at Ki' Mexico is as delicious as it is unique. Certainly one of the best in town.

Twisted Root via Facebook

Twisted Root

While the burger found at Ki' Mexico is unique, the burgers at Twisted Root take uniqueness to the next level. With burgers made from exotic meat such as elk, ostrich, and camel, you can't find burgers like this anywhere else in the SBC.

Patty Shack via Facebook

Patty Shack

This is the one burger on my list that I haven't actually tried yet. However, when I shared my top-ten list with co-workers, many of them said I can't have a burger list without Patty Shack. Now, I'm heading there for lunch and I'm pumped to try a new burger!

Musikhistoria: Blues med bly i magen

Det var 1955 som den brittiske skiffel-sångaren Lonnie Donegan spelade in Rock Island Line, ett av Lead Bellys paradnummer. Några år senare kunde The Beatles sologitarrist George Harrison konstatera att ”utan Leadbelly skulle Lonnie Donegan inte ha varit något. Och utan Donegan hade Beatles inte funnits. Alltså: utan Leadbelly, inget Beatles”.George Harrison är inte ensam om att ha givit Lead Belly cred för sin egen musik och sin egen succé. I sin Nobelförelä...

Det var 1955 som den brittiske skiffel-sångaren Lonnie Donegan spelade in Rock Island Line, ett av Lead Bellys paradnummer. Några år senare kunde The Beatles sologitarrist George Harrison konstatera att ”utan Leadbelly skulle Lonnie Donegan inte ha varit något. Och utan Donegan hade Beatles inte funnits. Alltså: utan Leadbelly, inget Beatles”.

George Harrison är inte ensam om att ha givit Lead Belly cred för sin egen musik och sin egen succé. I sin Nobelföreläsning tryckte Bob Dylan särskilt på influenserna från Lead Belly, efter att först ha nämnt rocksångaren Buddy Holly som omkom i en flygolycka i Iowa den 3 februari 1959. Då var Dylan 17 år gammal.

”Jag tror att det var en dag eller två efter det att hans plan störtat. Och någon – någon jag aldrig sett förut – gav mig en Leadbelly-skiva med låten Cottonfields på. Där och då förändrade den skivan mitt liv. Den transporterade mig in i en värld jag aldrig känt. Det var som en explosion, som om jag gått i mörker och så helt plötsligt var mörkret upplyst […]Jag måste ha spelat den skivan hundra gånger.”

Bob Dylan var inte den ende musikern som inspirerades av de över 500 sånger Lead Belly skrev eller populariserade. Bland dem Midnight Special om fångens längtan efter frihet, Take This Hammer, en arbetsång som användes av fastkedjade fångar (så kallade chain gangs), Cottonfields om arbetet på bomullsfälten, Kisses Sweeter than Wine, House of the Rising Sun, Where Did You Sleep Last Night (In the Pines) och många andra.

Huddie Leadbetter föddes i en fattig familj på en bomullsplantage nära Mooringsport i delstaten Louisiana den 20 januari 1888. Det råder delade meningar om exakt när Huddie föddes, men den amerikanska folkbokföringsmyndigheten slår fast att det var just den den dagen.

Det råder lika mycket oklarhet om hans namn. På skivorna hette han Leadbelly, men han själv föredrog Lead Belly och det är också det namnet som står på hans gravsten på Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery, en dryg mil utanför Mooringsport.

Redan som 15-åring började Lead Belly spela på syltor i St. Paul's Bottoms, en stadsdel med barer, bordeller och billiga lopphotell i Shreveport, nära Louisianas gränser mot Texas i väster och Arkansas i norr. Han utvecklade en särskild teknik på tolv-strängad gitarr men spelade också mandolin, fiol, dragspel och munspel.

Lead Bellys liv var stökigt; han levde halvvägs inne i den musikaliska världen men lika mycket i den kriminella. 1918 fängslades han i Texas, dömd för mord efter ett slagsmål om en kvinna. Han satt sju år i fängelse, och enligt legenden kring Lead Belly frigavs han 1925 sedan han sjungit en sång för Texas guvernör Pat Neff som besökte fängelset och som sedan återkom flera gånger för att höra Lead Belly sjunga.

Återigen fri fortsatte han att leva ett kringvandrande liv och 1930 dömdes han till fängelse igen, för mordförsök med kniv. Det var i Lousianas statsfängelse som Lead Belly upptäcktes av folkmusikforskarna John och Alan Lomax, far och son. 1934 hade paret Lomax lyckats få Lead Belly fri, och han kunde ge sig ut på en organiserad konserturné runt USA.

Den blev en succé. Lead Bellys musik, med sånger om livets verklighet, om rasism, sprit och kvinnor slog an på publiken. Lead Belly sjöng klassmedvetna sånger om hårt arbete, om de svartas villkor och han sjöng om tidens hjältar och skurkar: president Roosevelt, den svarte boxningsvärldsmästaren Jack Johnson, den för tiden utmanande filmskådespelerskan Jean Harlow, den rasistiskt präglade rättegången mot The Scottsboro Boys (se Proletären nr. 25, 2020) och Adolf Hitler.

Lead Belly återfanns allt oftare bland de progressiva folk- och bluesmusiker som rörde sig i New York: med Woody Guthrie, Peter Seeger, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee och Josh White. Författaren Richard Wright, då den kommunistiska tidningen Daily Workers korrespondent i Harlem, skrev lyriskt om honom.

Men i motsats till kommunisterna Wright, Guthrie och Seeger höll sig Lead Belly utanför den organiserade politiken. Vilket inte betydde att han var apolitisk: Lead Bellys The Bourgeois Blues från 1939 är en uppgörelse med rasismen i Washington och i USA och flera andra av hans sånger rörde politiska frågor.

Proletären

Lead Bellys största hit var dock en sång som närmast kan betraktas som en schlagerdänga: Goodnight, Irene. En låt som spelats in i 100-tals versioner, på svenska redan 1950 av Anders Börje och senare av bland annat Sven Lindberg, Flamingokvintetten och Vikingarna.

Låten blev en jättehit i USA 1950 med The Weavers, med Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Lee Hays och Fred Hellerman. Gruppen blev för övrigt svartlistad i dessa dagar för 61 år sedan, när medlemmarna vägrade skriva på ett avståndstagande från USA:s kommunistiska parti.

Lead Belly fick aldrig uppleva hur Goodnight, Irene blev en världshit. Den gick i topp på försäljningslistorna under våren 1950. Då var Lead Belly död. Han avled efter en tids sjukdom i New York den 6 december 1949.

Caddo Parish family arrested, accused of manufacturing meth

MOORINGSPORT, LA (KSLA)An alleged family drug operation lands a father, mother and their son in jail. And narcotics agents credit a citizens tip for helping break the case.Those agents with the Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Unit arrested 61-year old Randy Colgin along with his 55-year old wife Beverly and 25-year old son Johnathan. They've been booked into the Caddo Correctional Center on 1-count each of creation and operation of a clandestine laboratory.Agents made the arrests on Tuesday, February 17, after searching a hou...

MOORINGSPORT, LA (KSLA)

An alleged family drug operation lands a father, mother and their son in jail. And narcotics agents credit a citizens tip for helping break the case.

Those agents with the Caddo-Shreveport Narcotics Unit arrested 61-year old Randy Colgin along with his 55-year old wife Beverly and 25-year old son Johnathan. They've been booked into the Caddo Correctional Center on 1-count each of creation and operation of a clandestine laboratory.

Agents made the arrests on Tuesday, February 17, after searching a house in the 300-block of Greenwood Street in Mooringsport, a small village in northern Caddo Parish.

"They had actually cooked before. There wasn't an actual meth lab there or any of the meth lab trash. They found, agents found the items used to manufacture meth there," said Lt. Carl Townley, the Caddo Drug Unit Commander. Lt. Townley added that it appears the Colgin's were getting ready to cook another batch.

"I've had a feeling for years," said James Alexander. He's a retired Caddo Sheriff's Office deputy who lives right next door to the alleged meth house. In fact, Alexander said he was home when narcotics agents arrived on Tuesday.

Alexander recalled, "When all this come to a head the other night I was sitting here cleaning my bike and the 'Jump Out Boys' come here (laugh). So, I figured that's where they was going."

Alexander explained that agents first spoke outside with the husband and wife by their front gate. From there, agents went into the home. That's where they reportedly spotted a computer. On the screen they saw a recipe on how to make meth.

So, what exactly made the neighbor suspicious? Alexander told us, "Different traffic in and out of there, you know. And then, of course, a lot of times they get the ppit bullsand stuff. You think about that because a lot of times ppit bullsare involved in drug transactions."

Lt. Townley described the Colgin's meth operation as a "one pot shake-and-bake lab" which typically make enough meth for a few dozen doses. He concluded that when it comes to meth the majority of users are also dealers, mostly just to keep their habit going.

Three 3.0 earthquakes in two years for Mooringsport, La.

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck near Mooringsport, La. just after noon on Sunday.The event occurred SSW of Mooringsport at 12:43 p.m., at a depth of 2.7 miles.The United States Geological Service also reported the earthquake took place 16.1 miles WNW of Shreveport, La.A ...

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A magnitude 3.0 earthquake struck near Mooringsport, La. just after noon on Sunday.

The event occurred SSW of Mooringsport at 12:43 p.m., at a depth of 2.7 miles.

The United States Geological Service also reported the earthquake took place 16.1 miles WNW of Shreveport, La.

A 3.0 earthquake was also felt in Mooringsport in April of 2021.

In a statement, the USGS asserted, “As is the case elsewhere in the world, there is evidence that some central and eastern North America earthquakes have been triggered or caused by human activities that have altered the stress conditions in earth’s crust sufficiently to induce faulting.”

That includes activities such as the injection of fluid into the earth’s crust, extraction of fluid or gas, and removal of rock in mining or quarrying operations.

“In much of eastern and central North America, the number of earthquakes suspected of having been induced is much smaller than the number of natural earthquakes, but in some regions, such as the south-central states of the U.S., a significant majority of recent earthquakes are thought by many seismologists to have been human-induced.”

A stronger 3.2 quake took place just under 5 miles west-northwest of Blanchard two weeks later.

Local resident Greg Albert says he heard and felt the quake on April 1 when his dog awoke him. All three people in his home heard and felt the quake on April 16 from 3 miles away.

Some people report hearing earthquakes due to higher frequency primary waves, known as “P” waves before they feel the secondary waves’ arrival. The compressional waves can travel through any type of material and move at almost twice the speed of “S” waves. According to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, P waves do not weaken as quickly, so they retain higher frequencies.

Albert says he grew up in the area in the ’70s and ’80s, then returned in 2011. He says this activity is not normal for the region and is concerned the production of oil and gas is causing the increase in seismic activity.

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