LAFAYETTE — The City-Parish Council voted down a zoning change 7-2 Tuesday that would have allowed Mello Joy Coffee to build a new corporate headquarters, distribution facility and coffee roasting plant on Moss Street.

The presence of that neighborhood is what many councilmen said drove their decision not to allow the zoning change.

Fraud claimed in home deals

I'd wager the real estate scammers seek out the least worldly people they can find.

It wouldn't help them to use people who could detect the parts that didn't add up or who sought counsel from a bank or lawyer,etc.

They have to be pretty desperate to deal with ordinary,working class families.

(All the non-English speakers,kids and afflicted people must have been taken.)

Maybe they could be compelled to build state-of-the art homes for these victims with all expenses for relocation,construction,etc. coming out of their pockets.

Hmmm...I wonder if they ever got around to building condos where highways were going to go.

How many times can one get cash for the same property?

Cultura club holds consecration service

Liner conducted the business meeting. Annette Bedgood reported on the club's Christmas project, which consisted of providing food, clothing and toys for two needy families.

Submit anecdotes or items about local people to Jes' Ramblin', c/o The News-Star, 411 N. Fourth St., Monroe, La., 71201; or e-mail them to accent@thenewsstar.com.

Revealed: the mystery man behind canal safety signs

As we're in a group only the leader will sound their bell."British Waterways has now erected signs restricting cyclists to top speeds of 6mph"Doubt I will use the waterways now. This speed restriction equates to a journey of 12 hours to get to Falkirk Wheel and back (ordinarily 6 hours); a real shame. I've been using them for years with no animosity whatsoever."I would hide behind something to see if people were stopping to look at them."Kudos for your clean-up operation but I doubt anyone wants to be snooped upon in this fashion. It may also lead to some very tricky questioning if caught. .

Pluckemin Inn tops list of best restaurants for 2007

Who can remember what's available if more than one or two items are reeled off verbally? With a computer, it's a quick job to print up an addition to the regular menu.

In 2007, the trend of informal elegance continued. Fine dining today usually means an atmosphere geared toward comfort with a relaxed dress code, but high-style food and service. In that regard, the Pluckemin Inn (359 Route 202-206 South, Bedminster; (908) 658-9292, www.pluckemininn.com), has hit new heights after an auspicious beginning several years ago.

Public provides input on planning future

They expect to see more traffic with an improved Highway 191 and fear their taxes will rise as development comes. Most want to see commercial development held to the Highway 191 corridor.Harvey Allen, Sue Makin and Sandy Dietering discussed the impact the new port would have and the possible impact of mining if it resumes in Courtland. They see housing demands and water as big issues. They also want to keep agriculture alive and flourishing in the Mid-Sulphur Springs Valley. They do not want noise and light pollution, overpopulation, nor do they want to see Elfrida incorporate and become its own city providing services that would increase taxes.At another table, James Guzz and Robyn Gibbons were talking in their group about encouraging economic development of environmentally-friendly industries to bring jobs to the area and even county support of work-at-home computer jobs.

Superior Industries names CFO

Superior Industries International Inc. has named Erika H. Turner chief financial officer, the company said Monday.