I just got this note from my father, who is concerned that the unrest seen in New Orleans is spreading to the outlaying areas.

Huntsville has a permanent population of approximately 40,000… plus a mid sized state college student body and as most folks know, 10,000+ in a state prison population. The Sunday paper has some remarkable reading, for a paper of this size.

The population of Huntsville suddenly grew Friday, as 7 buses from New Orleans deposited another 500 or so. The local paper has some fascinating stories… told by those who certainly have stories to tell.

As likely do many small towns (and big cities alike)… there are “rumors” passing around town. I’m reluctant to pass it further, save that it be little more than an expression of the fears that people will
summon in times like these… but supposedly, there have been 13 car jackings in town, since Friday. I choose to take it as nothing more than a non factually based rumor.

I spoke with my cousin Little Haydee last (Saturday) evening. She teaches 3rd grade in the Baton Rouge public schools and lives in New Roads, a small town of about 5000 (my estimate), on the west side
of the Mississippi River, about 20 miles NW of BTR. She has several guests from New Orleans… and reports that similar rumors as mentioned above, have circulated there as well. She has been told that they will be enrolling somewhere around 1000 students from New Orleans. During the storm, she
never lost power, phones or Internet. From our conversation… apparently all New Orleans television stations are off the air, as are many of the AM and FM broadcast stations. Little Haydee reports that the streets in New Roads are “like Mardis Gras”, with overflowing crowds and traffic. She avoided grocery shopping at Wal Mart… but found everything she needed at another store. The local populace has been told that when present supplies of gasoline are depleted, they may not get another
delivery for “two weeks”.