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Articles by Mark Judson
Legal Corner: Understanding the U.S. Constitution
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Ahead of Constitution Day, Mark Judson with the Southwest Louisiana Law Center joined 7News at Noon to answer viewer questions about the founding document and how it affects everyday life in Southwest Louisiana. Answer: Constitution Day is celebrated every year on September 17, marking the anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution by the founding fathers in Philadelphia in 1787.
Legal Corner: What is the best way to leave money to my great-grandchildren?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: I want to leave some money to my great-grandchildren when I die. I will probably be gone by the time they reach 18. What is the best way for me to do this? ANSWER: Great question! First, you need a will. Second, minors cannot own property. You cannot put property in someone’s name until they are the age of majority, 18 or over. Third, someone must be in charge of, and be the custodian of, the minor’s property.
Legal Corner: Do I need to form an LLC to start a new business if I am the sole employee?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: I’m about to start a new business. I’m going to be the sole owner and only employee. Many people are telling me that I need to form an LLC in order to be protected from Lawsuits. Are they right? ANSWER: Yes, but with exceptions. The basic concept of forming a limited liability company is literally to “limit the liability” of the owners. Corporations, limited partnerships etc. work the same way.
Legal Corner: What is a medallion signature guarantee and how do you get one?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION PART 1: I inherited stock from my deceased husband. I sent the issuing company succession paperwork that transferred the stock into my name. The company is now telling me that I need a “medallion signature guarantee.” What is this? ANSWER: The goal here is to get the stock out of the deceased husband’s name and into the wife’s name.
Legal Corner: What are the laws concerning golf carts, scooters, and bicycles on sidewalks?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: I always see young kids in golf carts or side-by-sides, riding them on sidewalks with no adult supervision…in Lake Charles. Is this allowed or not by law? ANSWER: No. Louisiana Revised Statute 32: 299.4 et seq is a state law that regulates golf carts: Definition: R.S. 32: 299.4 A: A.
Legal Corner: How does the new tax sale process work?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - KPLC’s Legal Corner answers viewers’ legal questions pertaining to civil matters. QUESTION: How does the new tax sale process work? ANSWER: Louisiana Legislative Act 557 became effective January 1, 2026. In the old system, the tax sale purchaser would get a tax sale deed. After the three-year redemption period ran, the tax sale purchaser automatically became the owner of the property. Act 557 completely overhauled the tax sale process. We no longer sell land at tax sales.
Legal Corner: What is the difference between a bond-for-deed and a vendor’s lien?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - KPLC’s Legal Corner answers viewers’ legal questions pertaining to civil matters. QUESTION: I went to a lawyer to get a will done. When it came time to sign, he would not let my wife sign as a witness. She’s going to get everything after I die. So why is this a problem? ANSWER: Since the testator (the person who is making will) is not around to explain themselves after death, the law goes to extremes to protect the testator’s intent.
Legal Corner: What’s the difference between a domiciliary and a nondomiciliary parent?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: My neighbor and good friend died. He has no family. I wanted to pay for the funeral arrangements, but the funeral home says that I’m not allowed to without a court order because I am not family. What can I do? ANSWER: Louisiana Revised Statute 8:655 regulates the disposal of remains. Louisiana Revised Statute 9:1551 deals with unclaimed bodies.
Legal Corner: What can be done if I know my neighbor’s tree is going to damage my home?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: My neighbor’s rotten tree is probably going to hit my garage when it falls. I have taken pictures and contacted him, but the tree remains. Is there anything else that can be done?
Legal Corner: What to do if you find out your home is encroaching on another property
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: My neighbor had a survey done for his home. His survey shows that the back corner of our house is encroaching on my neighbor’s property by about two feet. Our house has been here for years. No one has complained. We did not know there was a problem until he did the survey. What do we do? ANSWER: Civil Code Art. 670 addresses this issue.
Legal Corner: Should you do a title search before you buy property?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: We were cleaning out our deceased parents’ house and came across abstracts. Do we need to keep them? ANSWER: A title search is an examination of the public records for any type of document that pertains to the subject property.
Legal Corner: What is a living will?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: I live in an apartment complex. Another tenant has a ring camera that faces my door and other tenants’ door entryways. Is that legal? ANSWER: So, the real question here: what privacy expectations are tenants afforded in common areas? Invasion of privacy in this context is a tort (a civil cause of action) for damages.
Legal Corner: Rules of co-owning property for buy-outs
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: I co-own property with my siblings. One of my siblings wants to be bought out, but another sibling does not consent to the buyout. He claims we can’t do anything without his consent, and that his refusal to cooperate can tie up the property forever. Is this correct? ANSWER: No, owning property that has not been divided is known as owning in “indivision” (see Louisiana Civil Code Article 797).
Legal Corner: What is a pay-on-death bank account?
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: So, what is “Legal Corner” all about? ANSWER: Legal Corner is a collaborative public service between KPLC and the SWLA Law Center, a non-profit 501C3 organization, whose mission is to provide access to justice to the under-resourced of SWLA. Volunteer lawyers, acting on behalf of the Law Center, field common legal questions every Wednesday live, on the air, during the KPLC News At Noon Broadcast.
The Effect of Row Spacing and Irrigation on Seed Production of Four Forb Species from the Uncompahgre Plateau, Colorado
Keywords row spacing, irrigation, seed production, Uncompahgre Plateau Department Plant and Wildlife Sciences Abstract The Uncompahgre Plateau Project involves a series of studies to help with the production of native seeds for large-scale restoration of this Colorado Plateau Region. Studies are being conducted at various research centers throughout the United States.
How to follow PSP and get involved
With the season at its midway point, don’t miss out on the latest news and conversations surrounding the Union and beyond. In addition to our webpage, explore the sights of the game on our Instagram page and leave your takes on our newly launched Facebook page. PSP Instagram PSP Facebook Want to be more involved in coverage of the beautiful game in the Philadelphia region?
Wrexham Weekly: Going up
Welcome to Wrexham…Weekly—a weekly dose of the Welsh club that has a unique connection to Philadelphia, even though it’s over 3,000 miles away. Whether you’re a local Red Dragons supporter or an intrigued observer, this is the place for you. Now, let’s get into it. Fearless in Devotion….
Wrexham Weekly: The EFL League Two promotion race tightens
Welcome to Wrexham…Weekly—a weekly dose of the Welsh club that has a unique connection to Philadelphia, even though it’s over 3,000 miles away. Whether you’re a local Red Dragons supporter, or an intrigued observer, this is the place for you. Now, let’s get into it. League Two Table Wrexham news and highlights Yes, it’s a different sport, but as a Philadephia outlet, we’re obligated to share that the Phanatic spent three days at the Racecourse on a promotional trip to Wrexham.
Wrexham Weekly: McClean suspended and points left on the table
Welcome to Wrexham…Weekly—a weekly dose of the Welsh club that has a unique connection to Philadelphia, even though it’s over 3,000 miles away. Whether you’re a local Red Dragons supporter or an intrigued observer, this is the place for you. Now, let’s get into it. League Two Table Wrexham news and highlights James McClean was shown his 10th yellow card of the season, landing him a two-game suspension.
Wrexham Weekly: The Red Dragons have eyes on promotion
Welcome to Wrexham…Weekly—a weekly dose of the Welsh club that has a unique connection to Philadelphia, even though it’s over 3,000 miles away. Whether you’re a local Red Dragons supporter or an intrigued observer, this is the place for you. Now, let’s get into it. League Two Table Wrexham news and highlights Prince William made a stop by the Racecourse on Friday but not before heading to The Turf—the ground’s corner pub—for a pint and a shot with Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney.
Wrexham Weekly: Road struggles continue to mount
Welcome to Wrexham…Weekly — a weekly dose of the Welsh club that has a unique connection to Philadelphia, even though it’s over 3,000 miles away. Whether you’re a local Red Dragons supporter or an intrigued observer, this is the place for you. Now, let’s get into it. League Two Table Wrexham news and highlights Wrexham dropped out of the top three in the League Two table.
Wrexham Weekly: Red Dragons end month of woes
Welcome to Wrexham…Weekly — a weekly dose of the Welsh club that has a unique connection to Philadelphia, even though it’s over 3,000 miles away. Whether you’re a local Red Dragons supporter or an intrigued observer, this is the place for you. This weekly series will provide you with digestible hits on the latest Wrexham news, a recap of the week’s matches, and a look at the matches ahead. Now, let’s get into it.
A Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity on the Brink: Mo So Cave and the Hon Chong Karst of Vietnam
1. Introduction Vietnam has many large and famous karsts in its central and northern regions, in particular at Ke Bang and Ha Long Bay. However, further south (below 17° N), limestones are limited to small, sparse isolated outcrops in two regions: Da Nang where a few small limestone towers are located in the town itself, and a larger region straddling the border between Vietnam and Cambodia (the Mekong Delta Limestones or MDL).
Monk’s Cafe is pouring Pliny the Younger on Monday, one month ahead of its official release
Pliny the Younger was a Roman lawyer and elected official during the first century AD, but this story isn’t about him — it’s about an eponymous, cult status beer, and it’s coming to Philly. On Monday, Feb. 20, Philly residents will have the opportunity to grab a glass of Pliny the Younger at Monk’s Café. This year’s Pliny the Younger release at Russian River Brewing Company will kick off March 24 — over a month after beer lovers in Philadelphia have had their first sip.
LEGAL CORNER: Do you have to go to court to adopt someone over 18?
Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ civil legal questions. QUESTION: My husband wants to adopt my daughter. She is 24. Her biological father has not been in her life for years. My husband is the only father figure my daughter has ever known. Do we have to go to court to do this since she is over 18? Answer: No, you do not. The question raises the issue of adult adoptions. Civil Code Art. 212 Governs adult adoptions.
LEGAL CORNER: What happens if my ex disagrees with me moving while I have domiciliary custody of our children?
Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Legal Corner answers viewers’ questions about civil legal matters. QUESTION: My husband and his siblings are selling their deceased parents’ property that they inherited. The closing attorney wants me to sign the deed. Why is this necessary since I don’t own any of the property? ANSWER: It’s an abundance of caution. In community property states, everything acquired is presumed to be equally split 50-50 by husband and wife. But inherited property is an exception.
Barristers Bingo is back - American Press
Mark Judson, executive director of the Southwest Louisiana Law Center, speaks Tuesday at the weekly meeting of the Kiwanis of Lake Charles. (Crystal Stevenson / American Press) By Mark Judson The Barristers Bingo is back!After a two-year hiatus (you know, the usual COVID, hurricane(s), freeze, and flood delays) the super- fun, Pioneer-Club-style bingo fundraiser for the SWLA Law Center makes its triumphant return on Thursday, May 5, at the Pioneer Club.
Mark Judson column: Nonprofit theft lessons learned - American Press
Mark Judson, executive director of the Southwest Louisiana Law Center, speaks Tuesday at the weekly meeting of the Kiwanis of Lake Charles. (Crystal Stevenson / American Press) By Mark Judson A recent news story where a man was charged with stealing large sums of money from a local non-profit over the past seven years has been a hot topic of our conversation for those of us in the nonprofit sector. Common questions that come up include why didn’t the nonprofit detect the problem sooner?
IRS records show Cole Sr. custodian of Sulphur Rotary Club books
Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - New information on an investigation into hundreds of thousands of dollars missing from a local nonprofit. Last week, we told you 73-year-old Richard J. Cole Sr. was arrested and accused of stealing an estimated $367,000 from a local nonprofit, and now, we know which nonprofit Cole Sr. worked with. It turns out Cole Sr. has been the one who oversees the books for the Sulphur Rotary Club for at least the last three years on record.
PICK UP THE BEET
The world of food is no stranger to trends and it seems everywhere you go these days, you can find the beet. Not the rhythm to which you tap your foot, but those strange purple — or red or gold or even striped(!) — things dug up from the ground. “I’ve been selling a lot of beets lately,” says Alex Hutchinson, a produce distributor at Jacksonville Farmers’ Market. “People say they put them on sandwiches, burgers, make drinks with them.
What is Asked of the RNC Host City
Graphic by succo from Pixabay. Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced via Twitter on Tuesday that the city would “welcome the opportunity” to host the 2020 Republican National Convention. This comes after reports that President Donald Trump is moving the event from Charlotte citing concerns over reduced capacity due to COVID-19.
Duval Dems call for Independent Multi-Agency Investigation into Mayoral Office's Actions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DUVAL DEMOCRATS CALL FOR INDEPENDENT MULTI-AGENCY INVESTIGATION INTO MAYORAL OFFICE’S ACTIONS JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Duval County Democratic Party is calling for an independent multi-agency investigation by the City of Jacksonville Inspector General, State Attorney for Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit, and U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida into the actions of Mayor Lenny Curry’s office during the city’s “Stop the Violence” initiative.
Man’s Best Friend: Banned from the Brewery
This story has been updated. Beer drinkers might be in for a surprise the next time they head to their local brewery or bottle shop—their canine friends aren’t allowed. Dogs have become as common a sight in breweries as IPAs, but a rarely enforced Florida Administrative Code is putting the practice to an end. Jacksonville Beach-based brewery, Green Room Brewing, brought attention to the issue in a Facebook post Thursday.
Two UNF students killed over the weekend
The Osprey nest has become a little emptier. Health Science Junior Allison Bushey was killed in a car accident in the early morning hours of March 6. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), Bushey was with her boyfriend and another passenger when their BMW was hit by another car and crashed into a tree on Jacksonville’s Northside. The BMW became engulfed in flames as a result. The accident happened around 2 a.m. on Duval Station Road, just west of N. Main Street near the CVS.
One step away from Rio
Bobby Harris, a UNF sophomore, edged his way into the final round of Olympic qualifying Friday night in Eugene, OR. Harris was one of 26 athletes competing in the men’s high jump competition, and placed in a five-way tie for tenth place with a jump of 2.14 meters. His jump, despite matching the height of first-place leaders, came on his third attempt rather than his first—resulting in the lower ranking. The men’s high jump final will be held on July 10, at 6 p.m. EDT.
Courthouse construction on schedule
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com THE DETAILSThe Okaloosa County courthouse was reduced to rubble in January with the intention of being rebuilt.Standing since 1955, the structure became overrun with black mold and asbestos. County commissioners voted to demolish the building in October 2015 and its doors closed for the final time April 2016.After months of debate, the county decided to rebuild on the existing site, hoping to complete the project by July 2018.
Gulf oil spill money could stimulate Crestview road projects
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW—Okaloosa County is closer to receiving tens of millions of dollars from a stimulus program known as the Triumph Gulf Coast Trust Fund.The fund will be a point of deposit for monies from a financial settlement between Gulf of Mexico states and BP following the 2010 oil spill.
Okaloosa County courthouse in Crestview closer to completion
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com THE DETAILSThe Okaloosa County courthouse was reduced to rubble in January with the intention of being rebuilt.Standing since 1955, the structure became overrun with black mold and asbestos. County commissioners voted to demolish the building in October 2015 and its doors closed for the final time April 2016.After months of debate, the county decided to rebuild on the existing site, hoping to complete the project by July 2018.
3-on-1 fight at youth center briefly uploaded to YouTube
Officials at Okaloosa Youth Development Center say they are investigating incident By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW — A video appeared briefly on YouTube depicting a three-on-one fight at the Okaloosa Youth Development Center.The video, which has been removed from the website after accumulating more than 100 views, showed three young men attacking a fourth man.
Crestview Crossing nears completion
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW — Here's an update on construction along Ferdon Boulevard. THE DETAILSCrestview Crossing is the site of three new buildings for retail and restaurant use at 2150 S. Ferdon Blvd., adjacent to Publix.Approved by City Council in February 2016, the project was conducted in two phases—the first a 4,600 and a 9,460-square-foot building for mixed commercial use.
Video shows violent attack at Okaloosa Youth Development Center
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW — A video briefly appeared on YouTube depicting a fight at the Okaloosa Youth Development Center.The video, which has been removed from the website after accumulating over 100 views, showed three young males physically attacking a fourth man.
Crestview High student artists display work at gallery night (PHOTOS)
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW — Art students from Crestview High School had their work on display Thursday.Pieces included sculptures, photography, painting, drawing, graphic design and several other mediums from artists at all grade levels.Ribbons were awarded in the event's various categories and students had the opportunity to place their artwork for sale.
Defense contractors find new home in Hub City
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW — InDyne and Reliance Test and Technology have opened offices in Crestview after months of speculation surrounding possible moves to the area.InDyne works with clients across military, private and commercial sectors to provide a range of services such as engineering, logistics, communications networking and cyber expertise. Crestview’s location will focus on integrated security solutions.
Crestview High alumnus awards thousands to graduating seniors
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW — Joe Lawrence graduated from Crestview High School in 1983 and no longer lives in west Florida but he’s never forgotten his roots. Every year since 2002, he’s awarded $5,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors at the school.“The community gave so much to [my family] and I wanted to give back,” Lawrence said.
Defense contractors find new home in Crestview
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW—InDyne and Reliance Test and Technology have opened offices in Crestview after months of speculation surrounding possible moves to the area.InDyne works with clients across military, private and commercial sectors to provide a range of services such as engineering, logistics, communications networking and cyber expertise. Crestview’s location will focus on integrated security solutions.
Youth obesity fuels hypertension, diabetes, sleep issues
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW—Going on a bike ride to a friend’s house or playing at recess isn’t just fun for most children, it could be saving their lives.Poor eating habits and inactive lifestyles are leading to obesity in children at an alarming rate.
Crestview High alumnus awards thousands to graduating seniors
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW—Joe Lawrence graduated from Crestview High School in 1983 and no longer lives in west Florida but he’s never forgotten his roots. Every year since 2002, he’s awarded $5,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors at the school.“The community gave so much to [my family] and I wanted to give back,” Lawrence said.
5 things to know about a Crestview charter reform
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com 1. Past failureThe City Council’s effort to possibly alter the city charter and government structure isn’t Crestview’s first venture into the reform.The measure was presented to voters Nov. 6, 2012, after an extensive, multi-year review process.
Crestview Council advances government restructuring process
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com CRESTVIEW — The City Council voted 4-1 on Monday to add a charter review to the May 8 meeting agenda, a victory for supporters of the initiative to change the municipal government’s structure.City Councilman Joe Blocker cast the lone dissenting vote, stating the city should have time to educate residents on what the current structure is and what a potential change could look like.The decision was reached after hearing from...
Your question answered: New Crestview roadway to help traffic
By Mark Judson | 682-6524 | @cnbMark | mjudson@crestviewbulletin.com THE QUESTION:Does anyone know what happened to the idea of putting a so-called "roadway" through the Crestview Corners Shopping Plaza parking lot in order to connect East Redstone Avenue and Hospital Drive to relieve traffic on [State Road] 85? — Andrew Soileau Jr., CrestviewTHE ANSWER:The Florida Department of Transportation highlighted proposals to alleviate traffic on S.R. 85 during a City Council meeting March 27.
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