Since moving to Bogalusa in mid-August, I have been mentally creating a checklist of events I was excited to see.
First was the Blues and Heritage Festival, and it did not disappoint. I also wanted to cover my first high school football game in Louisiana, just because I look forward to that part of the sports calendar. Again, it was a joy.

The last big one on my early checklist is coming up in just a few weeks — the Washington Parish Free Fair.
I have already been out to the fairgrounds campus to cover a non-fair event, and I have to say I was just as impressed with the facilities themselves even when they weren’t hosting the fair. As I told my parents, “It was like something out of a theme park or historic village.” I can only imagine how much more impressive it will be when the fair actually gets started.

I have been to county fairs in other towns where I’ve lived, and have always had a great time. Whether it’s enjoying thrill rides, trying games of chance, or enjoying a funnel cake or candy apple, a county fair is always lots of fun. I have no doubt that the Washington Parish Free Fair will offer its own enjoyable time as well.

• I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to drive on Austin Street recently, but I’m sure you’ll be very pleased at the road when you do. The new paving job is very smooth and traffic seemed to be flowing Friday afternoon without any problems. It’s good that the city was able to fix the bumpy street, and hopefully they’ll find enough funds to do some more needed work on other roads in the city.

• While the new pavement on Austin Street looks nice, there are other parts of the city that aren’t so nice. Staff writer Randy Hammons commented about dilapidated buildings and eyesores in his column Friday, and I join in his frustration with the appearance of parts of our community.

Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as simply knocking down run-down dwellings, or mowing an overgrown yard. These properties are owned by someone, and it is ultimately their responsibility to take care of the improvements.

I recently received a call from a city council member, who asked if perhaps the newspaper could do something to call attention to parts of the city that need cleaning up. The council member noted that many of these landowners don’t even live in Bogalusa.

We certainly wouldn’t want to publicly embarrass anyone, but we care about this community and want it to look as good as it can. What do you think, readers? Would you like to see The Daily News run photos and information about landowners who have let their properties deteriorate? Send me an email and let me know.

Thanks for reading The Daily News. Have an enjoyable weekend.

Justin Schuver is the publisher and editor of The Daily News. You can email him at justin.schuver@bogalusadailynews.com.