On the final day of Black History Month, the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville hosted a soul food luncheon that brought together over 150 attendees. This annual event not only raised funds for the center's various programs but also highlighted the importance of cultural heritage and community unity. The gathering featured traditional dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes, along with peach cobbler for dessert. The event aimed to raise awareness about the center’s role in fostering connections and supporting diverse initiatives within the community.
The building where the event took place holds significant historical value. Once serving as the African American School for Haywood County, it has since been transformed into a welcoming space for all residents. Tausha Forney, Program Director and Board Co-Chair of the Pigeon Center, emphasized the center's mission to create a place where people from different backgrounds can come together, forge friendships, and build lasting relationships beyond the confines of the building. This transformation reflects the community's commitment to preserving its history while embracing inclusivity and diversity.
The center plays a vital role in the local area by offering programs tailored to various age groups, including children and seniors. These initiatives aim to enrich the lives of participants through educational, recreational, and social activities. In addition to the soul food lunch, the center plans to host its popular fish fry event in March, further engaging the community in cultural celebrations and traditions.
Beyond the delicious meals and festive atmosphere, the soul food luncheon served as a reminder of the center's ongoing efforts to promote unity and understanding. By honoring the past and looking toward the future, the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center continues to be an essential hub for bringing people together and celebrating shared values. The success of this event underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage while fostering a sense of belonging among all members of the community.
Forever Our Teammate: Honoring Dillon’s Legacy
Devastating Collision Ends Two Lives
In the early hours of Wednesday night, tragedy struck near the LSU campus. Reports indicate that a white Honda Accord attempted a left turn onto South Quad Drive just after 9 p.m. CT. As the vehicle maneuvered into the lane, it collided with a BMW motorcycle. Both drivers, identified as Dillon Reidenauer and Bodhi Linton, succumbed to their injuries at the scene. This heartbreaking event has sent shockwaves through the university and beyond, leaving many grappling with profound grief.The impact of this collision extends far beyond the immediate aftermath. It highlights the dangers of road safety, especially in high-traffic areas near educational institutions. Authorities have emphasized the importance of exercising caution when navigating such environments. The loss of two young lives serves as a stark reminder for all drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant and prioritize safety.Community Mourns the Loss of a Promising Athlete
Dillon Reidenauer was more than just an athlete; she was a beacon of hope and determination for the LSU track and field team. Her journey began at Fontainebleau High School in Abita Springs, La., where she excelled in pole vaulting, earning a state runner-up title at the 2025 LHSAA 5A State Championships. At LSU, Dillon pursued her passion for interior design while continuing to hone her athletic skills.Her presence was felt not only on the track but also within the broader LSU community. Coach Dennis Shaver expressed his deep sorrow over Dillon’s passing, noting the significant role she played in the team’s dynamic. “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Dillon Reidenauer, who was taken from us much too soon,” he said in a heartfelt statement. “Everyone in our LSU Track & Field family is keeping Dillon’s loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”Tributes Pour In from Teammates and Fans
As news of Dillon’s death spread, tributes began pouring in from across the nation. Many athletes paid homage to her memory during the SEC Indoor Track & Field Championships in College Station, Texas. Michaela Rose, the 2023 NCAA outdoor 800m champion, wrote “Rest in love, Dillon” on her race bib, symbolizing the unity and solidarity among competitors. The LSU team also wore ribbons pinned to their jerseys in honor of Dillon, ensuring her legacy would live on through their performances.Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support and remembrance. The LSU Track & Field account posted a poignant tribute, declaring, “Forever our teammate, Dillon Reidenauer.” These gestures underscore the profound impact Dillon had on those around her, both as an athlete and as a person.Preserving Dillon’s Memory Through Media
To ensure Dillon’s contributions to track and field are never forgotten, FloTrack, the premier streaming platform for the sport, will archive footage from various meets. Subscribers can revisit these moments, reliving the excitement and emotion captured on film. By preserving these memories, FloTrack honors athletes like Dillon, whose dedication and passion continue to inspire future generations.FloTrack’s comprehensive coverage of track and field events provides a valuable resource for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The platform’s commitment to documenting the sport ensures that Dillon’s legacy remains alive, serving as a testament to her remarkable journey and unwavering spirit.An incident involving an 11-year-old boy driving a suspected stolen vehicle that struck a woman has brought attention to New York's revised juvenile justice laws. The young driver was released to his parents due to a new state law raising the minimum age for prosecution to 12 years old. Instead of facing criminal charges, he will be referred to social services. This case underscores the ongoing debate about how best to address juvenile delinquency and provide support for children under 12 who engage in illegal activities.
New York's Revised Approach to Juvenile Offenders
The recent incident highlights changes in New York’s approach to dealing with young offenders. Previously, children as young as seven could face prosecution. However, a new law now requires children under 12 to be referred to social services rather than the criminal justice system. Lawmakers believe this approach addresses underlying issues more effectively. Captain Greg Bello from Rochester Police explained that while the boy cannot be criminally charged, he has been referred to the appropriate services.
This shift in policy reflects a broader understanding that children acting out may be doing so due to trauma or other underlying issues. Rather than incarcerating them, the focus is on providing supportive services. State Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford, one of the bill's co-sponsors, emphasized that placing these children in detention centers with older offenders can exacerbate problems. Instead, she advocates for programs like Monroe County's Juvenile Enhanced Diversion Stabilization (JEDS), which offers community supervision and family support. The JEDS program boasts a remarkably low re-offense rate of just 3.4%, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing juvenile behavior issues early.
Community Support Programs Gain Momentum
As the state moves towards a more rehabilitative approach, community support programs are gaining momentum. These initiatives aim to provide structured environments and necessary services for at-risk youth. Former Gates Police Chief Jim VanBrederode supports this direction, advocating for increased funding and resources for such programs. He believes that locking up young children is not the solution and emphasizes the need for safe, structured alternatives.
Monroe County has already taken steps to bolster its support systems. The county’s budget includes additional funding for four new probation officers dedicated to the JEDS program, ensuring continued success with a re-offense rate of just over three percent. Advocates argue that these programs offer a compassionate and effective way to handle juvenile offenses, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Community organizations such as Monroe County Family Services, Rise Up Rochester, and The Center For Teen Empowerment also play crucial roles in providing essential support services for juveniles.