The Cameron Pilot

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Update 10/18/05

Called the Calcasieu Habitat for Humanity, and left a message for a call back to find out what their plans are for Cameron Parish.

Also called Christmas in April, Calcasieu Area: Rebuilding Together. Asked if they have plans to help residents in Cameron parish. She took my name and said someone would call me back... she didn't know what the plans are.

Some good news articles on KPLC TV's site:

Cameron Police Jury grapples with recovery
Cameron Parish Moving Forward

Search KPLC TV's site and you can find several video clips about or mentioning Cameron Parish.

Talked with my mother who called the Cameron Parish Coroner. He told her they'll start matching caskets with records/reports of disinterred people on Friday. My mother said they're having some difficulty figuring out where some graves were, because headstones were washed away by Audrey and now Rita. So, if you know of anyone who has very thorough knowledge of Cameron Parish cemeteries, you may ask him/her to give the Coroner a call... maybe s/he could help the Coroner figure out who was where. We found these 1999 genealogy inventories of Head of The Hollow and Smith Ridge, which my mother gave to the Coroner. Hope it helps someone.

Update 10/17/05

Called the Cameron Parish EOC line and talked with a pleasant fellow from the AL Natl' Guard. He gave me the Official word for the parish:

• He said the AL Natl' Guard are leaving today, and the ACE (Army Corps of Engineers) are taking over.
• He said the official word is Cameron Parish is now closed for "look and leave" and further information and dates about entering the parish, etc. can be obtained by calling 337-775-5306 or listening to 99.5 FM radio (he thought it was a Lake Charles station).
• He also said they are starting demolition on public buildings in Cameron Parish today, but will not be demo'ing homes without owner's permission.
• He said only insurance adustors or contractors with proper ID will be allowed in the parish, and there will be security checkpoints. If you need to get in the parish to be present while the insurance adjustor inspects your home, he said you should go through the checkpoint with the adjustor.
• He said if you are worried about the status of a family gravesite, to call the Cameron Parish Coroner at 337-842-0321.

Now... the UNofficial word:

There are some people working on their homes in the Johnson Bayou area, and people assume they will continue to be able to do so. Perhaps you can sweet talk your way in if you try....

And the personal word:

I saw a picture of tropical storm Wilma today and totally lost it. I got angry. Really angry. Stand on the beach and shake a stick at a hurricane angry.

And the nonprofit/charitable rebuilding word:

Spoke with Tony Silva today from America Continental 2000. He has some more ideas of how they can help people in Cameron parish and will be sending those to me in the next few days. I will pass them on as I receive them.