LUY-Development

Author: Imported Author 1980807

  • Louisiana unemployment rate down 2.3 percent year-to-year

    Louisiana unemployment rate down 2.3 percent year-to-year

    Baton Rouge / louisianaradionetwork.com
    Louisiana added another 12,700 jobs from June to July and ended the month up 58,200 jobs year-to-year. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore said we are moving in the right direction despite the 4th COVID wave, but the only way to keep this momentum going is by getting more people vaccinated.

    “What we need is a healthy workforce and with the 4th COVID wave upon us the best way we can guarantee a healthy workforce is to make sure people are vaccinated and wearing those masks,” said Fiore.

    New Orleans and Baton Rouge led the pack in new month-to-month job gains at 3,700 and 3,00 respectively. Shreveport and Houma were the only markets to see month-to-month job losses.

    Fiore said the biggest sector gains were in leisure and hospitality and education and health services at 27,000 and 13,000 more jobs year to year respectively. Despite those gains, there’s still a serious shortage of healthcare workers and hospitals are hurting as a result.

    “Right now there are more than 7,000 nursing positions available on our website, and organizations throughout the state are offering some big incentives to get nurses hired,” said Fiore.

    Business services gained 12,000 jobs over the year.

    Fiore said if you are unemployed there are more than 50,000 jobs available at their website, and programs available to help you get certified for a position you may want but are not yet qualified for.

    Louisiana unemployment rate down 2.3 percent year-to-year

  • CLECO explains higher than usual utility bills

    CLECO explains higher than usual utility bills

    Baton Rouge / louisianaradionetwork.com

    CLECO is explaining to its customers why they are seeing higher utility bills. President Shane Hilton says a rate increase went into effect July first.

    “CLECO power had not any changes in rate structure or rate increases in the least seven years, so that was one small piece of the equation,” said Hilton.

    An increase in natural gas prices, which have almost doubled, and fuel costs to keep an older plant in Mansfield operational during the summer demand is also adding to the price increase for CLECO customers.

    Another reason for higher-than-average bills is the ice storms that impacted the state, which also saw a significant spike in fuel costs and high usage. Hilton says customers are seeing costs from the winter storms spread out over bills that eventually drop off in April 2022.

    The Pineville-based company is also paying for the repairs needed following last year’s hurricanes.

    Hilton says if you need assistance there are several options to help you pay your bill. He encourages you to call CLECO or visit their website.

    “We have a list of programs, local, state, and federal programs that they can sign up for, there are also CLECO programs they can sign up for like bill averaging through the year,” said Hilton.

     

    CLECO explains higher than usual utility bills

  • Project Phoenix: The Rebirth of The Eola Hotel

    Project Phoenix: The Rebirth of The Eola Hotel

    ) The City of Natchez announced today the downtown project known as “Project Phoenix,” the redevelopment of the Eola Hotel.  Built in 1927, the Eola Hotel originally had 125 rooms and was an important part of Natchez during such events as Spring Pilgrimage and other social events for the area.  Today, the Endeavour Companies announced the new plans for this anchor of Downtown Natchez.

     

    “With the opportunity to bring the development power and expertise of the Endeavour Companies to this great project, this culminates a 25 year old dream I had as a young state employee attending a meeting at the Eola in the mid 90’s that this grand landmark hotel deserved a true rehabilitation to its original splendor and befitting the great city it calls home” Hayes Dent.

     

    Known for his family’s extensive food and beverage experience, the new development of the Eola Hotel will include noted New Orleans icon Dickie Brennan at the helm of this experience. “Whether it is the connection of the Mississippi River or the strong community leadership in Natchez, or both, we are excited to be joining the efforts in the rebirth of the iconic Eola Hotel,” said Brennan.

     

    This new era of the Eola Hotel will bring 55 new jobs and $24 million investment to the City of Natchez and Adams County.

     

    “The Eola Hotel has long been a vital part of the history of Natchez, and the fact that we now can announce its rebirth is reason to celebrate!  With this $24 million dollar renovation, to include a new parking garage, new street level retail, and restaurants opened by a leading national restauranteur, the Natchez Renewal will now be in full gear,” said Dan Gibson, Mayor City of Natchez.

     

    “Congratulations to the development team and all the partners of the rebirth of the Eola Hotel.  We are pleased to be a part of this team and to have a new anchor tenant in downtown that will benefit Natchez and our region,” said Chandler Russ, Executive Director Natchez, Inc.

     

    As jobs become available for their project, they will be listed on WIN Job Center.

  • Digital Learning Coaches sent to more than 60 Schools

    Digital Learning Coaches sent to more than 60 Schools

    The Mississippi Department of Education is sending digital learning coaches to more than 60 schools across the state. That includes in the Natchez-Adams School Districts. The deployment is part of a state program called the Mississippi Connects Initiative, which is aimed at improving student performance through technology, and preparing teachers and administrators. The same program was responsible for distributing more than 3,000 Chromebooks to students in the early days of the pandemic to allow students to learn from home.

  • Governor’s office: COVID hospitalizations are ten times higher than at the start of July

    Governor’s office: COVID hospitalizations are ten times higher than at the start of July

    Baton Rouge / louisianaradionetwork.com

    With COVID hospitalizations surpassing 3,000 this week, the governor’s office says there are now ten times as many people in the hospital with COVID than there were at the start of July.

    The Louisiana Health Department says 91-percent are unvaccinated.

    Governor John Bel Edwards says there are some waiting for full authorization from the FDA to take a vaccine. But he warns if you get hospitalized with COVID you’ll be treated by therapeutics under emergency use authorization.

    “If you are going to trust the doctor, to treat you for COVID using something under a EUA, trust your doctors, when they ask you to get vaccinated, so you don’t have to go there,” said Edwards.

    Full authorization for Pfizer is expected early next month.

    On Wednesday, LDH reported 3,022 COVID patients in the hospitals. Edwards says that’s about the size of his hometown of Amite.

    “And I just picture every single person that I know that just puts it in perspective for me,” said Edwards.

    Edwards made the comments during his monthly “Ask the Governor” call-in radio show.

    The governor was also asked about any possible restrictions for LSU football games this year.

    “Good news there, it’s outside and it’s always safer than inside, is it safe as you have enough distance between the two people, no, but there are other things that can be done,” said Edwards.

    Edwards recommends wearing a mask while inside Tiger Stadium for football games.

    Governor’s office: COVID hospitalizations are ten times higher than at the start of July

  • Grambling student chosen by White House as HBCU Scholar

    Grambling student chosen by White House as HBCU Scholar

    GRAMBLING, La. (KSLA) – A student at Grambling State University (GSU) has been chosen as one of 86 HBCU Scholars across the country. It’s part of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

    Jordan Braithwaite, a sophomore at GSU, is being recognized for her achievements in academics, leadership, civic engagement, and more.

    “The students who hold this honor are committed to creating a more just and equitable society through their civic engagement,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “They are leaders and change-makers in their communities, and I cannot wait to learn from them as they serve as ambassadors both for the White House Initiative and their institutions of higher education.”

    The White House’s initiative provides scholars with info about the value of education and a number of networking opportunities. Scholars also maintain relationships with community organizations and public and private partners.

    “This honor will involve me serving as a student ambassador for the White House Initiative where I will ensure that information, resources, and opportunities are distributed to my fellow classmates at Grambling State University,” Braithwaite said.  “Additionally, I will assess and articulate my professional aspirations as well as the needs of my institution, to determine the many ways that the initiative can support me, my fellow classmates, and Grambling State.”

    Braithwaite is majoring in history with a concentration in law and society.

    “I am overjoyed and extremely grateful to not only being selected as a Scholar, but to be recognized on a platform of this magnitude for my academic achievements, campus leadership, and civic engagement,” Braithwaite said. “I also must give a special thank you to President Gallot for nominating me for this honorable position, and a thank you to my mentor, Ayeisha Gipson, for consistently motivating me to work hard to excel and be selected for honorable programs such as this.”

    Braithwaite is from St. Louis, Mo. She was chosen as the Freshman Class President, and is the Miss NAACP-elect for 2021-22. She will also serve as a resident assistant during the fall semester. During the summer, she’s completing an internship with the Greenwood Project, a non-profit organization aiming to build a diversity pipeline for minority students to enter the financial industry.

    Braithwaite has also been invited to attend the 2021 Annual National HBCU Week Conference, which has workshops designed to help HBCU students develop skills in leadership, professional development, and workforce development. Registration information is available here.

    https://www.knoe.com/2021/08/18/grambling-student-chosen-by-white-house-hbcu-scholar/

  • Baton Rouge nurse recognized for her door to door mission to vaccinate others for COVID

    Baton Rouge nurse recognized for her door to door mission to vaccinate others for COVID

    Baton Rouge / louisianaradionetwork.com

    Baton Rouge Nurse Carla Brown who made national headlines going door to door to help vaccinate people, received a $25,000 check in recognition of her work Tuesday. Brown who lost her husband to COVID before vaccines were available to him has vaccinated more than 2,000 individuals in his memory.

    “But I first would like to give thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has brought me from a dark place of taking one life to save so many others,” said Brown.

    Governor John Bel Edwards praised Brown for her inspiring work. He even announced that the Department of Health named an initiative after her to help get more individuals vaccinated.

    “And I wish that we had a thousand more nurse Carlas, but I will tell you she inspired an initiative and so far, they’ve hired and onboarded 14 nurses to do what she’s doing but they’re doing it in every region,” said Edwards.

    While her mission to vaccinate as many as she can is an emotional one, the experience has been joyful also. Brown tells about one interaction where a wife agreed to be vaccinated and eventually the husband was also persuaded.

    “He said ‘you know y’all are some doggone persistent women, but nevertheless I’m going to take this vaccine because I’m tired of looking at ya.’ But he took the vaccine so that was our happy moment,” said Brown.

    Brown will also be featured in a Louisiana Healthcare Connections PSA promoting vaccinations.

    Baton Rouge nurse recognized for her door to door mission to vaccinate others for COVID

  • Natchez Adams School board adopt policy regarding faculty and staff COVID vaccination

    Natchez Adams School board adopt policy regarding faculty and staff COVID vaccination

    Natchez Adams school board members adopt a proposal indicating they intend to institute a policy requiring all district faculty and staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. It was approved unanimously. This is a first step toward coming up with a proposal, which would ultimately be voted on down the road. Among the issues to be ironed out – what the penalty would be for not complying with the mandate, and what exemptions would be allowed. The board doesn’t have a timetable in place for developing the mandatory vaccination policy, but one member indicated it would be dealt with as soon as possible.

  • Vicksburg District announces new chief of Project Resources Management Branch

    Vicksburg District announces new chief of Project Resources Management Branch

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                 August 16, 2021

    USACE Vicksburg District announces new chief of Project Resources Management Branch

    VICKSBURG, Miss. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Vicksburg District has selected Jason Mooney as Chief of Project Resources Management Branch (PRMB).

    In this role, Mooney will lead the way of carrying out PRMB’s mission, which is to provide quality engineering and other professional services for flood damage reduction, hydropower production, recreation management, water supply, natural resource stewardship, and environmental compliance activities. They also manage all programs to ensure consistent and thorough implementation of policy, guidance, procedures, and programs as directed by higher headquarters in such a manner that meets or exceeds our customer’s expectations.

    Mooney began his USACE career in the Design Branch in 2003 after graduating from the University of Mississippi.  He worked as a design engineer in Levee & Drainage Section until 2013.  During that time, he worked on a multitude of Mississippi River Levee enlargement designs as well as several channel improvement projects.  He also served as technical manager for the Viper Program, which included the designs of numerous levees, flood walls, and flood gates in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, which was developed for the New Orleans District after Hurricane Katrina.

    In July 2013, Mooney was selected as Chief, Inspection & Dam Safety Section in the Geotechnical Branch.  In this position, he was responsible for executing the Vicksburg District’s Dam Safety Program, which included performing formal inspections and assessments and carrying out dam safety maintenance for all dams, locks and dams, pumping plants, and numerous large flood control drainage structures in order to ensure that structural integrity was intact for each project.  He was also responsible for executing the Relief Well Maintenance Program for the District to ensure that the relief wells located along the levee toes operated at peak performance during high water and flood events.

    Mooney replaces outgoing PRMB Chief Johnny Kiser, who will retire December of this year. Kiser and Mooney will work together over the next four months to ensure a smooth transition.

    Project Resources Management Branch has O&M authority for 10 lakes in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana and nearly 2,000 miles of levees.  Overall project missions include flood control, hydropower, recreation, environmental stewardship, and water supply.  Other missions include carrying out the 208 and 408 permit programs for alteration requests to federally constructed projects and coordination with local, state, and federal partners/stakeholders regarding use of public lands.

    The USACE Vicksburg District is engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges. The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana that holds nine major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees. The district is engaged in hundreds of projects and employs approximately 1,100 personnel.

  • Three storm systems unlikely to impact Louisiana

    Three storm systems unlikely to impact Louisiana

    There are three separate storm systems in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic but as of now, none appear to be any threat to Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim said Tropical Storm Fred is impacting the Panhandle Monday and Tropical Depression Grace, which is near Hispaniola, looks set to head to Mexico.

    “It will get into the Gulf but it will be way down in the southwestern Gulf and is going to impact Mexico in a pretty big way, probably two landfalls in Mexico,” said Keim.

    A third system, which should form into Tropical Storm Henri Monday, is forecasted to noodle around in the Atlantic and not make landfall in the US.

    Keim said steering currents are keeping Louisiana safe at the moment. While they are set to eventually break down, it should buy the state some time.

    “We have this dome of high pressure that is basically serving as some protection for us, steering the storms away from Louisiana thank goodness,” said Keim who added that after Fred leaves Florida we should have some nice beach weather. “After today (Monday) I think the Gulf Coast is open for business.”

    Three storm systems unlikely to impact Louisiana