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Broadband Internet Essential to Rural America

Tue, 07/21/2020 - 10:11am

Strengthening access to broadband services in rural America is a priority for the wellbeing of our nation – it will ensure that everyone has the ability to engage with the world in a meaningful way. Despite the extensive progress that we have made over the past two decades to expand internet coverage, roughly 18 million Americans still do not have access to broadband at home. For too long our networks have left some of our fellow citizens out, and its time that we get to work to fix this gap.
We at Louisiana State Newspapers, provide community news coverage in 23 municipalities located in 13 parishes across this state. Information is our business, and we know firsthand that the internet has revolutionized how folks read the news and communicate with the world. Many of our readers have moved exclusively online, and get all of their information from our online news service. This trend will only accelerate as our technology improves; therefore, it is crucial that all Americans are caught up to speed with the pace of this rapid technological change. In order to stay updated, we must invest in our rural broadband coverage.
Despite all of the gridlock in Washington, this issue should receive strong bipartisan support. Already, officials from both sides of the aisle have signaled their attention to this issue, and have recognized the importance of expanding broadband access to all Americans. Republicans and Democrats must use this common ground to increase broadband access through infrastructure funding which will enable greater broadband connectivity. In turn, more funding and a robust technological infrastructure will help close the rural availability divide, and bring fast internet to everyone across the country.
Despite strong investment from the private sector on this front, we need federal policy to step in and help get the job done. Our nation only stands to benefit from closing the digital divide. Increasing rural broadband will make it easier for kids to access information for their schooling, local businesses to expand their marketplace, and for folks to find a job and get back to work. Congress must take action to include funding in some form of COVID relief stimulus effort.
We look forward to the coming push to make fast internet a reality for every American.

Louisiana State Newspapers

This barge was sunk in Bayou Chene during the 2016 high-water event, the third of four times the technique was used to prevent back-flooding in St. Mary, Lower St. Martin and surrounding parishes. Construction officially began Monday on an $80 million permanent structure that will eliminate the need for sinking barges in the bayou.
St. Mary Levee District Photo

MAJOR CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON BAYOU CHENE FLOOD PROJECT

Tue, 07/21/2020 - 10:03am

Construction is now underway on components of a permanent floodgate on Bayou Chene below Morgan City that will provide flood protection for portions of six parishes," the Governor's Office said Monday.
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority and St. Mary Parish Levee District are overseeing construction of the automated barge floodgate. CPRA is directing $80 million from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act to fund the project.
“The value of this flood protection structure to the region was demonstrated last year during a historic period of extended high water along the Atchafalaya River that coincided with Hurricane Barry’s landfall just west of the permanent floodgate site,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “Thankfully, sinking barges has been successful, but it is a costly and short-term approach. This permanent structure will provide a reliable, long-term solution for the people and businesses in this area. We know this project is important and we are doing our best to compress the timeline to get this structure in place as soon as possible.”
During high water events on the Atchafalaya River, Bayou Chene has been a major conduit for backwater flooding in the parishes of St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Martin, Assumption, and Iberville. The governor announced funding for the permanent structure in March 2019, but before the project could commence, another high water event coupled with the anticipated opening of the Morganza Floodway triggered the emergency sinking of a barge closure, a temporary structure that was also used during high river events in 1973, 2011, and 2016.
“Major construction is now underway on this project that will provide protection to over 100,000 residents in a six-parish region with the push of a button.” said CPRA Board Chairman Chip Kline. “This proven concept will soon become a permanent flood protection structure that will protect the people, places, and businesses that rely on this critical line of defense during high water events and storms.”
“The St. Mary Levee District has been working to implement a permanent solution since the historic 2011 flood, and we are excited that with this funding from the State of Louisiana we can finally implement this vital regional project,” said Levee District Executive Director Tim Matte. “The permanent Bayou Chene Floodgate will protect the citizens and property owners of six parishes,and will significantly reduce the annual costs incurred in emergency flood fighting throughout the region.”
“For nearly a decade, the fight for a permanent structure on Bayou Chene has been at the forefront of my efforts in the State Senate. Because of its proven success over many flood fights, we worked with CPRA and the St. Mary Levee District to secure funding for this project to ensure what we knew all along—that this project is vital to the protection of countless homes and businesses in District 21 and our surrounding areas,” said state Senator Bret Allain, R-Franklin. “With our flood fights becoming a more regular occurrence, the funding and construction of this project has never been more urgent, and I look forward to it being operational next year."
"I'm very enthusiastic about the continued work on the $80 Million Bayou Chene Flood Gate which will help reduce backwater flooding from the Atchafalaya due to high water events on the Mississippi as well as hurricanes and tropical storms,” said state Rep. Vinney St. Blanc, R-Franklin. “This will not only help mitigate flood risks within my District of St. Mary and Lower St. Martin, but neighboring parishes as well."
The project was designed by several Louisiana-based engineering firms. APTIM Environmental & Infrastructure led the project with support from T. Baker Smith, Miller Engineers and Associates, and Eustis Engineering.
The area where the 403 foot floodgate will be located is currently being dredged and is expected to be completed by mid-September. Thibodaux-based Sealevel Construction, Inc. will fabricate and install the structure. The floodgate is currently being fabricated at Bollinger Shipyard in Amelia. The floodgate and remaining components of the project, including road improvements, armored earthen levee, and a weir structure are all expected to be complete and operational by September 2021

Beverly Ann Bell Lister Lewis

Tue, 07/21/2020 - 9:29am

Beverly Ann Bell Lister Lewis, 83, of Lake Jackson, Texas, passed away at home surrounded by family on July 17, 2020. She was formerly of Sandersville, Georgia for over 30 years. Beverly was born in Kaplan, Louisiana at her grandparent’s home to Percy Curtis and Yuna Marie Bell.
Beverly graduated from Goliad High School in Goliad, Texas. She went on to serve others as a nurse spanning 40 years. She cherished her family and was proud of her Cajun heritage. She loved the Lord and although unable to attend church, still worshiped Him at home.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe Lewis; son, Russel Lister; granddaughter, Michelle McLester; and the father of her three children, Bethel Earl Lister.
Beverly is survived by her children, Cynde Lister McLester (Michael) and Michael Wayne Lister (Shelly), of Lake Jackson, Texas; step-daughter, Ann Lewis Wickline (Larry), of Stockbridge, Georgia; granddaughters, Jennifer Richard (Dusty), of Rayne, Louisiana, and Lanny Klinect (Cody), of Lake Jackson, Texas. She is also survived by numerous great grandchildren and cousins.
A private memorial service will be held at the home of Michael Wayne and Shelly Lister and a private burial will be held at a later date at Ramah Cemetery, in Mershon, Georgia.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to A*med Hospice for the special care they gave to her and to the family.
Condolences can be sent to Michael and Cynde McLester, 1623 North Road, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566, or sent to the family online at www.palmsfuneralhome.com.

Free COVID-19 testing at Cajun Field will be extended through Sunday, Aug. 2

Tue, 07/21/2020 - 9:23am

LAFAYETTE — A free COVID-19 mobile testing site at Cajun Field will remain in place through Sunday, Aug. 2.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the Louisiana Department of Health have been operating the site since July 10. This is the second time that testing has been extended.
Free, drive-thru tests will continue to be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except on Friday, July 31. A food distribution effort will be held at the site that day.
No ID is needed for testing, but registration is required.
Pre-registration can be completed at www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com. Under test locations, click “Louisiana” then Cajun Field (Mobile #3).
People will be allowed to register at the site, but can expect longer waits.
Testing will be available for any Louisiana resident who is at least 5 years old. Guardians must accompany anyone under 16.
People must provide a phone number and email address to be tested.
People who visit the site should wear masks. Those being tested will perform nasal swabs on themselves as they wait in their vehicles. The process will be observed to ensure it is done correctly. Sealed samples will be dropped in a container.
Results will be emailed, and posted online at www.DoINeedaCOVID19test.com.
It is expected to take three to five days to get test results.
People who test positive will also be contacted by phone. There is no phone number for people to call to get their results.
Motorists should enter the Cajun Field parking lot via West Congress Street through Gate 3. Only right turns into the lot by motorists approaching from the west will be allowed for traffic safety considerations. Once testing is complete, they will exit on Reinhardt Drive onto Bertrand Drive through Gate 1.
For more information about COVID-19 testing, contact the LDH Region 4 Office of Public Health at (337) 262-5311.

Abbeville Police Dept has taken 66 firearms off streets this year

Tue, 07/21/2020 - 9:05am

The city of Abbeville has, unfortunately, been plagued by several violent incidents.
These incidents are not unique to any city, but whenever these incidents happen near your home, it often becomes “too real”.
The Abbeville Police Department has been diligently going after the violent criminals who are causing citizens to fear for the safety of themselves and their families. Gun violence perpetrated by violent individuals have far too often spread this fear amongst our community.
As an example of the work that police officers are doing, the Abbeville Police Department, since the beginning of this year, has taken 66 firearms off of the streets. Fourteen of these firearms were reported stolen firearms. A breakdown of the types of firearms is listed below:
• 55 Handguns
• 8 Rifles
• 3 Shotguns
The Abbeville Police Department will
continue to strive to rid the streets of these violent criminals.
Chief of Police William Spearman would like to thank all of the citizens who continue to speak out against these criminals and the violence they cause. Chief Spearman’s motto has been a constant reminder to both officers and the community and has been put in place on every patrol unit possible. “Only together can we keep Abbeville safe”.
Chief Spearman would also like to remind all of the citizens that we are there, 24 hours a day, to serve you. We encourage all of our citizens to stay vigilant and contact us if you need. In addition to dialing 911, you can contact us at 893-2511. You may contact our “Tips” line at 892-6777. All callers may remain anonymous. Citizens may also send anonymous tips through the Tip411 system at the department’s Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/AbbevillePolice Department/, the official web page @ www.abbevillepd.com by clicking on the “Submit a Tip” link provided or through the official Abbeville Police Department app, which can be downloaded through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Beatrice Bertrand Hebert

Mon, 07/20/2020 - 3:30pm

February 28, 1923 ~ July 16, 2020

KAPLAN — A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of Beatrice Bertrand Hebert, 97, who died Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Kaplan Healthcare Center. She was laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery with Reverend Mark Miley officiating the services.
She is survived by her sons, Roland Simon and his wife, Joyce of Abbeville and Ronald Hebert of Kaplan; her daughter, Fayetta Desormeaux and her husband, Roland of Kaplan; her stepson, Mercey Hebert of Kaplan; her seven grandchildren, Todd Simon and his wife, Phyllis, Tammy Broussard, Vanessa Villejoin, Michael Desormeaux and his wife, Alachia, Wade Hebert, Donna Schexnider and her husband, Ellis, and Jamie Turnley and her husband, Bart; nine great grandchildren; and several stepgrandchilden and great stepgrandchidren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alta Bertrand and the former Olite Dupuis; her husband, Gladue Hebert; her son, Jimmy Dale Hebert; and her grandson-in-law, Kevin Villejoin.
The family requested that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 8:00 AM until the procession departed for the church at 9:45 AM with a rosary being prayed at 9:00 AM.
All funeral arrangements were conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Hebert family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.

Free COVID-19 testing at Cajun Field will be extended through Sunday, Aug. 2

Mon, 07/20/2020 - 2:50pm

Louisiana rental assistance program paused due to overwhelming demand

Mon, 07/20/2020 - 2:38pm

By David Jacobs | The Center Square

BATON ROUGE – A Louisiana program to pay rent for people facing economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and response has been put on hold because of overwhelming demand, Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office says.
State officials say they are still taking applications for the program in anticipation of receiving additional funding from the federal government. They say more than 40,000 people have applied.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is paying for the first phase with $7 million from its HOME Investment Partnership Program. Payments will be made directly to landlords, not to renters.
State officials expect HUD to provide an additional $5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $12 million in Emergency Solutions Grant funds through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (better known as CARES) Act.
“The response to our state’s emergency rental assistance program proves how significant the economic burden of COVID-19 is for our citizens,” Edwards said, adding that “much more is needed to address this serious crisis.”
Louisiana currently is in “phase two” of the White House-approved road map for loosening restrictions meant to control the spread of COVID-19. Some Republicans, including much of the state House of Representatives’ GOP delegation, are calling for overturning the governor’s emergency order, citing the economic damage the restrictions have caused.
House Speaker Clay Schexnayder has discouraged his Republican colleagues from signing a petition to lift the order, saying it could lead to a loss of federal money for pandemic relief and other disasters.

Gov. Edwards signs tax breaks, rural broadband measures

Mon, 07/20/2020 - 2:36pm

By David Jacobs | The Center Square

BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards has acted on every bill passed during June’s special session, including approving a long list of tax breaks and subsidies and measures meant to promote access to high-speed internet.
House Bill 69 by Rep. Daryl Deshotel provides a tax rebate on fiber-optic cable for companies that win bids in the federal government’s $20 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund auction, meant to promote internet access in currently unserved areas. Senate Bill 10 by Sen. Beth Mizell calls for electricity cooperatives to partner with broadband providers using the co-op’s existing infrastructure.
Taken together, the two measures are meant to help Louisiana compete for a healthy share of the federal funding, hopefully leading to high-speed internet access in areas of the state that don’t currently have it.
Edwards also signed House Bill 64 to impose an 8 percent tax on the revenue produced by online fantasy sports contests. Setting the tax rate is the last step toward finally legalizing the practice in parishes where voters approved it back in 2018.
And the Democratic governor approved numerous Republican-backed tax breaks sought by business lobbyists, despite voicing concerns during the session about the impact on state finances. Proponents said the measures would help to boost businesses harmed by restrictions meant to control the spread of COVID-19, while critics said they would chip away at the state’s bottom line without actually providing any real economic benefit.
Legislative fiscal office notes indicate the various tax breaks could cost the state well over $200 million in lost revenue over the next five years, though the bills’ sponsors often argued the fiscal notes didn’t take into account the increased business activity (and therefore increased tax collections) they claimed the bills would stimulate.
Tax breaks, benefits and subsidies the governor signed this week include:
Senate Bill 4: Extends the sunset of the state’s research and development tax break, which would have expired next year, to 2025.
Senate Bill 5: Eliminates state taxes on up to $5 million of a casino’s “promotional play wagers,” which essentially are vouchers sent to potential customers to drum up business. Supporters said the promotions aren’t taxed in other states and could lead to more revenue for the state by bringing more patrons into the state’s heavily taxed casinos.
Senate Bill 6: Suspends corporate franchise taxes on the first $300,000 of taxable capital for businesses with $1 million or less in taxable assets.
Senate Bill 17: Extends the “angel investor” tax credit program, which was set to expire next year, into 2023. Edwards also signed Senate Bill 24, which boosts the credit’s value for investments in federally designated low-income “opportunity zones.”
House Bill 4: Extends the state’s tax credit program for rehabilitating historic structures and sets a $125 million annual cap on the amount of credits taxpayers can claim.
House Bill 11: Boosts the amount of sales tax collected a business is allowed to keep from 0.935 percent to 1.05 percent, while reducing the total amount a business can keep each month from $1,500 to $1,200.
House Bill 13: Allows retailers, hotels and restaurants with up to 50 employees to participate in the state’s Enterprise Zone tax credit program. The stated goal is to help companies impacted by COVID-19, though previous studies have shown that granting tax credits to those business categories provides a poor return on investment for taxpayers. House Bill 19 allows those same types of businesses participate in the state’s Quality Jobs program.
House Bill 37: Waives penalties and interest for late filing by taxpayers affected by COVID-19.

Vermilion Parish School Board looks at starting school later

Mon, 07/20/2020 - 9:56am

The Vermilion Parish School District originally had plans to start school on Aug. 10. That was Plan A. But, as of last week, there is now a Plan B and possibly a Plan C, which pushes the opening date back.
At Thursday’s five-hour school board meeting, the board members could not decide when school will start. The debate went back and forth, and the meeting had to be stopped at 11 p.m., because everyone was getting tired. The meeting will continue Monday at 6 p.m., and the board is expected to decide on when to begin the school year.
The first plan released by the school district had school beginning on Aug. 10. The school district was also going to have a certain group of middle school and high school students go to school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other Friday; and the other group was going to go on Tuesdays, Thursdays and every other Friday.
Elementary students would go to school every day.
Also, if parents did not want to send their children to school in fear of COVID-19, the school district was offering virtual school. Students could learn at home on a computer.
Assistant superintendent Ellen Arceneaux took a survey of parents who may be interested in virtual school at every grade level. She received interest from 1,400 parents who wanted more information about the virtual school.
“There is a lot of interest in the virtual program,” said Arceneaux.
Because of the interest, Arceneaux told the school board members that the school district will be conducting a virtual school sign-up period that will end on July 27.
She expects 400 students and possibly more to enroll.
Because of the considerable amount of interest in the virtual school, Arceneaux is asking the School Board to consider Plan B. Plan B has the school district starting school on Aug. 24. Students and teachers would have to go through a unique training program on Aug. 20-21, educating them on social distancing, wearing a face mask and other health guidelines.
In Plan B, middle school and high school students would still attend school every other day.
After her presentation, Arceneaux said she recommended the board adopt Plan B and push the opening of school back to Aug. 24 instead of Aug. 10.
Then the debate began between board members.
School Board member Kristy Hebert suggested that Vermilion Parish start school on Sept. 7, after Labor Day. That is Plan C.
“I don’t see how we are going to put our teachers and janitors in danger,” said Hebert. “The fear is real.”
School Board member Chris Gautreaux wanted to know if any of the teachers were asked about their concerns of going back into the classroom?
A poll was taken by the Vermilion Association of Educators (VAE), and according to VAE President Shelly Ryan, 638 school employees responded to the question, if they were worried about their safety at school due to COVID-19. She said 60 percent said they were concerned and 22 percent said they were not concerned. “These employees are concerned,” said Hebert.
School Board member Dale Stelly asked Ryan, what would be her recommendation for starting school. She responded by saying, “I can not be specific.”
Arceneaux encouraged the school board to decide because there is a lot that needs to be done. She said the school administration is steering a big ship and not a small boat. “Whatever is decided, remember it can not be done overnight.”

RSS Feed

Broadband Internet Essential to Rural America

MAJOR CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON BAYOU CHENE FLOOD PROJECT

Beverly Ann Bell Lister Lewis

Free COVID-19 testing at Cajun Field will be extended through Sunday, Aug. 2

Abbeville Police Dept has taken 66 firearms off streets this year

Beatrice Bertrand Hebert

Free COVID-19 testing at Cajun Field will be extended through Sunday, Aug. 2

Louisiana rental assistance program paused due to overwhelming demand

Gov. Edwards signs tax breaks, rural broadband measures

Vermilion Parish School Board looks at starting school later

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