Named for a Confederate general, Fort Polk – in Vernon Parish – will soon get a new moniker. Kevin Gallagher reports on the selection process…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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It’s Apprenticeship Appreciation and Awareness Week and Louisiana Workforce Commission is celebrating with job fairs. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The state Department of Health is launching what it’s calling “Just Check”, a campaign targeting the rising number of syphilis cases in north and central Louisiana. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”
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Louisiana’s Fort Polk, in Vernon Parish, could have a new name soon. Fort Polk spokesman Kavanaugh Breazeale (bruh-ZELL) says this comes after Congress agreed to rename military installations and vessels named for members of the Confederacy. He says they are inviting community leaders to engage in the discussion at an event Thursday on base…:
Cut 4 (07) “…for Fort Polk. “
The fort, near Leesville, is named for Confederate General and Episcopal Bishop Leonidas Polk. Military complexes nationwide will be renamed to help quell ill feelings still being felt over the Civil War and slavery. Breazeale says the public may suggest a new name online at www.theNamingCommission.gov…:
Cut 5 (13) “…Congress will go from there”
The announcement of Fort Polk’s new name is not expected for almost a year, but it may come sooner. Breazeale says a Thursday meeting at the Army base will have state and civic leaders in attendance to talk it over…:
Cut 6 (09) “..for Fort Polk.”
Due to limited space and COVID precautions, the meeting is not open to the public.
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It’s Apprenticeship Appreciation and Awareness Week and Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says they are celebrating by offering an apprenticeship fair today connecting job seekers with opportunities, and a virtual fair for students….
Cut 7 (09) “…our Facebook page.”
Apprenticeship programs allow students to learn on-the-job skills, earn a wage, and also earn education credits. Fiore says the program is a perfect opportunity for Louisianans who are interested in transitioning from one career to another.
Cut 8 (11) “…State of Louisiana.”
The apprenticeship program encompasses a variety of occupations, for example, plumbers, electricians, and one that’s especially in demand now healthcare. Fiore says they are also holding a special event at the end of the month dedicated to healthcare apprenticeships.
Cut 9 (08) “…those jobs.”
LWC says on average those who complete an apprenticeship earn an annual salary of $50,000 and for every dollar employers spend they get an average of $1.47 back in increased productivity.
https://laworks.easyvirtualfair.com/
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Senator Bill Cassidy is boasting of the 65-billion dollars contained in the just signed trillion-dollar infrastructure bill to address improving broadband service, especially in rural areas of Louisiana.
Cut 10 (06) “…currently have broadband.”
He says expanding broadband service in the state will have a positive impact in a wide number of areas, including education, all for the betterment of Louisiana.
Cassidy notes that an expansion of broadband will mean improvements for the state’s workforce.
Cut 11 (12) “…place of work.”
Cassidy says the expansion of broadband service in Louisiana could lead to distribution centers being able to locate in parts of the state once not considered by companies.
Cut 12 (12) “…those businesses there.”
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Houma police are still searching for a woman that was involved in an altercation at Joni B’s Bar shortly after midnight Friday. Lt. Travis Theriot says Houma Police were called to the scene to break up a fight among a group of women and for one officer it’s a call he won’t soon forget.
Cut 13 (09) “…portion of his ear.”
Theriot says 36-year-old Michelle Smith will be charged with second-degree battery once she’s apprehended and they are asking for the public’s help in locating her. Tipsters’ calls via Crimestoppers could even receive a $1,000 reward. As for the officer who was injured…
Cut 14 (08) “…we’re hopeful.”
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The “Just Check” campaign is being launched by the Louisiana Department of Health in an effort to address the rising number of syphilis cases in the state. Chaquetta Johnson is the Deputy Director of Operations for the Louisiana STD/HIV Hepatitis Program:
Cut 15 (10) “…and north Louisiana.”
Johnson notes that syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that had been on the decline, but has been increasing in the northeast part of the state.
Johnson says the “Just Check” campaign was prompted by the fact that one in three new syphilis cases in Louisiana are being found in the north and central parts of the state.
Cut 16 (11) “..in the community”
Johnson says the “Just Check” campaign urges those concerned about possibly having syphilis to get checked and educated about syphilis, with the LDH noting that a majority of cases involve men who are otherwise healthy under the age of 40.
Cut 17 (09) “ …north Louisiana, yes”
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Many are wondering what is the motivation level for the LSU Tigers as for the second straight regular-season they will not finish with a winning record. The Tigers host ULM on Saturday night before wrapping up the regular season by hosting Texas A-and-M. LSU linebacker Damone Clark on his motivation…
Cut 18 (19) “..you are”
The Tigers are looking to snap a three-game losing streak and LSU is a 29-point favorite to beat ULM on Saturday. Center Liam Shanahan…
Cut 19 (20) ” this weekend”
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Southeastern Louisiana can claim at least a share of the Southland Conference Championship with a win over Nicholls tomorrow night in the River Bell Classic. A win for S-L-U could also result in a home playoff game in the FCS playoffs. The Lions outscored the Colonels 58-48 on October ninth, but Southeastern Coach Frank Scelfo says the matchup is different this time around…
Cut 20 (23) “..last time.”