Louisiana small businesses can begin applying for a grant worth up to 15,000 dollars tomorrow as part of the Main Street Recovery Program. Matt Doyle has more.
____________________________
Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has more.
cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo.”
_____________________________
Application for a state-run grant program for small businesses impacted by the pandemic begins tomorrow.
Eligible businesses can receive up to 15,000 dollars in reimbursement for expenses incurred during the shutdown. State Treasurer John Schroder calls it no strings attached, and expansive…
Businesses must have a brick and mortar location and fewer than 50 employees to be eligible.
The program kicks off tomorrow at 9 AM. Schroder says the application process is online only.
The money will be sent out on a first-come-first-served basis.
Schroder says the 275 million dollar program isn’t a lot of money in a state of 457,000 small businesses…
For the first 21 days, the program will only disburse funds to businesses that did not receive federal assistance or insurance payments.
______________________
The Department of Agriculture and Forestry is warning residents of mystery seeds being delivered through the mail that may contain some sort of plant pest or disease. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the seeds have been received via unsolicited packages by people across the US, including Louisiana.
Cut 6 (08) “…appears eastern Europe.”
Strain says he’s been in contact with the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service about the issue. He adds if you receive a mystery package, don’t hesitate to contact authorities.
Cut 7 (07) “…Ag and Forestry..”
Strain says authorities will come to you to handle the disposal of the mystery seeds.
___________________________________________
New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell orders all locations of Willie’s Chicken Shack closed due to violations of the city’s ban on to-go drinks.
Cantrell says the there was ample evidence of non-compliance at the locations and a task force was dispatched to investigate.
Willie’s released a statement saying patrons refused to comply with the order and they support the city’s public health efforts.
Details were limited but the Mayor indicated it will be a lengthy closure for the non-compliant business.
Cantrell says the shutdown sends the message that the city is serious about enforcing its COVID health guidelines and orders.
___________________________
Former Vernon Parish Sheriff and former State Representative Frank Howard has died at the age of 81 due to complications from COVID-19. Howard was Sheriff for 24 years. Current Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft remembers his predecessor as one to constantly be involved in the community.
Following a few years of retirement from law enforcement, Howard was elected to be a state representative and served three terms in that position before being termed out in 2019. Craft says Howard became a fixture in the area’s political circle.
Craft says Howard had a soft spot in his heart for the elderly community. As Sherrif, Howard started the triad program to assist seniors with their health transportation needs.
Cut 14 (12) “…for the public.”
Governor Edwards will order flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Howard at the State Capitol and other state buildings the day he is laid to rest.